Outside of briefly mentioning that there will be an iOS/Android PlayStation App that will work with the PlayStation 4, Sony has remained relatively silent on exactly what users will be able to do after they download the free application. With the launch of the PS4 coming up fast, the first details about the mobile software are starting to roll out and it sounds as if it will provide a nice set of features for users.
In a brief interview with the European PlayStation Blog, Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida described how the PlayStation App will let PS4 owners communicate with people on their friends list, compare trophies, and watch recorded or live-streamed PS4 gameplay. Additionally, users will be able to use the app to buy digital content and then download it to their console.
“It’s an application that anyone can download for free on iOS and Android devices. There are a variety of things you can do with it. You can connect to your PlayStation profile, and send messages – even voice messages – to friends between your smartphone and PS4.”
“A friend on PS4 can also send out an invitation for a multiplayer game, which you can then check on the App, and you can also purchase PS4 games from PlayStation Store. Your game will immediately start downloading while you’re away.”
Yoshida also noted that developers will be able to use the PlayStation App as a “second screen” feature for their titles.
“…developers can use PlayStation App to connect to 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. It’s open to all PS4 developers to use.”
Obviously, it will take some time before we can say for sure if the PlayStation App lives up to Sony’s promises, but for now it sounds like a nice set of extra features for the PS4. Especially when you consider its free price tag.
