Sony is enhancing the experience for PlayStation Portal users with a new update to its Cloud Streaming Beta. This update, set to roll out later today, introduces several user experience and functionality improvements to 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 titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate the extensive library.

Another significant addition is the capability to capture gameplay during a Cloud Streaming session. Users can access the usual create menu options to take screenshots or record video clips. According to the PlayStation blog, video clips can be recorded at a resolution of up to 1920x1080 and a duration of up to three minutes.

Additionally, gameplay will now pause automatically when you open the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode using 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 important to note that this pause feature does not apply to online multiplayer sessions.

Other enhancements include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for inactivity, and new user feedback tools. Sony has expressed its commitment to continually refining and expanding the Cloud Streaming Beta based on user feedback.

Currently, the Cloud Streaming Beta is exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members, allowing them to stream select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog directly on the PS Portal. An earlier update last year transformed the Portal into a more independent cloud streaming device, and Sony appears dedicated to further developing this feature.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming ecosystem, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's offerings evolve in tandem with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture numerous screenshots while streaming to your Portal is just one of the many conveniences this update brings to users.