LG LA9650-series UHD TVs
(Credit: LG)
12.01.2013
11.14.2013
Sony PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4's beautiful graphics, blazing interface, and
near-perfect controller make it a worthy successor to the PS3, but it
would be wise to wait for more titles and features before you buy.
November 15. That's the day Sony unleashes the PlayStation 4, the long-awaited follow up to the company's PlayStation 3, a machine that debuted all the way back in 2006. The road leading up to launch has been tedious and bloodied by an intense rivalry with Microsoft's Xbox One, due exactly one week later.
Both new consoles arrive with their own marketing spin designed to claim the gaming throne: at US$400, the PS4 is the “affordable” next-gen machine, whereas the US$500 Xbox One promises an ambitious, always-on integration with live TV that aims to subsume your cable box.
Without these distinctions, however, Sony and Microsoft consoles could be separated at birth. Both offer powerful HD graphics that nearly match high-end gaming PCs. Each delivers a small initial set of non-gaming streaming entertainment apps, and a relatively underwhelming slate of exclusive games out of the gate. Meanwhile, both offer a near carbon-copy lineup of third-party games, including the requisite roster of EA Sports titles, and the latest installments of the Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and Battlefield franchises -- all of which have already been released on the PS3 and Xbox 360.
The PS4 and the Xbox One also share one ugly defect: neither console can play games purchased for their respective predecessors. Your library of PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 discs is not welcome here.
That’s the playing field onto which these two next-gen consoles arrive this holiday season. So, which console is right for you? Is it worth spending US$400 or more on a new console now? Does the PS4 make the case for PS3 owners to upgrade -- or for Xbox 360 owners to switch?
It’s a lot to digest, so let’s get started. I'll walk you through the future of Sony gaming.
What's in the box
Included inside every PlayStation 4 box is the console, power cord, a 2m HDMI cable (finally!), a DualShock 4 controller, a Micro-USB cable (to charge the DualShock 4), and a monoaural earbud for online chat. (The earbud plugs directly into the DualShock controller; you can alternately use any pair of headphones with a standard 3.5mm plug.)
The PS4 won't be sold in multiple models this time around. There's only one version, a 500GB model that retails for US$400. This is US$100 less than an Xbox One, though the latter ships with its camera and voice/motion-sensing peripheral, Kinect, in the box. It'll cost you US$60 extra to pick up the PlayStation Camera for the PS4 -- which I'll get to a little later. That model provides some of the same features as the Kinect, but it's less sophisticated than Microsoft's, and isn't as tightly integrated into the system.
The hardware
Despite its smallish size -- at least compared with an Xbox One -- the PS4 packs a lot of power under the hood. The box is 275 x 53 x 305mm, weighs about 2.8kg, and packs in 8GB of DDR5 RAM. The CPU is a low-power x86-64 "Jaguar" eight-core chip, and the graphics are powered by a 1.84 TFLOP AMD Radeon "next engine." The fine print may not impress the layperson, but suffice it to say, the PS4's innards are in line with a mid- to high-end gaming PC.
Like previous PlayStations before it, the PS4's 500GB hard-disk drive is user replaceable (a standard SATA laptop hard drive or SSD will work), something I'm thrilled Sony has decided to keep intact. That 500GB may seem like more than enough storage, but with game sizes beginning to flirt with 50GB apiece, that might not cut it a few years down the road.
The PS4 boasts a striking angular design with a modestly low profile. The front end angles toward the user, sleekly hiding two USB 3.0 slots to the right and a slot-loading 6x Blu-ray drive to the left. Between these two ports are touch-sensitive power and eject buttons that give off familiar PS3 beeps when activated.
Around punt of the PS4 are quaternity acicular interfaces in constituent to a textbook knowledge interact -- the synoptic size secure apiece PlayStation in the former has bespectacled. From tract to rightist there's an optical audio, HDMI, Ethernet, and help side, which is old for the nonobligatory PlayStation Camera.
Say that the PS4 staleness be abutting to an HDTV with an HDMI sign; there are no similarity (composite or element) outputs for this PlayStation.
The PS4 is accoutered with wireless 802.11 b/g/n protocols (but not 5Ghz nor the new 802.11ac prescriptive) and also supports Bluetooth 2.1. That said, Sony has indicated that most current Bluetooth peripherals -- including headsets and senior DualShock 3 PS3 controllers -- won't wreak with the PS4. The principal exclusion is the PlayStation Locomote -- if and when there's a PS4 gallinacean that's organized to output with it.
The PS4 has two force off modes when not in use. It can be overturned completely off or it can be put into actor mode. It's worth noting that the PS4 staleness be on or in histrion norm to receive pistol updates or be woken up remotely.
The top layer of the PS4 is one-third satiny and two-thirds matte ignominious. Between these finishes is a disentangle multicolor LED that glows yellow in thespian, discolor spell powered on, and juicy when booting up.
Dissimilar the Xbox One, which must place horizontally, the PS4 can be utilized vertically as easily. Sony recommends using a devoted posture for steep activeness, but the PS4 seems to sit on its opinion rightful pulverized by itself.
