Sony has released a PS5 system update that includes new options for customizing the home screen. The just-announced Welcome Hub is essentially a blank canvas where users can place various widgets that display things like the console’s storage space, accessory battery levels, online friends, trophies, and more. It replaces the current Explore tab.
These widgets can be resized and positioned in a variety of ways, adding another layer of customization. The background can also be changed, allowing players to choose animation effects and screenshots. This is still a far cry from the system-wide themes of the PS3/PS4 era (FYI), but it’s a start.
The PS5 Welcome Hub is rolling out to US customers starting today, but it’s a phased release so it could take a few days to reach all consoles. Sony says the rest of the world will get the feature in the “coming weeks,” with Japan and Europe first.
That’s not the only feature being added in the latest system update. Sony is also introducing personalized 3D audio profiles for headphones and earphones, allowing players to make various adjustments to better suit their unique “hearing characteristics.” This is in beta at the moment. There’s also adaptive charging for the PS5 Slim and the upcoming (and super expensive) PS5 Pro, as well as the ability to enable Remote Play for individual users.
Sony
Sony also teased something to come in the coming weeks: Users will soon be able to share party voice chat links in messaging and social media apps, meaning players will be able to invite others to join these chats, even if they’re not friends on PlayStation Network.
