PS4 to launch with 300MB day-one update

PS4 will launch with firmware 1.50 when it's available on November 15th. While you won't need to update the system to use it, the 300MB update includes key features that you will probably want to take advantage of.

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Given the long manufacturing lead time necessary to build new hardware, it's unsurprising that new consoles typically launch with day-one updates. PS4 is no different, and it will launch with firmware 1.50 when it's available on November 15th. While you won't need to update the system to use it, the 300MB update includes key features that you will probably want to take advantage of. Firmware 1.50 adds support for Remote Play, which lets PS Vita systems play PS4 games via a wi-fi connection. A new Vita firmware update will also be required for this feature to work. The firmware also adds support for Second Screen, which lets various handhelds (including iOS and Android devices) to connect with PS4 through the PlayStation App. The "Share" button on your DualShock 4 controller will be largely useless without the update, as 1.50 adds the ability to record, take screenshots, and upload gameplay. At launch, PS4 will be able to share images and videos on Facebook, and screenshots via Twitter. You'll also be able to broadcast real-time gameplay via Ustream and Twitch.

If you want to Share, you need to update

PlayGo--the ability to play games as they download--is also enabled with the 1.50 update. Do keep in mind, however, that this doesn't necessarily mean instant access to your games. Data can continue to be downloaded while the system is in standby mode--no need for it to remain fully powered on like it did on PS3. Four users will be able to log-in to a single PS4 system simultaneously. Each of these players will be able to use their own save data and earn their own PlayStation Network trophies. In addition, firmware 1.50 will enable party chat, which supports up to eight players across PS4 and Vita. If you want to play movies, you'll need to update and connect to the internet to activate support for Blu-ray and DVD playback. This is similar to how WMV support was activated on PS3. In addition, background music support will be provided by Music Unlimited, Sony's subscription-based internet radio service.

PlayStation Camera is sold separately for $59

Intriguingly, 1.50 also adds features that may make PS4 competitive with Kinect. With a PlayStation Camera (sold separately), you'll be able to register your face to log-in with facial recognition. You'll also be able to use voice commands on the PlayStation Dynamic Menu--with or without the camera. If you want, you can simply use the mono headset included with the system to start up games and shut down the system.

PS4 includes a mono headset you can connect to DualShock 4

Xbox One will also launch with a day-one update, one that is mandatory before the console can be used. Wii U also launched with a day-one update, a process that was so slow that Nintendo later had to issue an apology. Hopefully, PS4's launch goes a bit smoother--but with over a million systems going out on day one, it's not hard to imagine there will be hiccups.

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    October 25, 2013 8:15 AM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, PS4 to launch with 300MB day-one update.

    PS4 will launch with firmware 1.50 when it's available on November 15th. While you won't need to update the system to use it, the 300MB update includes key features that you will probably want to take advantage of.

    • reply
      October 25, 2013 8:20 AM

      300mb is still a lot considering how many people will be downloading it day one

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      October 25, 2013 8:38 AM

      I'm starting to get very, very excited to have this device in my house! It's been so long since I've had a brand new high end console. I'm giddy.

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        October 25, 2013 9:42 AM

        it's almost the only reason I want one right now lol

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      October 25, 2013 8:39 AM

      Anyone have a revised list of the release games?

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        October 25, 2013 8:43 AM

        I'm curious about PSN titles at launch. I know Resogun is free and Contrast is the PS+ game, but what else is there?

        I'm just grabbing AC4 as far as retail stuff goes.

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      October 25, 2013 8:49 AM

      Wait, hold up, so I have to use Music Unlimited, a subscription-based music service in order to play my own music in the background? I can't use my own music off of a USB or stored on the hard drive? That's a bum deal.

      • Ebu legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
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        October 25, 2013 8:59 AM

        I have never once thought about (nevermind wanted to) play music in the background while already playing a game.

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          October 25, 2013 9:01 AM

          ok.

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          October 25, 2013 9:06 AM

          I used to do it on 360 all the time, but only for things like Puzzle Quest or similarly-lengthy games with an OST that wasn't anything special.

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          October 25, 2013 9:10 AM

          Not that I've done it recently but I use to love listening to music when playing fighters and sports games where the game sounds weren't as critical. Of course, this was primarily back in the days of NES / SNES where when you wanted to play someone else you had to go to their house or vice versa.

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            October 25, 2013 9:22 AM

            Exactly my point. Certain types of games, like racers, fighters and even some open-world games are actually enhanced by this ability, especially games that feature licensed tracks as opposed to dynamic soundtracks. Case in point, Saints Row IV has a pretty good soundtrack but it gets old pretty quickly...it's nice to be able to switch to my own music while I'm leaping across the city looking for orbs and doing side-missions. Forza Horizon had a great music-festival themed soundtrack, but again, depending on how much racing you're doing, it gets repetitive. Same with Street Fighter IV. Meanwhile, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 not only supports custom soundtracks, but even had a feature that allowed fans to select their own songs for each stage, and even offered up all the pre-existing Tekken Soundtracks for use for a pittance, even knowing full-well most die-hard fans probably had all their favorite tracks on their HDDs already...that was the ulitmate in cool for a fighting game that has always featured interesting soundtracks.

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          October 25, 2013 9:13 AM

          Well, it's less necessary with most games these days as the soundtracks for many games have improved. But racing and fighting games often have soundtracks that tend to grate on a player after a while, especially if you've been practicing combos in training mode or doing a lot of racing and have to suffer through the same songs over and over.