Not included with the PS4, the aforementioned PlayStation Camera is a US$60 accessory that allows you to control your PS4 with your voice. It'll also recognize your face and log you in should you set it up that way. Its functionality is quite similar to the Xbox One's Kinect, though it doesn't feature any IR blasting support. In fact, there's no IR port on the PS4 hardware, either, so you're stuck using the DualShock 4 controller when watching movies or streaming video. (Sony says a special Bluetooth remote is in the works, but didn't supply an ETA.)
Built into the PS4's operating system is interactive software called The Playroom that creatively demonstrates the PlayStation Camera's place in the PS4 environment. If you don't have the camera, The Playroom falls flat.
Gameplay
So what does playing a PlayStation 4 feel like? Quite honestly, it's a lot like the PlayStation 3. There's a noticeable bump in graphics, of course, but it's logical to assume the real heavy hitters won't have their day until we're deeper into the system's life cycle. Like I mentioned earlier, the jump in visuals is not as dramatic as it was going from SD to HD. Also, PC gamers with the luxury of a souped-up machine probably won't be much impressed at all. It's also worth mentioning that some cross-platform games like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag don't look nearly as good as PS4-exclusive games like Killzone: Shadow Fall.
Not all of the PS4's launch software received the next-gen "port" treatment. A lot of the sports games (FIFA 14, Madden 25, and NBA 2K14) are reworked from the ground up and run on next-gen engines to take better advantage of the new hardware. Of course, these next-gen games will be available for the Xbox One as well.
In terms of gameplay, the PS4 experience is greatly improved thanks to the fantastic DualShock 4 controller. Nearly every genre I tested seems to benefit from the redesign.
During any gameplay session you can suspend the action and back out into the Dynamic Menu. Double-tapping the Home button will bring you back to the game or you can manually select it from the menu. However, if you put the system in standby mode or turn it off, you'll lose your gameplay session.
Sony has been very vocal about the PS4's support for independent game development and plans on offering a healthy selection of titles at launch and soon after. These titles can only be accessed through the PlayStation Store exclusively.
Like the DS3, the DS4 has a six-axis motion-sensing system, which encompasses a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer. A fun little note here: you can click the right stick during text entry to get a tiltable keyboard that's slightly quicker than entering letters manually.
You'll likely notice the glowing light emanating from the DS4's back. It's designed to work with the PlayStation Camera accessory and will change colors if there's more than one controller connected to the system. Below it sits a Micro-USB port for charging the controller's built-in rechargeable battery.
Additional DualShock 4 controllers will cost you US$60 each. The console supports up to four.
The interface
Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have made substantial efforts in streamlining the user interface. The PlayStation 3's cross-media-bar has evolved into the PlayStation 4's "Dynamic Menu" that casts a blanket of simplicity throughout the operating system, logically grouping like-minded items together.
It basically consists of two horizontal rows, the top filled with icons for various functionalities like Friends, Trophies, and Settings, and a thumbnail lower row that is populated by recent activities like the last game you've played, shared game DVR clips, downloaded titles, Web access, other media, and more.
When you highlight an item in the Dynamic Menu, "live" items from the PlayStation Network (PSN) will populate with relevant content for you to browse.
Signing up on the PSN for the first time will require a 323MB day 1 download that will unlock most of the console's connected features. You don't need to update in order to play games, but it's highly recommended for everything else the PS4 can do.
Those who own a PlayStation Vita can connect the portable to the PS4 to activate remote play. Setup is fairly simple and it actually works well, but performance all depends on the strength of your home network. The concept is similar to what Wii U owners can do with that console's GamePad controller except for the fact that PS4 remote play uses your home. It's a godsend when your PS4 TV is being used up, but it's not a bulletproof work around because of its reliance on an ever-changing connection speed. While it's entirely possible down the line, you won't be able to play your PS4 outside of your home network.
Entertainment options
During our initial review period, none of Sony's digital entertainment services were turned on; that changed once we installed the 1.50 software update. We're still evaluating them -- and we'll continue to update this review -- but even without much hands-on time, there's plenty we know about the PS4's entertainment capabilities, both from hands-on demos and Sony's released information.
isc player: In addition to PS4 games, the PS4's disc drive is capable of playing back Blu-ray and DVD discs, but it can't play audio CDs or SACDs. It's hard to believe that the PS4 can't play a CD, but if you stick one in the drive you'll get a message that says "disc unsupported." In a sense, the PS4 is a step back from the "plays everything" nature of the PS3, although that could change with a future firmware update.
Digital media player: If you're willing to give the PS4 a pass by not supporting the 30-year-old compact disc format, it's harder to explain away the fact that it's not DLNA-compliant and can't play MP3s. Again, that may just be a launch-day limitation, with more features added in a future firmware update, but at least for now, the PS4 isn't nearly as capable as the PS3 is on the digital media side.
No TV integration: And if you're stacking up the PS4 vs. the soon-to-be released Xbox One, there's none of the TV integration that Microsoft is pushing as the future of living room technology. There's no onscreen program guide or the ability to watch TV and play games at the same time via a picture-in-picture window.
