Sony Now Taking Beta Testers For Next Major PlayStation 4 Firmware Update

Sony is currently working on the next major firmware update for the PlayStation 4 and is now asking users to sign up and help test it out. PS4 owners will be able to become beta testers of the upcoming system update and will also receive an exclusive PSN Avatar.

“We’re getting ready for the next major system update for PS4, and can use some help from PS4 owners to test it out ahead of launch,” Sony said on the PlayStation Blog. “Starting today, you can sign up for a chance to be a beta tester and get an advance look at some of the improvements and new features coming to PS4. And good news for Canadian folks – beginning this beta, PS4 owners in Canada are also able to register for the beta testing.”

Sony says PS4 owners will be able to register anytime between today and the start of the beta. Sony didn’t give out a specific date for the beta, but it did say that it’s expected to be available sometime in February.

To sign up for the beta, users must go to this webpage and answer a few questions. Users must be 18 years of age or older. Sony says that it will close registrations once the beta begins next month. For users in Japan, registrations to participate in the beta will only be available until Jan. 23, according to Polygon.

“If you’re part of the program, you’ll receive an email with instructions on downloading the beta version of the next system software. In order to sign up, you’ll need a PS4 system with an internet connection and SEN account. And remember — you can roll back to the previous system software at any time,” Sony said.

Users who sign up for the beta now can also choose to continue receiving betas automatically in the future. This means that users won’t have to register again. If users choose to automatically receive future betas, they’ll receive an exclusive PSN avatar. The avatar is a simple blue shield that features the PlayStation buttons.

The next major PS4 system update will be version 5.5. The PS4’s current firmware version is v5.03, while the last major update was v5.0, which was released back in October. Version 5.0 introduced Family Manager, added customization for PSN friends, improved Twitch gameplay and notifications.

Sony didn’t say what version 5.5 of the PlayStation 4 firmware will contain, but the company stated that it will be the “next major” system update for the PS4 console. The company also said that it will be back soon to inform users on what new features they can expect from the beta.