Newsletter
Sony’s PlayStation Portal makes it easy to play your PlayStation games almost anywhere, including public Wi-Fi locations. There’s only one issue with connecting to public Wi-Fi to enjoy your PS5 library in the palm of your hands – Wi-Fi networks that require an additional login to connect. Prior to now, this requirement for additional authentication would stop the Portal dead in its tracks. But no longer.
Sony has confirmed a new update has been sent out to the PlayStation Portal that rectifies this issue. Alongside this feature, Sony says the new update also adds in a couple of other changes. This includes enhanced visual effects for touch controls and new battery information. The update to the PlayStation Portal goes out on June 19. So make sure to power it on tomorrow if you want the update right away.
PlayStation Portal now supports public Wi-Fi locations with additional sign-in screens
If you’ve been to a hotel or an airport and ever tried to use the public Wi-Fi there, then you’re likely aware of the additional sign-in screens that appear on these networks when you try to connect to them. You generally end up having to open a link that asks you to sign in by checking a box and clicking a connect button. The PlayStation Portal will now support these kinds of networks by having users scan a QR code link with their phone.
You can then open the browser on your phone to finalize that additional authentication. After doing this your PlayStation Portal should connect to the network just fine. Sony of course still recommends using the Portal at home. And it’s easy to understand why. It’s your own personal Wi-Fi network so you’re able to control its connection speed and reliability.
In doing so, you more or less already know how good the experience in streaming games from your PS5 should be. This isn’t usually the case with public Wi-Fi. Not to mention the kind of congestion that can occur due to how many people may be using the same network. Still, PlayStation Portal users will no doubt be happy to know this updated support now exists.
Keeping tabs on battery life is now easier than ever
In addition to the new public W-Fi support, Sony is also adding a battery percentage meter to the battery indicator. Following the update you’ll be able to see how much battery life is left with a percentage instead of just a battery icon. This should allow users to get a better grip on how much battery they actually have left before needing to plug in the handheld.
One last minor change the update is adding are improved visual effects for the emulated touchpad. Now, tapping the touchpad area results in a brief flash. While swiping on it reveals the line of the swipe direction.