No compatibility with infrared remotes: Furthermore, unlike the Xbox One, the PS4 can't control the rest of your home theater equipment, nor can it be controlled via a typical IR-based universal remote. And it doesn't have Kinect's extensive voice control capabilities, although the optional PlayStation camera, as mentioned above, does support some limited voice control.
All of that isn't necessarily a knock -- we won't know how well the Xbox One's features work until we get a chance to test them in the real world -- but the PS4 is certainly less ambitious when it comes to its living room capabilities.
PlayStation Network, PlayStation Plus, and social
PlayStation Network provides a huge portion of the PlayStation 4's functionality. You'll need to be logged in to an account to activate almost all of the PS4's extra features.
PlayStation Plus subscriptions can carry over from the PS3 to PS4 and are now required for online multiplayer gaming. (Notably, unlike Xbox consoles, you do not need a PS Plus membership for using the media apps.) PS Plus members will also get automated game updates (the PS4 can update itself while in standby mode) so you won't need to wait when starting a game just to find out it needs updating. For system firmware updates, both PS Plus and non-PS Plus members will receive automated updates.
PlayStation Plus members have access to cloud game saves, free and discounted games across all Sony platforms, automatic game updates, access to game demos, online multiplayer and some beta invites. To be clear, "free" comes with a catch. Everything you download for free is accessible only while you still have a PS+ account. If your membership expires or you cancel, you'll lose those titles.
A PSN member must make one PS4 their "primary" console, but once that's situated up to 16 people can log in to it. That primary account holder can also log in to any PS4 and have access to games and saves. Again, it's important to note PS+ is required for cloud game saves.
The PlayStation Store is doing away with downloaded content. Starting with the PS4, everything will now be streamed directly through the Sony Entertainment Network service or content portal of your choice.
That said, you will need to download games directly to the PS4's hard drive. All "large file" games will support play-as-you-download capabilities, and some titles -- if the developer wishes to do so -- can support downloading of a certain part of a game and not the other. For example, downloading Call of Duty: Ghosts on the PS4 gives you the option to only install the campaign or multiplayer component separately.
Since a PS4 in standby mode can now be remotely turned on, a purchase made through the Sony Entertainment Network site can be downloaded to a PS4 without having to be in front of the physical console. Essentially you could make a purchase at work and have it ready to play by the time you get home.
The PSN experience and store is deeply woven into the fabric of the Dynamic Menu. Live items are built in everywhere you look, and social features are present at every corner, especially when it comes to your friends list. Your account can be tied to your Facebook and Twitter profiles and have the option of posting on your behalf depending on your settings. Your friends list will actually be made up of your friends' real names if they approve your friend request.
The PS4 has a game DVR feature that's constantly recording so that you won't miss any sequence you'd like to share. With the touch of a button, you can stream to Twitch or Ustream and send a link to social networks, though recorded video sharing will only be offered on Facebook to start. You can also view a live feed of a friend's gameplay directly from the PS4, and you can add comments, too. Screenshots can be uploaded to Facebook and Twitter as well.
Built into the Dynamic Menu is a section called "Live from PlayStation" that gives you access to watch various video streams. From here you can watch Twitch and Ustream live broadcasts, search for specific feeds and comment on content as well. If you own a game that you're watching, you can start the game from the video screen or even get linked out to the PS Store to buy it.
Facebook integration appears to be more closely interwoven into the PS4 experience, whereas Twitter only seems to crossover for screenshot uploads. In fact, when you run the initial PS4 setup you'll have the chance to connect your Facebook account and even use your profile photo on PSN
The PlayStation App on iOS and Android complements the PS4 experience with games that support second-screen functionality. It can also act as a navigational screen for the PS4 as well act as a keyboard when a text entry box pops up. Connecting the app to my PS4 was very easy (as long as they're on the same network) and the keyboard option comes in very handy when entering codes, tweeting screenshots, or commenting on videos.
November 15. That's the day Sony unleashes the PlayStation 4, the long-awaited follow up to the company's PlayStation 3, a machine that debuted all the way back in 2006. The road leading up to launch has been tedious and bloodied by an intense rivalry with Microsoft's Xbox One, due exactly one week later.
Both new consoles arrive with their own marketing spin designed to claim the gaming throne: at US$400, the PS4 is the “affordable” next-gen machine, whereas the US$500 Xbox One promises an ambitious, always-on integration with live TV that aims to subsume your cable box.
Without these distinctions, however, Sony and Microsoft consoles could be separated at birth. Both offer powerful HD graphics that nearly match high-end gaming PCs. Each delivers a small initial set of non-gaming streaming entertainment apps, and a relatively underwhelming slate of exclusive games out of the gate. Meanwhile, both offer a near carbon-copy lineup of third-party games, including the requisite roster of EA Sports titles, and the latest installments of the Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and Battlefield franchises -- all of which have already been released on the PS3 and Xbox 360.
The PS4 and the Xbox One also share one ugly defect: neither console can play games purchased for their respective predecessors. Your library of PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 discs is not welcome here.
