Sony‘s PlayStation Portal, a remote gaming device for the PlayStation 5, is receiving a software update that aims to make connecting to public Wi-Fi networks easier for users.
The PlayStation Portal relies heavily on a stable Wi-Fi connection to function, which can be problematic, even in the technologically advanced year of 2024. This has been a source of frustration for some users, as connecting to public Wi-Fi networks often requires additional steps beyond just entering a password.
To address this issue, the upcoming software update will allow the PlayStation Portal to display a QR code when attempting to connect to a public Wi-Fi network that requires additional validation, such as a sign-in screen. Users can then scan this QR code with their smartphone or tablet to complete the authentication process and establish a connection.
While this new feature is intended to simplify the process, Sony has cautioned that it will only work with “a range” of public Wi-Fi networks and requires a minimum download speed of 5Mbps, with an ideal speed of 15Mbps for optimal performance.
PlayStation Portal’s system update is rolling out today:
‣ Sign-in screen for select public Wi-Fi networks
‣ New visual feedback for touch pad areas
‣ Battery level in percentageAdvertisementFull details: https://t.co/I9A3m1rpN5 pic.twitter.com/qJXxZeplMs
— PlayStation AU (@PlayStationAU) June 19, 2024
Alongside the public Wi-Fi connectivity enhancement, the update also includes visual feedback for the PlayStation Portal’s touchpad, as well as the ability to display the device’s battery percentage at the top right corner of the screen.
The PlayStation Portal update aims to address one of the device’s key limitations by making it easier to connect to public Wi-Fi networks. This improvement, along with the other quality-of-life enhancements, should help to improve the overall user experience for PlayStation Portal owners.
