Highlights:
The PS4 has a new system update, version 6.50. With the new update, you can now stream your PS4 games to your iOS device. To be able to do this, you will need to download the Remote Play app on your iOS device and ensure your PS4 or PS4 Pro is updated to the latest 6.50 version. Games that are compatible will be playable on your iOS device with on-screen buttons. The only downside to this is that gamers cannot connect their Dualshock 4 controllers to the smartphones to enjoy the games. They will have to use the onscreen touch controls. Another thing to note is that you will need an iPhone 7 minimum or a sixth generation iPad or higher to run remote play. Also, the service will work over WiFi only and not 4G.
Remote Play isn’t a new function. It was first announced back in 2013 where PS4 gamers could remote play their games on the PS Vita (read our review here). The PS Vita has now officially been discontinued and Sony isn't talking about the future of a portable PlayStation console. Coming back to remote play, Sony introduced the ability to remote play your PS4 games on your PC or Mac in 2016. As far as Android devices go, you can only use the remote play functionality on Sony’s Xperia smartphones. Since remote play works on Xperia smartphones, it's hard to understand why the function isn't available on other similarly specced Android devices.
Another interesting change with the 6.50 update is the ability to remap the X and O buttons. For those unaware, the X button is used as the “accept” button in western regions while O is used as “accept” in eastern regions. This has caused problems for those that have purchased their consoles overseas. Finally, Sony has given players the ability to remap the buttons.
Remote play is an extremely useful function for those that live in a house with a single TV. If you need to let others in the house watch TV while you game, you can simply remote play on your iOS device or Mac or PC. Sony has its PlayStation Now service which sadly isn't available in India. The service is a Netflix like streaming service giving PlayStation owners and non PS hardware owners a chance to experience the PlayStation library of games. Players can stream the games off the internet to their PS4, compatible smart TV, or PC. This is a true Netflix like game streaming service but is sadly available in select regions only. It was after Microsoft’s Game Pass started getting traction that Sony alloweed PS4 subscribers of PS Now to download and play the games (just like Game Pass) to get a better gaming experience. Sadly, PS3 games (which are a part of the PS Now subscription library) cannot be downloaded and played on the PS4.
Sony originally launched the PS4 back in 2013 and introduced the souped up PS4 Pro in 2016. Rumour mills are abuzz about the upcoming PS5 and the next generation Xbox. You can read about the speculated specs of the upcoming consoles here.
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