That’s the playing field onto which these two next-gen consoles arrive this holiday season. So, which console is right for you? Is it worth spending US$400 or more on a new console now? Does the PS4 make the case for PS3 owners to upgrade -- or for Xbox 360 owners to switch?
It’s a lot to digest, so let’s get started. I'll walk you through the future of Sony gaming.
What's in the box
Included inside every PlayStation 4 box is the console, power cord, a 2m HDMI cable (finally!), a DualShock 4 controller, a Micro-USB cable (to charge the DualShock 4), and a monoaural earbud for online chat. (The earbud plugs directly into the DualShock controller; you can alternately use any pair of headphones with a standard 3.5mm plug.)
The PS4 won't be sold in multiple models this time around. There's only one version, a 500GB model that retails for US$400. This is US$100 less than an Xbox One, though the latter ships with its camera and voice/motion-sensing peripheral, Kinect, in the box. It'll cost you US$60 extra to pick up the PlayStation Camera for the PS4 -- which I'll get to a little later. That model provides some of the same features as the Kinect, but it's less sophisticated than Microsoft's, and isn't as tightly integrated into the system.
The hardware
Despite its smallish size -- at least compared with an Xbox One -- the PS4 packs a lot of power under the hood. The box is 275 x 53 x 305mm, weighs about 2.8kg, and packs in 8GB of DDR5 RAM. The CPU is a low-power x86-64 "Jaguar" eight-core chip, and the graphics are powered by a 1.84 TFLOP AMD Radeon "next engine." The fine print may not impress the layperson, but suffice it to say, the PS4's innards are in line with a mid- to high-end gaming PC.
Like previous PlayStations before it, the PS4's 500GB hard-disk drive is user replaceable (a standard SATA laptop hard drive or SSD will work), something I'm thrilled Sony has decided to keep intact. That 500GB may seem like more than enough storage, but with game sizes beginning to flirt with 50GB apiece, that might not cut it a few years down the road.
The PS4 boasts a striking angular design with a modestly low profile. The front end angles toward the user, sleekly hiding two USB 3.0 slots to the right and a slot-loading 6x Blu-ray drive to the left. Between these two ports are touch-sensitive power and eject buttons that give off familiar PS3 beeps when activated.
Around punt of the PS4 are quaternity acicular interfaces in constituent to a textbook knowledge interact -- the synoptic size secure apiece PlayStation in the former has bespectacled. From tract to rightist there's an optical audio, HDMI, Ethernet, and help side, which is old for the nonobligatory PlayStation Camera.
Say that the PS4 staleness be abutting to an HDTV with an HDMI sign; there are no similarity (composite or element) outputs for this PlayStation.
The PS4 is accoutered with wireless 802.11 b/g/n protocols (but not 5Ghz nor the new 802.11ac prescriptive) and also supports Bluetooth 2.1. That said, Sony has indicated that most current Bluetooth peripherals -- including headsets and senior DualShock 3 PS3 controllers -- won't wreak with the PS4. The principal exclusion is the PlayStation Locomote -- if and when there's a PS4 gallinacean that's organized to output with it.
The PS4 has two force off modes when not in use. It can be overturned completely off or it can be put into actor mode. It's worth noting that the PS4 staleness be on or in histrion norm to receive pistol updates or be woken up remotely.
The top layer of the PS4 is one-third satiny and two-thirds matte ignominious. Between these finishes is a disentangle multicolor LED that glows yellow in thespian, discolor spell powered on, and juicy when booting up.
Dissimilar the Xbox One, which must place horizontally, the PS4 can be utilized vertically as easily. Sony recommends using a devoted posture for steep activeness, but the PS4 seems to sit on its opinion rightful pulverized by itself.
Built into the PS4's operating system is interactive software called The Playroom that creatively demonstrates the PlayStation Camera's place in the PS4 environment. If you don't have the camera, The Playroom falls flat.
Gameplay
So what does playing a PlayStation 4 feel like? Quite honestly, it's a lot like the PlayStation 3. There's a noticeable bump in graphics, of course, but it's logical to assume the real heavy hitters won't have their day until we're deeper into the system's life cycle. Like I mentioned earlier, the jump in visuals is not as dramatic as it was going from SD to HD. Also, PC gamers with the luxury of a souped-up machine probably won't be much impressed at all. It's also worth mentioning that some cross-platform games like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag don't look nearly as good as PS4-exclusive games like Killzone: Shadow Fall.
Not all of the PS4's launch software received the next-gen "port" treatment. A lot of the sports games (FIFA 14, Madden 25, and NBA 2K14) are reworked from the ground up and run on next-gen engines to take better advantage of the new hardware. Of course, these next-gen games will be available for the Xbox One as well.
In terms of gameplay, the PS4 experience is greatly improved thanks to the fantastic DualShock 4 controller. Nearly every genre I tested seems to benefit from the redesign.
During any gameplay session you can suspend the action and back out into the Dynamic Menu. Double-tapping the Home button will bring you back to the game or you can manually select it from the menu. However, if you put the system in standby mode or turn it off, you'll lose your gameplay session.