          Xbox 360 has featured custom soundtracks since the beginning and was one of the big selling points for me at launch (beyond all the other obvious stuff). Andrew House confirmed that like Vita, the PS4 would support music playback during gameplay, but he did not mention Music Unlimited having anything to do with that. I currently have a Music Unlimited account, and while I can clearly see the potential there (having the ability to make custom soundtracks with an unlimited base to draw from), I'm not sure if I want to be using up even more of my internet bandwith by streaming music...I'd rather just use the music stored on my hard drive or a USB. Plus, Music Unlimited's selection is not the greatest and sometimes the versions of songs available aren't my preferred version. Hopefully we can also use music stored on the HDD/external storage or stream music via our local network via DLNA (the latter of which many Sony devices and the PS3 can do, just not during actual games).

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          October 25, 2013 1:29 PM

          a number of games already have background music (EA sports has a soundtrack in their menus, GTA and other open world game radios), makes perfect sense to play your own instead

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          October 25, 2013 2:01 PM

          It would be great for certain games (i.e., racing games).

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            October 25, 2013 2:02 PM

            [deleted]

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              October 25, 2013 2:19 PM

              indeed, I just use my 2nd home theater system rather than doing something annoying like changing music in game, it's much easier

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                October 25, 2013 2:53 PM

                Right, who needs 5.1 when you can have 10.2? Dolby Double Digital is the future.

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                October 26, 2013 3:45 PM

                Uh, and when you want to change the music, I guess you use telekinesis to change the track? You still have to stop what you're doing to pick up the Home Theatre remote, or get up and change the song. And having your music running on a second audio system doesn't work if you play in a situation where you're using headphones. Not everyone has two home theatres, nor do they play like you. Typical ignorance.

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              October 25, 2013 2:24 PM

              Well, if you have your console w/ a 5.1 setup (as I do), playing a game, turning the game's music off, and then playing my own music on my MBP would be...pretty shitty!

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          October 25, 2013 3:01 PM

          [deleted]

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            October 25, 2013 3:09 PM

            Nothing quite like Civ Rev + Terminator 2 soundtrack at the same time. Especially during the tumult of 3600 BCE

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          October 25, 2013 3:21 PM

          I seem to remember some games also allowing you to access MP3's stored on your console. I think one of the 'wrasslin games let you use this for custom entrances.

          No doubt the RIAA put a stop to that sort of fun.

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          October 25, 2013 7:58 PM

          I did this all the time for racing games, grand strategy (Hearts of Iron, EU, etc), and games that had shitty music.

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          October 26, 2013 12:04 AM

          "Oh, I don't use that feature anyway"

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          October 26, 2013 12:07 AM

          Ah, the old "i dont use that anyway" defense.

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            October 26, 2013 3:48 PM

            I know, isn't it amazing how so many people who post on the internet think that the way they live and play is and should be the ONLY way to do things?

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        October 25, 2013 3:24 PM

        I think the article was saying that you'll have the option of playing the music unlimited service in the background. I don't think that will be your only option for background music. I'd bet PS4 will let you play locally stored music in the background just like 360 and PS3 did (for some games).

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          October 26, 2013 3:46 PM

          Let's hope so, but so far Sony has been dodging the issue when questioned directly.

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      October 25, 2013 9:30 AM

      hmm voice commands eh, that sounds neat, so you can launch a game by talking to the console? sony innovation at it again

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        October 25, 2013 12:21 PM

        sarcastic irony? what kind of post is this

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          October 25, 2013 12:42 PM

          Careful, don't reply to a root post in a console thread. Scary stuff right there.

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          October 25, 2013 1:54 PM

          it was meant to break your brain

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      October 25, 2013 12:44 PM

      This will undoubtedly be a disaster and many people won't be able to get it on day 1

    • reply
      October 25, 2013 12:54 PM

      PS4 thread? New video suggests KILLZONE looks like it might actually be pretty damn cool as a launch title. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-10-25-killzone-shadow-fall-not-just-a-pretty-face

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      October 25, 2013 1:28 PM

      the archvile is not pleased

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        October 25, 2013 1:54 PM

        could you imagine if the next Persona game required a constant on-line connection? The anxiety of what to do would create a black hole.

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        October 25, 2013 6:11 PM

        This isn't any different from the PS3; it's just that the firmware's a little bigger. It's not XBox Huge, like "Oh, 15 to 20 minutes on FIOS" huge.

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          October 25, 2013 6:22 PM

          the Xbox One patch announcement didn't say anything about size/speed. They said 15-20min for the average user. In any case, I don't really see much of a difference between a 10 and 20min update when your issue is the simple philosophical need for an update and connectivity of any kind.

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      October 25, 2013 3:11 PM

      I dont mind. I wont be hooking up the new console till a week after my day one purchase. I want to hear that the coast is clear before I break the seal on the new box.

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      October 25, 2013 3:29 PM

      I think the important thing is that these new features are coming in hot. I dont expect a stable play experience using these features until the dust settles.

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      October 25, 2013 4:13 PM

      Why would you lockdown the console that someone just bought and make it unusable and force them to update online? I can't help but think they'll later use this as PR. "Oh we got 1 million registered users online in the first week. Look at how popular we are"

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