Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s Playstation family of devices have been taking on each other for a long while now. The companies are the market leaders in gaming consoles and this time around they were trying to be complete home entertainment devices so one can tip the other out of the competition. Sony’s Playstation has regularly been ahead of the Xbox in terms of sales but this November, Microsoft’s baby went past PS4 with a massive sale of 1.2 million devices.
For a struggling Sony, this cannot be good news. The company has been seriously struggling for the past few years with no respite in sight. The Playstation ecosystem is the best performing device in Sony’s consumer electronic line-up. The current generation Xbox One’s price was slashed by $50, and it took the benefit of a festive season where the purse strings are loosened. This led to Xbox One leading in both US and UK markets.
Folks working at Xbox One offices were visibly elated. The company had previously hit a 10 million console sales milestone just a month before, and a massive boost from the November sales definitely put them on cloud 9.
Nintendo’s Amiibo were also a hit this year and were well received.
On the other hand, Sony’s compatriot and a gaming giant, Nintendo also had some happy news to share. Their interactive action figure line-up called Amiibo also found a lot of takers in the market. Nintendo has unveiled the Amiibo lineup at this years E3 held in June. These NFC powered figurines interact with the company’s Wii-U and Nintendo 3DS consoles and store user information and gameplay. The Amiibo lineup definitely helped Nintendo to increase its clout in the industry.
Sony needs to buck up in the console race if it wants to be counted in the consumer points tally. The consoles are Sony’s last remaining saving grace. A potential price cut or offers should be in order. The festive season is still on, and the company can make a comeback in time to have a happy Christmas this year. Or else it would be another in the line of disappointments it faced this year.
This day marks the twentieth anniversary of the PlayStation, and Sony is celebrating this feat with the launch of a retro themed limited edition PS4 console. These limited edition PS4s are decked up in the same greyish attire similar to the original PlayStation. The grey coating PS4 will come bundled with matching controllers and even the same old school power cords.
For those of you who already own a PS4, or don’t fancy yourself to scoop one off the limited run, Sony has released a PSone theme for its current console. It comes with the original retro start up sound, all you need to do is just download the latest firmware update.
Sources indicate that only 12,300 units of these aanniversary edition consoles will go on sale, sometime during Christmas. As the company will be soon sharing information on how you get a dose of nostalgia in the form of these grey little beasts.
Sony has officially confirmed via Twitter that PS4’s next Firmware update 2.0, is coming much sooner than we expected. It will be made available on 28th October.
The update codenamed ‘Masamune’, will have a slew of new features including theme support, improved voice commands, a USB music player which allows users to insert the USB stick into the PS4 and play their own music in the background while playing a game. Also, the new update will feature enhancements to live broadcasting, which will include dedicated app support for YouTube and the ability to upload gameplay footage directly to it.
PS4’s next software update, Masamune, will be available on 10/28. Includes Share Play, USB Music player, and more! pic.twitter.com/FjfgcY91Ki
Masamune will also bring the highly anticipated Share Play feature, which creates an online local co-op experience, by allowing users to invite friends to join a game – even if they don’t own a copy of the game. Users will be able to play along with a friend, or even ask them to temporarily take over game controls, as if they were sitting in the same room. This feature will only be available for PlayStation Plus members.
Meanwhile, the PlayStation App for smartphones and tablets is also set to receive an update to version 2.0 within the same launch window. The new app update will feature a new layout for tablets with a redesigned home screen for the app.
There are plethora of PlayStation 4 games coming in 2014. Lots of indie titles are going to debut as well as some big franchises come up with their annual releases.While there are still games out there with a rumored 2014 release date, we’ve decided to only include games that have been confirmed for a 2014 release.
We’ve rounded up 5 of most anticipated pS4 games of 2014:
5. Final Fantasy XV (Fall 2014)
When Final Fantasy XV is released this Fall, it will have officially been in development for 8 years. The game started production back in 2006 and features a darker and more realistic atmosphere than previous Final Fantasy games. The game was originally meant for release on the PS3 under the name “Final Fantasy Versus XIII”. For years, many thought the game was cancelled, but then Square Enix surprised everyone at the E3 2013.
4. Destiny (September 2014)
From the makers of Halo, Destiny is a first person action role play game, set in a vast science fiction world. Destine is built on a brand new engine by developer Bungie, who has been working on the game since 2010. It is one of the most hyped-up games this year, and there’s a lot at stake for developer Bungie and publisher Activision.
Revealed just days ago, Batman Arkham Knight is the latest entry in the Batman Arkham series, which have been tremendously successful for Warner Bros. Arkham Knight takes things to the next level, both visually and gameplay wise — the open world will be five times larger than in previous games.
