PlayStation 4 System Update v2.0 Now Live

PlayStation 4 system software update v2.0 has finally arrived, complete with a video tutorial to show off some of the spiffy new things Sony’s latest home console can now do. Get ready for YouTube support, themes, a USB music player and more.

If you’ve booted up your PlayStation 4 today, chances are pretty good that you’ve already clapped peepers on the latest system update, v2.0. Chances are also pretty good that you wouldn’t even know that an update has been made available, since some of the features are less obvious or need to be downloaded separately before they can be enjoyed. Fear not, for a handy walkthrough video of the biggest additions has now been made available, with additional details posted on the PlayStation Blog.

In case you read that are thinking now would be a good time to rush off to your console and check out the update, I’d advise you to hold tight for a bit longer. As of this writing, the PlayStation Network is down for a lot of users, meaning that your experience is going to be mighty bumpy if you don’t wait for the air to clear first. Why anyone would release a system update on the same day as a massive virtual store update is beyond me, but it appears that the entire operation is gummed up for the time being. Maybe keep your eye on the PlayStation Blog or twitter account for the all clear, then dive into all of the newness without fear of headaches, yeah?

So, while we wait, I suppose we could at least talk about what new features are now available with the launch of v2.0. According to SCEA Director of Product Planning and Software Innovation, Scott McCarthy, the team at Sony is pretty excited for players to dive into the new update, codenamed Masamune.

“This update adds unique, forward-looking features like Share Play, and addresses some of the most highly requested features from the community including YouTube integration, USB music player, ability to find players you may know, sorting options for PS4′s game library, and themes that change the look of your home screen,” McCarthy said. “This is the biggest update we’ve delivered to date for PS4.”

First up is Share Play, which lets players stream gameplay directly to their friends, give them control of said gameplay, or invite them in for a two-player session.

The ability to upload your video clips to YouTube is now available, with the YouTube app to be part of the PSN update later this afternoon. You can also now change the look of your PS4 with themes, as well as enjoy new live broadcasting enhancements (such as filters), a refurbished Library display and MP3 music playback from the USB port.