Sony always likes to update its platforms to add on things they either promised or said would be coming soon (still no backwards compatibility though). The small updates add little touches, like update 2.73, which just enhanced the console, making it run smoother. Then there are updates like the upcoming 3.0 (which is codenamed Kenshin. Why? No clue), which Sony says will add a lot. But how much exactly?
The biggest new addition is that online storage for Playstation Plus users will be increased to 10 GB instead of the paltry 1 GB that the PS4 started with. It will also come with a usage meter and an auto-upload menu has been added to the Application Saved Data Management. Owners will also be able to livestream directly to YouTube, which will be viewable on the YouTube mobile app. A new hub will be created for game events, such as official tournaments and double XP weekends. Players will also be able to create communities with a message board (exciting!) and screenshots, and will have the ability to join parties and games from that community. You can also add friends to a Favorite Group, share clips to Twitter (maximum length being 10 seconds) and you can use stickers in chat. Lastly, you will get more information on what your friends are playing, an updated Live From Playstation app, and you can ask a friend if you can watch their gameplay session.
Of all these features there are two that particularly stand out, and that’s the increased storage and livestreaming. Frankly, it was a shame that PS Plus members only got 1 GB of storage and they are only just now expanding the storage capacity after nearly two years on the market. Thankfully, Sony understands the importance of livestreams with the ever growing Twitch scene, so having that as part of the update is great. But videos to Twitter? More details on what your friends are playing? New hubs for special events? These are all additions that could’ve been added with later updates. This whole update is supposed to be the next big thing for the PS4, which confuses me as to why Sony touts it as such.
Is it good that Sony is finally adding these to the PS4? Of course it is. The livestreaming and increased storage are additions that every owner will gladly appreciate. But should this be the big celebrated update that they say it is? Not really. Sony needs to celebrate that when they add monumental features to the PS4, like backwards compatibility, not favorite groups and stickers.