All of the big games are getting companion applications these days. Titles such as Battlefield 4, Watch Dogs, and DriveClub are all expanding into the blossoming world of iOS and Android, allowing you to stay connected to your favourite games wherever you are. Many of these releases are also using smartphones and tablets to enable second screen experiences – and that’s something that the PlayStation App will unlock out of the box.
While the aforementioned examples are all employing custom created applications to interact with their games, this isn’t such a viable strategy for smaller studios working on a slimmer budget. Fortunately, the upcoming PlayStation App – which will launch alongside the PlayStation 4 – will allow developers to connect to the next generation console, and stream specific pieces of software to it. In short, it will enable teams to explore second screen experiences, without needing to build a brand new piece of software from scratch.
One game that’s already taking advantage of this feature is The Playroom. As demonstrated during Sony’s brief Tokyo Game Show keynote last week, you’ll be able to use the application to draw items on a smartphone, which can then be tossed into the game world. “Smaller developers can use the PlayStation App to connect to the PS4 and load an application, like drawing software for example, so that you don’t have to download and install a specific app on your smartphone,” Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida explained. “It’s open to all PS4 developers to use.”
In addition to all of that, the companion software will allow you to keep track of your friends, stream gameplay footage, compare Trophies, send and receive messages, and peruse all of the latest gaming news from the PlayStation Blog. You can even browse the PlayStation Store, purchase a game, and then tell your PS4 to download and install it, all totally remotely. Welcome to the future, folks – convenient, isn’t it?
[source blog.eu.playstation.com]
Comments 12
I like this a lot!
As a newly converted Windows Phone 8 user (seriously MS and Nokia have made some great phones) here's hoping Sony will work on a Windows Phone version as well. I know it's the enemy's device but there is PC remote play etc. and I am sure there will be a windows version of this app so I hope they will at least consider it... Because I am not switching to an Android or (shudders) iPhone to have access to the app. And I am not planning on getting an XB1 any time soon even though I have Smart Glass which IS available on all the other mobile ecosystems.
Looks awsome
You know, I'm pretty darn pleased with my new Z1. Now I'm pretty darn pleased +
I'm still not sold about the idea of a second screen during gameplay (the drawing idea above would be a rare exception). I can't physically look at two screens at once, so what's the real difference between pausing/flicking screens? At least that way I don't have to constantly move my head.
BUT, having an app that you can take away with you is a great idea. Share footage, track trophies, download updates etc on the move in preparation to play is awesome.
Too bad my iPhone's battery sucks now. It'll be on there ASAP tho
Couldn't care less about Smartphone or tablet app integration. Waste of time to me. I am, however, fond of dual-screen gaming (the Wii U opened my eyes to how awesome it is, and practical), and would be delighted to see more games like Deus Ex Human Revolution: Director's Cut. Apparently the PS3 version uses the Vita to mimic the Wii U gamepad.
I'm not sure how well it will work out, and I know Vita is separate hardware and it would have to connect to work, but this is promising stuff. If the game wasn't coming to Wii U I'd definitely be buying it for PS. I would like to see other games use the Vita just like the gamepad is used on the Wii U- it really does create a whole new level of possibilities. Unfortunately, I think it's kind of like the PS4 camera argument- if it's not mandatory, it won't be used in development. The fact that not everyone will have a Vita (and those who do are still few in number) will most likely mean we won't get much of anything in this department, besides the off-the-cuff anomaly from time to time. I'm not holding my breath, but I am hopeful... playing MGS5 or FF15, built from the ground up for dual-screen mechanics, now THAT'S what's up!
This Plus Smartglass being pushed hard makes the Wii U misstep even more obvious. The biggest feature of both are the ability for developers to make smartphone companion apps that work through Playstation app/Smartglass.
I was thrilled to hear about this improved PS app!! The big thing for me is being able to tap out messages using the onscreen keyboard on a tablet which is much easier than writing messages using a dual shock controller. Apparently, you'll even be able to leave voice messages for friends so even faster & more convenient. My only hope is that the app doesn't continually require you to type in your PSN associated email address & password every 24 hours like the current app does. Oh and a landscape viewing mode on tablets would be great.
The thing with the wii u is that the gamepad was not designed for companion type uses but more for games to have gameplay centralised around it. The problem however is that not only are no third partys taking any interest in it but Nintendo themselves are struggling to demonstrate its benefits. So ironically all we are seeing on the wii u is what is ported from smartglass/ps app as opposed to vice versa
Hope they release this before PS4, so I can play a little with it, while waiting in line for a PS4
PS4! !!! Can't wait to pic u and your various accessories up on 11/15! Finally an app that has purpose that I will use almost everyday!!!! Think this is the 40th time I am thanking you once once again Sony!!! =)
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