When you pick up your PlayStation 4 next month, it won’t have all of the promised features available directly out of the box, as Sony has announced that the 1.50 System Update for PS4 will be available on day 1.
Taking up 300MB, 1.50 will include Remote Play for PlayStation Vita, gameplay sharing via the ‘Share’ button, and more.
Here’s everything you can expect from the PS4 on launch day, following the 1.50 system update:
Remote Play
- You will be able to access PS4 titles displayed on your living room TVs and play them on a PS Vita system over Wi-Fi networks by using PS4 Link (PS4 Link App for PS Vita arrives with the upcoming PS Vita system update, stay tuned for details).
- Sony “anticipates” that most PS4 titles will be playable on PS Vita through Remote Play, but those that require peripherals such as the PlayStation Camera won’t.
Second Screen
- You can use the PS4 Link application for the PS Vita system, and PlayStation App for iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and tablets, to use these devices as second screens in supported titles. PlayStation App has the ability to enable users to interact with games with their mobiles devices.
- For example on The Playroom, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation Camera, you can draw pictures on your mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.
Record, Take Screenshots, and Upload Gameplay
- The PS4 system provides dedicated, “always on” video encoding systems that enables seamless uploading of gameplay. You 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 you play.
- At the PS4 system’s launch in North America, users will be able to share their images and videos with friends on Facebook and screenshots with followers on Twitter, though users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Facebook and Twitter.
Broadcast and Spectate Gameplay
- The PS4 system also enhances social spectating by enabling you to broadcast your gameplay in real-time to game fans around the globe, using Ustream and Twitch live internet streaming services (you’ll need to sign up for individual accounts to use Ustream and Twitch).
- 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, you 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 you can also use these applications to post comments to gameplay broadcasts. Furthermore, people with PlayStation Camera can stream camera images and microphone sounds along with their live gameplay broadcast.
Play as you Download
- This feature enables you to play supported digital titles as they are being downloaded. The time it takes to begin playing will vary depending on game data size and network environments, and not all titles will support this feature When a game is purchased, you can start playing after PS4 downloads a portion of the data, while the rest of the game is downloaded in the background during actual gameplay. Games may be downloaded in stand-by mode.
Multi Log-In
- A maximum of four users can log-in to a single PS4 system simultaneously. These players can use their own save data to play games, and also earn trophies on their own Sony Entertainment Network accounts even when playing a multiplayer game together on a single PS4 system.
Party (Voice chat)
- By using the Mono Headset bundled with the PS4 system, you will be able to chat with up to eight friends enjoying different applications or games. Furthermore, you can use Party to chat between PS4 and PS Vita systems.
Face Recognition and Voice Commands
- People with PlayStation Camera will be able to register their facial image onto their PS4 system, and login to their system using facial recognition instead of DualShock 4. Furthermore, you can use either the microphone of the Mono Head set connected to DualShock 4, or PlayStation Camera to navigate through the PS4 home screen (PlayStation Dynamic Menu) with voice commands to start up games and shutdown the system, among other features;
- You’ll need to read the PS4’s online manual for recognizable voice commands.
Background Music Player
- You can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service. You can also voice chat with friends while listening to music. Learn more about Music Unlimited here.
Online Multiplayer
- PlayStation Plus members will be able to play PS4 titles online with other players via the network. PS Plus makes it easy for members to join available online multiplayer matches in a variety of ways, including the ability to easily join a game from a live stream broadcast or Party voice chats.
- Certain titles, like those that are F2P, won’t require PlayStation Plus
Blu-ray Disc and DVD player
- You can enjoy not only gaming on their PS4 system, but also Blu-ray and DVD video contents. When using for the first time, you must connect to the internet to activate this feature.
An example of something that won’t be available with the PS4 on day 1 is ‘suspend/resume mode’, which is a feature that keeps the PS4 system in a low power state and promptly takes you back to your game.
Expect more details about system update 1.50 and future PS4 updates in the near future.
What do you think of having to do a system update to access some of the PS4’s features? Let us know in the comments below.
