PlayStation 4 software 1.5 update detailed

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I am a sinner.
Sep 11, 2013
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If all of these features are in a download on day one, what exactly is the PlayStation 4 shipping with? This seems as if the entire OS is a download. These are all features that Sony had touted at E3. I'm confused at how some of their biggest talking points at conferences like E3 are not already on the system. Also, not everything will be available ay launch. So far they say it's a low power mode. What else? Being this late in the game, a little under three weeks until launch, this makes me a little uncomfortable for those that are getting a PlayStation 4.

Multiplayer has to be downloaded first if you want to play a game online? How is this not built into the system. To play a Bluray or DVD you have to connect to the internet first? Immediate system updates are assumed in this day and age, but to be missing these features out of the box and needing to download them is... Weird. For Sony's sake I hope this update has been tested to death so there are no issues like they've had in the past. If a major issue arises from this mandatory download it's going to be massive news fodder.

PlayStation Blog has been kind enough to detail the upcoming PlayStation 4 software update v1.5 for us.

We wanted to shed some light on system software update version 1.50 for PS4, which will launch simultaneously with the system’s official North American launch on November 15th, 2013. By updating to system software version 1.50, you’ll be able to experience a variety of new features in addition to the basic functions of PS4. The system software update 1.50 is approximately 300 MB, and will include the following features:
  • Remote Play
    Users will be able to access PS4 titles displayed on their living room TVs and play them on a PS Vita system over Wi-Fi networks by using PS4 Link (Depending on network environment or titles, remote play performance may vary outside of the home). We anticipate that most PS4 titles will be playable on the PS Vita system through Remote Play. The latest PS Vita system software version, to be released soon, will be required to use PS4 Link.
  • Second Screen
    Users can use the PS4 Link application for the PS Vita system, and PlayStation App for iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and tablets, to use these devices as second screens in supported titles. PlayStation App has the ability to enable users to interact with games with their mobiles devices. 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.
  • Record, take screenshots, and upload gameplay effortlessly
    The PS4 system provides dedicated, “always on” video encoding systems that enables seamless uploading of gameplay. Users can share their epic triumphs by simply hitting the Share button on DualShock 4, take screenshots or scan through the last 15 minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game—the video uploads as the user plays. At the PS4 system’s launch in North America, users will be able to share their images and videos with friends on Facebook and screenshots with followers on Twitter, though users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Facebook and Twitter.
  • Broadcast and spectate gameplay
    The PS4 system also enhances social spectating by enabling users to broadcast their gameplay in real-time to game fans around the globe, using Ustream and Twitch live internet streaming services (users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Ustream and Twitch). There are two ways for users to view live broadcasts. First, the Live from PlayStation application on PS4 aggregates streams from all PlayStation users. Second, users can spectate friends’ PS4 gameplay from PCs, and applications such as Ustream, Twitch, and browsers, which are installed on their mobile devices. These applications can be easily started up via PlayStation App, and users can also use these applications to post comments to gameplay broadcasts. Furthermore, users with PlayStation Camera can stream camera images and microphone sounds along with their live gameplay broadcast.
  • Play as you download
    This feature enables users to play supported digital titles as they are being downloaded. The time it takes to begin playing will vary depending on game data size and network environments, and not all titles will support this feature When a game is purchased, users can start playing after PS4 downloads a portion of the data, while the rest of the game is downloaded in the background during actual gameplay. Games may be downloaded in stand-by mode.
  • Multi log-in
    A maximum of four users can log-in to a single PS4 system simultaneously. These players can use their own save data to play games, and also earn trophies on their own Sony Entertainment Network accounts even when playing a multiplayer game together on a single PS4 system.
  • Party (Voice chat)
    By using the Mono Headset bundled with the PS4 system, users will be able to chat with up to eight friends enjoying different applications or games. Furthermore, users can use Party to chat between PS4 and PS Vita systems.
  • Face recognition and voice commands
    Users with PlayStation Camera will be able to register their facial image onto their PS4 system, and login to their system using facial recognition instead of DualShock 4. Furthermore, users can use either the microphone of the Mono Head set connected to DualShock 4, or PlayStation Camera to navigate through the PS4 home screen (PlayStation Dynamic Menu) with voice commands to start up games and shutdown the system, among other features; please refer to PS4’s online manual for recognizable voice commands.
  • Background music player
    Users can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service. Users can also voice chat with friends while listening to music. Learn more about Music Unlimited here.
  • Online Multiplayer
    PlayStation Plus members will be able to play PS4 titles online with other players via the network. PS Plus makes it easy for members to join available online multiplayer matches in a variety of ways, including the ability to easily join a game from a live stream broadcast or Party voice chats.
  • Blu-ray Disc and DVD player
    Users can enjoy not only gaming on their PS4 system, but also Blu-ray and DVD video contents. When using for the first time, users must connect to the internet to activate this feature.
Some features will not be available at launch, such as “suspend/resume mode” which is a feature that keeps the PS4 system in a low power state and promptly takes users back to their game. We will provide additional information about system software update version 1.50 and features available at the PS4 system’s North America launch, and features that will be available after launch, in the near future.
Edit, opinion added.
 