Deep Down is arguably the best looking PlayStation 4 game we’ve ever seen. So far Capcom has shown us glimpses of gameplay that surpass even the tech demos we’ve seen of the Unreal Engine 4. Deep Down is a fantasy action RPG, an ode to the classic dungeon crawlers, with all sorts of dragons and creatures looming deep down.
1. The Order 1886 (Fall 2014)
The Order 1886 is set in an alternate history in a Victorian-war London, where an old order of knights protect the city (and the world) from monsters. The game reminds us a lot of Van Helsing, and has a unique art style, not to mention some gorgeous visuals. The Order 1886 has been in development since 2010, but Sony kept things under wraps until E3 2013 with the reveal of FFXV.
Music games are great for parties with close friends who won’t judge you when you totally tear down that one riff in David Bowies’ Let’s Dance. But they do have one weak spot: you can’t play them without all the plastic instrument accessories, making impulsive sessions at a friend’s place somewhat of a chore. The creators of Sony’s SingStar series have found a solution for that.
To celebrate it’s 10th anniversary, the SingStar franchise is launching a new app that enables you to turn your phone into a microphone. SingStar Director Chris Bruce wrote on the playstation blog, “We’re really pleased to announce that SingStar will be coming to PS4 later this year. Not only that but we will also be launching a free SingStar app that will transform your smartphone into a microphone. That’s right, no more mics required!”
The app works with both PS3 and PS4 versions and is also compatible with most iOS and Android smartphones and devices. The app also lets you create your own personal playlists.
The karaoke party game series previously required players to use USB microphones to sing along and compete against friends. Later this year they have promised SingStar: Ultimate Party on PS3 and PS4, which will host a collection of 30 tracks, which represents great value for anyone new to SingStar. Players will be able to select playlists directly from their phones as well.
With its improved scoring system, you can also build up your XP and get rewarded for game activity, or challenge your friends online and entertain them with renditions of your favorite songs,
SCE London Studio is working to expand SingStar’s social features by making it easier to share the best bits of your night on Twitter and Facebook straight from the game. They have also promised to continue adding new tracks to the SingStore. Though the release date for its forthcoming upgrade has not been announced.
Check out the new trailer featuring Carly Rae Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe.
If your usual projects at school were tough, and you thought internships were boring, this piece of news might change your mind. According to Chinese media, over 1,000 students from the Xi’an Institute of Technology have been working on the PlayStation 4 production line at Foxconn as part of a work experience partnership.
Just like regular workers, the students get paid and get workex on their CVs to make PS4 units however there seems to be no relevance to their courses. Foxconn has admitted to Quartz that some students were designated night shifts and overtime in disagreement with internship protocol. Foxconn says it’s taken steps to make sure it won’t happen again.
While reports claim that Xi’an Institute of Technology is holding credits of Students who don’t complete this “Mandatory” Internship. A real strategy for education, or a way to get cheap and effective labor ? You decide!
PC gamers will be able to use the DualShock 4 controller for Windows-based games. The revelation comes courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida via Twitter.
When the original poster followed up by asking whether the compatibility would be built in by default, Yoshida responded: “For basic functions, yes.”
It’s presently unknown whether the gamepad will be recognized specifically as a DualShock 4 or will feature XInput API, which allows third party devices to register as Xbox 360 controllers. When pressed for clarity, Yoshida said to wait for until after the console’s November launch for a field report on the matter.
Love the Xbox 360 gamepad or hate it, it works wonderfully with compatible PC games — simply plug in and play. Being able to use the DualShock 4 with the PC will certainly have its advantages depending on the type of game you are playing.
Sony last night addressed whether the PS4 features voice command capabilities through the PlayStation camera, but the company’s statement may not reveal as much as it initially seems.
The rumour that the PS4 would feature voice command capabilities popped up when video of a presentation made by SCEA’s group manager of retail training and advocacy Sean Coleman at this week’s GameStop Expo in Las Vegas was uploaded to YouTube on Thursday.
At the 5:30 mark a slide is shown for the Eye that says: “From navigational voice commands to facial recognition, the PlayStation Camera adds incredible innovation to your gaming.”
Speaking to gaming site Polygon a Sony spokesperson said: “Sony Computer Entertainment can confirm that PlayStation Camera allows for voice recognition and we will look forward to sharing more details in the lead up to the launch of PS4 on November 29.”
SCEA’s group manager of retail training and advocacy Sean Coleman outlined some PlayStation Camera features at the GameStop 2013 Expo in Las Vegas this week. “From navigational voice commands to facial recognition, the PlayStation Camera adds incredible innovation to your gaming.”
