Since the PlayStation 4's launch, Sony's clearly been trying its best to turn the new-gen console into a social hub, allowing you to interact with other users in numerous different ways. With firmware update v3.00 just around the corner, these features are being expanded upon even further, with additions like creating your own communities and tracking certain in-game events being implemented into the already impressive functionality.
From the What's New section on the machine's home screen to the Live from PlayStation app, it's easy to see what your friends and other players are up to, while components like Share Play and the ability to upload screenshots or videos to social networks gives the whole PS4 experience a highly connected feel. We'd argue that Sony's managed to incorporate these social aspects quite well: they're relatively simple to use, there's a wide range of ways to share those special gaming moments, and being able to keep up to date with your online buddies ties the whole thing together into a rather neat package.
However, just because these social features are present doesn't mean that you'll want to use them. For example, we remember when Share Play was announced and people were going crazy over it. A few months down the line, and it's something that seems to have been mostly forgotten. And so, with that in mind, we want to know what you think: do you actually use the PS4's social features? Does firmware 3.0 have you super excited for more? Take part in our included polls, and then tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
Do you use the PlayStation 4's social features? (118 votes)
- Yes, I use them all the time
- I use them sometimes
- I rarely make use of them
- No, I never bother using them
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What's your favourite social feature on the PlayStation 4? (114 votes)
- I enjoy browsing the What's New section
- I like sharing screenshots in text chats with friends
- I always upload my best moments to social networks
- Share Play is a very handy feature
- I like to stream my games using Live from PlayStation
- I like to watch other people play games using Live from PlayStation
- I just told you - I don't use any of them
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Comments 33
I truly love the social features of the ps4, and I'm happy we get a bunch of new ones in the update, especially communities (all join the pushsquare community) and groups/favourite friends.
I only use the screenshot's in text chat as it's handy to put link's in from the PS browser or to show people in the party a screenshot of something you've just seen etc, it could be improved by adding the ability to share video clip's in there as well, I very rarely use any other feature's.
I watch the live streams several times a day, I just wish you could search for all streams and not just those running through a PS4, that way I could watch FF7 speed runs and Counter-Strike competitions etc!
I truly wish I made more use of the ability to record video. Had this been a feature of the machines during my teens I'd have spent plenty of time recording and making some cool mash ups. I just don't really have the time to do it now. Hmmm maybe I should find the time.
I'm always using the social features
It's pretty nice and I use it enough for it to be justifiable on my console.
Let's change "I always upload my best moments to social networks" to "I, on a rare occasion, upload my best moments..."
There's not really any great moments to share on a Sony machine.
@MSKing78 Tell that to all the people on Twitter (including me) that share screenshots on a daily basis.
I have zero desire to use any of the social features and I hate that its the focus this generation, when there are so many other interesting things they could focus on and let Facebook and Twitter have the social scene.
I have never ever touched them.
The screenshots in messages is brilliant - so brilliant in fact I have sent a few of them to everyone on my friends list and then had a couple of days of people leaving my message. Brilliant! Love sharing screenshots. Brilliant.
When I had a PS4 I never used them. Yet more annoyances on the dashboard (or whatever it's called) on both the PS4 and PS3 that you should be able to remove off the system completely. Honestly could not have cared less if RANDOMPERSON749 has just got a trophy on the latest FIFA or liked a game, just like I don't want Singstar on my XMB.
@kyleforrester87 I believe a Twitch app for the PS4 is currently in development, meaning you'll be able to watch non-PS4 streamers too
Nope, I use my console to play games. No interest in the social part, even playing online. Just not for me.
@theAdonai oh yeah?? Sweet!
I would use shareplay at least twice a week if it still worked. Ive gone up down over and around everything and shareplay does not work for me despite 75/15 connection hardwired. Worked when it came out perfectly, then the patch to fix peoples shareplay who didnt work came out and i havent been able to use it since. Ive talked to sony, my internet, ive had them both talk to each other, ive replaced hd, rewired, new router, modem, had cable company replace older wiring, nothing. But i still stream games for my friends, though there are a ton of games i would have bought had shareplay worked that i did not buy.
My wife just decided to start a youtube gaming channel, so it's been very handy for getting that started without investing in a capture card.
For games like Destiny, I use the social features MUCH more, to set up fire teams and chat and what not. For single player experiences I use the Live from ps to check out others playing, especially if I get stuck at a certain part.
I generally don't use them. I have 2 friends on PSN, both the real life friends I have with PSN accounts. One never, ever uses it (last online several years ago) and is basically a gamer poseur who just watched Youtube videos and then passes off those opinions as his own, the other has a PS4 but only spends a few hours a week gaming.
I do use the screenshot and video recording features all the time, though. I guess you could say it's for "social" reasons since I post them online, but it's not like I upload them to Facebook and say "Check out this wacky moment guys xD". I just put them on a USB stick and upload them to a few forums.
@rastamadeus Still sad about that Singstar get over it mate.
I really like the what new section and i vote up when my few PSN friends win a trophy or try another game that gets my interrest 2 sometimes.
nope. never. I have no desire to watch others play games, and I don't have the type of ego that would lead me to believe anyone should ever want to watch me play.
If I'm feeling social, I have friends over to play the Wii U.
I do like the ability to easily share videos and screenshots to Facebook for gamer friends to see every now and then. I'd much rather it was there than not, even though I don't use it that often.
@kyleforrester87 I think one is bringing a dedicated app which will alow you to access other consoles. Pretty sure it was announced a couple of days ago.
Well I had the believe oovoo would of been added this year, I would use that. Other than that no not really.
I hardly have any playing time as it is so I usually don't spend any time using the social features. It probably doesn't help that my internet connection is terrible. I've tried checking out some live streams but my connection is just too slow.
All these shit social features. Yet no one simply plugs in there headset when online.
Been saying it since day one. The PS4 UI is unpolished, they need to make things more fluid, the information that is. They finally fixes the party chat and UI bugs and painfully slow messaging, If they can properly implement the social aspect i'll be sold.
I can't wait for TWITCH app! Then I am not limited to just PS4 streams. Kappa !
Communities sounds interesting...
The social features on ps4 are ridiculous and utterly pointless and as laughable today as the firstly unveiled their "big" controller innovation of the "share" button hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
Utter crap and a total joke. Anybody makes extensive use of this feature???? Waste of time. Play the game, why would I want to watch you play a game, I'm busy playing mine. Why would I want to watch you play a section before me? I want to finish the game. Why would I watch your sports games highlights? I want to get my team better.
Total thoughtless waste of time feature. Just showed Sony had run out of ideas and faithfully gave us just more powerful console. Trying to claim it offers anything more than that over a ps3 is laughable.
@daveh30 EXACTLY!!!!!!
Very rarely use them but they're nice to have. I do like the What's new section. It's one of the first things I look at as soon as I start up the PS4.
@Flaming_Kaiser I genuinely couldn't give a toss but it was an example to prove my point.
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