Sony Launching 'Remote Play' of PS4 Games on Mac and PC 'Soon'

[aarond12]

The PlayStation TV does this today with a standard TV set. (It's a set-top box, not a TV -- poorly named.) I have my PS4 set up in the living room on the large TV. When that TV is occupied, I can play my PS4 using my PS TV in the bedroom. It works very well and has very little lag. (Especially over wired Gigabit Ethernet.)

Too bad Sony is abandoning the PS TV. If you look hard enough, you can get a PS TV for less than $30. It even plays games itself, despite being the size of a deck of cards. You can use an old PS3 controller or a new PS4 controller with it too. Damn you, Sony, for abandoning your wonderful products. I have a Vita too...

 

[balconycollapse]

Remote Play is too unreliable for this to matter and most users don't know how to configure their home networks to make it work out and about. I had a PS Vita that was supposed to do this and it was completely unreliable even with proper configuration on my home network with an Airport Extreme! Sony has that game streaming rental service on the PS4 and I believe ultimately this is just a beta test to see how well they can get bits onto a Mac or PC screen then shortly after start renting Street Fighter II and Mega Man for $3 bucks here and there to those without a PS4.

 

[Speedy Dingo]

What des this give you that simply playing on a PS4 doesn't? Can two player games have different screens so a racing game would give each their own POV an they would not be distracted by the other? A sports game could keep plays secret as well.

An honest question, as I don't have a PS4 but have played others and am curious what this brings beyond a "look at what we can do?" How does it make gaming better?

I think this idea is great and its something they've taken from the Wii U and it's control pad. Basically it allows you to stream and play your game on a Mac/PC when, say, someone is using the TV and you can't play something. It's a convenience feature rather than something to make playing on PS4 better.

I have been saying that game consoles are going to move into a niche market within a couple of years and I always get flamed for it. This looks like a good way for Sony to transition from game console to evolution of playing on something other than a dedicated console. Of course this is a baby step as the console is still required. BUT it is a step. In case you don't agree with my position please look at the following fact that supports my position.
View attachment 619145
Source - http://www.statista.com/statistics/276768/global-unit-sales-of-video-game-consoles/

Yeah you keep saying that, but consoles aren't going anywhere. In fact, current generation PS4/XB1 consoles have sold better than last generation PS3/Xbox360 so far. http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/t...es-selling-much-faster-than-ps3-and-xbox-360/
Handhelds have definitely sold less than previous years, and that's because of phones and iPads/tablets. That I agree with. This apparent future of nothing but mobile games and ATV connectivity isn't going to win over core gamers. If anything, it'll drive most people to PC gaming. They're 2 totally different markets with 2 totally different gaming experiences.

 

[TMRJIJ]

No. How about they just stop releasing exclusives. The Last of Us please, on Mac or PC.

There will never be an end to exclusives. That's the gaming competition works. Plus certain Exclusive games becoming third party would ruin the game. Nobody wants to see the next Infamous game on a underpowered, foreign Wii U

 

[B4U]

Now I just need to know how do I get around the office's firewall to play at useless meetings.

 

[Devie]

Nvidia Shield & Steam streaming bro. I rather play PC games on than a console game on my PC. Better frame rates and details if you have a good GPU and CPU. Also with shield you can remotely access your games from anywhere if you have a good network connection

Yeah I'm fully aware of steam streaming. I tried it on my laptop connected to tv. Works well but I don't want to buy a shield or that steam one. I already have a xbone 360 ps4 PS3 Wii u and atv connected. Is enough and I'm just waiting for Microsoft to do it themselves for better xbone controller and Xbox live support

 

[imicca]

How exactly will this work? I buy a PS4, turn on, put disc in it, install, then open Mac, open remote play and play with PS4 being ON? I mean, can I play on my Mac while away from home, and PS4 being turned ON and running all the time? OR this is only within WiFi range?

 

[gaximus]

I have been saying that game consoles are going to move into a niche market within a couple of years and I always get flamed for it. This looks like a good way for Sony to transition from game console to evolution of playing on something other than a dedicated console. Of course this is a baby step as the console is still required. BUT it is a step. In case you don't agree with my position please look at the following fact that supports my position.
View attachment 619145
Source - http://www.statista.com/statistics/276768/global-unit-sales-of-video-game-consoles/

Your chart is misleading, it has portable devices included, which are obviously declining due to smart phone gaming.
If you unselect the portable devices and leave only the console, sales have gone up the last year.

