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PlayStation's redesigned phone app focuses on socializing
If you've ever used the PlayStation App on your phone, you know how dodgy it has been since launch. Never mind the dated looks -- its interface was a hodgepodge that was never particularly helpful in any one area. At last, though, it's getting a makeover. Sony has released an overhauled PlayStation App for Android and iOS that not only drags the look into the modern era, but borrows more than a few cues from social networking apps. It's dominated by a Facebook-style "what's new" feed that puts your friends' PS4 activity front and center, and clearly does much more to encourage comments and sharing. Even profiles have a more social look, and you get quicker access to your friends list and notifications.
Sony's PlayStation 4 will require a Day One update, mobile app to be released pre-launch
Sony's PlayStation 4 US launch is now less than a month away and -- surprise, surprise -- it's going to require a Day One system update. The company just announced today that a significant software patch (about 300MB in size) will be necessary to enable a slew of functionality, like Remote Play on PS Vita and the Share button, that Sony's been championing through the year. Also going hand-in-hand with this patch is the release of Sony's second screen PlayStation App, which will be available on November 13th in the US (just two days before launch) and on the 22nd in Europe on both Android and iOS.
PlayStation 4 mobile app headed to Vita in next update, dubbed 'PS4 Link'
When is Sony's PlayStation 4 mobile app coming to Android and iOS? That's still unknown, but apparently it'll arrive on Sony's own PlayStation Vita handheld in the "next update." That's according to SCE Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida answering questions on Twitter (as per usual). He also refers to the app as "PS4 Link" -- in previous sightings, the software was referred to as the "PlayStation App." As for when the next update arrives on Vita that's another unknown, though we'd expect as much before the PS4's November 15th retail launch. Sony says the app will enable browsing your friends list and messaging players, watching and sharing streamed gameplay clips, and more -- it also stands to reason that Vita's version of the app will enable Remote Play functionality, though we'll have to put it to the test later this year when Sony's new game console arrives at Engadget HQ.
Sony announces PlayStation app for iOS and Android, will expand games to the second screen
Nintendo isn't the only gaming outfit playing around with a second screen -- Sony has plans of its own. The aptly named PlayStation app promises to expand gameplay to a player's iOS or Android device, propagating in-game maps, social networking tools or simply an easier way to access the PlayStation store. The application's functionality sounds an awful lot like the Wii U GamePad, though Sony hasn't mentioned if off-screen play via tablet will be a possibility. Even if that function doesn't come to your smartphone or tablet, it's definitely available on PlayStation Vita, which fills out the rest of the company's second screen plans with its remote play feature. Looking for official details? Skip past the break for the relevant excerpt from Sony's official PS4 press release.
Sony announces official PlayStation app for iPhone
The European PlayStation site today announced an upcoming official PlayStation app for the iPhone and Android platforms. The first version of this app will allow you to check your PlayStation trophies, read your friends' status updates, and keep up with news about the PlayStation console and its games. You'll even be able to share your favorite products with your friends via social networks like Twitter and Facebook. We don't have word on a US version of the app yet, unfortunately, so until then, this is just for you folks in Europe. The app's initial release will only be available in France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Sony is already working on expanding the app to other countries; we're obviously hopeful that it will reach the US. [Via MacStories]
