When the Xbox One and the Playstation 4 were announced this year there was a heavy focus on second-screen experiences as well as social features that both consoles would be coming having integrated into them. The Playstation 4 seemed to have more of a foothold on the whole thing, pushing the second-screen experiences and social features a lot more during their presentation and upcoming games.
Well the official launch of the Playstation 4 companion application for Android and iOS devices now has a release date which is November 13th, 2013. This application will basically act like a hub of sorts, tying in together the Playstation Network, the PS Vita, Playstation 3 and the Playstation 4. It will directly link to the Playstation website as well as the Playstation store, allowing users to buy and download games whenever they want.
Playstation 4 Companion App Features:
1) Directly access various PSN features and information
* Users can access their own profile screen.
* Users can access/compare their own and friends’ Trophy accomplishments.
* Exchange messages between PS4 systems, PlayStation 3 systems, PlayStation Vita systems, and mobile devices installed with PlayStation App.
* Access and filter friend profiles.
* Notify users about their friends’ shared activities on “What’s New”.
* Notify PS4 users when they receive any new notifications or game invitations. Users can also display their lists of game items.2) Browse the official PlayStation website and access information
* Users can access the PlayStation official website to browse through news, blogs and game information. The language and content of the website will depend on the country the user’s Sony Entertainment Network account is registered.
3) PS4 Second Screen Feature
* Users can install PlayStation App on to their mobile devices to use as a second screen in supported games. For example on THE PLAYROOM, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation Camera, users can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.
4) Spectate other PS4 users’ gameplay
* When users’ friends upload or begin live streaming their gameplay on PS4 systems, the friends’ activities are displayed on “What’s New” of the PlayStation App screen. When users tap on this notification, they can boot pre-installed applications, such as browsers, to spectate the uploaded gameplay. Users can also post comments on gameplay screenshots, footage and live streams.
5) Purchase game content on PlayStation Store
* Users can purchase game content while away from home and download it directly onto their PS4, PS3, and PS Vita systems.
6) Use a mobile device as a simple remote to control the PS4 system
* Once installed, users can use their PlayStation App to control their PS4 system as long as both devices have access to the same Wi-Fi access point. For example, users can switch their PS4 system to standby mode, startup their PS4 system from standby mode, and use their mobile phone as a keyboard for their PS4 system
However the main focus is on Playstation 4 integration and interaction. This app will allow users to us their Android phone or tablet as a limited remote for the system, waking it from and putting it to sleep, acting as a keyboard for entering download codes and credit card information. Of course another big feature will be the ability to access second-screen functionality, something that has been heavily pushed by Sony since the announcement of the console and upcoming titles.
Of course there are social features as well and the app will allow you to watch your friends uploaded gameplay videos or streaming video while they are actually playing a game that supports this. There also will be plenty of notifications regarding your friends, filters and other goodies included in the app.
The Playstation 4 companion app will be available as a free download for residents of North America on November 13th, 2013. Everyone in Europe will have the app available for download on November 22nd, 2013.
Website Referenced: Kotaku
