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Vita 3.00 update goes live, adds PS4 Link
Vita's 3.00 firmware update, which preps the handheld for the PS4's arrival later this month, is live and available to download. The update's major addition is PS4 Link, an app that adds Remote Play and Second Screen connectivity between console and handheld. Similar to the PS3-based feature, Remote Play will let you play "most" PS4 games on your Vita via Wi-Fi. As detailed by Social Media Manager Sid Shuman, it'll work best when the PS4 is connected via ethernet, and when the Vita is in "close proximity" to the Wi-Fi access point. As for testing that out for yourself, without the console the PS4 Link app is just a dirty little tease on the Vita home screen - hold tight until November 15. The other aspect of PS4 Link is the Second Screen feature, which sounds similar but is significantly different. Second Screen lets you access additional content on the Vita screen, maybe a map or some weapon info. It's specifically for games that support it, much like Microsoft's SmartGlass tech for the Xbox 360. Second Screen will also be available on iOS and Android devices via the upcoming PlayStation app.
PlayStation Vita TV puts Vita games on a TV, out in Japan on Nov. 14 [update: specs]
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has revealed the PlayStation Vita TV, a miniature system that plays Vita games on the television. The Vita TV has slots for both Vita games and memory cards, allowing users to play games on their tellies with a DualShock 3. It'll support 1,300 games, including Vita, PSP, and other PlayStation offerings. Like the Vita, Vita TV will also support PS4 Remote Play through a future system update. Vita TV also enables streaming services such as Hulu. The PlayStation Vita TV will cost 9,954 yen including tax when it launches November 14 in Japan, that converting to around $100. There'll also be a bundle that includes a DualShock 3 controller and 8 GB Vita memory card for 14,994 yen after tax, or around $150. Update: Sony Computer Entertainment's press release provides some specs on Sony's littlest new device. The Vita TV comes in at 6.5cm by 10.5cm, and weighs just 110 grams. It connects to the TV via HDMI, supports Wi-Fi, and has an internal memory card of 1GB. Also, Vita TV can connect to two DualShocks at once, this functionality applied with PSOne games in mind. Full specs are below the break. Update 2: Our pals at Engadget have a great eyes-on gallery with Vita TV.
Final Fantasy XIV's Yoshida sheds some light on PlayStation 4 remote play
If you're thinking about getting a PlayStation 4 for Final Fantasy XIV, you'll be interested to know that you aren't just shackled to playing on the console. We don't mean in the sense you could also play on your PC, either. The game will support the system's remote play functionality with the Vita, allowing you to log in and play on your handheld even when you're nowhere near the actual console. Producer Naoki Yoshida discussed the functionality with Famitsu recently, explaining that while remote play won't be appropriate for large-group endgame content, there are a variety of things that can be done just fine remotely. Gathering and crafting, for example, can be handled without much loss from the handheld device, and even low-impact questing should work out just fine. Sure, that means that you can't fight a Primal while leeching off of the Starbucks wifi, but at least you can harvest some in-game goods whilst waiting for a coffee.
Mega Pack, Remote Play boost Vita momentum in UK
Sales of the Vita handheld increased by more than 100 percent in the UK over the summer, leaving Sony feeling optimistic for the portable's future. "Vita had a good summer, the Mega Pack is one of the things that has boosted performance by more than 100 per cent," said PlayStation UK managing director Fergal Gara . "It's now in growth year-on-year. And you've seen several pieces of news at Gamescom which will only help. So that means we can feel optimistic." As Gara mentioned, Sony attributes much of this success to the release of the Mega Pack, a collection of 10 Vita games installed on a single 8GB memory card which has a retail price of £35 ($54.57). The Mega Pack is also available as a pack-in game with certain Vita systems for £170 ($265.06). Both the bundle and the standalone game made their retail debut on June 21. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president and CEO Jim Ryan also believes the Remote Play functionality of the PlayStation 4 will provide a boost to the handheld's sales. "The ability to play all 32 PS4 launch titles using Remote Play does a lot for the Vita catalogue," said Ryan.
