So, you own a Sony PS4 or PS4 Pro. Well, there is nothing quite like having the latest version of a system software update to have it up and running, is there? Known as Sasuke during its development, version 4.50 of the PS4 system software update is all set to appear. It was shared earlier last month that several features including support for external HDDs and custom wallpapers will be part of the PS4 system software update, and here we are with an extended list of available features that your PS4 or PS4 Pro will be able to enjoy in due time.

Improved 2D Images on PS VR
Those who are playing a game in PS VR, upon making a return to the PS4 home screen, might realize that the resolution would then be lower than usual on the TV Social Screen. It was a programming bug -- as after the PS4 system software update 4.50, the system screen’s resolution on the TV will be a whole lot better once you exit from VR mode.

Apart from that, it has been cited that the resolution of Cinematic Mode on PS VR will also gain an improvement. This would apply only when your PS VR screen size has been set to Small or Medium, with the frame rate of content viewed in Cinematic Mode going up from 90Hz to 120Hz after applying this update.

Voice Chat for Remote Play
Voice chat will be part of Remote Play on three platforms -- Windows PC, Mac or an Xperia device. How would voice chat come in handy? Well, for starters, if you happen to plan a gaming session with your mates but are not near your system. Just turn on or off the microphone through the microphone icon that is located on the Tool Bar of the Remote Play app, and voila! You’re good to go.

Off Console Availability
There is a range of off-console apps as well as features which would make communication with other gamers a whole lot more convenient and easier: including the PlayStation App and PS Messages. An icon that resembles a smartphone will indicate that a particular player is logged into PSN, albeit being away from their system.

PS4 Pro gets Boost Mode
News of the PS4 Pro obtaining the Boost Mode as a brand new feature in this update is certainly worth writing about. This particular feature has been specially designed in order to deliver superior performance for certain legacy titles that have not received patches in order to have them maximize the presence of the faster CPU and its faster and double-sized GPU that are found in the Sony PS4 Pro.

With Boost Mode, such legacy titles will be able to enjoy a far better frame rate, delivering frame rate stability for titles that have been programmed to run at 30 Hz or 60 Hz. Apart from that, certain games will also be able to enjoy shorter load times thanks to the increased CPU speed. Boost Mode is easily accessible simply by going to Settings > System.

However, bear in mind that Boost Mode is not a magical panacea that will work with all games. If one turns the setting off, the game will continue to play as though it was running on a regular PS4.

PS Messages and Communities app Updates
PS Messages (Android/iOS) and PS Communities (Android/iOS) apps will be updated with new features, letting you reply with the likes of “I’ll join later” or “Sorry, I can’t join,” upon receiving a Party invitation from friends on PS Messages.

Are you looking forward to the PS4 system software update 4.50?