PS5 version 7 update brings Discord integration, VRR support for 1440p resolution, and more

Sony has rolled out a new PS5 update bringing Discord integration and variable refresh rate (VRR) support to 1440p resolution. Originally tested in beta, the feature will now allow players to answer Discord calls from their console, but after forwarding the call from their PC or phone app to the system. Before that, however, users will need to link their Discord account by navigating to “Linked Services” in PS5 Settings. The hefty version 7 update also brings screen-sharing functionality, the ability to record gameplay via voice commands, and an option to transfer recorded data to PlayStation consoles.

According to a report by The Verge, the Discord integration currently allows voice calls and does not include text messages or the ability to access servers. To be fair, it took Xbox a little while to integrate Discord directly into the console in November last year, allowing you to access options directly on an Xbox system. So I hope for PlayStation this is just the first step in the right direction.

PS5’s new Discord integration is ideal for cross-play, allowing for seamless voice communication between platforms, given that it’s a third-party app. Once set up, gamers can control their volume, mute or reduce it while they continue playing their game(s).

The next PS5 restock in India is scheduled for March 10

The new update also promises smoother performance when using VRR-capable HDMI 2.1 displays. This technology aims to dynamically synchronize the refresh rate of the connected screen to that of the PS5 console, minimizing frame rate issues and screen tearing. Players can also start or ask a friend to share their screens, directly from the user’s profile. Additionally, you can now join a friend’s game session by selecting the profile and pressing “Join Game” from the menu. Similar to Steam, the home screen of a selected game will now display a “Playing Friends” tile, indicating who else in your friends list owns the same game.

The 1.1GB update also makes it easier to migrate saved data with a pop-up notification that appears when installing a PS4 game on the PS5. Once the console recognizes saved data available on PlayStation Network (PSN) cloud storage, it will give players the option to download and sync it for future use. Of course, online save storage requires a PS Plus subscription. Then there’s the PS5-to-PS5 Data Transfer feature, which lets you quickly and easily move all games, saved data, user profiles, settings, and screenshots to another system via local Wi-Fi or a LAN cable.

PS5 owners in the US and UK can get a preview of Game Capture that allows for hands-free recording via voice commands. Just say, “Hey PlayStation, capture that!” will record a small video clip of the most recent gameplay. Clip length is based on personal settings and can range from 15 seconds to an entire hour. Alternatively, you can say “Hey PlayStation, start recording!” to manually start a gameplay capture, which will continue until you tell it to stop. You can read the full list of new features included in PS5 update 7 by visiting the official PlayStation blog.