Rumor: Sony making Remote Play mandatory with PS4 [update: Sony confirms]
Update: Yoshida has confirmed on Twitter that all PS4 games will indeed feature PS Vita Remote Play. Says Yoshida, "Yes, it's true unless the game requires specific hardware like the camera. It will be great to play PS4 games on PS Vita." If a new report is to be believed, it looks like nearly all PlayStation 4 games will be required to support Remote Play on the PS Vita. The rumor comes courtesy of "a trusted PlayStation 4 developer source" to Eurogamer, who states Sony is mandating Remote Play on all PS4 games that don't require the PS4 Eye camera. Sony certainly made a big deal of PS4's Gaikai-fueled Remote Play during the console's announcement event. Today's report also jives with previous statements from Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida. Back in February, Yoshida told Engadget that Sony was requesting all developers test their games on Remote Play before submitting them for certification, though he made no mention of a mandate. Of course, the Vita doesn't have as many inputs as a DualShock 4, though Yoshida noted that developers can create custom control schemes for the Vita that make use of contextual buttons on its touch screen.
Rumor: Xbox One to feature Skype remote play
Rumor has it that Microsoft's Xbox One console will feature remote play through Skype, allowing someone to remotely take over gameplay on the local console directly from a Skype call. Either player may break the remote play session at any time. Supposedly the feature is in testing phase right now, though Polygon's source notes that certain details are still up in the air – like how long that individual can remotely play or whether they need to own the same game or not. During the Xbox reveal event, Microsoft unveiled group Skype calls using the Xbox One's improved Kinect sensor.
Sony asking PS4 devs to try PS Vita remote play before submission
A major feature of the PlayStation 4 is native remote play support on the Vita for PS4 games. During last night's presentation, Gaikai CEO David Perry talked about the work being put in to ensure the fastest response times for remote play. It's a big part of the PS4 and speaking to Engadget, Sony worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida said Sony is requests developers for its new console test their game on Vita using remote play before submitting for certification.Yoshida said the addition of remote play with the PS Vita means developers can create custom control layouts on Vita. "Some PS Vita games make use of the edge of the screen to add contextual buttons – that works really well, I think, and it's easy to see. So that kind of thing I'd like to see developers do on PS Vita over remote play." Of course, the onus is entirely on the developer, but custom controls for the handheld would be swell.
The Daily Roundup for 02.21.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
PS4 features PS Vita remote play powered by Gaikai
The PlayStation 4 will allow games to be played via remote play on PlayStation Vita. The news was announced at the PlayStation 2013 event by industry veteran and Gaikai CEO David Perry. Using Gaikai technology, PS4 remote play on the Vita promises "reduced transmission times so the gameplay is snappy and immediate," said Perry. Mark Cerny's Knack, announced earlier during Sony's event, was shown running on a PS Vita. The "goal," said Perry, is for all PlayStation 4 games to support remote play.
Tokyo Jungle's Remote Play functionality to be patched in
Sony is working on a PS Vita Remote Play patch for Tokyo Jungle. Sony Worldwide Studios chief Shuhei Yoshida tweeted that North American and European PS3 owners can expect a patch to let them play the game remotely on Vita systems, but he didn't disclose a date.Sony released a patch for Tokyo Jungle in Japan earlier this month, with Yoshida then indicating that the North American and European releases would have Remote Play functionality built in. The game , however, came yesterday to PSN without it.Earlier this month Yoshida teased a Remote Play patch for Ico on Twitter, then the next day the patch went live. Whether or not Tokyo Jungle players can expect a similar timeframe, only Yoshida knows. And other people working at Sony, we presume.