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I wonder if this will work like the PS3 where updates can be installed from a USB flash drive? Or at least be included on one of the launch games possibly...
 
Yeah, day one updates aren't something to knock Sony or MS over, they're just a reality. The things that would concern me more are the parts about "not all titles support" the play as you download, and that the suspend mode won't be available at launch. Neither are really that significant in the grand scheme, but if you've got an emotional interest in tearing down Sony that's where you'd look. Looks like a pretty solid feature list to me, though.
 
Background music player
Users can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service. Users can also voice chat with friends while listening to music. Learn more about Music Unlimited here.

It better support background music using our OWN music. I don't want to pay a music sub fee or be limited to using Unlimited. :txbconfused:
 
Yes what a terrible thing to update firmware. You must hate just about every electronic device.
 
while its true X1 gets a day one update, SONY will continue with the firmware over and over
And over...and over...and over....and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...
 
And over...and over...and over....and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...and over...

Are you insinuating that we may see firmware 1.51 on 11/16?
 
It does make some of the backlash about the X1 having to connect to the internet out of the box pretty comical.

At E3, Sony claimed you would never have to connect to the internet if you didn't want to...which was the main selling point for me over the X1. Now some of the basic features are requiring an update is BS. I have very unreliable satellite broadband, so this update is concerning unless some of the launch games will ship with the update, or the update can be downloaded on PC and placed on a USB flash drive.
 
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So the update gives you access to using your PS4 essentially. Without it, you are limited to offline gaming.

I see they are adding Kinect like features for the dashboard for the voice commands. That's cool.
 
Is this another gen of the never ending updates from Sony ? How annoying. The Size is also pretty large when you compare them to general system updates from MS this gen.

I know people are saying the xbox needs one too, but the circumstances are different. MS had to change a lot of their original plans. So why annoying , it is more understandable.

Are the days of actually buying a finished gaming product done ?
 
Are the days of actually buying a finished gaming product done ?

Yes. Look at Forza 5. They are intentionally shipping out a game on disk that is not done, AND they advertised that. Sad but true.
 
At E3, Sony claimed you would never have to connect to the internet if you didn't want to...which was the main selling point for me over the X1. Now some of the basic features are requiring an update is BS. I have very unreliable satellite broadband, so this update is concerning unless some of the launch games will ship with the update, or the update can be downloaded on PC and placed on a USB flash drive.

I would be shocked if this isn't available as a PC download.

You make a very understandable point.
 
this update will be on launch games also. i rember when i got my ps3 at launch
i was not hooked up to the net yet and one of the games i got had the frist fw update on it
 
Speak Softly....The Forza fans will burn you at the stake for such negativity.
I pretty much want to make love to Forza 5, but I know of it's shortcomings and I am not afraid to point them out.

Sorry if I got a bit off topic. I was relating how games and hardware are now dependent on the internet to "finish" the product.

That said, I would rather buy the PS4 today WITHOUT all those features, than have to wait a few more months until those features are done. So I guess I will take it up the ass, AND I will choose to like it!
 
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I pretty much want to make love to Forza 5, but I know of it's shortcomings and I am not afraid to point them out.

Sorry if I got a bit off topic. I was relating how games and hardware are now dependent on the internet to "finish" the product.

That said, I would rather buy the PS4 today WITHOUT all those features, than have to wait a few more months until those features are done. So I guess I will take it up the ass, AND I will choose to like it!

It isn't off topic, and no need to be sorry for stating it. It is the truth after all.

What I find most worry is how this includes Online Multiplayer and party chat, and Blu-ray playback.
 
It isn't off topic, and no need to be sorry for stating it. It is the truth after all.

What I find most worry is how this includes Online Multiplayer and party chat, and Blu-ray playback.

One can't play Blu-ray movies on the PS4 until they connect to the internet? Next thing you know, I will have to connect to the internet to take a s***.
 
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I updated the OP with some opinion. This is a rather weird and wide ranging OS upgrade. It's like the entire OS is missing from the system. I hope there are no issues.
 
The dvd/blu ray playback is obviously a licensing issue.

To say anything else considering how big and how vital the xb1 update is only serves to highlight not so secret preferences.....

I suspect if we knew everything that MS was doing on day 1 , most wouldn't be able to post freely in this topic.
 
Not to be a pessimist here but day one will be a mess lol,PSN will go down or work at a snails pace all day,with people downloading the free stuff or even big games like Killzone...I hope I am wrong though hehe...
 
Yes what a terrible thing to update firmware. You must hate just about every electronic device.
well my X360 had very little update because they are few things they just need to adjust and I mean few to hardly. people with PS3 had update brick their console.