Sony has released a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) relating to its upcoming PS4 games console ahead of its launch next month - and it includes some unwelcome news regarding what many will consider to be basic features.
Sadly, while the gaming functionality of the console is a definite step up from its predecessor, the multimedia functionality has gone backwards with Sony admitting that the console won't be able to play CDs, stream media from home servers, or even play MP3s.
These features are present on the PS3, but missing from the PS4. According to Sony's official FAQs, neither CD nor MP3 playback will be included with the PS4, and the music visualiser - which displayed beat-linked graphics while music was playing - has gone as well. Those who want to listen to custom soundtracks while playing a game, a feature possible on the PS3 using MP3s, are requested to pay for a subscription to Sony's Music Unlimited service instead.
The FAQ list also confirms that support for the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) streaming standard, which was invented by Sony in 2003 and allows the PS3 to connect to home servers, PCs, tablets and smartphones in order to stream video, music and photos, has been removed from the PS4. Again, this is a feature available on the PS3.
While Sony is keen to push its own subscription-based streaming services - Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited - it's clear that for those who own home servers and use their PS3s as more than a gaming console, the PS4 is going to be a distinct step backwards.
Due to launch a week after Microsoft's rival Xbox One, the PS4 is a considerably more powerful machine than its predecessor. Based on a semi-custom AMD accelerated processing unit (APU) which shares a common architecture with most desktop and laptop computers, the console boasts eight processing cores, powerful graphics and 8GB of high-speed GDDR5 memory for detailed graphics and immersive worlds.
Andoid Games
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