Sony Releases Remote Play App to Control Your PS4 With iPhone or iPad

[MacRumors]

Sony today released a new app called "Remote Play" for iOS devices, after launching the same app on Android a few years ago. The app allows you to connect your iPhone or iPad to your PS4, and directly control both the console interface as well as most games through on-screen iOS touch controls [Direct Link].

To get everything set up, make sure your PS4 is updated to version 6.50 (which just began rolling out in the early hours of the morning). Then, download the PS4 Remote Play app from the iOS App Store, sign into your Sony account in the app, and allow it to search for your PS4. You'll need to be on a Wi-Fi network for this to work, as the app cannot be used via mobile networks.

Once connected, you'll see your PS4 home screen displayed on your iPhone, sitting above a row of touch controls that mimic the buttons on a DualShock 4 controller. If you tilt the iPhone to a horizontal orientation, the buttons will disappear until you tap on the display.

The app supports the ability to talk to your friends in a party or through game chat, but you'll have to allow it access to the iOS microphone. The app's controls include the DualShock 4's Share and Options buttons, as well as the central PlayStation logo that brings you back to the home screen.

You can browse around the PS4 and launch most games in the Remote Play app, but Sony does note that there are some games that will be incompatible with the app. Additionally, you can't directly connect the DualShock 4 to the iPhone to play games.

Sony has shown interest in iOS in the past, previously launching an app called "PlayLink", which enabled synchronous multiplayer gaming between the PS4 and iOS device. PlayLink games relied on the PS4, however, and iOS devices acted as extensions to the main events happening on the TV, including experiences like a mini-game collection, comedy quiz show, and hidden identity game.

There have also been apps like R-Play that have functionality similar to Sony's Remote Play app, allowing users to play their PS4 while not at home. R-Play costs $11.99 to download [Direct Link] while Sony's new Remote Play app is free to download [Direct Link].

Article Link: Sony Releases Remote Play App to Control Your PS4 With iPhone or iPad

 

[sparkso]

after so long....

 

[Jeaz]

It would be great if Apple to relax their MFI requirements here a bit and allow the DualShock to work with iOS. Would be to everyone's benefit.

With that said, Sony could also find a way to make MFI controllers work. I know it has fewer buttons but in worst case add the missing buttons to the screen.

 

[TimUSCA]

Can I use an MFi controller to play this? Because those virtual buttons are not okay with me. Would be amazing if the DS4 would just work natively, but I doubt we'll see that.

 

[infinitedreams]

The official Android app is only compatible with Xperia phones.

 

[jona2125]

The official Android app is only compatible with Xperia phones.

Officially yes, but you can get it to work on any Android device. Been doing it for over a year now on Samsung devices

 

[ccrunner_tj]

Just when I thought my Widowmaker aim couldn't get any worse...

 

[TMRJIJ]

Needs MFI Controller support. Please Sony, you’re halfway there

 

[earthTOmitchel]

Just when I thought my Widowmaker aim couldn't get any worse...

I tried with Winston for fun and had to leave the match because it was essentially a 5v6 Definitely not a way to play OW, but fascinating that it works at all!

 

[spiderman0616]

It would be great if Apple to relax their MFI requirements here a bit and allow the DualShock to work with iOS. Would be to everyone's benefit.

With that said, Sony could also find a way to make MFI controllers work. I know it has fewer buttons but in worst case add the missing buttons to the screen.

I've been using a SteelSeries Nimbus with R-Play for the past couple of years, and you can program button combinations on the controller to act as left stick click, right stick click, and touch pad presses. It's not looking like Sony's solution allows this (yet) so I'll continue with R-Play for now.

 

[NachoGrande]

But why....

 

[Marcus PM]

What a great idea, now we can be outside in the sun and fresh air!

 

[now i see it]

anyone notice that the app completely disregards the notch? Everything has just been moved away from it with spacer bars

 

[Plutonius]

Wouldn't using an actual PS4 controller be superior to trying to use the iPhone as a controller ?

Is this another case of someone doing something to prove a concept rather than designing it for an actual need ?

 

[Zeke D]

I'd use this just to play Dragon Quest XI, especially if I can go to another room while the family is watching firestick or something.

 

[brees]

Wouldn't using an actual PS4 controller be superior to trying to use the iPhone as a controller ?

Is this another case of someone doing something to prove a concept rather than designing it for an actual need ?

Yes - but the console comes with one controller and it costs $60 to buy another one. This is great way to play a casual multiplayer game without an investment.

 

[thatguysuraj]

But why....

I mean, for multiplayer games, not a good idea since you're basically gimped, but for single player games it could be fun. Now I can play Kingdom Hearts anywhere I go (only if theres good, strong WiFi though)

 

[Jeaz]

I've been using a SteelSeries Nimbus with R-Play for the past couple of years, and you can program button combinations on the controller to act as left stick click, right stick click, and touch pad presses. It's not looking like Sony's solution allows this (yet) so I'll continue with R-Play for now.

So does R-Play work well? How does it compare to the official app (besides the controller support)
[doublepost=1551968411][/doublepost]

Wouldn't using an actual PS4 controller be superior to trying to use the iPhone as a controller ?

Is this another case of someone doing something to prove a concept rather than designing it for an actual need ?

As it is right now, Apple won't allow any controllers other than MFI certified to work with apps. And the DualShock can never be MFI certified since it has too many buttons for Apple's likings.

 

[69Mustang]

I tried with Winston for fun and had to leave the match because it was essentially a 5v6 Definitely not a way to play OW, but fascinating that it works at all!

This. I guess I don't play the type of games where this would be beneficial, but it seems that it's an immediate handicap unless everyone is playing the same way.

 

[GaryMumford]

Wouldn't using an actual PS4 controller be superior to trying to use the iPhone as a controller ?

Is this another case of someone doing something to prove a concept rather than designing it for an actual need ?

I only use my PS4 as a blu-ray/dvd player, and that's only once in a blue moon. (I really can't remember the last time I used it). So now, 'if' on that very rare occasion I want to play one of those old blu ray thingies, I won't have to look for the controller and make sure its charged up, I can just use my phone. Although I'll probably have forgotten about the app by then and still be hunting for the dead controller anyway

 

[Taustin Powers]

Completely useless without a compatible controller.

I'd rather kill myself than play PS4 games with virtual touchscreen controls on a phone. Surely there can be some way to solve this?

 

[sesnir]

MFI controllers work... tested with the Nimbus.

 

[MandiMac]

MFI controllers work... tested with the Nimbus.

Any special config?

 

[69Mustang]

anyone notice that the app completely disregards the notch? Everything has just been moved away from it with spacer bars

Probably the right thing to do, especially in a multiplayer game. You're already handicapped using a touch screen controller that covers some of the screen. You don't need the notch intruding as well. Might actually block something you need to see.

 

[madeirabhoy]

can I ask a stupid question, im confused reading this.

is this an app so you can use your phone as another controller whilst sitting in front of the ps4, or is this an app so you can play ps4 games when not in front of your console?