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PlayStation 4 Update 2.0 Redesigns Home Screen, Adds Colorful Themes
Now that the PlayStation 4 is almost a year old, Sony is getting ready to roll out an update that brings with it a number of usability features. Included in Update 2.0, users will find a redesigned home screen, new data backup options, a USB music player, and themes.
The content area, the part of the home screen you find recently used items, is getting an overhaul. It will now show the 15 most-used games and apps, with the remainder found in the library. You’ll be able to sort your collection of games and apps by type, alphabetically, by most recently used, and by installation date.
You’ll also start seeing suggestions for players you might know. That’s where you’ll also find heat maps of what your friends have been playing.
Update 2.0 also adds the ability to play MP3, MP4, M4A, and 3GP files from USB drives. The option to play these will appear when you insert a thumbstick or drive. USB drives can also be used for data backup and restoration.
For PlayStation Plus users, you’ll be happy to see that you no longer need to install monthly games. Instead, you’ll be able to add them to your library, binding them to your account. That way, you don’t have to worry about hard drive space for new acquisitions.
For those tiring of the light blue background, Update 2.0 brings the ability to change to one of seven additional colors (gold, blue, red, green, purple, pink, and gray). Themes are also coming in this update (example pictured above). Sony has not yet detailed when the update will be available.
[Source: PlayStation Blog]
Our Take
Of these updates, the one I’m most excited for is the ability to simply add a PlayStation Plus game to the library without downloading it. I’m also interested in seeing the content area revisions, as their usefulness won’t really be apparent until I see how it impacts my home screen.
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