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Sony's next update for Playroom will bring custom AR broadcast sets
Sony's odd augmented reality demo/broadcasting tool, Playroom, is getting some new features. At its E3 2014 event, Sony announced the PlayStation app would be updated with custom broadcast sets, just in time for the addition of YouTube. That could help your trip to broadcast stardom, unless you choose to take a slightly less savory approach to content, which helped get the app banned from Twitch. Update: For a better look at what's in store, check out the trailer for "Set Maker" embedded after the break.
PlayStation 4's Playroom first game banned from Twitch streaming
Do you hear that? That's the sound of livestreamers' dreams shattering, as Twitch has decided to strip its directory of all shows that broadcast through the PlayStation 4's Playroom. The decision comes shortly after the website started to crack down on PS4 streams that focus on non-gaming (and often risqué) topics, which is against its terms of service. From the sound of it, Twitch probably thought suspending accounts wouldn't be a proper solution, because -- as a spokesperson told Joystiq -- a majority of Playroom content wasn't related to gaming anyway. Those that still dream of fame with the help of their PlayStation 4 Cameras and new consoles shouldn't lose hope, though. This move might be temporary, as the outfit says it could bring bring back Playroom shows once PS4 owners become more familiar with the platform's gaming focus.
Twitch removes PS4's Playroom from directory for now
Twitch has removed the PlayStation 4's AR sandbox app, The Playroom, from its browsing options after a few people used the app to stream unsavory, non-gaming activities. "We removed Playroom content from the directory because a majority of it was non-gaming related," a Twitch spokesperson tells Joystiq. "We will look into adding it back as PS4 owners become more familiar with the games-only focus of Twitch content. In the meantime, you can view all of the amazing gameplay from PS4 broadcasters in this directory page on Twitch." Twitch previously mentioned on Twitter that it was monitoring Playroom streams, reminding followers that content must be about games or gaming, as outlined in its Terms of Service. A few Playroom streams have been archived in Twitch's search, including our live review of the app. In related news, saying, "He loves it when I tickle his dangly parts," during a Playroom Twitch stream isn't a bannable offense.
Hands-on with The Playroom, Sony's robot-filled AR pack-in
Pre-installed on every PlayStation 4, The Playroom is an augmented reality tech demo and toy box that fills your living room with tiny, dancing robots, assuming you've got the new Eye camera handy. It's pretty adorable and, as a piece of AR technology, is incredibly responsive, as we discovered during our (literal) sit-down with Sony's Nicolas Doucet at this year's Tokyo Game Show. The Playroom isn't really the sort of thing most people will spend a lot of time with as a game, but it will invariably be booted up every time there's someone new to impress with your PlayStation 4 purchase. We figure it'll also be a big hit at parties, what with the obviously hilarious implications of the software's PlayStation App support.
The Playroom to be pre-installed on every PS4 at launch
We just got word that Sony's tech demo, The Playroom, will be pre-installed on every PS4 at launch. It's essentially a bundle of demonstrations designed to show off the DualShock 4, the PS4 Eye and of course the console itself. For example, there's an air hockey game that gives you a feel of the controls, an interactive AR Bots demo that lets you play with tiny little robots using the DualShock's touchpad and accelerometer, plus a scenario where you can flick away those same bots using your hands in front of the Eye. If you have a Sony Xperia device lying around, you can also use the demo to see how it'll work with the next-gen console. For a more thorough walkthrough on The Playroom, have a peek at our hands-on of the PS4 controller and camera right here.
PS4's AR games collection 'The Playroom' bundled with console
Sony's Playroom tech demo for the PlayStation 4, first demonstrated at E3 a few weeks back, will come packed in with every system, GameSpot reports. The demo is made up of micro and augmented reality games that include a colorful variant of Air Hockey and a mean exercise in swatting curious, flying robots. The PS4 Eye camera, required for some of the experiences in The Playroom, is sold separately. Both the Eye and additional DualShock 4 controllers will be available for $59 alongside the Playstation 4 console, which will launch with a $399 price tag.
