PlayStation 5 System Software Audio Focus Update Release Date Announced

Sony Interactive has announced that a new software update for PlayStation 5 will launch on April 24. The update will feature the return of the PlayStation 1-4 themes and customizations. It will also add Audio Focus, which “increases immersion by providing presets to amplify soft sounds to meet your hearing preferences, ensuring a clearer audio experience when using headphones or headsets.” A trailer for the feature was also released.

The full details:

Audio Focus

Audio focus increases immersion by providing presets to amplify soft sounds to meet your hearing preferences, ensuring a clearer audio experience when using headphones or headsets. This feature supports broader accessibility in audio experiences.

When the audio focus setting is turned on, you can choose from a range of preset options which makes it easier to distinguish sounds like in-game character dialogue, subtle sound effects such as footsteps and rustling grass, as well as voices in party chats for a more immersive gaming experience.

To enable audio focus, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Volume] > [Audio Focus]. This feature can also be accessed from the Control Center, so you can easily adjust the settings during gameplay.

You can choose from four preset focus type options for which sounds to boost:

Boost Low Pitch – Amplify low-frequency sounds like roaring engines and rumbling noises.

Boost Voices – Amplify voice chats, character voices, and other middle-frequency sounds.

Boost High Pitch – Amplify high-frequency sounds like footsteps and metallic noises.

Boost Quiet Sounds – Amplify low-volume sounds in a wide range of frequencies.

You can set the level of support for each preset type from three different levels (Weak, Medium, Strong).

Additionally, you can also choose to adjust the level of support for the preset for Left / Right channels separately to meet your specific preferences.

The audio focus feature is available when using headphones connected via USB or analog jack. It is not supported for HDMI connections through TV, AV receivers or soundbars.

Classic Console Designs for the PlayStation 5 User Interface Returns

During our 30th anniversary celebrations, we surprised our fans with a limited time selection of nostalgic customization features for the PlayStation system user interface to honor the four PlayStation consoles that paved the way for PlayStation 5: PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4.

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response from our community, we’re happy to bring back the look and feel of the four console designs for players to customize the home screen on PlayStation 5!

This feature will be called the Appearance, and can be accessed under the Settings menu.

Stay tuned at Gaming Instincts via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more gaming news.