PS5 Beta Will Let Participants Test New Party Chat Options, Voice Command, And More

Sony is beta testing some new customization features for PlayStation 5 users based on feedback from the players. The new software beta is kicking off tomorrow, and it includes new party chat options, game base enhancements, accessibility options, and UI features.

As announced on the PlayStation Blog, Sony detailed the new features coming to the console. First, Sony said there are new changes to the Parties system on PS5. Players will now be able to start an open party, which all of your friends can see and join, or a closed party exclusively for players you invite.

PlayStation 4 players will also be able to control individual voice chat volume for every person in a party, which is already a feature on PS5.

Sony is also making changes to the Game Base, which is the PS5 menu where you set up parties, invite friends, and see messages. Now, it will be divided into three menu tabs: friends, parties, and messages. PlayStation says this should give players faster access to find what they’re looking for.

As for UI features, you’ll be able to sort your game collection by genre. Previous sorting options were limited to alphabetical order and recently played games.

There’s also an option to keep up to five games and apps locked to your home screen, so they don’t get pushed off the page if you haven’t opened them recently.

Another big change is a new voice command feature that’s getting a limited test release in the U.S. and U.K. With this, you can open games, apps, and settings using the built-in microphone on the PS5’s DualSense controller. Players will launch the voice command option by saying “Hey, PlayStation!”, much like how you start a voice command on your iPhone or Google Home. You can turn off the voice command feature at any time in system settings.

Keep in mind, these settings aren’t rolling out to every PS5 user just yet, only to players who make it into the beta. In other news, PlayStation recently integrated Discord, allowing users to connect their accounts to their consoles.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant