Sony has posted a PlayStation 4 ‘Ultimate FAQ’ on the PlayStation Blog.
Here’s all the new information we’ve gathered:
- All PlayStation 4 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 PlayStation 4 just like on PlayStation 3.
- You will need to download and install PlayStation 4’s day-one system software update 1.50, and then activate your Blu-ray Disc video capability with a one-time activation through the internet in order to play Blu-ray Disc films and DVD video content. If you are not able or don’t want to connect your PlayStation 4 to the internet, you can call SCEA and request a Blu-ray activation disc.
- You can install the 1.50 day one update via a USB stick.
- The following PlayStation 4 features have been announced, but won’t be available at launch in North America: share controller via the internet to assist a friend, suspend/resume mode, wireless stereo headsets support for a wireless stereo headset, Pulse wired stereo headset, and Pulse wireless stereo headset elite edition.
- You cannot change your online ID on PlayStation 4.
- Sub-accounts work exactly like they do on PlayStation 3. In the case of a child, they cannot be changed to master accounts once the child is past the age of 18.
- PlayStation 4’s GUI is called the “PlayStation Dynamic Menu.” It will not support dynamic themes as they currently exist on PlayStation 3.
- You’ll be able to filter notifications, including messages, friend requests, Trophies, download status, and more.
- PlayStation 4 does not support client functionality for media servers.
- System software updates and game patches will be automatically downloaded for all users. PlayStation Plus members have the benefit of having those downloads happen while the system is in standby mode.
- You can access your digital game collection from any PlayStation 4. You can only log on to one other console, outside of your “Primary” console, at a time. Once you log out on the other console, your content is no longer available on that system.
- A maximum of four users can be simultaenously logged onto one PlayStation 4. Multiple users, however, cannot make user of the automatic Trophy sync and Push Download services.
- The PlayStation 4 comes with a webkit-based web browser, which is faster and more compatible than the PlayStation 3 browser.
- It takes about two hours to fully charge a DualShock 4. Its battery life is similar to that of DualShock 3. They can be charged while the system is in standby, as well.
- It is possible to output all of a game’s audio through the DualShock 4’s 3.5mm headset jack.
- PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 users can communicate with each other through text chat.
- Cross-game party chat supports up to eight users and works across PlayStation 4 and PS Vita.
- PlayStation 4 users can send 15 second voice messages to each other.
- You cannot remote play on PS Vita via 3G.
- PlayStation 4 supports up to 16 local accounts in addition to temporary guest accounts.
- PlayStation Plus is only required for online multiplayer. All other online services are free.
- PlayStation 4 does not support MP3s. You can play background music while you play games, but only through the Music Unlimited streaming service.
- Developers can select certain areas of a game to restrict gameplay recording.
- You can store your gameplay videos on your PlayStation 4’s internal hard drive. At launch, you will not be able to directly copy recorded gameplay video files from PlayStation 4 to other devices, like PC. This function will be supported by a future system update.
- You can’t add voice overs to a shared video clip, but you can speak in real time when streaming live video.
- At this time, livestreams will not be archived for further viewing on Ustream. Users can archive their livestreams on Twitch by presetting via PC.
- At launch, gameplay videos can only be shared via YouTube, or live streaming on Ustream or Twitch. YouTube is currently not supported.
- PlayStation 4 will allow the use of external HDMI-based capture devices following an upcoming system software update.
- You won’t be forced to register your picture or social media accounts.
PlayStation 4 launches November 15.
Update: Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida has responded to concerns over MP3 and DLNA support.
“Thanks for the feedback to the lack of MP3 and DLNA support at the launch of PS4,” Yoshida said on Twitter. “I’ll share with the PS4 Dev team for future consideration.”