Sony’s PlayStation 4 (PS4) was unveiled last February 20, 2013. According to Sony, the new PS 4 boasts of “a powerful AMD processor, plenty of memory, a new user friendly interface, new social features, better graphics”. It features a DUALSHOCK4, the wireless controller which has a highly sensitive six-axis sensor and a touch pad located in front of the controller. This attribute, according to Sony allows better interactions with the games. The DUALSHOCK 4 adds value to the PS4 because it enhances the sound effects of the games through its built-in speaker and stereo headset jack. Moreover, the DUALSHOCK4 offers convenience to the player because it can be charged using smartphone chargers via a USB.
Another interesting element of the PS4 is the PS4 Eye which has two wide-angle cameras which makes it possible to have “85-degree diagonal views”; thus, giving the PS4 an accurate calculation of the sense of depth. With the PS4 Eye, logging in can be done through face recognition. There are also four microphones that can determine accurate sound and source origination. The downside of the PS4 Eye is that it is an optional accessory; therefore, one has to pay an additional $60 for it.
PS4 got several varying reactions from consumers and technology buffs. Some observers think that the PS4 is “evolutionary” rather than “revolutionary”. The reason behind this reaction is that while Microsoft is already focusing on an all-purpose set-up box which not only caters to games but also to video contents, Sony is still concentrating on the gaming market. One advantage though of the PS4 is that it is relatively cheaper than Microsoft’s Xbox which is priced around $100 more.
Richard Leadbetter of Digital Foundry thinks that the PS4, with its faster graphic memory will have prettier games with real time graphics.
Compared to the Xbox, PS4 has a weaker line-up of exclusive games. Another drawback of the PS4 as compared to the Xbox is that it relies on the Bluetooth 2.1 EDR to connect to its controller, which is slower than Xbox’s Wi-Fi Direct's 250Mbps.
One of the more attractive features of the PS4 is the addition of the Share button on its controller. This button enables the gamers to “broadcast live gameplay, take screenshots, or share videos of their latest gaming triumphs” and allows the gamers’ friends to make comments on the screen. The player can even ask the help of a friend who is online. The PS4 allows social networking interface and can interact with smartphone and tablets. The streaming and sharing can be done with Facebook and Ustream. Unlike the Xbox, sharing is available to PS4 without any need to pay for additional subscription.
With the new and improved features of the PS4, Sony hopes to topple Microsoft’s Xbox One, its major competitor. The strong support of various software developers and publishers, which have increased significantly, boosts Sony’s positive outlook for the future. The question now is whether the market will view the PS4 as a worthy investment at $399. Judging from the initial response of gamers on the PS4, one can say that the Xbox might just have to rethink its strategy to get a better share of the market.
Works Cited
Alabaster, Jay, and Agam Shah. "Sony's PlayStation 4 Announced After Long Wait." Cio (13284045) (2013): 35.Business Source Elite. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.
International Business Times. PlayStation 4: An in-depth look at the new DualShock 4 Controller and PlayStation 4 Eye. 21 February 2013: Regional Business News. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.
PR, Newswire. "Sony Computer Entertainment Introduces Wireless Controller For Playstation®4 (DUALSHOCK®4) And Playstation®4 Eye." PR Newswire US 20 Feb. 2013: Regional Business News. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.
Savitz, Eric. "Sony Slips; Playstation 4 Unveiling Gets Mixed Response." Forbes.Com (2013): 34. Business Source Elite. Web. 13 Sept. 2013.
