PlayStation®4 (PS4™) To Add Anticipated Features That Enhance The System's Social Capabilities And Overall Gaming Experience

SAN MATEO, Calif., April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced it will release system software update version 1.70 for PlayStation®4 (PS4™) system on April 30, delivering new features that expand the social connectivity options and make it easier for gamers to share their experiences in a more meaningful way.  In addition, the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) system software and PlayStation®App will be updated to deepen integration and improve compatibility with the PS4 system.  These updates will further strengthen the PS4 system by adding a host of new features and enhancements, many of them highly-anticipated and requested. 

"PlayStation 4 has been met with tremendous enthusiasm from its community of more than seven million gamers worldwide," said John Koller, vice-president of platforms marketing. "Listening to community feedback is critical to us, and we are pleased to deliver some of the most highly requested features with this update. We've also seen strong usage of the sharing features on PS4, and we're excited to build on these social capabilities with this update to further expand upon what we believe is the most socially connected console experience."

Highlights for the 1.70 update include:

Edit and Share Epic Moments with SHAREfactory™
After PS4 owners update to system software version 1.70, an icon to download SHAREfactory will appear on the PS4 system's homescreen once it's available. SHAREfactory, a free rich video editor, will elevate game sharing by allowing users to easily customize their gameplay videos with special effects including filters, transitions and themes.  SHAREfactory provides access to a robust suite of tools to personalize videos by adding text and video commentary with picture-in-picture capability using PlayStation®Camera.  PS4 owners can also add a custom soundtrack to their videos using the included audio tracks or by importing their original music. With this rich set of features, SHAREfactory enables players to create a polished compilation of their most epic gaming moments to share with their friends and social networks. 

Get Games Faster with Automatic Downloading for Pre-ordered Games
Immediacy and streamlined access to content is a core part of the PS4 experience, with existing features such as "Play As You Download." The 1.70 update builds on this by adding the ability to automatically download select games pre-ordered from PlayStation®Store prior to the release, so it's ready to play as soon as the game launches.  When the auto-download feature is enabled, the game will automatically download up to several days in advance of launch.  As the release date approaches, a new countdown timer will appear to show how much time remains, to the second, until the content is released and accessible.

More Flexibility for Gameplay Captures with HDCP Off
The 1.70 update addresses one of the most highly requested features from PS4 users by introducing the option for PS4 users to disable High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection (HDCP) for games. This enables PS4 games to be output through HDMI to an external capture device for more flexibility when capturing gameplay, including longer recorded and live streamed sessions. 

Easily Share Captured Videos, Screenshots or Edited Videos with USB Export Option
The ability to export captured videos, screenshots or edited SHAREfactory videos by pressing the DUALSHOCK®4 controller's SHARE button to USB drive will also be added, allowing users to share their proudest, most heroic gaming moments with the world on the social video platforms of their choice.

Watch Live Broadcasts in HD or View Broadcasts Later with Archiving Support
With the upcoming update, users will have the option to broadcast their gameplay in 720p HD resolution and archive their broadcasts via Twitch and Ustream.

Additional features and updates introduced with system software v1.70 include:

• DUALSHOCK 4: Brightness settings for the light bar will be available in Bright, Medium and Dim, accessible in the Settings menu. Users also will have the option to control the on-screen keyboard using the DUALSHOCK 4 controller's touchpad, with inputs registered by clicking the touchpad or pressing the X button.
• PlayStation Store: Alternative Payment Methods (APMs) will be introduced for content purchased within PS Store, including PayPal support.
• SHARE: Updated settings will allow users to upload screenshots or video clips during a live broadcast, change the default recording time for gameplay captures, and select only the specific screenshots and video clips they want to save on their PS4 system. In addition, users will have more control with the privacy of their uploaded SHARE videos or screenshots on Facebook, with the ability to select the audience to whom the upload will be visible.
• Friends: Find Friends easier and send requests with the ability to search Friends-of-Friends, view Mutual Friends on another user's profile, and accept Friend requests directly from the Friends list.
• Trophies: Trophies will be able to be sorted by rarity from the Options menu.
• PlayStation Camera: PlayStation Camera will respond to additional voice commands, enabling users to launch select installed apps.
• Music Unlimited: PS4 users with a subscription to Music Unlimited will be able to share songs by pressing the SHARE button on the DUALSHOCK 4 controller.

PS Vita 3.15 Update
The PS Vita system will also receive a system software update to version 3.15 with the same timing as the PS4 1.70 update, adding some key feature enhancements that will strengthen the connectivity and integration between the PS Vita and PS4 systems.  The 3.15 update will enable Automatic Device Registration, which will automatically pair the devices when both systems are online and the same user is signed in to both, making it even easier to link a PS Vita system with a PS4 system for Remote Play and other second screen features. 

PlayStation App 1.70 Update
The PlayStation App for smartphones and tablets, available free on the App Store and Google Play, is also set to receive an update to version 1.70 within the same launch window as both the PS4 and PS Vita system software updates.  The update will add push notifications and allows users to change their profile picture by uploading from their mobile device's photo library or taking a photo using their device's camera.  In addition, Friend requests will be able to be sent via email and text messages, making it more convenient and easier to add Friends and grow your network. The PlayStation App will also support iPad resolution with the update to 1.70.

For more information about the PlayStation 4 system, PlayStation Vita system, PlayStation App and the full list of features added with their updates, please visit: www.us.playstation.com.  

About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) has revolutionized home entertainment since the first PlayStation® console launched in 1995 in the United States, followed by the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system launch in 2000. SCEA continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, PSN(SM), PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) handheld entertainment system, and the recently launched PlayStation®4 (PS4™) computer entertainment system. SCEA also launched PlayStation®Mobile, a cross device mobile platform using Android-based PlayStation certified devices in October 2012. Recognized as an undisputed industry leader, SCEA markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for PSP, PS3, PS Vita, and PS4 systems in North and South America. Based in San Mateo, California, SCEA serves as headquarters for all North and South American operations.

"PlayStation" and "DUALSHOCK" are registered trademarks and "PS4" and "Share Factory" are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. The Sony Computer Entertainment logo is a registered trademark and "SONY" is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.

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SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC