Feeling like commenting on some of the FAQ stuff...
What type of hard drive does PS4 use?
PS4 is equipped with a 5400 RPM SATA II hard drive. Users can choose to install a new hard drive so long as it complies with these standards, is no thicker than 9.5mm, and is larger than 160GB
When they took it apart it was said that up to 12.5 mm would fit...
Will users be able to connect an external hard drive to expand storage on PS4?
No, this feature is not supported on PS4.
While it would be cool to have it done like on the 360/XB1, I hope they don't mean here that they remove also the functionality that the PS3 supports (copy/play videos from external HDD etc.).
Will PS4 support any 3D content, including stereoscopic 3D games?
Technically, PS4 supports 3D gameplay at launch in North America, though no launch titles are currently 3D compatible.
This is btw weird. I would have thought that even more games support 3D than on PS3, they kinda dropped the whole 3D gaming topic for some reason.
When playing disc-based games on PS4, do I need to install data to the hard drive?
Yes, all PS4 Blu-ray Disc games must be cached to the hard drive to ensure a smooth gaming experience. However, certain titles may not require you to wait for the game data to be fully cached before starting gameplay. In order to start playing disc-based games, users will need to insert the game disc into PS4 just like on the PS3 system.
"Certain titles"...? Oh boy.
Otherwise this is what I expected and if we effectively don't "see" the installs I don't have a problem with it as it doesn't matter then if you keep the install data or not to free up space.
I also hope that this means that the disc drive will not make a sound once it's installed.
If I rent a game disc, and then decide I want to buy it digitally, can I use the mandatory install to avoid downloading it and just activate my license?
No, in this example you would have to delete the disc install data and fully install the digital version of the game.
Stupid as XB1 allows it. Can't be so hard.
Also...
install the digital version? I hope this doesn't suggest that they will keep the stupid system of the PS3
Will I be able to install system software update 1.50 via a USB drive?
Yes, you will be able to download the firmware to your PC and transfer it to PS4 using a USB memory stick. However, to use the USB method the first time you take PS4 out of the box and before installing system software update 1.50, youll need to enable safe mode. When PS4 is powered off, press and hold the Power Button for seven seconds to enter safe mode. Note: Users should only update using official files downloaded from PlayStation.com.
Even though it's only supported with the safe mode (= PS3 recovery mode?) before 1.50, it's good that we can do this. I just hope they will offer the firmware download way in advance to avoid server problems.
Can my childs PS3 sub-account be changed to a master account on PS4 once they are past the age of 18?
Unfortunately, no. In this case, we would advise creating a new master account. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Does PS4 offer parental control options to restrict content to younger users?
Yes. The PS4 systems parental controls can set the control level for playing a game or application that has parental control restrictions, as well as use of the internet browser.
Also, for each sub account user, there are the controls over the ability to use chat and messaging features, the ability to post and view user-generated media, and the ability to control a monthly spending limit for PlayStation Store purchases. Finally, sub account users cannot link their account with Social Network Services or use their real name or profile picture.
= Don't make sub accounts, ever.
Will PS4 support custom Dynamic Themes, as currently available on the PS3 system?
No, PS4 will not support Dynamic Themes as they currently exist on the PS3 system.
This was to be expected, but considering there won't be custom wallpapers either, it sucks to not have many options for customizing.
Will I be able to filter system and friend notifications in order to avoid being disturbed while playing a game or watching a movie?
Compared to PS3, youll have much more control over displayed notifications, including messages, friend requests, Trophies, download status and more.
Finally something the PS4 will have MORE options for than the PS3... But yeah that's pretty good.
Will PS4 support media servers or DLNA support in order to stream videos or movies from a home PC?
The PS4 system does not support client functionality for media servers.
Ok WTF, what kind of all around media device is that supposed to be then?
I was looking forward to this on PS4 with enhanced multitasking. Ideally they should implement something like Snap on XB1 so that I can watch a series and e.g. grind through a game (or at least via Remote Play).
Can I play my PS3 games on my PS4 system?
No, PS4 does not feature backward compatibility for PS3, PS2, or PSone games.
Still facepalming that we won't even get the PS1 emu.
Do PS4 games have regional locks?
In general, neither digital nor disc-based games will be region locked, but PlayStation recommends that all users purchase games at the region of their residence to guarantee the best overall experience and customer service. In certain instances, a software publisher may choose to region lock a game title for specific reasons, but Sony Computer Entertainment expects these instances to be uncommon.
So it's like on PS3, hopefully it will also be just as rare.
Will PS4 be able to automatically download game patches?
Yes, all PS4 users will be able to automatically download and install game patches to their PS4. In addition, PlayStation Plus members will enjoy the ability to have those automatic downloads happen while the system is in standby mode.
kinda weird that they make the standby patch downloading exclusive to PS+. Not that much of a loss with the newer background downloading
Is it possible to charge a DUALSHOCK 4 controller via my PS4 when Im not playing?
Yes, you can charge DUALSHOCK 4 controllers when PS4 is in stand-by mode. However, in Europe, PS4 users will need to navigate to Settings, then Power Save Settings, and enable the Supply Power from USB Ports option.
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that has to be due to some consumer rights law right? But nice that you can charge them while it's "off".
Is it possible to output all game audio through DUALSHOCK 4 controllers 3.5mm headset jack?
Yes, you can select the Output to Headsets option to either Chat Audio or All Audio.
Mh, I wonder about the audio quality, how much can BT handle?
For cross-game Party Chat, how many players will PS4 support?
As with the PS Vita system, PS4 will support up to eight users for cross-game Party Chat. The Party Chat feature works across both PS4 and PS Vita platforms.
Cool that it works across both platforms.
What impact will the DUALSHOCK 4 controllers integrated speaker have on gameplay?
DUALSHOCK 4′s integrated speaker lets inventive game developers immerse players more fully in the game world. In the example of Killzone: Shadow Fall, audio diaries collected in the campaign mode will be broadcast though DUALSHOCK 4 integrated speaker. We anticipate that developers will devise other interesting ways to use this feature.
I use a surround headset via optical output... I guess it will be a bit difficult to hear those audio diaries
Does PS4 support voice commands?
Yes. You can purchase a PlayStation Camera (sold separately; $59.99 MSRP) or use the Mono headset that comes with PS4. After enabling the voice control mode, you will be able to control key PS4 functions using commands such as starting up a game or taking a screenshot. At launch in North America, six languages will be supported (English (US and UK), Spanish (European), Italian, French (European), German, Japanese), with more to come following future system software updates.
Yeah this is good for screenshots. Neat that they include different languages already at launch, in case my accent prevents English commands
Starting a game will only be useful if you can actually name the game or if you can at least start the disc from any point in the OS.
Btw with being able to cut out the player, I wonder if this can actually do stuff like Kinect if they can apply at least a basic skeleton.
How many local accounts does PS4 support?
PS4 supports up to 16 local accounts, in addition to temporary guest accounts.
And apparently you can still access the different region stores like on PS3, so that's good for people with several accounts like me
What network services will be free on PS4, without a PlayStation Plus membership?
Some of the features users can enjoy for free include:
Accessing entertainment, film, and TV services (Users must subscribe separately to individual services)
Share options, including sending gameplay video and screenshots to Facebook, screenshots to Twitter, or livestreaming gameplay via Ustream or Twitch
Sharing video to Facebook,
Playing PS4 games remotely using the PS Vita system (Remote Play)
Comparing Trophy data with other users
Sending and receiving text messages from other users
PlayStation Store access (users must pay to purchase premium content)
Live item, activity feeds on Dynamic Menu
Party (cross game voice chat)
Web browser
PlayStation App services (on iOS/Android devices)
Basically everything that's behind the paywall on XB1 ;P
Kinda surprised they didn't restrict the sharing features more for non-PS+ users.
Will I be able to play MP3s on PS4?
No.
WTF, seriously. Finally we get a background music player that works in all games and they make it exclusive to a Music Unlimited sub. No, just no. I guess the PS4 won't support any of the other audio formats that work on PS3 either. Don't reduce media functionality, people like me expected to have the PS3 media features at the MINIMUM.
Can users copy the recorded gameplay video from PS4 to other devices, such as PC?
PS4 users will not be able to directly copy recorded gameplay video files from PS4 to other devices, though they will be able to use the DUALSHOCK 4 controllers Share button to upload videos to Facebook for distribution. This function will be supported by a future system update.
Is that the case for screenshots as well? They better fix this fast... Do FB/Twitter even support full quality PNGs (if that's hopefully what will be saved, like on PS3).
Can I share my game videos on YouTube?
No. At launch, PS4 users will be able to use the Share button on the DUALSHOCK 4 controller to upload gameplay videos to their Facebook account, or to stream live gameplay to Ustream or Twitch.
ugghhhhh.....
No comment on what the LED of the PS4 can do????
I would like to know if you can watch BD movies and still have access to the OS. This always bugged me on PS3. Ideally, you should be able to switch between the game and a movie instantly...
Still pissed about no Resume/Suspend feature at launch!
My demand list from the FW1.50 thread doesn't look good so far.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=87451018&postcount=815
- suspend mode
- uploading to youtube
- playing my own mp3s with the background music player
- save videos and screenshots directly to the HDD
- file transfer from&to external HDDs
-> only save videos on HDD is in, but kinda useless before you can transfer files
Btw they still didn't state if you can manually record videos longer than 15 minutes or what?