New features coming to PS4 and Xbox One with November updates

Just three months ago, the Xbox One had been on course to become the first of the two to support 3D Blu-ray discs – only for the PS4 to trump its rival. It was, of course, just one of the features to be included in their respective updates.

Now it's nearly time for the latest updates to emerge, and both Sony and Microsoft have offered an insight into what we can expect. So, if you're a PS4 or an Xbox One owner, here's what's included in this upcoming update.

MORE: PlayStation 4 vs. Xbox One – comparison

PlayStation 4

For PlayStation 4 owners, this is update version 2.00 – codenamed Masamune. And with it comes some "big features" according to the Japanese electronics giant; features that include Share Play, support for YouTube and Themes.

Share Play has been described as a "virtual couch" – creating an "online local co-op experience" that will let you invite your friend to join a game, even if they don't own a copy. You can even jump into a game to help out.

Meanwhile, Themes is regarded as one of the PS3's more popular features and is now coming to PS4. Other additions in v2.00 include a USB Music Player; a Players You May Know feature; and enhanced Live Broadcasting.

MORE: Sony PlayStation 4 review

Xbox One

Microsoft is pledging "new and exciting ways to watch TV" among other features with its upcoming update for the Xbox One, which include Live TV Trending; Twitter TV Trending; and Recents; and Favourites in MiniGuide.

Live TV Trending has already arrived in the UK for preview members, which comprises a new tab in OneGuide to display the top 20 most watched TV shows. Twitter integration is also designed to help you find new shows to watch.

In addition to the TV features, the new Xbox One update includes improvements to the store so it's easier to browse and find content; SmartGlass upgrades; and the ability to customise your gaming profile and backgrounds.

MORE: Microsoft Xbox One review

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist. 

Latest in Gaming
LG OLED42C2
Hardcore gamers rejoice: more TVs should have three or four HDMI 2.1 ports this year
Sony PS5 Pro and PS5 consoles on a grey and red background
PS5 Pro vs PS5: what are the differences?
PS5 Pro on a white background
The super-powerful PS5 Pro doesn't come with a disc drive or stand but costs £700 / $700
Two gamers on a sofa enjoying a split screen racing game on a TV lit by the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K.
The new, pricier Philips Hue Play sync box 8K is made for gamers
Pulse Elite headset and Pulse Explore earbuds
Sony's upcoming PlayStation 5 update will bring personalised spatial audio to the console
Graphic showing the labelled Xbox Series X Digital Edition
Disc-less Xbox Series X Digital Edition (and two more consoles) get release date
Latest in News
Sony Bravia Projector 8 home cinema projector
Terrible news: Sony is about to stop selling projectors in Europe, including the UK
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you