New PlayStation Portal Remote Player Software Incoming, Don't Update!

Sony announced a new PlayStation Portal Remote Player Firmware / System Software update version 3.0.0 is incoming following the Source Code for Open Source Software Used in PS Portal and recent PlayStation Portal Exploit disclosure, which will feature sign-in screen support for select public Wi-Fi networks among other enhancements outlined below.

To quote from Sony Interactive Entertainment VP of Product Management Hiromi Wakai on the incoming PlayStation Portal Remote Player System Software update:

When we developed the PlayStation Portal remote player, our goal was to bring high-quality console gaming experiences to the palm of your hands, even when you aren’t in front of the TV.

We continue to evolve the experience on PS Portal, and we are happy to announce that the latest system software update for our first dedicated remote play device will start rolling out tomorrow – adding a few new user enhancements.

Sign-in screen support for select public Wi-Fi networks

While we recommend PS Portal to be used in your home as you have control over the quality of the Wi-Fi, it can also be used outside of the home in places where a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection is available – and we’ve seen many players take advantage of this.

With this new update, PS Portal will also connect to a range of public Wi-Fi networks that may require additional validation steps beyond entering the network password. This includes Wi-Fi networks with sign-in screens that can often be found in hotels, cafes, and airports.

To connect to these public Wi-Fi networks, PS Portal will display a QR code for you to scan with your smartphone or tablet. Once scanned, you’ll be able to use your mobile device’s web browser to complete the additional validation steps on behalf of your PS Portal.

As a reminder, PS Portal requires a Wi-Fi connection with at least 5Mbps, and for a better play experience a high-speed connection of at least 15Mbps is recommended.

New visual feedback for touchpad areas

The emulated touch pad on PS Portal’s vibrant 8-inch screen is getting an update. We’ve added new visual feedback to the touch pad areas. The new effects will be displayed when using the touch pad areas during remote play.

Display battery level in percentage

You now have the option to display the remaining battery level percentage on the status bar at the top right corner of your screen. To use this feature, open the quick menu, go to [Settings] > [System] > [Battery], and then turn on [Show Battery Percentage].

Since the initial launch of PS Portal last November, we’ve been overwhelmed with the enthusiastic reactions and the variety of ways our community has been enjoying gaming on PS Portal.

While Remote Play for PlayStation has been available since the PlayStation 3 generation, we’ve built upon this technology with PS Portal to elevate the Remote Play experience to another level by integrating key features of the DualSense wireless controller with a vibrant 8-inch LCD screen.

We’re excited to see that PS Portal has introduced many more gamers to the Remote Play feature on PS5, with over 60 percent of PS Portal owners using the feature for the first time. What’s more, PS Portal is making it easier for many players to access their games, with the average PS Portal owner’s engagement on PS5 going up within the first 8 weeks of using their PS Portal.

We’ve also seen a wide range of games proven to be popular on PS Portal, from single player adventures including God of War Ragnarök, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Astro’s Playroom to multiplayer titles including Fortnite, Rocket League and EA Sports FC 24 – all being some of the most played games on PS Portal within the first 3 months of its launch.

We’re always grateful to the PlayStation community for embracing our journey as we continue to explore different ways to bring new player experience. Check out the official website to learn more about PS Portal and let us know what you think in the comments!

Version: 3.0.0 Changelog from Sony's Official Page:

• PS Portal can now connect to public networks. If there's a public network available in places such as hotels, cafes, and airports, you can connect your PS Portal to the Wi-Fi by entering the required information (such as ID, password, and room number) using your mobile phone or computer.
  • To connect to public networks, make sure that the initial setup for your PS Portal is completed.
  • To comply with regulations for various countries and regions, PS Portal might not support connections to certain public networks, such as 5GHz networks.
• When you use the touchpad area on the screen during Remote Play, you’ll now see visual feedback.
• Your PS Portal can now display the remaining battery level as a percentage on the status bar at the top right of the screen. Open the quick menu, go to Settings > System > Battery, and then turn on Show Battery Percentage.
• We've improved system software performance and stability.
• We've improved the messages and usability on some screens.

When going through the initial setup on PS Portal, you may be asked to download and install updates consecutively. Please note that this is an intended behavior of PS Portal and it does not indicate a malfunction of the device. (Once you go through the consecutive downloading and installing of the updates, your PS Portal will be able to normally complete later updates with a single set of downloading and installing.)

 

[Yahaha]

Excellent news. No longer need to use my phone’s hotspot while traveling.

It took way too long for this basic feature.

 

[Mr Footlong]

Did the overall performance/behavior of the PS Portal improve much after release honestly? I pre-ordered and got it direct from Sony.

I was really unimpressed sadly, the main thing was the mild lagging/dropped frames-like behaviour I experienced with it, from two different PS5 consoles. Input lag was to be expected, but the rest was a bit of a disappointment.

Both PS5's were on 10GBe wired ethernet networks, connected to 1Gig cable internet. Ubiquiti UAP-Pro Mesh Wi-Fi through the house (IT nerd by trade), basically the most ideal scenario for a PS Portal to work well.

I got the same behaviour with the Portal when taking it to the office to show others, it just didn't seem very polished. Boxed it up and sold it on pretty sharpish, which is a shame.