Sony has released a new update for PS4, which brings the console’s firmware up to version 8.00. As with any major release, update 8.00 introduces relevant changes to the way users play and connect with others, as listed by the Japanese platform owner in a PlayStation Blog post today.

First, Party and Messages will be positioned together under the “Groups” of players for Party voice chats and message exchanges. It is confirmed that, after this update, PS4 and PS5 players will be able to make party chat and send messages to each other seamlessly.

New avatars have also been shared, including images from Bloodborne, Journey, Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, The Last of Us Part II, The Last of Us Remastered, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, and many more, that players will be able to use as their online alter ego.

Many of these titles will be carrying their saves over PlayStation 5 when it releases in November, so they will still be relevant over time.

“Mute all Microphones” is now an option in the Quick Menu, while Parental Controls have now been simplified under the unified label “Communication and User Generated Content” to cover all the areas of danger for younger players.

As for security, Sony has finally allowed PS4 users to adopt third-party authenticator apps for an enhanced 2-step verification experience, making login much safer now.

Finally, Events have been removed as an option for creators and participants, while private Communities will stick around if they’ve been already created, but there won’t be any new one after the update is fully deployed.

Most PS4 games have been confirmed to be playable on PS5, so most current-gen console users will likely be making the jump onto the next-gen platform soon.

Most PS4 games have been confirmed to be playable on PS5, so most current-gen console users will likely be making the jump onto the next-gen platform soon.