The PlayStation 4 seems all set to launch this November, but it won't be quite ready to go right out of the box. First thing's first, you'll need to take the console online, and install System Software Update 1.50. What's that, you ask? While, the SCEE's own Fred Dutton provided all the details and features over at the PlayStation Blog.
At 300 MB, it's not a massive update by any means, but it'll give your next-gen console the boost to do everything Sony has promised:
* If you have a PS Vita, excellent. If not, don't worry about this next feautre. One thing the update does is allow gamers to use their Sony handheld to access their new system via Wi-Fi, and play PS4 titles using Remote Play. The handheld can also be used as a second screen for supported titles. This feature can also be used on smartphones and tablets via the PlayStation App.
* Sharing is a big aspect of next-gen. This is the next thing the update takes care of, so players can broadcast or watch other PS4 owners' gameplay, record, take screenshots, upload what you've recorded, etc. "Users can share their epic triumphs by simply hitting the Share button on DualShock 4, take screenshots or scan through the last 15 minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game - the video uploads as the user plays." You can synch your Facebook and/or Twitter accounts with the PS4 to make sharing easier. Live broadcasting and spectating is taken care of via Ustream and Twitch, so you'll need accounts with either service: "There are two ways for users to view live broadcasts. First, the Live from PlayStation application on PS4 aggregates streams from all PlayStation users. Second, users can spectate friends' PS4 gameplay from PCs, and applications such as Ustream, Twitch, and browsers, which are installed on their mobile devices. These applications can be easily started up via PlayStation App, and users can also use these applications to post comments to gameplay broadcasts. Furthermore, users with PlayStation Camera can stream camera images and microphone sounds along with their live gameplay broadcast."
* No one likes waiting for a download to finish before you play a game. Thankfully, waiting won't be a requirement any more, as you can play PS4 games while they download. The only catch is that not all titles will support this feature.
* If your PS4 is a family system, no worries. A total of four users can be logged in simultaneously. Online, up to 8 players can use party, or voice chat at one time.
* For players with a PlayStation Camera, facial recognition will be an option for logging in, so watch out for cosmetic surgery in the future. Voice commands work as well for navigation, starting up games, or shutting down the console. Or, you could just use the controller...
* If a game's music isn't your bag, like maybe you want to listen to Slayer while playing Killzone, you'll have the option of streaming music via Music Unlimited, "a cloud-based digital music service," and listen to whatever while you play.
* For a while, the PlayStation 3 enjoyed the role of being one of the cheaper blu-ray players on the market. That technical ability will remain with the PS4, provided players activate the feature online first.
Dutton also noted that, "Some features will not be available at launch, such as 'suspend/resume mode' which is a feature that keeps the PS4 system in a low power state and promptly takes users back to their game." More information on that is coming, and we'll keep you posted once it does.
Under the hood, the PS4 boasts Supercharged PC architecture, X86 CPU, Enhanced PC GPU, and 8GB Unified Memory. It will support the same PlayStation Plus service as the Vita and PlayStation 3. However, a Plus subscription will be required for online multiplayer games, but not for additional media services like Netflix. Sony has also updated the Dual Shock controllers with improved shoulder triggers, and bundles the console with a headset.
The PlayStation 4 is set to release on November 15 in North America and on November 29 in Europe. Day one games available for the system include Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Killzone Shadow Fall,Madden NFL 25, Minecraft, NBA 2K14, Need for Speed: Rivals, and more. It will retail for $399.
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