Sony is set to enhance the experience for PlayStation Portal users with a new update to its Cloud Streaming Beta, introducing several user experience and functionality improvements. The update, which will be available later today, promises to refine the remote play system's cloud capabilities.

A key feature of this update is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize their games by Name, Release Date, or based on when they were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate the extensive library.

Another exciting addition is the ability to capture gameplay during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can access the familiar create menu to take screenshots or record video clips, with support for video resolutions up to 1920x1080 and durations up to three minutes, as detailed in the PlayStation blog.

To improve user convenience, gameplay will now pause when you access the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode via the power button, or if a system error message appears. However, if the Portal stays in rest mode for more than 15 seconds, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. It's worth noting that this pause feature won't be available during online multiplayer sessions.

Additional updates include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for inactivity, and new user feedback tools. Sony has committed to continuously improving the service based on user feedback.

Currently, the Cloud Streaming Beta is exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members, allowing them to enjoy a selection of PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog through cloud streaming on the PS Portal. Last year's update transformed the Portal into a more independent cloud streaming device, and Sony's ongoing efforts suggest further enhancements are on the horizon.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integrated into the gaming landscape, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's services evolve with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture numerous screenshots during streaming sessions adds a valuable layer of engagement for users.