A number of new features are coming to the PlayStation 4 in the near future, as revealed by a small number of PlayStation gamers who been invited into a beta program to test the console's upcoming software update.

Here is what Sony's invitation into the program says, as provided to Kotaku:

"The System Software Beta Testing program provides you with the exclusive ability to try out new technologies that for the first time give you access to a variety of features on your PlayStation 4 system before they are released to all users!"

Though the program also includes a confidentiality agreement, beta testers have been posting about the new program and the system update on sites like the video game forum NeoGAF.

It looks like Sony is going to be providing a "software preview" program not so different from that seen on Microsoft's Xbox, which allows certain Xbox gamers to install and test out system updates before they become available to all Xbox One owners. PlayStation's last console update (2.0) caused a number of problems for many users. Perhaps this beta testing program comes as a result of those problems and will ensure a smoother launch of console updates in the future.

So what nifty new features do those elite few in the program get to try out in this early form of system update 2.50? Some new accessibility functions are coming to the system, including button remapping.

Also finally making its way to the PS4 is the ability to put the system in rest mode without having to quit an application. This in particular is a long-awaited feature, so it's great to see that it will soon be coming to the console.

When asked for comment on the supposedly confidential beta program, a Sony representative confirmed a new system update was soon on the way.

"The next PS4 system software update will be released soon, and its features are currently being processed for quality assurance," a company spokesperson told Kotaku.

No word yet on exactly when this update will be rolling out to all users, but at least it gives PS4 gamers something to look forward to. 

Photo: Leon Terra | Flickr

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