 

[2457282]

Your chart is misleading, it has portable devices included, which are obviously declining due to smart phone gaming.
If you unselect the portable devices and leave only the console, sales have gone up the last year.
View attachment 619351

except for the fact that even with your filter, sales are still off the highpoint of 45 million in 2010. So even with the 2014 growth, we are still see a negative growth over 5 years. At best the market is stagnant.

 

[gaximus]

except for the fact that even with your filter, sales are still off the highpoint of 45 million in 2010. So even with the 2014 growth, we are still see a negative growth over 5 years. At best the market is stagnant.

I agree. Its hard to tell at this point, but it could be making a comeback. And at what point will we consider Apple TV a console, that could also shift the numbers upward.

 

[2457282]

I agree. Its hard to tell at this point, but it could be making a comeback. And at what point will we consider Apple TV a console, that could also shift the numbers upward.

Your last point is interesting. I know there is a bill in congress that would allow cable to be delivered through any set top box not just their own, which could mean that I could get cable through the Apple TV. And if (more like when) it starts to rival the consoles, what category would the Apple TV fit in? Plays Movies and Shows. Plays Games. Has Apps. Mirrors you devices. Plays Music. Seems like this thing could grow into the iOS equivalent of the Mac Mini.

But back to your point, my guess is that because it is not a dedicated game platform, it would not technically fit in the console category.

 

[jbellanca]

Remote Play is too unreliable for this to matter and most users don't know how to configure their home networks to make it work out and about. I had a PS Vita that was supposed to do this and it was completely unreliable even with proper configuration on my home network with an Airport Extreme! Sony has that game streaming rental service on the PS4 and I believe ultimately this is just a beta test to see how well they can get bits onto a Mac or PC screen then shortly after start renting Street Fighter II and Mega Man for $3 bucks here and there to those without a PS4.

If it's unreliable for you, it's something in your setup. I also have an Airport Extreme, and it's worked flawlessly for me from Day 1 with almost no setup whatsoever. I turned it on, logged in, it configured everything itself, and it just worked. Period. I never had to mess with any configuration or anything. And the quality is very good. Sounds like you have something wonky in your setup somewhere.

About the rentals, I do wish they'd let you stream the PS3 games that you already own in your library. I hate that I own games, but they won't let me stream them to the PS4. I get why they do that, I just don't like it. I'll say this though... if they start allowing PS3 (or 4) game streaming to my Mac or other device (not a PS4), I'd start paying the $100/year for the service so I can play on the road easier. I just don't want to bring my bulky PS4 around with me everywhere to stream.

How exactly will this work? I buy a PS4, turn on, put disc in it, install, then open Mac, open remote play and play with PS4 being ON? I mean, can I play on my Mac while away from home, and PS4 being turned ON and running all the time? OR this is only within WiFi range?

It will turn on the PS4 when it connects, as long as the PS4 is just in rest mode. It'll work either on your home network or out and about on the internet outside your home.

 

[kingtj]

Interesting .... but I'd also say that gaming console sales may be shrinking because of a lack of compelling content? I'm not saying we don't still have a demographic who loves playing games offered on them. (We've got 3 kids and one of them is a very avid console gamer on his Wii. The other two have a couple of titles on the PS3 or PS4 they love playing, like the Little Big Planet series.)

But overall, I just don't think they have the attraction they used to. As new models keep coming out, it leaves behind previous models and huge collections of game titles for them. Those games are still as fun to play as ever. A good game doesn't suddenly become "not a good game", just because new hardware comes out that can run games with better graphics or sound. And with the prices of the old stuff dropping to literally pennies on the dollar -- that becomes much more compelling to purchase if you're a young kid or teen with limited funds.

I don't think there's a lot out for current consoles that's so groundbreaking, it justifies the $60 expense, vs. getting $60 worth of used PS3 games or what-not?

