As I keep hearing about all of these features enabled by Day 1 patches, it does make me wonder just how early in the production timeline a company starts building their consoles. The WiiU had a HUGE patch that was required before you can do anything, Microsoft has already said that they will have a Day 1 patch to remove all of the stuff that we complained about, and now Sony is saying that they will have a rather sizable patch. While the size doesn’t scare me much, since Sony has their online market proverbial “Shit” together way better than Nintendo, but it’s the amount of features that the patch enables that makes me raise an eyebrow. Since all of these features were talked about at E3, over 4 months ago, it makes me wonder why they weren’t included in the original production specs. I completely understand trying to hit time tables, and I applaud console manufacturers and game developers for continually making their products better, but I feel that I should be buying something that is semi-borked right when I get it. Does anyone else agree with me? Here’s the full list of features that the update will enable:
PS4 Will Have a 300MB Day 1 Patch!
· Remote Play Users will be able to access PS4 titles displayed on their living room TVs and play them on a PS Vita system over Wi-Fi networks by using PS4 Link*2*3. SCE anticipates that most PS4 titles will be playable on the PS Vita system through Remote Play*4.
· Second Screen Users can use the PS4 Link*2 application for the PS Vita system, and PlayStation®App for iPhone, iPad, and Android™ based smartphones and tablets*5,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 onTHE PLAYROOM, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation®Camera, users can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.
· Record, take screen shots, and upload gameplay effortlessly The PS4 system provides dedicated, “always on” video encoding systems that enables seamless uploading of gameplay. Users can share their epic triumphs by simply hitting the “SHARE button” on PS4 Wireless Controller (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. 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*6.
· Broadcast and spectate gameplay The PS4 system also enhances social spectating by enabling users to broadcast their gameplay in real-time to game fans around the globe, using Ustream and Twitch*7 live internet streaming services. SCE provides 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.
· Play as you download This feature enables users to play supported digital titles as they are being downloaded*8. When a game is purchased, users 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 4 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 multi-player game together on a single PS4 system*9.
· Party (Voice chat) By using the Mono Headset bundled with the PS4 system, users will be able to chat with up to eight friends enjoying different applications or games. Furthermore, users can use Party to chat between PS4 and PS Vita systems.
· Face recognition and voice commands*10 Users 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, users 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*11.
· Background music player Users can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service*12. Users can also voice chat with friends while listening to music.
· Online Multiplayer PlayStation®Plus (PS 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.
· Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD player Users can enjoy not only gaming on their PS4 system, but also Blu-ray and DVD video contents*13.
2 Things: Finally the day of the Vita is here cant wait to play my games while the wife watches her shows. Also I hope the DVD and Bluray player work without being downloaded first :p