Sony has been very vocal about the PS4's support for independent game development and plans on offering a healthy selection of titles at launch and soon after. These titles can only be accessed through the PlayStation Store exclusively.
The DualShock 4 is wider than the DualShock 3, perhaps to fit the controller's clickable touch pad that sits between the Share and Options buttons. The touch pad works just like a laptop touch pad and feels equally as responsive. The Share and Options buttons replace Start and Select. Though they occasionally function like their predecessors, they are also used to activate game DVR footage and sharing.
The L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons have all received redesigns as well, but no button on the pad seems to have benefited more than the L2 and R2 triggers. These now extend out and feel much more comfortable to pull. The DualShock 4 also has two rumble motors so developers can localize the vibration feedback contextually within a game.
Like the DS3, the DS4 has a six-axis motion-sensing system, which encompasses a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis accelerometer. A fun little note here: you can click the right stick during text entry to get a tiltable keyboard that's slightly quicker than entering letters manually.
You'll likely notice the glowing light emanating from the DS4's back. It's designed to work with the PlayStation Camera accessory and will change colors if there's more than one controller connected to the system. Below it sits a Micro-USB port for charging the controller's built-in rechargeable battery.
Additional DualShock 4 controllers will cost you US$60 each. The console supports up to four.
The interface
Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have made substantial efforts in streamlining the user interface. The PlayStation 3's cross-media-bar has evolved into the PlayStation 4's "Dynamic Menu" that casts a blanket of simplicity throughout the operating system, logically grouping like-minded items together.
It basically consists of two horizontal rows, the top filled with icons for various functionalities like Friends, Trophies, and Settings, and a thumbnail lower row that is populated by recent activities like the last game you've played, shared game DVR clips, downloaded titles, Web access, other media, and more.
When you highlight an item in the Dynamic Menu, "live" items from the PlayStation Network (PSN) will populate with relevant content for you to browse.
Signing up on the PSN for the first time will require a 323MB day 1 download that will unlock most of the console's connected features. You don't need to update in order to play games, but it's highly recommended for everything else the PS4 can do.
Those who own a PlayStation Vita can connect the portable to the PS4 to activate remote play. Setup is fairly simple and it actually works well, but performance all depends on the strength of your home network. The concept is similar to what Wii U owners can do with that console's GamePad controller except for the fact that PS4 remote play uses your home. It's a godsend when your PS4 TV is being used up, but it's not a bulletproof work around because of its reliance on an ever-changing connection speed. While it's entirely possible down the line, you won't be able to play your PS4 outside of your home network.
Entertainment options
During our initial review period, none of Sony's digital entertainment services were turned on; that changed once we installed the 1.50 software update. We're still evaluating them -- and we'll continue to update this review -- but even without much hands-on time, there's plenty we know about the PS4's entertainment capabilities, both from hands-on demos and Sony's released information.
isc player: In addition to PS4 games, the PS4's disc drive is capable of playing back Blu-ray and DVD discs, but it can't play audio CDs or SACDs. It's hard to believe that the PS4 can't play a CD, but if you stick one in the drive you'll get a message that says "disc unsupported." In a sense, the PS4 is a step back from the "plays everything" nature of the PS3, although that could change with a future firmware update.
Digital media player: If you're willing to give the PS4 a pass by not supporting the 30-year-old compact disc format, it's harder to explain away the fact that it's not DLNA-compliant and can't play MP3s. Again, that may just be a launch-day limitation, with more features added in a future firmware update, but at least for now, the PS4 isn't nearly as capable as the PS3 is on the digital media side.
No TV integration: And if you're stacking up the PS4 vs. the soon-to-be released Xbox One, there's none of the TV integration that Microsoft is pushing as the future of living room technology. There's no onscreen program guide or the ability to watch TV and play games at the same time via a picture-in-picture window.
No compatibility with infrared remotes: Furthermore, unlike the Xbox One, the PS4 can't control the rest of your home theater equipment, nor can it be controlled via a typical IR-based universal remote. And it doesn't have Kinect's extensive voice control capabilities, although the optional PlayStation camera, as mentioned above, does support some limited voice control.
All of that isn't necessarily a knock -- we won't know how well the Xbox One's features work until we get a chance to test them in the real world -- but the PS4 is certainly less ambitious when it comes to its living room capabilities.
PlayStation Network, PlayStation Plus, and social
PlayStation Network provides a huge portion of the PlayStation 4's functionality. You'll need to be logged in to an account to activate almost all of the PS4's extra features.
PlayStation Plus subscriptions can carry over from the PS3 to PS4 and are now required for online multiplayer gaming. (Notably, unlike Xbox consoles, you do not need a PS Plus membership for using the media apps.) PS Plus members will also get automated game updates (the PS4 can update itself while in standby mode) so you won't need to wait when starting a game just to find out it needs updating. For system firmware updates, both PS Plus and non-PS Plus members will receive automated updates.
PlayStation Plus members have access to cloud game saves, free and discounted games across all Sony platforms, automatic game updates, access to game demos, online multiplayer and some beta invites. To be clear, "free" comes with a catch. Everything you download for free is accessible only while you still have a PS+ account. If your membership expires or you cancel, you'll lose those titles.
