Sony has revealed some of the biggest new features to be included in the upcoming PlayStation 4 1.70 system software update. Besides adding a HDCP off option for capturing gameplay via HDMI (a feature they said would come after launch) and the ability to save videos and screenshots to a USB drive via the SHARE button, they are introducing SHAREfactory. This new app will allow you to edit video clips much more easily, and you can see how impressive it looks in the trailer for it below. Another huge new feature is preloading! Now you can download your games before they're even releasing, allowing you to unlock and play them the minute they launch.
But first, SHAREfactory. It looks pretty impressive- not only does it let you combine together multiple video clips, it will allow you to add audio commentary, text, stickers, music, and even picture-in-picture video with the Playstation Camera. You can even use various filters and transitions to segue between video clips, just like a grandparent fooling around with Windows Movie Maker for the first time.
Once you've made a video you can easily share it to Facebook or export it to a USB device to upload them anywhere. The aforementioned feature that allows you to switch off HDCP will be of much use here too, as it will allow you to record longer gameplay clips than before.
Another feature being added in 1.70 is an improved Play As You Download feature. The PS4 allows you to start playing a digital game before the entire download has been completed but this new update will get you playing even faster than before. It allows preloading, which will enable you to download your pre-ordered game up to several days before release. This will enable you to play the game the minute it's launched, without having to wait for a hefty download to finish. If you have the auto-download feature enabled, the system will automatically download your pre-ordered game.
Preloading is an often-requested feature that was rumored to be coming to the Xbox One as well, but they've still been trying to catch up to the features that even the Xbox 360 came with. PC gamers have been able to utilize it via Steam for ages now and the convenience of having a game ready to go, just waiting for its launch on midnight, is unmatched.
Nice to see Sony continuing to support their customers and listen to their wishes like this. Check out the video below for more on how how SHAREfactory works and expect to see the update soon.
