Sony has released a huge blog post full of answered FAQs in preparation for the launch of the PS4 in a few weeks. You can find the full feature on Sony’s blog, but I’ll highlight some of the more interesting points below.
Will users be able to connect an external hard drive to expand storage on PS4?
No, this feature is not supported on PS4.
Sony has previously said that storage will be expandable, and that it won’t be available at launch. Now they’re saying not at all. Your guess is as good as mine. The internal HD will be upgradable though.
Can I listen to audio CDs using PS4?
No, PS4 does not support audio CDs.
Oh no!
What PS4 software features have been announced, but won’t be available at launch in North America?
Below is an overview of certain features that have been announced that will not be available when PS4 launches in North America.
- Share controller via the internet to assist a friend
- Suspend/Resume mode
- Wireless Stereo Headsets support
- Wireless Stereo Headset
- Pulse Wired Stereo Headset
- Pulse Wireless Stereo Headset Elite Edition
Nothing too surprising here, though the lack of Suspend/Resume is a little disappointing.
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.
Now that just plain sucks.
Is PlayStation Plus necessary for multiplayer gameplay on PS4?
Yes, PlayStation Plus membership is needed for PS4 online multiplayer gaming. PS4 features a significantly enhanced online feature set that will deliver innovative new online gaming experiences.
Just felt that should be reiterated given how (understandably) little Sony has done to make people aware of this.
If I’m not a PlayStation Plus member but I log into a PS4 system owned by a PS Plus member, will I be able to play online multiplayer?
Yes. If you don’t have a PS Plus membership, you can still access online multiplayer modes if you log into a PS4 which is set as “Primary” by a PS Plus member. This means that, for example, if one housemate is a PlayStation Plus member, everyone in the household will have access to online multiplayer. Additionally, on the same PS4 system, any games or content purchased by one user are available to other users who play on that console (unless that content has expired).
That’s not to say they’re being stingy with it though.
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 controller’s Share button to upload videos to Facebook for distribution. This function will be supported by a future system update.
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. PS4 owners can follow PlayStation.Blog and PlayStation.com for further news on other services to come after launch.
Seems like the built-in recording function will be fairly limited in practicality if you want to do anything but share a quick clip, or stream raw. Granted most use would be streaming, I’m sure.
But…
Does PS4 support external HDMI-based game capture devices?
PS4 will allow the use of external HDMI-based capture devices following an upcoming system software update — please follow PlayStation.Blog and PlayStation.com for news following the launch of PS4.
They’re fixing capture-kit support.
The Playstation 4 is set for release on 15th November in North America and 29th November in Europe and Australia at $399 US / €399 EU / £349 UK / $549 AU.