I have been saying that game consoles are going to move into a niche market within a couple of years and I always get flamed for it. This looks like a good way for Sony to transition from game console to evolution of playing on something other than a dedicated console. Of course this is a baby step as the console is still required. BUT it is a step. In case you don't agree with my position please look at the following fact that supports my position.
View attachment 619145
Source - http://www.statista.com/statistics/276768/global-unit-sales-of-video-game-consoles/

 

[gaximus]

Your last point is interesting. I know there is a bill in congress that would allow cable to be delivered through any set top box not just their own, which could mean that I could get cable through the Apple TV. And if (more like when) it starts to rival the consoles, what category would the Apple TV fit in? Plays Movies and Shows. Plays Games. Has Apps. Mirrors you devices. Plays Music. Seems like this thing could grow into the iOS equivalent of the Mac Mini.

But back to your point, my guess is that because it is not a dedicated game platform, it would not technically fit in the console category.

Right but the XB1 is also not a dedicated game platform. It has HDMI in, mirrors devices, plays music, plays movies and shows,and has apps. And ps4 can do all those except HDMI in.

 

[SteveW928]

I will buy PS4.
It is much cheaper than any mac with dedicated GPU.

That's the thing about the new gen of gaming consoles. They are pretty much gaming PCs simplified into a reliable box. They might not match high-end gaming PCs, but for the majority, they are now good enough.

I used to use Boot Camp on my iMac, but there's little point now that I have my PS4. And, I'm not enough of a gamer to drop a ton-o-cash and time on a dedicated rig.

I don't think anyone denies dedicated consoles are a dying market.
...
That's why today's consoles are far more than just gaming machines.
...
Edit: Although the chart provides some great numbers, realize a disproportionate percentage of that decline comes from one vendor: Nintendo...

Hmm, I might deny that. Look at the chart again, and take Nintendo out, as you say. Sony and Microsoft combined beat any previous year. Nintendo hasn't really been in the console-wars for some time now... all they have is some game content trapping people into the platform.

And, I might even take issue with the 'more than just gaming machines.' I tried to go there with my PS3 and it was a disaster, so I've moved to the Apple TV for the A/V hub. The PS4 doesn't seem oriented towards that at all. It's now more a serious gaming console, leaving the media-hub thing behind.

That said, it does a lot of cool social-gaming kind of stuff quite well, from plugging a headset into the controller, to recording and broadcasting gameplay. So, maybe that's what you meant by more than just a gaming machine?

Not only are we in agreement that Apple can overcome hardware requirements in the next couple of generations, but I believe that this is what currently separates Apple from Chrome, Roku, and Amazon -- the ATV seems like it is better positioned to upgrade quickly into a console replacement box.

Hmm, I'm not sure I agree here, as I think it's a moving target. Yes, these mobile chips keep getting more powerful at quite an amazing pace. But, I don't think the gaming-rig or console hardware is going to sit still while mobile catches up. IMO, it's a physics issue. A phone is just never going to equal a box with a power line and cooling equipment. Just like I don't expect one day I'll be using iPhones as 3D render-farms.... even if some future phone equals the CPU/GPU power of an iMac today.

Oh, also one of the things I like about my 3rd Gen Apple TV (not sure on the new one) is that it only takes around 1 watt of electricity, whereas my PS4 takes a *LOT* more. So, I'm not sure I really want to see these media-hub type device to merge with gaming consoles, though I suppose as they do more gaming, they will use more power. But, at least on mobile chips, when not gaming, they should still be pretty efficient.

 

[69Mustang]

And, I might even take issue with the 'more than just gaming machines.' I tried to go there with my PS3 and it was a disaster, so I've moved to the Apple TV for the A/V hub. The PS4 doesn't seem oriented towards that at all. It's now more a serious gaming console, leaving the media-hub thing behind.

That said, it does a lot of cool social-gaming kind of stuff quite well, from plugging a headset into the controller, to recording and broadcasting gameplay. So, maybe that's what you meant by more than just a gaming machine?

Huh? Not sure how this is even debatable. You can game on a console, that's a given. You also have movies, music, sports, internet + social apps, and live tv capability. If that's not more than just a gaming machine then I need to reassess what I call 'more than'. You could literally ditch your cable box and run your entertainment world through a console. That's definitely more than.

