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Playstation 4 firmware 2.0 is here, adds Share Play and a host of other features

By Salehuddin Bin Husin - on 29 Oct 2014, 5:36pm

Playstation 4 firmware 2.0 is here, adds Share Play and a host of other features

Share Play succinctly explained in pictures.

During this year's E3, Sony unveiled a groundbreaking new feature for the PS4 called Share Play. Not to be confused with the similarly titled Remote Play (which allows you to access your PS4/ PS3 using a PSVITA/ PSP), Share Play lets you and a friend play the same game if one of you doesn't have it. In easy to understand terms, think of it as passing the controller to your friend, but instead of your friend sitting beside you, he's miles away. The app uses Sony's streaming tech so the player that you're sharing the game with doesn't have to download anything. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the Vita's Remote Play considering that Remote Play is notoriously laggy even with a fast and stable connection.

The options you'll see if you're passing the controller during Share Play.

Share Play does come with a few caveats. Namely, sessions are restricted to one hour a piece and that the player hosting (the one sharing out the game) has to have Playstation Plus (the subscription service package on the PlayStation Network). Currently, there are 3 ways of using the app:-

  • Share Screen, which allows your friend to view your screen and watch you play, similar to the Twitch functionality.
  • Passing the controller function (1) - you 'pass' the controller you're using and let your friend take over. For this, your friend doesn't need to have PS Plus so anybody can join (again, as long as the host has a PS Plus subscription). The downside to this is that achievements earned are earned by the host, even if it's your friend that got it; so achievement hunters take note.
  • Passing the controller function (2) - you 'pass' your friend a second controller. In games that support local multiplayer (FIFA for example), this option allows you to play together. Unlike the previous option, this one requires both players to have PS Plus subscription. The upside is that the second player is playing using his/her own PSN ID, so achievements unlocked here are unlocked for the respective players.

The firmware 2.0 update also adds a host of other improvements, including a native Youtube app, improvements to the library, the ability to customize themes and colors (similar to what the PS3 can do) and a USB music player. The USB player allows you to play your own music in-game (similar to Xbox 360) but you need to have the USB storage device connected. You can't save your music on your PS4's HDD/SSD.

Also, if you're a Playstation App user, it too has been updated to version 2.0, which boasts a redesigned home screen and better tablet layout.

UPDATE: Joystiq is reporting that users are reporting issues with the 2.0 update, ranging from random crashes to not being able to play purchased games. It seems to affect a small number of users for now, but if you want to be on the safe side, do not connect your PS4 to PSN or put it in standby mode. We'll update once we know more.

Source: Playstation Blog

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