PS5 Beta Finally Adds Support for Dolby Atmos HDMI Devices, Among Other Things

Sony is rolling out a new PlayStation 5 beta that adds a number of new features, including Dolby Atmos HDMI device support.

The new update, released today in beta form, adds audio options that allow 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech to be used with compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as sound bars, TVs, or home theater systems.

As detailed by the PlayStation Blog, here’s how to turn on Dolby Atmos:

To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output] > [Audio Format (Priority)], and then select [Dolby Atmos].

The beta also includes more options to quickly find games and console tips, new ways to connect with other players and customize your multiplayer sessions, and support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs (up to 8TB).

New accessibility features mean you can now assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller, and use two controllers to operate a PS5 as if you were using a single controller. This means you can now play games collaboratively with others, or help a friend or child play a difficult section of a game.

Meanwhile, there is now an option to turn on haptic feedback effects while using your PS5 with your DualSense controller, the DualSense Edge controller, or PSVR2 Sense controller. This means system sound effects for certain events, such as checking a box or when you get a notification or boot up a game, are reflected physically through haptics.

Improvements to social features include a party UI update, which means you can now invite a player into a closed party without automatically adding the player into the group or creating a new group, and Share Screen Preview, which means when someone’s sharing their screen in a party you can join, you’ll now see a preview image of their Share Screen, even before you enter the party. Helpfully, you can now react to messages with emojis.

Other highlights include the ability to search for games in your library, an improvement to Game Help cards, and the ability to mute the PS5 beep sound.

Beta access to the update is limited to those invited in select countries (U.S., Canada, Japan, U.K., Germany and France). Sony plans to release the update globally later this year. If you’re selected, you’ll get an email invitation today when the update is available to download.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].