In anticipation of next month’s launch of the PS4, Sony has released a massive FAQ covering everything from launch titles, features of Playstation Plus, and support for used games. You can check out the full list here, but here are some interesting tidbits contained within the massive FAQ:
Music
Can I listen to audio CDs using PS4?
No, PS4 does not support audio CDs.
Will I be able to play MP3s on PS4?
No.
Will I be able to play background music while I play PS4 games?
Yes, the Music Unlimited streaming service will allow you to listen to music while you play PS4 games. A subscription to Music Unlimited is required. Get full details here.
Playstation Plus
What are the benefits of PlayStation Plus on PS4? What will I be missing out on if I don’t purchase a PS Plus membership?
PlayStation Plus, the premium game membership for PlayStation home and handheld consoles, delivers unlimited access to a regularly refreshed collection of full games, discounts, exclusive beta access, online storage for game saves, and much more.
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).
How many users can play online multiplayer modes on a single PS4 system set as “Primary” by a PS Plus member?
All users can play online multiplayer modes. Up to four users can log in simultaneously to a single PS4 system, and all will have access to multiplayer as long as PS4 is set as “Primary” by a PS Plus member.
How many local accounts does PS4 support?
PS4 supports up to 16 local accounts, in addition to temporary guest accounts.
What features will be available with PlayStation Plus on PS4?
The following benefits will be available only to PlayStation Plus members on PS4:
- Online Multiplayer
Enjoy multiplayer competitive and cooperatives games via the internet. - Instant Game Collection
Access to a regular, curated selection of titles made exclusively available to PlayStation Plus members at no additional cost. The PS4 titles available on Instant Game Collection at PS4′s launch in North America will include Resogun and Contrast. - Discounts
Members will have access to exclusive discounts on PlayStation Store. - Online Game Save
Members may automatically (or manually) upload game save files to Online Game Save Storage for safekeeping. Up to 1GB of cloud storage will be allocated to your PS4 save files. - Other benefits
Early access to exclusive game content, automatic game patch downloads and installation, and more.
What network services will be free on PS4, without a PlayStation Plus membership?
Some of the features users can enjoy for free include:
- Accessing entertainment, film, and TV services (Users must subscribe separately to individual services)
- Share options, including sending gameplay video and screenshots to Facebook, screenshots to Twitter, or livestreaming gameplay via Ustream or Twitch
- Sharing video to Facebook,
- Playing PS4 games remotely using the PS Vita system (Remote Play)
- Comparing Trophy data with other users
- Sending and receiving text messages from other users
- PlayStation Store access (users must pay to purchase premium content)
- Live item, activity feeds on Dynamic Menu
- Party (cross game voice chat)
- Web browser
- PlayStation App services (on iOS/Android devices)
Storage
Will users be able to replace PS4’s stock 500GB hard drive? What hard drive sizes are supported?
PS4 owners will be able to replace PS4’s standard hard drive. PS4’s hard drive is used to store downloaded game and video content, game save files, gameplay movies and images, and more.
What type of hard drive does PS4 use?
PS4 is equipped with a 5400 RPM SATA II hard drive. Users can choose to install a new hard drive so long as it complies with these standards, is no thicker than 9.5mm, and is larger than 160GB.
Will users be able to connect an external hard drive to expand storage on PS4?
No, this feature is not supported on PS4.
Remote Play
What is Remote Play?
Remote Play will enable users to stream their PS4 gameplay to their PS Vita system via WiFi, freeing up the television for other uses. SCEA expects that most PS4 titles will support Remote Play unless the title requires a special peripheral like PlayStation Camera.
When will Remote Play work best?
Remote Play will work best when the PS Vita system is located within the same WiFi network where PS4 is connected. We also recommend that PS4 be connected to the local area network via an Ethernet cable, that a router suitable for gaming be used and that the PS Vita system be within close proximity of the WiFi access point so that the connection is free of interference.
Can Remote Play work outside the user’s home network?
We strongly recommend that Remote Play be used within the same WiFi network where PS4 is connected. Remote Play may or may not work over a wide area network. For Remote Play to function over a wide area network, a robust and stable WiFi connection and broadband Internet connection is required, and the local area network where PS4 is connected must be configured to permit the PS Vita system to access PS4.
What do you guys/gals make of all this information? Anything else in the FAQ get your attention? Let us know in the comments below.