Just ahead of the PS4 launch in North America and Europe, Sony will release a PlayStation App that interacts with the PS4 in a variety of way. Sony says the application will "enhance" the PlayStation 4 experience.
Starting on November 13th in North America, and November 22nd in Europe, iOS and Android devices will be able to download the free PlayStation App via the Appstore or Google Play.
Here's what the PlayStation App will do for those that download it:
· Directly access various PSN(SM) features and information
o Users can access their own profile screen.
o Users can access/compare their own and friends' Trophy accomplishments.
o Exchange messages between PS4 systems, PlayStation®3 (PS3™) systems, PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) systems, and mobile devices installed with PlayStation®App.
o Access and filter friend profiles.
o Notify users about their friends' shared activities on "What's New".
o Notify PS4 users when they receive any new notifications or game invitations. Users can also display their lists of game items.
· Browse the official PlayStation® website and access information
Users can access the PlayStation® official website to browse through news, blogs and game information. The language and content of the website will depend on the country the user's Sony Entertainment Network account is registered.
· PS4 Second Screen Feature
Users can install PlayStation®App on to their mobile devices to use as a second screen in supported games. 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.
· Spectate other PS4 users' gameplay
When users' friends upload or begin live streaming their gameplay on PS4 systems, the friends' activities are displayed on "What's New" of the PlayStation®App screen. When users tap on this notification, they can boot pre-installed applications, such as browsers, to spectate the uploaded gameplay. Users can also post comments on gameplay screenshots, footage and live streams.
· Purchase game content on PlayStation®Store
Users can purchase game content while away from home and download it directly onto their PS4, PS3, and PS Vita systems.
· Use a mobile device as a simple remote to control the PS4 system
Once installed, users can use their PlayStation®App to control their PS4 system as long as both devices have access to the same Wi-Fi access point. For example, users can switch their PS4 system to standby mode, startup their PS4 system from standby mode, and use their mobile phone as a keyboard for their PS4 system.