Ico HD to soon get Remote Play patch on PlayStation Vita
Sony is "almost ready" to patch in Remote Play support for Ico on the PlayStation Vita. Sony Worldwide Studios president Shuhei Yoshida, the tease that he is, yesterday tweeted the above photo of the 2001 game's PS3 version running on a Vita. A few minutes later he clarified, saying the patch was almost complete and that more information will follow.Remote Play lets PS3 owners access their system remotely on the Vita, including playing certain supported games. Back in E3, Sony announced future Remote Play support for Ico along with its spiritual successor, Shadow of the Colossus, and the first two God of War games. That suggests functionality for these games is included in the upcoming patch. We'll likely know more at this year's Tokyo Game Show, for which Sony recently announced its lineup.
Sony's PlayMemories Studio now live on PSN, get your Playstation 3 photo-edit on
Yesterday's rumor about Sony launching PlayMemories Studio this week has just become fact. The $15 editing suite has just gone live on the PlayStation Store, enabling plebes to edit, organize and share photos (and video) right on their home console of choice, the PS3. Those with a spare Vita or PSP laying around can also put those to good use through Remote Play functionality. Unsure if Sony's couch-iPhoto experience is for you? Hit the source for more info on the whole shindig, in addition to details on how to get your creative side on with a gratis thirty day trial.
Living la vita hacker: PS3 firmware exploit expands Vita Remote Play options
Those gosh-darned hackers just refuse to get off Sony's lawn, serving up yet another exploit for the outfit's latest baby, the PlayStation Vita. Well, sort of -- the Vita's own code hasn't been breached, but it sure plays nice with PlayStation 3 custom firmware 3.55. The PS3 tweak apparently recognizes the Vita as a mobile phone, which somehow allows it to Remote Play a wider assortment of PS3 games than normal. It's not all unicorns and double rainbows, however, as input lag appears to be an issue -- but it should help tide over enterprising Vita owners until Sony officially expands its list of Remote Play-compatible titles. In the meantime, those on the straight and narrow can console themselves with the Vita's recently updated 3G data plan. Hit the break to see the trick cram Battlefield 3 onto the small screen.
Exclusive: Sony 'S1' PlayStation tablet (updated)
Think for a second, what major consumer electronics company doesn't have a tablet to show? Right, Sony. In fact, the rumor womb has been conspicuously barren of salacious Sony tablet tattle ever since Apple's iPad was announced back in 2010. Oh sure, Sony's owned-up to the development of prototypes that fill a "very important position" somewhere in between its own Vaio PC lineup and the Xperia Play byproduct of its Ericsson commingling. But beyond that: zilch, nada... until today. We have a couple of tablets we'd like to tell you about, starting with a 9.4-inch honeypot of an Android 3.0 tablet. Details of which have been confirmed by two highly trusted and independent sources. Known by its "S1" codename internally, Sony is busy customizing Matias Duarte's Honeycomb interface to its own specification. Although, we're skeptical of Sony's software capabilities, we've been assured that Sony's work is cutting edge stuff created by a talented engineering team spanning Sony's VAIO, Reader, PlayStation, and Sony Ericsson product groups. The team is lead by the VAIO organization but will probably launch as a Sony product without VAIO branding, according to one source. Sony's custom-built transitions and UI elements have created a user experience that rivals and at times improves upon the iPad's renowned experience. The tablet itself, we're told, is 100 percent focused on Qriocity, Sony's music, games, ebooks, and videos on demand service that's just been launched in Europe. It comes preloaded with Sony PS One games, a Bravia Media Remote, and yes, PlayStation integration -- though it's unclear if that'll be limited to Remote Play or if the Android tablet will be PlayStation Suite certified. One source speculates that it could very well get the PlayStation gaming seal of approval by the time it ships -- but that's just an educated guess. Update: We now have confirmation that the S1 is indeed PlayStation Certified making this a full-blown media and gaming tablet. We've also revised the illustration above to make the top less pronounced. So what about that curvaceous mockup above? A design described to us as "beautiful, the best thing" one source has ever seen from Sony. Click through the break and we'll explain.