 

[SteveW928]

Huh? Not sure how this is even debatable. You can game on a console, that's a given. You also have movies, music, sports, internet + social apps, and live tv capability. If that's not more than just a gaming machine then I need to reassess what I call 'more than'. You could literally ditch your cable box and run your entertainment world through a console. That's definitely more than.

Yea, I guess... similar stuff as the Apple TV (a bunch-o-streaming services), etc. just not quite as good as a network media player (though Plex looks good, and I think is available on PS4). I just remember all the stuff the PS3 was supposed to be able to do (and originally kind of did) until Sony eroded it one feature at a time. It seems the PS4 is a bit less focused on this than the PS3 was. Maybe I'm wrong as I just haven't played with much of it now.... haven't needed to.

And, yea, I haven't had a cable box for well over a decade now. But, I also watch nearly zero TV anyway... the family watches some streaming stuff via Netflix.

 

[melendezest]

I really doubt that the console market will shrink or that it is a dying market.

I think if anything, it will expand.

Consoles are the best living room devices currently: I have completely eliminated set-top boxes, Apple TVs, cable tv, and everything else.

I have a broadband connection, a PS3 in every room, a PS4 and an Xbox One (family of 6, with all teenage kids).

I can stream any and all content from my Mac to every PS3 (haven't tried the other consoles).

I use Hulu, Prime, Netflix, rentals, and purchases for TV/movie content, which every console can do.

And everyone can game their asses off if they feel like it, on 50 in. + tvs in every room of the house.

Consoles do it ALL. They will not die. Ever.

Especially because, you know, families.

Kids will never not like to play. And some of us will never "grow up", or stop wanting to pretend we're Kobe Bryant, or Peyton Manning, or David Beckham, or Tony Hawk...

 

[jlc1978]

I really doubt that the console market will shrink or that it is a dying market.

I think if anything, it will expand.

Consoles are the best living room devices currently: I have completely eliminated set-top boxes, Apple TVs, cable tv, and everything else.

While I agree consoles are here to stay they will not necessarily be like today's console. Take Apple TV. The latest is the first step into turning it into a console as well as a set top box. It certainly doesn't have the raw power of a PS4 it will get better and is significantly cheaper than a PS4 or Xbox or even a Wii. Devices such as the Roku, Firestick, Chrome could become satellites for a single future version of the Playstation or Xbox where the game console streams to them.

 

[melendezest]

While I agree consoles are here to stay they will not necessarily be like today's console. Take Apple TV. The latest is the first step into turning it into a console as well as a set top box. It certainly doesn't have the raw power of a PS4 it will get better and is significantly cheaper than a PS4 or Xbox or even a Wii. Devices such as the Roku, Firestick, Chrome could become satellites for a single future version of the Playstation or Xbox where the game console streams to them.

Why would a console need to stream to those devices? The point is that he console replaces devices like the Apple TV, and thus it is those devices that are in (relative) danger.

That's not to say that there isn't a place or rather target customer for them, just that the console is a better investment, in my view, as it does streaming and gaming and physical media.

 

[jlc1978]

Why would a console need to stream to those devices? The point is that he console replaces devices like the Apple TV, and thus it is those devices that are in (relative) danger.

That's not to say that there isn't a place or rather target customer for them, just that the console is a better investment, in my view, as it does streaming and gaming and physical media.

Those device are less expensive and already moving into the game playing arena; they are a threat to the console, not vice versa. By making them part of the console game experience consoles increase their odds of remaining popular.

 

[AcesHigh87]

I can stream any and all content from my Mac to every PS3 (haven't tried the other consoles).

Off-Topic but just curious how you do this? Or do you just mean something like Plex streaming?

I usually run an HDMI from my mac to the TV if I want to stream something off of it so If I could go to the PS3 or PS4 that would be far better.

 

[SteveW928]

Why would a console need to stream to those devices? The point is that he console replaces devices like the Apple TV, and thus it is those devices that are in (relative) danger.

That's not to say that there isn't a place or rather target customer for them, just that the console is a better investment, in my view, as it does streaming and gaming and physical media.

IMO, consoles aren't great replacements. My Apple TV only uses 1 watt (instead of like 80~150?), takes up *WAY* less space, is much less complex, and does a better job of everything but heavier-duty gaming. I'm not seeing why someone who wasn't a bit more serious gamer would buy a console to do media center stuff. It's nice that a console CAN ALSO do media center, but it's kind of the Ferrari to get groceries thing... if the Ferrari were dump-truck sized.

