News (EN)

Sony releases new PS5 update with read receipts in messages and direct access to friends’ games

PS5
PS5 - Foto: Wachiwit/iStock

Sony has released a new system update for the PlayStation 5. Version 26.01-12.60.00 can now be downloaded by console users around the world. The file is approximately 1.3 GB and brings changes focused on social interaction and usability.

The main new feature is the addition of read receipts to messages. Players can now enable the option for friends to see when a message has been read. Essa functionality arrives gradually and can be configured in the privacy options.

Another change occurs at Welcome Hub. The friends activity widget lets you jump directly to the games they’re playing. The update also includes general improvements to system stability and performance.

Users can install the update manually through the settings menu or let the console download automatically when connected to the internet. Sony maintains the standard of regular updates to improve the PS5 experience.

Main new features of version 26.01-12.60.00

The update highlights two practical changes for players’ daily lives. The read receipts function makes communication in groups and one-on-one conversations easier. Ela is available on both the console and the PlayStation App app.

Direct access to games from the friends widget makes joining multiplayer sessions faster. Essa improvement makes the Welcome Hub more functional for those who frequently play in groups. The changes reflect Sony’s focus on social tools.

PS5
PS5 – Foto: Skrypnykov Dmytro / Shutterstock.com

How to enable read receipts

Read receipts are optional and can be activated in just a few steps. The feature appears in the console’s privacy settings.

  • Go to Configurações > Usuários and Contas > Privacidade.
  • Select Visualizar and Personalizar Suas Configurações from Privacidade.
  • In Comunicação and multiplayer, change “Show read receipts to other players on PS5 and PlayStation App” to Permitir.

The function will be gradually released to all users. Caso the option does not appear yet, just wait for the next few days.

Change in Welcome Hub

The friends activity widget has more direct navigation. Agora you can immediately join the games your contacts are playing.

This change reduces steps to participate in multiplayer matches. The feature maintains the focus on quick integration between friends on the console’s home screen. The improvement makes Welcome Hub more useful for spontaneous sessions.

Installation Details and Size

The update download weighs around 1.3 GB. The process can be started manually or occur in the background.

Users connected to the internet receive automatic notification. The console restarts after installation to apply the changes. Sony recommends keeping the PS5 connected to the network to receive updates quickly.

General system improvements

The release includes optimizations to the messaging interface. Specific Telas have been adjusted for greater fluidity.

Overall system performance has been improved to reduce crashes. Essas fixes benefit all PS5 models, including the Slim and Pro.

Gradual rollout of new functionality

Sony adopts gradual rollout for social features frequently. Essa strategy allows monitoring before full release.

Read receipts reach a smaller group of users first. The process guarantees stability on a global scale. The company uses the same method in previous successful updates.

Benefits for social interaction on the console

Communication on PS5 gains more transparency with read receipts. Jogadores can better coordinate schedules and responses in large groups. The option respects privacy as it remains disabled by default.

Direct access to friends’ games encourages joint play. Essa integration reinforces the social ecosystem of the PlayStation platform. The new features respond to recurring requests from the community over the years.

Comparison with previous updates

Recent PS5 updates have focused on stability and smaller features. The previous version brought adjustments to the DualSense Edge and 3D audio.

The inclusion of social tools marks a return to interaction features. Sony alternates between technical corrections and new features visible to users. The pattern keeps the console constantly updated.

Update 26.01-12.60.00 represents an incremental step in the evolution of the system. The changes prioritize the daily experience of millions of active players. The PS5 has continued to receive regular support since its launch in 2020.

How to check the installed version

Users can confirm the current system version at any time. The menu displays the exact number after installation.

  • Go to Configurações > Sistema > Informações from Sistema.
  • The system software field Versão shows 26.01-12.60.00 when complete.

This check helps to identify whether the update has already been applied. The process is simple and quick for all console profiles.

To Top