The next major system update for PlayStation 5 will add Dolby Atmos support for games and apps, larger-capacity M.2 SSDs up to 8TB, and new accessibility features.
PlayStation 5 currently lacks support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos across gaming and streaming media, but the latter will be added in an upcoming update that is currently being tested in beta.
- "3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be enjoyed by those who own compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs or home theater systems. Tempest 3D AudioTech specifically renders to the Dolby Atmos audio devices in use – including overhead channels – allowing for even greater levels of immersion in the audioscapes of PS5 games," explained Hideaki Nishino, SVP of Platform Experience, Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Dolby Atmos output during gaming is powered by Sony's Tempest 3D technology that packages the signal in Dolby Atmos, so the game must support Tempest 3D audio. This approach is required with external devices such as soundbars and receivers as they do not have native support for Tempest 3D. Tempest 3D can be used directly in headphones where PS5 will not support Dolby Atmos.
To enjoy Dolby Atmos the user must enable it under Settings -> Sound -> Audio Output -> Audio Format (Priority) after the update.
Xbox Series X/S supports both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio.
The new Dolby Atmos option in the PS5 settings menu
Dolby Atmos in media apps
Sony confirmed that Dolby Atmos will also work in media apps on PlayStation 5.
- "Media app providers can update their apps on PS5 to support Dolby Atmos audio, giving users another way to experience immersive audio in movies, TV shows, and more in the future," confirmed Sony.
Also read: Why you shouldn't use PlayStation or Xbox for video streaming
Other new features
Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs up to 8TB, up from 4TB, will let you further expand the storage of your PlayStation 5. The M.2 SSD must meets these requirements.
As an accessibility feature, it will also be possible to assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller to help a friend, a family member or a child. Go to Settings -> Accessibility -> Controllers -> Use Second Controller for Assistance.
- "You can now mute or adjust the volume of the PS5’s beep sound when turning it on or off, or putting it in rest mode," added Sony.
There are still no signs of the missing 8K support.
