Sony announced the next major firmware update for the PS4 at it’s Gamescom conference, detailing a few of the new features we’ll see in Firmware v2.00. Unfortunately, the firmware didn’t get a firm release date, but Sony did mention that its scheduled for release this autumn. The update will include YouTube support, supporting both video uploading using the Share button, and playback via a dedicated YouTube App.
PS4 Firmware v2.00 will also include a new feature called “Share Play”, which will let friends play games with you using streaming technology. The best way to think about it is like a “virtual sofa”. The PS4 will create an online local co-op experience by allowing you to invite a friend to join your game—even when they don’t own a copy of it. With this first-of-its-kind feature, you’ll be able to play games with a friend just as if you were together in the same room. For example, you’ll be able to invite your friend online to play as part of your Club in DRIVECLUB.
With Share Play, you can even jump into a game to assist a friend. For example, if there is part of a game that you can’t quite finish, you can invite a friend to take over your controls. Like handing over the controller to a friend on your couch, your screen will be shared as your friend gets through the part of the game that has been giving you trouble. This was actually one of the features that was in the PS4 trailers before the console was released.
The [What’s New] will get enhanced real-time activity through friend-of-friend suggestions, allowing instant access to friends’ and recently played games’ broadcast.
Finally, a new friend finder will allow you to find friends more easily. The friend finder will include a new recommended friends section, bringing the PSN on PS4 even closer to a true social network. Hopefully, the feature will recommend other gamers with similar gaming interest to yours.
Sony has also promised a host of other new features and changes but are keeping it under wraps until closer to release date.