Sony is enhancing the user experience for PlayStation Portal users with a new update to its Cloud Streaming Beta. This update, rolling out later today, introduces several improvements to the remote play system's cloud capabilities, making it more user-friendly and functional.
One of the key features of this update is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize their games by Name, Release Date, or based on which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus. This sorting functionality makes navigating the extensive game library much easier and more efficient.
Another significant addition is the capability to capture gameplay during a Cloud Streaming session. Users can access the familiar create menu to take screenshots or record video clips. According to the PlayStation blog, video clips can be recorded at a resolution of up to 1920x1080 and a duration of up to three minutes, allowing players to capture and share their favorite moments effortlessly.
Additionally, gameplay will now pause under certain conditions to enhance the user experience. The game will pause if you open the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode using the power button, or if a system error message appears. However, the pause in rest mode is limited to 15 seconds; if the Portal stays in rest mode longer, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. It's worth noting that this pause feature is not supported in online multiplayer sessions.
Other enhancements include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for user inactivity, and tools for providing user feedback. Sony has committed to continuously improving the service based on user input, ensuring that the Cloud Streaming Beta evolves to meet player needs.
Currently, the Cloud Streaming Beta is exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members, enabling them to stream select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog directly to their PS Portal. A previous update transformed the Portal into a more independent cloud streaming device, and Sony appears dedicated to further refining this feature.
As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming landscape, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's Cloud Streaming Beta and the PlayStation Portal evolve. The ability to capture numerous screenshots and video clips while streaming adds a valuable layer of engagement for users, enhancing the overall gaming experience on the PlayStation Portal.
