The Playstation App will ‘enhance the Playstation 4 experience’ and keep players connected at all times
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. have announced the release of the Playstation App, an app for mobile devices that promises to enhance the experience of any Playstation 4 owners. The app will be released on 13th November in North America, and 22nd November in Europe for free. The app will be available on a range of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android.
The app will give players access to a host of features whilst on the move, including a lot of Playstation Network features. Players can access and update their PSN profiles, keep in touch with PSN friends, keep up to date with what their friends are doing with a ‘What’s New’ feature, and the App will notify players if they get any friends or game requests. The app also allows a connection to the Playstation Store, allowing users to purchase games and content while away from the home, to download to their Playstation 4, Playstation 3 or PS Vita.
The second-screen functionality of the App looks to allow greater features on PS4 titles like The Division.
One of the most nifty features links to the new ease with which players can upload gameplay videos and clips to their PSN profiles. If players live stream their gameplay or share a video, then friends using the Playstation App will have the opportunity to watch the videos on their mobile devices. Guaranteed to make commuting that little bit less boring.
Some of the more specifically game related features sound extremely interesting. For example, the utilisation of mobile devices as a second screen for the PS4 through the Playstation App, which sounds a lot like the SmartGlass technology used by Microsoft, will allow players some added extras and gameplay mechanics for certain games. Sony give the example of The Playroom, a pre-installed game on the PS4 console, though it does require a Playstation Move camera. Whilst playing The Playroom gamers have the option to draw objects on their mobile device to then ‘flick’ across to the TV, where they’re made into 3D objects to explore with. This sounds a lot like Playstation trying to match the Xbox One’s SmartGlass functionality and if it works then it could add a lot to the gaming experience.
There is also the option to use the Playstation App to control a PS4 on the same Wi-Fi connection. For example, the App will let players turn the console on or off or use the mobile device as a keyboard for the Playstation 4.
The app will be available shortly before the PS4 is released, on 13th November in the US, and 22nd November in Europe, completely free.
