Set to be released this Fall, the PS4 firmware 2.0 is going to bring a host of new features and improvements to Sony’s latest console. Codenamed Masamune, the PS4 firmware 2.0 adds some key features like Share Play which will allow you to take over a friends game and play on their behalf, YouTube support for direct exporting of game captures, and Themes which will allow you to change your background, colors, and more. Along side that, Sony is also highlighting new additions like USB Music Player, new Voice Commands and Broadcasting features and more.

After the jump, we have more details on Masamune.

Sony breaks down the latest features that will come via PS4 firmware 2.0:

• USB Music Player: PS4 owners can play their own music in the background while playing a game using USB Music Player*. After inserting a USB stick loaded with music into the PS4, a new option for USB Music Player will appear. Supported filename extensions include MP3, MP4, M4A, and 3GP.
• Change colors: In addition to the ability to add a theme, PS4 owners can also change the background of the home screen from light blue to one of seven new colors: gold, blue, red, green, purple, pink, and gray.
• Players You May Know: PS4 will now suggest players you may know in the ‘What’s New’ section, recommending gamers your friends frequently play with.
• Enhancements to Live Broadcasting: Masamune brings a variety of improvements to live broadcasting on PS4. In the Live From PlayStation app, PS4 owners can now select a Featured channel, which includes official broadcasts from PlayStation, broadcasts from people on a players friend list, and any game channel that the player has followed. Additionally, Live From PlayStation now has filters for searching broadcasts on a specific game, as well as support for archived broadcasts.
• Content Area and Library: PS4’s Content Area, which shows the latest games and apps a PS4 owner has used, has been redesigned to help make it easier to quickly find and access content. It now shows 15 of a player’s most used apps or games, and additional items will be added to a player’s Library. The Library on PS4 has improved filter and sort functions to help organize contented by type (game / app / TV & video), name (a – z or z – a), recently used, or install date.
• Enhanced Voice Commands: The ability to control PS4 using voice has been improved. Players can now say ‘PlayStation’ to begin commands, and ‘All Commands,’ to see a list of all voice command options available. New voice commands were added for live broadcasting, including “Start broadcast,” “End broadcast,” and “Find face.”
• Add To Library: The monthly free PlayStation Plus games will have an ‘Add to Library’ button in the PlayStation Store. This button will add a game to a PS4 owner’s library without downloading it – saving space on their hard drive.
• Back Up Data: Data on PS4 can be backed up and resorted using USB storage. This will back up all data for the console, including settings, save data, screenshots, video clips, download data, and more.

One little caveat about the USB Music Player is that according to Sony:

 User can play music files stored inside USB storage but cannot copy music files to PS4 HDD. This application cannot be used at the same time with Music Unlimited. USB Music Player will appear once USB storage is inserted, and will disappear once USB storage is removed. 

For some reason or another, Sony seems to be really against the idea of allowing other types of files on the PS4, be it video, music, or photos. Whether this has to do with the architecture of the PS4 or a way for them to prevent hacks/cracks on the PS4 is up for debate. Sony has yet to announce a firm release date for PS4 firmware 2.0 though we’ve been told to expect it within a months time.

Discuss:

Are you happy with the new additions to PS4 firmware 2.0?

[Via PlayStation Blog]