PlayStation 4 update 5.50 packs a significant punch

The PlayStation 4 update 5.50 is now out.Reuters/Ina Fassbender

The latest PlayStation 4 update 5.50 is now here and available for download. This is a mandatory update that punches in at 460 MB, and it looks like it includes features that users have asked for in the past. Unlike some of the PS4's previous updates, this one actually adds useful new features to the console.

Back in January, Sony announced that they were coming out with a major system update for the PS4. They also asked people to sign up as beta testers who will be able to get a sneak peek at the update's new features, with the start of the beta set to be in February.

On March 8, the update finally became available for download.

One particularly remarkable new feature is Play Time Management. This is something that parents, guardians, or caregivers can use to monitor and restrict the amount of time a child spends on the console. The new feature also makes it possible to schedule when the console will be available for playing during the day.

It is now also possible to refine the console's Library. Users can create folders to sort games and apps such as old betas or unused games that users no longer plan on playing can be hidden from the "purchased" section of the PlayStation Store. Games that support PlayStation VR will also be marked with an icon, which can then make it easier for users to organize games.

Another new organizational feature is also the ability to delete notifications in your system tray either one at a time or all at once.

User can also set a custom background for the console by transferring images via USB. However, this particular feature can still use some refinement since the process of transferring images is may be a bit of a hassle. Users would have to transfer images to a folder in the USB drive named "IMAGES" so the console will be able to recognize it.

Another significant enhancement is the Supersampling Mode. This feature will force games at a higher resolution to adjust to 1080p television screens. Those with 1080p television sets who play games that support PS4 Pro resolution enhancements will then be able to benefit from those enhancements. This results in a sharper, cleaner image. However, one issue is that this feature will not benefit standard PS4 users, only those with PS4 Pro.

The update is available for download here.