The PS4 PlayStation Camera will have some unique functionality with the new DualShock 4 controllers. It will be able to use facial recognition to detect who is holding which controller, and apply that player’s preferred controller profile.
Sony has officially shown off the new interface and does it look impressive. The double tap multitasking is a feature people were asking for for a long time and looks like Sony may have just pulled it off.
Within games you can now switch over to your messaging and switch back to the game, alternatively you can be on voice chat throughout, while downloading a game in the back ground.
The promo shows off a man trying to play knack but he is stuck in one area of the game, he then watches a video uploaded by a friend to clear that area. While another friend is asking him to join him on Killzone, which he must download from the Playstation store.
The video also shows off micro management, where you can use your smartphone to download games ota to the PS4. Now if only sony could implement it like they show it off, we could very well have the next gaming console.
A new trailer for InFamous Second Son was unveiled at Sony’s E3 conference, along with the news that it won’t be a launch title.
The sequel to 2011’s InFamous 2 is scheduled for a Q1 2014 release, it was announced during the conference.
“The new trailer introduces Delsin Rowe’s older brother, Reggie, who will accompany Delsin on his journey in Seattle,” said Sucker Punch’s Brian Fleming on the PlayStation Blog. “Reggie is voiced by Travis Willingham, who interestingly is close friends in real life with Troy Baker, the voice actor for Delsin. You’ll get a glimpse into Delsin and Reggie’s relationship, and also see how much fun Delsin has being a superhuman, especially when using his awesome Orbital Drop maneuver shown at the end of the trailer.”
You now have fire powers instead of electric, flying instead of gliding around or grinding power lines. It’s all good for the next evolution of this super-powered franchise.
Sucker Punch will be demoing the game, which launches in Q1 2014, at Sony’s E3 booth starting tomorrow.
If you have ever played Wolfenstein on PC, you are one of the few who have seen the evolution of the gaming industry. Wolf 3D was one of the First “First Person Shooter” game to release on PC.
The next generation release: Wolfenstein The New Order, developed by MachineGames, is set in an alternate timeline that saw the Nazis win World War 2. How the whole future would have changed and what our hero does to change that.
The graphics seem enhanced, and the game may have been designed for next generation consoles including the Xbox One and The PS4.
Following Sony’s PlayStation 4 announcement earlier this week, Microsoft is said to announce the next-generation Xbox console at a media event in April, according to publication Computer and Video Games.
Sony’s “surprise” PlayStation 4 announcement earlier this week reportedly caught Microsoft off guard at first, according to one Sony senior official that asked not to be named. The person in question said they definitely ruffled some feathers which seems likely considering most expected the two companies to announce their next generation consoles at E3 later this year.
Further evidence supporting Microsoft’s decision to host a one-off event is the fact that Ustechs, a company that has worked with Microsoft in the past on other media briefings, recently registered the domain XboxEvent.com.
Leaks for the Xbox 720 (codenamed Durango) have indicated it will feature some serious power internally. An 8-core 1.6GHz processor, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, an 800MHz graphics card, a 6x Blu-ray drive, USB 3.0, and gigabit Ethernet are rumoured to be included.
Microsoft is also said to include a new Kinect sensor that will include not only better tracking results for large rooms, but will ship with the console by default.
At its media event, Sony wasn’t able to show the actual hardware for its PlayStation 4, and only detailed a few specs, the new UI, and controller with touchpad. It’s not known if Microsoft will show off the Xbox design at its event. Leaks haven’t pointed to what the design will look like as of yet.
Baird Equity Research last month said the next-generation Xbox will be sold for $350-$400 in the autumn, right in time for the Christmas shopping season that’s sure to bring a slew of sales to the company.
And shortly after the event, it added to the day’s announcements by unveiling its official PlayStation mobile application. The app, which will land on both iOS and Android, will expand PS4 gameplay by offering a ‘second screen’ experience…
Here’s Sony’s press release on the app :
[quote]“A new application from SCE called “PlayStation®App” will enable iPhone, iPad, and Android based smartphones and tablets to become second screens. Once installed on these devices, users can, for example, see maps on their second screens when playing an adventure game, purchase PS4 games while away from home and download it directly to the console at home, or remotely watch other gamers playing on their devices.”[/quote]
Sony boasted that the PS4 will feature integration with third-party services, phones, and tablets that will allow players on mobile devices to view gameplay videos and challenge friends in head-to-head play.
There will be no actual gaming available on the app, rather it’s meant to be a companion for the consolem kinda like the Smart Glass app. The PlayStation Vita, however, has gained a “Remote Play” feature that allows gamers to pull PS4 games from their TV and play them on the 5-inch device.
It is currently unknown if the app will be similar to Microsoft’s Smart Glass Xbox app that allows users to view the stats of other gamers. Sony has yet to announce a release date, but the console is scheduled to arrive during the 2013 holiday season.