Sony VAIO laptops start getting PS3 Remote Play update in the US
It's been available for some VAIOs in Japan, and some intrepid individuals have even gotten it working on non-VAIO computers, but it looks like VAIO users in the US can now finally get some official PS3 Remote Play support. We're still trying to track down a complete list of the computers supported, but it looks like the update at least covers the VAIO EA series, and includes all the functionality you'd expect -- streaming, Bluetooth keyboard support, etc. Be sure to let us know in comments if the update has hit your VAIO. [Thanks, Adam]
Developer gets Sony's Remote Play working on non-VAIO machines
Sony has been teasing its Remote Play functionality to a few devices, including the Aino and its VAIO laptops, but if your possession of Sony gadgets doesn't extend beyond your home entertainment center you've been out of luck. Not any more, courtesy of a developer who goes by the handle NTAuthority, who has managed to get Remote Play to work on any machine -- any machine that can run Windows 7, at least. NTAuthority's patch allows Sony's VAIO Remote Play app to run on non-VAIOs, and from the reports we're seeing in forums it even works on a Windows VMware instance hosted on a Mac. That 400kb patch is on the other end of that source link below, so if you feel like giving it a shot it at least it won't take long to download.
Sony turns VAIO P into world's most expensive PS3 keyboard
Yesterday we told you what we thought about the new VAIO P, an $800 conversation piece of a netbook, and now Sony is giving potential owners something else to talk about. The little laptop has been granted "Remote Keyboard" functionality, turning it into a sort of giant economy sized version of the PlayStation 3 Wireless Keypad, a device we weren't particularly fond of when we first played with it way back in 2008. Like that device, the VAIO P has a battery life that's too short and a keyboard that's uncomfortable to use, but this new ability adds one more piece of function this very form-centric laptop desperately needs. The software isn't officially available in the US yet, but we're told the Japanese version at the source link will do you just fine if you're one of the few, the proud, and the financially irresponsible rocking a VAIO P today.
VAIO adds 'Remote Keyboard' support
In addition to getting Remote Play support, Sony's VAIO computers will be able to act as a virtual keyboard for your PS3 system. The "Remote Keyboard" feature can be used in PlayStation Home and games that support the PlayStation keyboard. It may not be as portable as the official PS3 wireless keypad, but it should be far more comfortable. Although, we have some concerns over the questionable key mapping (image after the break). Software support for PS3 connectivity is currently only available on the P series of VAIO laptops. If you can brave the Japanese website, and would like to try it out, download the software here. [Thanks, Copland!]
PS3 firmware update 3.30 makes PC remote play VAIO-ble
Most folks don't know that PS3 Firmware Update 3.30 didn't just prep the system for 3D support, renovate the Trophy section, and totally crash user's lengthy Dragon Age: Origins sessions. It also added a tab under the "Remote Play" section of the XMB – an unassuming option simply labeled "PC." The notes accompanying the update confirm that "future models of the VAIO PC" will be able to access certain titles on the PSN, though the full capacity of said access is unknown. The notes mentioned that further details on the VAIO's Remote Playability will be announced on Sony's website next month. Until then, you can keep on playing your PSN games on your PS3, just like you always have, since the dawn of time, you caveman. [Via Videogamer]
PS3 firmware 3.30 sneaks in remote play from PC, bitstream audio options
Additional trophy sorting and 3D gaming readiness should have been enough to satisfy and PS3 owner after the latest v3.30 system update (hey, at least it didn't take anything away this time) but there's a couple other surprises in store. If you're the kind of person who loves (or hates) their beeps and bloops, there's a toggle for Bitstream Direct (output audio with the original digital signal prioritized) or Mix (mixed with sound effects such as button sounds and then converted to bitstream format) on Blu-ray movies, while future VAIO PC owners can get a taste of remote play without any PSP intermediary. Other, unconfirmed, reports include updated Flash compatibility, enhanced region free Blu-ray movie playback, the usual complaints of bricked or otherwise busted consoles as well as erroneous claims of an updated EULA that maintains Sony can update your PS3 whenever it wants (newsflash - it's always said that.) Sure, you can always wait for a custom build from Geohot instead, but we've got a Fat Princess to rescue.