A PSN member must make one PS4 their "primary" console, but once that's situated up to 16 people can log in to it. That primary account holder can also log in to any PS4 and have access to games and saves. Again, it's important to note PS+ is required for cloud game saves.
The PlayStation Store is doing away with downloaded content. Starting with the PS4, everything will now be streamed directly through the Sony Entertainment Network service or content portal of your choice.
That said, you will need to download games directly to the PS4's hard drive. All "large file" games will support play-as-you-download capabilities, and some titles -- if the developer wishes to do so -- can support downloading of a certain part of a game and not the other. For example, downloading Call of Duty: Ghosts on the PS4 gives you the option to only install the campaign or multiplayer component separately.
Since a PS4 in standby mode can now be remotely turned on, a purchase made through the Sony Entertainment Network site can be downloaded to a PS4 without having to be in front of the physical console. Essentially you could make a purchase at work and have it ready to play by the time you get home.
The PSN experience and store is deeply woven into the fabric of the Dynamic Menu. Live items are built in everywhere you look, and social features are present at every corner, especially when it comes to your friends list. Your account can be tied to your Facebook and Twitter profiles and have the option of posting on your behalf depending on your settings. Your friends list will actually be made up of your friends' real names if they approve your friend request.
The PS4 has a game DVR feature that's constantly recording so that you won't miss any sequence you'd like to share. With the touch of a button, you can stream to Twitch or Ustream and send a link to social networks, though recorded video sharing will only be offered on Facebook to start. You can also view a live feed of a friend's gameplay directly from the PS4, and you can add comments, too. Screenshots can be uploaded to Facebook and Twitter as well.
Built into the Dynamic Menu is a section called "Live from PlayStation" that gives you access to watch various video streams. From here you can watch Twitch and Ustream live broadcasts, search for specific feeds and comment on content as well. If you own a game that you're watching, you can start the game from the video screen or even get linked out to the PS Store to buy it.
Facebook integration appears to be more closely interwoven into the PS4 experience, whereas Twitter only seems to crossover for screenshot uploads. In fact, when you run the initial PS4 setup you'll have the chance to connect your Facebook account and even use your profile photo on PSN
The PlayStation App on iOS and Android complements the PS4 experience with games that support second-screen functionality. It can also act as a navigational screen for the PS4 as well act as a keyboard when a text entry box pops up. Connecting the app to my PS4 was very easy (as long as they're on the same network) and the keyboard option comes in very handy when entering codes, tweeting screenshots, or commenting on videos.
10.31.2013
Things to know and do before getting that new iPad Air
Apple's redesigned fifth-generation iPad will go on sale tomorrow. Renamed the iPad Air, the latest slate comes with a slimmer form factor and sheds some weight as well. CNET's review said the iPad Air is "the best full-size consumer tablet on the market."
So if the question is whether you should get one, well, I've said my piece regarding this in my earlier article and I'll definitely be getting the Air over the new iPad mini. If you've already made up your mind to get one, here are some things to consider.
Pricing
Now, I've done the maths, and if you want to get the cheapest slate in Southeast Asia, you should head to Hong Kong. The iPad Airs there are sold without tax, and here's a fun fact: there's only one version of the LTE iPads this time, which means it will work globally with almost all 4G networks.Take the 32GB 4G iPad Air for example. In Singapore, the tablet is sold at S$1,008 (US$813). In Hong Kong, the same model retails for S$909 (US$733). That's almost a S$100 difference, enough to get the new Smart Cover with change to spare. The other two launch countries in Asia, Japan and China, have only the Wi-Fi models on sale at launch.
The same model is similarly priced in Australia as well, at S$998 after conversion. So if you do want to save some cash, get a friend in Hong Kong who's visiting you for a holiday to get you one.
Unsurprisingly, the iPad Air is cheaper in the US -- the 32GB 4G model is US$729 -- if you're able to get it tax-free in certain states. Even with a 10 percent sales tax though, the Air will cost US$802, slightly cheaper than if you were to get it in Singapore.
Availability
Stocks are likely to be limited, so you may want to head down early to the Apple Stores and resellers to queue up. There's also the option of buying it from the telcos with a plan, but this will cost you extra every month with an additional subscription fee. Good luck!Warranty
Thanks to having just one model of the iPad Air, AppleCare should cover your tablet anywhere in the world within the first year (if you choose not to extend it) and you'll be able to easily swap it for a refurbished one. On that note, you may also want to consider extending your AppleCare period to get maximum protection if you plan to skip next year's iPad.
Accessories
If you're thinking of saving some cash by reusing your current iPad Smart Covers, here's the bad news. The change in design means that it likely won't be compatible. Get ready to fork out some cash if you want your new iPad protected. The good news is that Apple is using the same Lightning port, so you don't have to buy new cables.
