The PS4

 

Okay so last night it was the long awaited announcement from Sony on the PS4!! Over several hours they announced the features for the latest console and told us about improved gameplay and graphics along with numerous other game changing features and never before seen interaction and connectivity.

However, the console itself and its price have not yet been revealed but a release date of "Holiday 2013" has been announced. The console packs a whole load of memory with 8GB of GDDR5 memory and the new pictures of the new controller has been released.. and here it is:

 

 

the controller

The PS4 controller comes in the form of the DualShock 4 pad. It has the usual classic design but has upgraded vibrations and motion sensors along with a touchpad on the front. There is also a headphone jack and a special light bar on the back of the controller. But more importantly they have added a "Share" button which is one of the major new features with the PS4.

 

 the social connections

The share button allows you to share the footage of you playing the game which will improve the screenshots that have been mainly used. The share button also allows you to stream live your attempt at a game so that your online friends can watch you play your game if you wish. They can also comment on your gaming and give you tips and if necessary you can allow them to take over if you get stuck at a certain point of the game.

 

the interaction

 The light bar is supposed to be connected to the new Sony cameras (1280 x 800 pixels) which can cut out the image of a player from the background and can differentiate between different players in the background and foreground enhancing game play handily. There is also mention of using facial recognition to log in and the use of voice and body movements to improve interaction.

 

the waiting times

The PS4 will have almost no loading screens and is said to have an instant on-off feature allowing you to shut down your console during a game and then when booting back up it will do so in seconds and you can continue where you left your game. There will also be no more of having to eagerly await to download your new game. They can start playing as the game downloads in the background without waiting for it to be completed.

 

the downloads

Sony had suggested that there may be an option of streaming games from PS One classics right through to PS3 Platinum Editions along with all new PS4 games of which are just downloaded with no disk. The system will also learn your likes and dislikes and give you content that is more suited to you.

 

the connectivity

Another main development is that the PS4 will launch with the ability to stream your games directly to your handeld PS Vita and other "Sony Devices" so you can be playing your game on your TV and then continue on your Vita as you move away from the TV. This is what Sony are doing to combat the tablet apps and games whilst on the move.

 

the games 

There was also the announcement of a whole batch of new games and returning classics. However, no mention on GTA V and whether it will be released as a PS4 version.

 

The PS4 announcement has been received relatively positively but the lack of detail and images of the console itself are in popular demand!

 

I am soooo looking forward to hearing more information and cannot wait for "Holiday 2013"

 

 

 See the full announcement here: