PlayStation 4's Latest Firmware 3.50 Rolls Out, Introduces Remote Play For PC And Mac

With all this talk of Sony's not-so-secret-anymore work on a 'PlayStation 4K' you might think it's already time to start writing off the current plucky console box, but not so fast!

Today sees one of the biggest firmware updates to be released for PlayStation 4 and a major highlight for those more at home with a PC, or because someone's hogging the TV, is that now you can Remote Play PS4 games through a computer. That's hardly the end of the firmware feature list but it's definitely one to steal the spotlight.

• Remote Play (PC and Mac): The PlayStation 4 can now Remote Play its library to the PC and Mac (in an official capacity) using the DualShock 4 controller connected via USB. Remote Play supports Windows 8.1, Windows 10 or later, OS X 10.10, OS X 10.11.

This is a step forward but there's a trade-off in that native resolution for Remote Play on computer has a default resolution of just 540p, although this can be nudged up to 720p, or even lowered to 360p (why!?!). Frame rates are 30fps (standard) and 60fps (high); the default is 30fps. Only one DualShock 4 controller is supported.

What else does update 3.50 offer?

• Appearing Offline: Now you can log into your PlayStation Network account and change your online status to 'Appear Offline'. This is great for when you feel like gaming under the radar of your friends or because you just don't want to be interrupted. One of the single greatest options mankind has ever developed.

• Friend Online Notification: Conversely if you want to know when your friends log in so you can start bombarding them with invites, chat and other social fluff then you can tell the PS4 to notify you as it stalks them on your behalf.

• User Scheduled Event: Even more helpful, or annoying, are events that can now be scheduled so you can set up a time when you and others are meant to be gaming. Those who sign up to it will automatically be added to the party when it's time.

• Play Together: When in a party you can now totally stick your nose into other people's business to see what they're playing and opt to join them for a session.

• Broadcast: Dailymotion can now be littered with your just-awesome gaming streams.

• Social Improvements: Spread your screenshots and best moments even further with tagging through Facebook and Twitter, because frankly it's what they're there for.

• PSN Status: Check the status of the PlayStation Network Services by... using a PSN service telling you about the status of PlayStation Network Services! There's no paradoxical nightmare here at all, just good service, unless it's not available.

• Teen Account Creation: Sony have discovered that people under 18 would like to create PlayStaton Network accounts and play games on PlayStation 4. Naturally this has never before been possible as young teens watch on helplessly as their older siblings and adults hog the game console. Now they can be equal, once parental controls are approved.

• PlayStation Plus Hub: A central location where PS Plus subscribers can easily see their online storage. You can also eye spy which of your friends have the same PS Plus Games and endlessly nudge them to game together, unless they Appear offline.

The PlayStation 4 firmware update 3.50 is rolling out today and comes in at under 300MB. It's all about getting to game together more easily, or giving those same party-mad friends the slip - just remember not to stream or tag yourself when you're stealth gaming.