Back up your current iPad
You're probably really eager to get your hands on your new toy, but before you do so, remember to back up your current slate first. Doing so will allow you to quickly migrate your settings and apps over to your new iPad Air when you get it. For best results, I suggest using the iCloud backup option -- signing in to your iCloud account on your new iPad during the initial setup will automatically perform the restore procedure.
iPad Air 80 percent faster than iPad 4 in benchmarks
The iPad Air is 80 percent faster than the fourth-generation iPad, say new benchmark tests.
Running the new iPad through the paces via Geekbench 3 tests, Primate Labs found that the tablet comes close to reaching Apple's promise of doubling the speed of the iPad 4.
The iPad Air is powered by an A7 processor, just like the iPhone 5S. But the new iPad runs at 1.4GHz -- which is 100MHz faster than the 5S, Primate Labs founder John Poole said on Wednesday. He said he's not sure whether the iPad Air's processor is faster due to a larger battery (which offers more power), a larger chassis (which offers better cooling), or a combination of the two. But he does expect the iPad Mini's A7 processor to also clock in at 1.4GHz.
The new Air is also five times faster than the iPad 2, leading Poole to question why Apple is still selling the second-generation model, especially at $399, just $100 less than the starting price for the iPad Air.
He said that, from a performance standpoint, the iPad Air is a great upgrade to the iPad 4.
"With most recent Mac updates showing only modest performance improvements, it's exciting to see iOS devices do the opposite, with substantial improvements between generations," he said. "I wonder how much longer Apple can keep this up?"
The iPad Air is due to hit stores on Friday.
Lenovo introduces tablets Yoga Tablet 8 and 10
The Chinese manufacturer Lenovo announced the upcoming availability of its tablet Yoga Tablet 8 and 10. They have the particularity to have a small swivel base for easy grip, or to ask them vertically like a screen.
Lenovo tablets
Lenovo has unveiled two tablets 8 and 10 inches. The Yoga Yoga Tablet Tablet 8 and 10 both show a definition of 1280 x 800 pixels and work with Android 4.2.2 . What distinguishes them from other tablets is that they have a mini rotating base that can hold them more easily hand , ask the tablet at an angle for easy reading or the questions to the vertical as a TV screen.
In terms of features are similar and include a quadruple heart processor clocked at 1.2GHz , 1GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage via microSD card. A 5 megapixel video sensor / is also integrated on the back shelves . In addition to its larger size , the Yoga Tablet 10 differs autonomy amounting to 18 hours , according to Lenovo and a weight of 600 grams instead of 400 grams for the 8 -inch model .
The Yoga Yoga Tablet Tablet 8 and 10 will be sold respectively 229 and 299 euros in the coming days . ( EP)
Google Glass gets new accessories
Google Glass
(Credit: Google)
With Google Glass being released into the wild in the coming months, Google has begun to partner with different companies to roll out accessories for its computer-enabled eyeglasses.
On the Glass Explorers forum a new thread popped up Wednesday pointing to help pages that outline how the earbuds will work, who Google has partnered with for shades and shields, how Glass charging works, along with other material.
While none of this information has been officially announced, it is publicly available for users to peruse online.
Google Glass is the company's foray into a wearable computer or smartphone. The device comes in the form of eyeglasses that can record videos, take photos, chat, get directions, look up facts on the Web, and more.
For Glass shades, Google has partnered with companies Maui Jim and Zeal Optics to provide a sunglass shade with every wearable device. This means it's possible that some stylish sunglass shades will be available along with what's included with the device now. Google also wrote that users will be able to swap out Glass frames.
For other accessories, Google wrote that Glass will come with a USB cable and charger; users can charge and transfer photos and videos by connecting the cable to their computers. A mono earbud also will be included with all devices, which will work for phone calls or listening to music. Google wrote that it will additionally include protective pouches for storing Glass.
Google started shipping the US$1,500 Explorer Edition prototypes in April, and the device is expected to arrive on the market for the general public sometime next year. Google said that all Glass accessories will automatically appear in the Glass store whenever they are in stock. The company also plans to launch an app store serving Glass users in 2014.
9.24.2013
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Android Jelly Bean (4.3)
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 improves upon the Note 2 in many ways and is still the best phablet in the market. Samsung does, however, need to improve on the Note 3's camera software and work on a better rear cover accessory.
Announced at the IFA tradeshow held in Berlin, Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 is the chaebol's follow up to its popular Note 2 phablet, and features tweaks to its design, including a new faux-leather rear. It packs a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and runs the latest version of Android Jelly Bean (4.3).
Design
If you like the look and feel of Samsung's Galaxy S4, the Note 3 is very similar, but larger. Like the S4, the Note 3 has a metallic rim for a more premium feel, but ups the stakes by dropping the normal glossy plastic rear cover with a faux-leather one with stitches.
Fortunately for Samsung, this actually does work out. The matte feel gives the handset a better grip -- there's no more oily feel from the glossy rear. While it does look somewhat tacky at first, the rear cover grows on you -- especially when you look at the alternative S View cover.
The S$88 S View cover accessory replaces the faux leather rear with a PVC-like material. It also adds wireless charging capabilities and a new S View window that activates when the cover is closed. Like the LG G2's QuickWindow, the S View lets you quickly access the camera, write a memo, play music and read text messages. Its actually pretty useful, but there's just one major flaw with the cover.
