Bringing along major features such as SHAREfactory, pre-loading pre-ordered games, the ability to dim the DualShock 4’s light bar, and lots more, Sony has released firmware update 1.70 for the PlayStation 4.
Check out the long list of update notes below:
Edit and Share Epic Moments with SHAREfactory
- After PS4 owners update to system software version 1.70, an icon to download SHAREfactory will appear on the PS4 system’s homescreen once it’s available. SHAREfactory, a free rich video editor, will elevate game sharing by allowing users to easily customize their gameplay videos with special effects including filters, transitions and themes. SHAREfactory provides access to a robust suite of tools to personalize videos by adding text and video commentary with picture-in-picture capability using PlayStation®Camera. PS4 owners can also add a custom soundtrack to their videos using the included audio tracks or by importing their original music. With this rich set of features, SHAREfactory enables players to create a polished compilation of their most epic gaming moments to share with their friends and social networks.
Get Games Faster with Automatic Downloading for Pre-ordered Games
- Immediacy and streamlined access to content is a core part of the PS4 experience, with existing features such as “Play As You Download.” The 1.70 update builds on this by adding the ability to automatically download select games pre-ordered from PlayStation Store prior to the release, so it’s ready to play as soon as the game launches. When the auto-download feature is enabled, the game will automatically download up to several days in advance of launch. As the release date approaches, a new countdown timer will appear to show how much time remains, to the second, until the content is released and accessible.
More Flexibility for Gameplay Captures with HDCP Off
- The 1.70 update addresses one of the most highly requested features from PS4 users by introducing the option for PS4 users to disable High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection (HDCP) for games. This enables PS4 games to be output through HDMI to an external capture device for more flexibility when capturing gameplay, including longer recorded and live streamed sessions.
Easily Share Captured Videos, Screenshots or Edited Videos with USB Export Option
- The ability to export captured videos, screenshots or edited SHAREfactory videos by pressing the DUALSHOCK®4 controller’s SHARE button to USB drive will also be added, allowing users to share their proudest, most heroic gaming moments with the world on the social video platforms of their choice.
Watch Live Broadcasts in HD or View Broadcasts Later with Archiving Support
- With the upcoming update, users will have the option to broadcast their gameplay in 720p HD resolution and archive their broadcasts via Twitch and Ustream.
DualShock 4 Light Bar Brightness
- Brightness settings for the light bar will be available in Bright, Medium and Dim, accessible in the Settings menu. Users also will have the option to control the on-screen keyboard using the DualShock 4 controller’s touchpad, with inputs registered by clicking the touchpad or pressing the X button.
PlayStation Store
- Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) will be introduced for content purchased within PS Store, including PayPal support.
SHARE
- Updated settings will allow users to upload screenshots or video clips during a live broadcast, change the default recording time for gameplay captures, and select only the specific screenshots and video clips they want to save on their PS4 system. In addition, users will have more control with the privacy of their uploaded SHARE videos or screenshots on Facebook, with the ability to select the audience to whom the upload will be visible.
Friends
- Find Friends easier and send requests with the ability to search Friends-of-Friends, view Mutual Friends on another user’s profile, and accept Friend requests directly from the Friends list.
Trophies
- Trophies will be able to be sorted by rarity from the Options menu.
PlayStation Camera
- PlayStation Camera will respond to additional voice commands, enabling users to launch select installed apps.
Music Unlimited
- PS4 users with a subscription to Music Unlimited will be able to share songs by pressing the SHARE button on the DualShock 4 controller.
Other new or revised features in version 1.70
- You can now select the length of video clips that will be saved. The length can be 1, 3, 5, 10, or 15 minutes. This setting is located under [Share Settings] > [Video Clip Settings] > [Length of Video Clip].
- [Capture Gallery] has been added to the content area. You can use it to view screenshots and video clips that you saved.
- Screenshots and video clips will not be saved when you select [Broadcast Gameplay] in the menu for the Share feature. To save screenshots, select [Upload Screenshot] or press the Triangle button. To save video clips, select [Upload Video Clip] or press the Square button.
- You can now set the audience on Facebook for sharing your screenshots and video clips.
- [Share Settings] > [Video Clip Settings] > [Indicate Blocked Scenes for Video Recording] is now turned on by default.
- The screen layout for when you are broadcasting has been improved.
- [Stop Broadcasting] is now under [Broadcast Settings].
- [Language], [Blu-ray Disc Data Management] and [Allow Internet Connection] have been added under [Video Playback Settings].
- [Login Settings] and [Initialization] > [Delete User] are now under the newly added [Users].
- You can now set a screensaver. [Start Screensaver] has been added under [Sound and Screen].
- You can now share your real name and profile picture with the close PSN friends of your own close PSN friends. Your close friends are friends who have accepted your real name requests, or friends whose real name requests you have accepted. This setting is located under [PSN] > [Privacy Settings] > [Real Name and Profile Picture].
- [From PlayStation] has been added under [Notifications]. You will receive notifications and other information from PSN.
- Services under [TV & Video] can now be started with voice recognition. Also, the following keywords have been added to the voice recognition feature: “Save video clip” and “Start video clip”.
- You can now sort trophies by their rarity level.
- [Noise Reduction] has been added as an option that is available during video playback.
- You can now use the PlayStation App to set your profile picture. To use this feature, you must update the PlayStation App to version 1.70 or later.
- You can now use the touch pad to operate the software keyboard.
- You can now submit a grief report about an inappropriate profile picture or broadcast.
As per usual, if you want to download firmware update 1.70 from your computer using a USB drive, head over here for North America and over here for Europe.
What do you think of 1.70 so far? Let everyone know in the comments below.