The PlayStation 4 was the highlight of Sony’s media event, with a PC-style architecture, an eight-core x86 processor and 8GB of RAM, the new Dualshock 4 controller with touchpad and new social layers for a better gaming experience.
Sony has officially lifted the lid off the PlayStation 4 during its New York City event today, showing that it wasn’t just gathering journos, developers, and the watching world for the biggest practical joke ever.
The console, which Sony didn’t show once during the 2-hour gathering, should arrive by holiday time 2013. It marks the first major system introduction from the Japan-based company since the PlayStation 3 was launched in 2006.
News.com.au sums up the much hyped PlayStation 4 event perfectly, it was like hosting a gala wedding and not inviting the bride.
[quote]Not surprisingly, Microsoft’s Xbox Live programming director Larry Hryb was quick to mock the Sony event. “Announce a console without actually showing a console? That’s one approach,” he tweeted. [/quote]
However, we do know SOMETHING about the PS4.
With under-the bonnet power considerably in excess of that of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, it will usher in a new breed of games with startlingly lifelike graphics, set in virtual worlds that operate in a much more believable manner than the current crop. But it will not have that ground to itself: Microsoft is applying the finishing touches to a successor for its Xbox 360 which, it is believed, it will unveil at the E3 Show in Los Angeles in June. That, too, is likely to go on sale this Christmas, unleashing a titanic battle for living room supremacy between Sony and Microsoft.
The console owns an eight core, x86-64 AMD Jaguar CPU.
It houses 8GB of GDDR5 unified high-speed memory, and a “highly advanced” PC GPU with “remarkable longterm potential.”
That processor, also made by AMD and referred to as a “next-generation Radeon based graphics engine” in a post-conference press release, boasts 18 compute units that together produce 1.84 teraflops of processing power.
We’ll also see Blu-ray and DVD support in the PS4, along with HDMI, Analog-AV, and optical digital output.
Sony has inserted a secondary chip completely dedicated to uploading and downloading titles, regardless of whether the system is on or off.
Using Gaikai’s technology, a company which they bought in 2012, to provide backwards compatibility gives the PlayStation 4 an economic edge, too: it means that costly backwards-compatibility chips can be dispensed with, making it cheaper to manufacture.
PlayStation Cloud will let gamers stream games from former PlayStation consoles, including the PS1, PS2 and PS3 to their shiny new Sony PS4 over their home broadband connection, using integrated Gaikai tech.
With Gaikai, the lion’s share of the game processing will take place server-side, rather than within the Sony PS4 console itself, but your PS3 disks will not be compatible with the PS4.
We’ve also been introduced to the all-new DualShock 4, a touchpad-packing controller especially designed for the new system.
The PS4 DualShock 4 controller features two sticks, four triggers, a directional pad, plus triangle, cross, circle, and square buttons, just like a classic PlayStation controller.
But it also has a touchpad across its face, and a PlayStation Move-like “light bar” across the top. The start and select buttons have been moved to the sides to make room for the touchpad, and the DualShock 4 also features a “share” button next to the triggers and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The touchpad can be used for touch interactions and doubtless other processes that have yet to be revealed or imagined, while the color-changing light bar allows the controller to interact with the PS4’s evolution of the PlayStation Eye, presumably for motion and pointing controls.
The PlayStation controller hasn’t changed much over the years, from the original PS1 DualShock to the PS3’s Sixaxis and DualShock 3 controllers.
The PS4’s DualShock 4 controller is both a huge departure from that formula and more of the same.
No pricing details were revealed at the event, so all we’ve got to go on are various rumours from before the launch – but it might be that Sony has a price point of around $400 in mind for the US release. That translates to around Rs 22,000.
With the PlayStation 4’s incorporation of cloud gaming and power, Sony appears to have launched a convincing first salvo in the impending console showdown with Microsoft. Final pricing, a launch date and the console’s physical design, along with a firm line-up of launch games will surely emerge at the E3 Show in June, along with Microsoft’s rival console. This Christmas could be the most exciting one ever, as far as gamers are concerned.
Sony posted a couple of videos on YouTube for the PS4, check them out below :
So we all have heard news that the next version of Microsoft’s gaming console will come next year around E3 time. Sony’s gaming division is also tracking the growing rumours of a new Microsoft console, with the aim being to release its PlayStation4 .
PlayStation Europe president Jim Ryan, said it would be “undesirable” for Sony to launch a new console “significantly later” than the next version of the Xbox, to avoid handing Microsoft another huge lead. This makes Sony’s plans clear to announce the PS4 sooner and not later than the launch of the Xbox 720.