Unlike LG's version, the S View has a plastic window instead of leaving a hole. I'm guessing the plastic is there to keep the shape of the window intact, but LG's solution uses a metal rim and is actually better. If you flip the case around to the rear to get a better grip of the handset, the clear plastic ends up distorting images captured by the rear 13-megapixel camera.
Like all Samsung phones, the Note 3 features a prominent home button and uses physical touch-sensitive buttons. The back arrow is also placed on the right, so if you use the phone left handed, it's can be a stretch for your thumb to hit it.
Samsung has always been "unapologetically plastic", to borrow Apple's design head Jonathan Ive's words, and the Note 3 is no different. I do, however, like the very solid feel that the handset has, which really does help sell the premium feel (and price).
The 5.7-inch display is slightly larger than the Note 2's 5.5-inch display, and it also ups the resolution from HD to full-HD. If you think this would have made the phablet bigger, well, you're wrong. The Note 3 is about the same size as the Note 2, and is slightly thinner to boot at 8.3mm to the Note 2's 9.4mm. Weight wise, the Note 3 is lighter as well, 168g to the Note 2's 183g.
Located at the bottom right corner is where the stylus is sheathed. This can be a bit tight and hard to pull out, but this ensures that it won't accidentally slip out of the phone. Next to it is a USB 3.0 port, which helps with faster data transfers (if you have a USB 3.0 port on your PC) and charging. It's also backward compatible with older micro-USB cables.
Features
Loaded with the latest Jelly Bean version (Android 4.3), the Note 3 is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor. The handset is clocked at a speedy 2.3GHz and has a whopping 3GB of RAM. As I understand it, Samsung's decision to load up so much RAM on the Note 3 is due to the multitasking abilities which I will talk about it in a bit.
Like all previous Note devices, the Note 3 comes with a digitizer stylus. It lets you control how thick your strokes will be. New enhancements include an Air Command wheel that pops up the first time you unsheath the stylus, It gives you quick access to Action Memo, Scrapbooker, Screen Write, S Finder and Pen Window.
Action Memo is basically a note taking app that you can quickly use and features handwriting analysis. You can call numbers or add contacts using this. Scrapbooker lets you highlight whatever you are currently looking at and want to save for later, and also works with Web pages (it will record the URL). Screen Write does what it says -- you can draw on your current screen and save the image to send as a note. S Finder is a universal search for content on your handset and on the Web, while Pen Window lets you quickly call up mini apps that float over your current one.
If you need to call up Air Command again, just hover the stylus over the screen while hitting the button at the side of the stylus.
Samsung has also improved the multitasking capabilities of the Note 3. Certain apps (such as the browser and the text message window can be placed side by side. Some third party apps, such as WhatsApp also work with this multitasking feature. Both apps are active -- which means you can share stuff between windows (if it's supported) by dragging them. I tried dragging a picture from the gallery to WhatsApp -- that didn't work -- but doing the same thing to the text messaging app worked.
Another cool feature is the new one-handed view. By doing a zig-zag motion on the touchscreen, you can shrink the current screen to a smaller size, which makes it usable with one hand. It also enables onscreen buttons. While the smaller screen is usable with one hand, you will lose out on a lot of screen real estate as the resulting window is now much smaller at about 4.3-inches.
The Note 3 comes with a 13-megapixel camera, and I found my experience with the shooter to be quite strange. The autofocus would randomly not lock on properly at times, even for non-macro shots. I did manage to get the camera to focus properly after multiple times of forcing it to reacquire the lock. I could not replicate it when I tried at our indoor lab.
One issue I had with the camera is the lack of shooting options -- you can't tell the camera to shoot macro (you can in the Note 2), you'll have to hope the auto mode gets it right the first time. Turning on the software-based image stabilization feature will load up a processing window that pops up right after you take a picture and this is annoying but you do get better shots (in low-light).
The camera performance, like the Galaxy S4, was average. You'll get great shots in areas with bright sunlight, but shooting in low-light conditions will result in grainy and smudged pictures. Turning on the image stabilization feature resulted in a washed-out low-light shot, but images definitely looked much better with less grain when this setting is turned on.
Lastly, as a bonus, you can take 4K videos with a five-minute limit with the Note 3, though I wasn't able to ascertain the quality of the video. I couldn't get my sample clip played back on a Samsung UHD TV that was in the CNET lab.
Performance
Loaded with a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.3GHz processor, I found the handset to be extremely snappy like other high-end handsets packing the same system-on-chip from Qualcomm. The Note 3 also scored 15,366 in the 3DMark IceStorm Unlimited test.
The Samsung phablet packs a removable 3,200mAh battery, and using our usual test settings of having two email accounts, Facebook and Twitter on push, we manage to last a day and a half on moderate to heavy usage. The Note 3 is a workhorse, and you can really get quite a lot of mileage with this handset.
Voice quality on calls was generally fine. Speaker volume was loud enough to be heard even when the phone is in the pocket.
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