More details on Sony's new gaming console PlayStation 4 trickles out as it gets ready for its mid-November release.
New information has emerged on PS4's UI. Sony has also revealed that the console will not support YouTube sharing and has limited media options on it. However, it has stressed that cross-platfrom play between PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 is possible.
User Interface (UI)
Kenny Linder, a developer of one of PlayStation 4's not-yet announced games, has posted a video where he speaks about the next-generation console's UI.
He has revealed that the UI has undergone changes in the game's Library option as he worked on a PlayStation 4 Dev Kit. He confirmed that the Dev Kits were different from retail versions.
Linder said that the interface, version 1.5, is light but fast when used where players can leave and enter a current game in an 'instant.'
The interface has three level divisions: top section involves Friends, Profile and Settings, middle one is with icons of various games and the last one is Library and Store, he pointed out.
Linder said that jumping between various places is light and fast and is done through button presses. The music that plays on the background can be turned off but is relaxing to the ears, GamingBolt reported.
No YouTube Sharing at Launch
The console will not provide support for users to share their videos on YouTube or copy the recorded gameplay to other devices at launch.
This was revealed in the PlayStation Blog, where it was stated that PS4 owners will be able to share their videos through the DualShock 4 controller's share button at launch to Facebook, Ustream or Twitch.
It was also revealed that the console "records gameplay footage automatically in the background, up to a maximum of 15 minutes." It also says that there will be future system update for the share feature. It adds that there is no requirement of PlayStation Plus subscription to record or stream the gameplay.
PlayStation 4 will have Limited Media Options
PlayStation 4 will be unable to support (play) audio CDs and mp3 tracks, unlike the previous PlayStation consoles. If players want to use selected list of music, they have to use Sony's Music Unlimited streaming service.
It was also confirmed that it will not be able to support media servers or DLNA that allows streaming of media from PC.
Shuhei Yoshida, president at Sony worldwide studios tweeted, "Thanks for the feedback to the lack of MP3 and DLNA support at the launch of PS4. I'll share with the PS4 Dev team for future consideration."
Cross-Play between PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 Possible
In the PlayStation Blog, Sony has said that users of PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 consoles can play online together, if game developers support the feature.
"The functionality is technically possible and some developers may choose to support it for their titles," Sony said in the blog. Yoshida said on Twitter that presently Helldivers is one of the games that will support cross-play between the two consoles.
Offline Blu-ray Activation at Request
Users of PlayStation 4 can request Sony in case of their inability to connect to internet for Blu-ray activation. They need to contact SCEA Consumer services. The disc featuring update to Blu-ray and DVD capabilities will be send through mail.
No Support for External Hard Drive
Owners of PlayStation 4 will not be able to support external hard drive in order to expand the storage space of the upcoming console. This was confirmed by Sony in its blog.
Release
The console is expected to release on 15 November in U.S. and 29 November in Europe and in December in India.
