New PS5 update sneakily adds an Xbox Series X feature
There’s an undocumented feature in the latest PS5 update
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The latest PS5 update, which rolled out to all users on March 23, includes a hidden Xbox Series X feature that wasn’t highlighted inSony’s original patch notes: auto low latency mode (ALLM).
If you’re not aware of what ALLM is exactly, it’s a TV technology that prompts your display to automatically switch to Game Mode when your console begins playing a game. The feature has been available onXbox Series XandXbox Series Ssince launch and has now been added toPS5.
Vincent Teogh ofHDTVTestconfirmed ALLM was active after the latest PS5 update using a Sony X900H. I can also confirm that ALLM is also working on myLG OLED CX.
While undocumented, the latest system update of 22.01-05.00.00 on the PS5 has enabled ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) support, as verified using an LG C9 & a Sony X900H. ALLM automatically switches (or locks, in Sony TVs' case) the display into Game Mode. https://t.co/Dync2FzXftMarch 23, 2022
ALLM might not sound like much for those who already pick the appropriate picture setting when playing games, but it’s a handy feature for those who aren’t accustomed to or comfortable with adjusting their TV settings.
The benefit of ALLM also ensures that you’re always using the optimal picture setting on your TV when playing games, which will provide a more responsive experience as game modes tend to offer significantly reduced input lag albeit at the expense of some picture options.
Analysis: PS5 is closing the gap when it comes to display features
It’s a little odd that Sony didn’t note that ALLM was part ofPS5’s latest update, as along withVRR support– which has been confirmed to arrive “in the months ahead” – it’s a desirable feature on modern-day consoles.
Until now, both features were exclusive to Xbox Series X|S, so it’s certainly a win for PS5 gamers to have parity withMicrosoft’s new systems.
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However, there’s still one big omission that some PS5 owners will be hoping to see, and that’s1440p support. Right now, if you plug a PS5 into a 1440p display the console can only output at 1080p with downsampling.
That means gamers are missing out on 43.75% more detail than they should be, and with1440p monitorsbeing one of the most adopted display resolutions out there, it’s a big oversight from Sony that the PS5 can’t natively output games at this resolution.
What makes the problem more egregious is that Xbox consoles have had 1440p support since 2018, along with VRR. It’s taken four years forVRR to come to PS5, so surely the wait for 1440p will soon be over as well? Maybe not. Sony has previously said that it wants to “prioritize support for TVs”, which when VRR arrives, you could argue the company has accomplished. Still, we hope Sony doesn’t forget that not everyone plays games on a TV.
Adam was formerly TRG’s Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.
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