Now Loading...PS4 Update 3.00 Features Impressions and How to Join the PlayStation LifeStyle Community

In case you haven’t turned your PlayStation 4 recently, a new major firmware update will be greeting you with PS4 update 3.00 once you turn the console on and connect it online.

While the list of new features look impressive, they aren’t as refined as we’d like them to be. From the PlayStation Plus tab loading painfully slow, to Communities not even having a way to search specific groups, PS4 update 3.00 has more than its fair share of bumps. In this latest Now Loading entry, the staff talks about our PS4 update 3.00 impressions and some of the things that we didn’t like.

Given that Sony made it a pain in the ass to join specific PS4 Communities, we’ve decided to roll out a video on how to join the official PlayStation LifeStyle one. Either watch the video below, or click here for the screenshot tutorial.

What do you think of the PS4 update 3.00 features so far? What should Sony fix for 3.01 right away? As always, let us know what you think of it all in the comments below. Make sure to join the PSLS PS4 Community! We’ll sort out gaming sessions and other activities soon.

Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).

Now Loading...PS4 Update 3.00

Now Loading...PS4 Update 3.00 Impressions and How to Join the PlayStation LifeStyle Community
Alex Co

@excaliburps

On paper, PS4 update 3.00 seemed like to bring a ton to the table. Not saying it didn't, but it hasn't been as awesome as some might have hoped.

PS4 to YouTube streaming works, but other than that, it's been, well, underwhelming.

PS+ tab takes ages to load, and the Communities thing turned out to be a joke once we -- and the rest of the world -- found out that you can't even search for specific groups.

The thing that makes it even worse is we know that the firmware has been in beta and has been tested for over a month. Testers has said that Communities not having a search function was one of the things they complained about.

So, what was the beta for? Should we expect 3.01 to roll out soon?

With the PS4 winning this gen by a landslide, it's just right that we expect more from Sony and its now-gen console.

Let's hope future major firmware updates are less buggier and more feature-packed, and more sensible.
Mack Ashworth

@GamingWithMack

I think the update brought a lot of worthwhile changes that will see plenty of use by myself and others. I'm especially excited about the Communities tab, and streaming straight to thePlayStation LifeStyle YouTube channel. However, I am disappointed to see the lack of changes to the home UI, which is still a mess of content.
Cameron Teague

@Cameron_PSLS

I don't like the removal of the friends online list..now it is just one list and that kind of annoys me.

Other than that, I like the groups and the possibilities of the communities.
Chandler Wood

@FinchStrife

I like the additions made, but calling it 3.00 makes it feel like it should have been bigger or had more impact. Being able to create certain groups of friends is nice, communities is a fun addition, and the PS Plus section is great, but it feels like even 2.50 launched with more core features changed than 3.00 did. Maybe 3.50 is where we'll see a big adjustment to actual UI customization and organization, which is getting more atrocious and out of control with every update, yet is the most needed change on the PS4 right now.

Though let's not forget about the biggest addition to this update: the much needed increase in cloud save storage to 10 GB!
Zarmena Khan

@Zarmena

A search and sort feature for communities, please. I feel like the whole thing was just slapped on to the update with little thought. I'm thinking sort options like countries, languages, or something similar. Also, what's up with the lag and slow loading?

Other than that, I'm liking the update so far. I like the dedicated PS Plus tab the most, which was much needed.
Tyler Treese

@tylertreese

The PS4's library is still inexplicably located on the far right, I still have applications listed under games, and no easy way to just view my digital games instead of demos and add-on content. So while they added a few neat additions, the user interface is still a clunky mess. Maybe 4.00 will be something worthwhile, but for now I eagerly wait for the new Xbox One interface!
Paulmichael Contreras

@T3mpr1x

My initial thoughts are that while the PS Plus tab is an appreciated add-on, it would be nice to be able to "purchase" games for platforms other than the PS4 while on the system. Where is the search function for communities?! The Events tab is also pretty slow, but it does eventually show you what you clicked on. Not sure what's going on there. I did register for a Warframe event, as the rewards sounded pretty cool.
Mark Labbe

@markymark255

The events app could be useful, but other than that nothing else really caught my eye.
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