PS Vita, PS App updates to launch alongside PS4 1.70 (with lightbar dimming)

As promised, Sony is ready to roll out the big PlayStation 4 system software 1.70 update tomorrow (though possibly as early as tonight, as they do sometimes). This evening they spilled the beans on the rest of the changes and enhancements they’ve snuck into the firmware, including the much requested DualShock 4 lightbar dimming.

A PS Vita system software update is also ready to be pushed out, along with an update for the official PlayStation App (with push notifications) for iOS and Android devices.

Read on for the details for the trio of upcoming updates.

PlayStation 4 v1.70 Update

• SHAREfactory: After you update your PS4 to v1.70, an icon to download our free SHAREfactory app will appear on your PS4 system?s home screen once it?s available. Once installed, SHAREfactory allows you to easily customize your gameplay videos with special effects, video commentary with picture-in-picture capability through PlayStation Camera, and custom soundtracks using the included audio tracks or your original music imported from a USB drive. You can then share your videos on Facebook or export them to an external USB storage device. The app is packed with plenty of cool, but accessible, tools. It?s simple enough to use for beginning editors, while functioning as a rich video editor for those with more creative aspirations. Check out our new SHAREfactory video that provides a walkthrough of what you can expect:

• Automatic Pre-download: No more waiting until after a game is released to start downloading select pre-ordered games from PlayStation Store. This new feature allows you to get to your games faster by automatically downloading select pre-ordered games up to several days in advance of the release, so that it?s ready to play as soon as the game is released on launch day. There?s also a countdown timer prior to the release of the game so you?ll know how soon your game will be available for you to start playing.
• Option to Disable HDCP for Games: This highly requested feature will allow you to have the option to turn off HDCP for games so you can capture longer gameplay sessions directly from your HDMI output and export them elsewhere.
• USB Export Option for Captured Gameplay: It?s now even easier to show off your heroic gaming moments and the SHAREfactory videos you create with the world using this feature to export your videos and screenshots to a USB drive. Just click on the DUALSHOCK 4 SHARE button, save your gameplay on a USB drive, and then share your proudest achievements on other social networks and other video platforms.
• Live Broadcasting in HD and Archiving Support: We?ve increased the resolution for live broadcasts so you and your friends can watch games livestreamed in 720p HD. You can also archive your broadcasts on Twitch or Ustream and watch them again later.
• New SHARE Options: We?ve got a number of new SHARE settings that will give you better control of what you want to share with your friends. Here is what you can look forward to:
  • Change the default gameplay recording time in the SHARE menu under Video Clip Settings.
  • Save only the video clips and screenshots you want by selecting Upload Screenshots or Upload Video Clips for each capture. Also upload video clips and screenshots during your live gameplay broadcasts.
  • Select specific Facebook audiences to share each video or screenshot with.
• New DUALSHOCK 4 Options: New light bar settings have been added for DUALSHOCK 4, allowing you to change it to Bright, Medium or Dim in the Settings menu. The touchpad has also been updated, allowing you to navigate the on-screen keyboard using the DUALSHOCK 4 touchpad.
• New Friends Options: It?s now easier to find Friends and send requests with the ability to search Friends-of-Friends, view Mutual Friends on another user?s profile, and accept Friend requests directly from the Friends list.
• New Trophies Sort Option: You can now sort Trophies by rarity in the Options menu.
• PlayStation Store Payment Support: Similar to PS3, we?re introducing Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) for PS4 for content purchased on PS Store, starting with PayPal support.
• More PlayStation Camera Commands: More voice commands are added to PlayStation Camera, allowing you to launch the apps installed on your PS4 with the sound of your voice.
• New PlayStation Plus Icon: For Plus members, you?ll now have the PS Plus icon appear next to your SEN ID on the login screen, home screen and other areas across the PS4 system?s sleek user interface.
• Music Unlimited SHARE Options: With a Music Unlimited subscription, you can easily share your favorite songs with your friends by pressing the SHARE button on your DUALSHOCK 4.

PlayStation Vita v3.15 Update

• PS4 Link Update for Remote Play: Linking your PS4 and PS Vita together will now be easier with the 3.15 update for PS Vita. It?ll enable Automatic Device Registration, which will automatically detect and pair both systems when they?re both online and the same user is signed in to both devices. This makes it even quicker for you to get started on Remote Play or access other second screen features.

PlayStation App v1.70 Update

• Push Notifications, Friend Requests and More: This new PlayStation app update will give you the option to receive Push Notifications for select PS4 updates you want to receive, such as gameplay Invitations, Game Alerts or Friend Requests. You can also receive Friend Requests via email or text messages with the app update. Also, it?s now easier to change your profile picture right from your mobile device by uploading an image from your photo library, or taking a photo using your in-device camera.