Don't get me wrong, I love my PS4, but I don't see it replacing my Apple TV at all. (Also, since I give presentations now and then, or like the ability to Air Play stuff from Apple devices to it... it's especially useful within the Apple eco-system. If it ever leaves the entertainment cabinet, it goes along with me in my computer bag.)

Off-Topic but just curious how you do this? Or do you just mean something like Plex streaming?

I usually run an HDMI from my mac to the TV if I want to stream something off of it so If I could go to the PS3 or PS4 that would be far better.

Yes, Plex is an option (I think on the PS3, it is on the PS4), or if you have your stuff in the right format and have the right protocols turned on (DLNA, etc.), you can actually browse/stream from a computer to PS3. The key is having a fast enough network if you're dealing with 1080p. I've seen people try it via wifi, but that's usually problematic.

The nice thing about the Apple TV, is that with the new one you could do both. You could 'push' content to the Apple TV from any Apple device, or use the Apple TV to pull content from your iTunes library, or install something like Plex if you wanted to be able to browse pretty much any kind of media library right from the Apple TV. So, IMO, the Apple TV is actually more flexible, but obviously isn't nearly the game machine.

 

[melendezest]

IMO, consoles aren't great replacements. My Apple TV only uses 1 watt (instead of like 80~150?), takes up *WAY* less space, is much less complex, and does a better job of everything but heavier-duty gaming. I'm not seeing why someone who wasn't a bit more serious gamer would buy a console to do media center stuff. It's nice that a console CAN ALSO do media center, but it's kind of the Ferrari to get groceries thing... if the Ferrari were dump-truck sized.

Don't get me wrong, I love my PS4, but I don't see it replacing my Apple TV at all. (Also, since I give presentations now and then, or like the ability to Air Play stuff from Apple devices to it... it's especially useful within the Apple eco-system. If it ever leaves the entertainment cabinet, it goes along with me in my computer bag.)

If the Apple TV is what you want, then yes, a console (or nothing, for that matter) wouldn't replace it. I just don't understand what exactly you are doing with your Apple TV that your PS4 or a way cheaper dongle can't handle.

Why spend $200 on it, when you already have a machine that can do all and way more than the Apple TV can, is upgradeable, can handle streaming and disc-based media (no substitute for home theaters), and there are no external devices required? I mean, if you have the money to burn and like doing it, fine, but right now the 3 ATVs I own do NOTHING but gather dust. The new interface isn't $200-nice either.

I also don't really care much about power consumption, I can use my Sammy phone to do presentations (a chromecast or similar device is far smaller and cheaper), and I have no need for such a device to ever leave my cabinet.

I think in your analogy, the ATV is actually the Ferrari. Consoles are SUVs (haul people, materials, pull boats, hold bikes, surfboards, etc). The ATV is a (nice) 2-seater, but expensive for what it is and a bad investment unless all you need to do is just ride and show off.

Basically, I can live without the Apple TV, but not without a console. Granted, to each their own.

 

[Orionsangel]

Sony has announced that its forthcoming Remote Play app for streaming PlayStation 4 games on Mac or Windows PC will be available "soon." PlayStation 4's latest 3.50 system software update launches in beta tomorrow, but Sony says the Remote Play functionality will not be available in the beta.

Last November, Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida tweeted that it is working on an official Remote Play app for Mac and PC, enabling users to stream and play PS4 games on desktops and notebooks. Physically owning a PS4 will still be required to stream games.

Remote Play is currently limited to various Sony devices, including the PlayStation Vita, PlayStation TV and newer Xperia-branded smartphones and tablets. All new PS4 games must be compatible with Remote Play, except for games that use peripherals such as PlayStation Move.

Article Link: Sony Launching 'Remote Play' of PS4 Games on Mac and PC 'Soon'

[doublepost=1459021328][/doublepost]Streaming the PS4 on the Shield TV using the PS4 Remote Play App. The App is free, but the Google Play Store says it's incompatible with the Shield TV. It's obviously not, but anyway. You can google search for the apk and sideload it.