# Updated Game-Streaming Devices Sony Added a Few Much-Needed Features to its 'Portal' Handheld By Colin Smith | Published 2024-06-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-portal References: [kitguru.net](https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/mustafa-mahmoud/playstation-portal-gets-much-needed-software-update/)  [Sony](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/q-lite) released a new major update for its relatively-recent handheld, the '[PlayStation Portal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pulse-explore).' This handheld is a dedicated game-streaming device, allowing players to connect to their [PlayStation 5](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sony-playstation-handheld) from any network connection. However, prior to this update, players were unable to connect the PlayStation Portal to a network connection that required web browser verification, such as those at coffee shops or airports. This new update unlocks this functionality by allowing players to scan a QR code on the device and share a network from their mobile phone. In addition to this highly-requested network feature, the device has also received a few updates to its coherency and user interface, such as a dedicated graphic for the on-screen touchpad, as well as the ability to view the remaining battery life at all times at the status bar at the top of the screen. Image Credit: Sony ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 25% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Enhanced Connectivity:** The update allows game-streaming devices to connect to public networks using QR code verification, expanding gaming opportunities in more locations. - **User Interface Improvements:** Adding new graphics and status indicators improves user interaction and enhances the overall gaming experience. - **Mobile Tethering Integration:** Allowing devices to share a network from mobile phones offers gamers greater flexibility and uninterrupted access to their consoles. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Gaming:** The evolution of handheld streaming devices is revolutionizing how gamers access and play their favorite games. - **Telecommunications:** Mobile data sharing capabilities highlight the intersection of gaming and telecoms, driving demand for more robust and versatile network solutions. - **Consumer Electronics:** Advanced features in handheld devices demonstrate the push for more intuitive and user-friendly tech products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Game-Streaming Mobile Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sony-playstation-handheld.md) - [Handheld Game-Streaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/q-lite.md) - [Comprehensive Console Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ps5-update.md) - [Console Firmware Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ps5-firmware-update.md) - [Console Firmware Improvements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ps5-beta.md) - [Audio-Enhanced Software Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sony-interactive-entertainment.md) - [Handheld Emulation Interface Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rpcs3-overlay.md) - [Next-Gen Handheld Gamer Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-portable.md) - [Detachable Controller Gaming Handhelds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pimax-portal-qled.md)