With the PlayStation 4’s latest update (version 1.60) firmly nestled in consoles right across the globe, attention now shifts intently as to what Sony has up its collective sleeves for proceeding updates. And while this purported wait will no doubt be an arduous one, we’ve decided to make it that little more bearable by eliciting the help of the hawk-eyed folk over at our forums to help gauge opinion on what Sony needs to include from here on out.
Ever since the arrival of Sony’s sleek new black box of tricks way back in November, plaudits have been rightfully levelled at its revamped user interface; from an entirely superficial standpoint, PS4’s new tile-tiered system indeed makes for pretty viewing, with effortless scrolling and swift, intuitive browsing of everything the machine’s got to offer. But, as a sign of the times, any new piece of tech is malleable in one way or another – so there’s always amble room for tinkering, tailoring and add-ons. So with that in mind, here’s a Sony fix-it rundown of what needs to be done.
Applications wanted
Quite possibly one of the biggest oversights on the part of Sony’s post-launch plans has undoubtedly been the lack of available apps for PS4 users. Frankly the exclusion of an official YouTube app thus far is inexplicable, given the site’s prominence in game-based media. Perhaps Sony wishes to push the streaming agenda a little more aggressively, but with the lack of trailers within the PlayStation store, the need for a proper YouTube app is entirely warranted. Likewise, a Spotify and HBO Go wouldn’t go amiss by a long distance, and even some Google-based services would be warmly received by all those concerned. We await Sony’s word on incoming apps this year with bated breath.
Champion the Trophy
While PlayStation’s answer to the Microsoft mainstay of ‘Achievements’ has become an integral cornerstone in Sony’s newly embraced ethos, it isn’t, oddly enough, fully represented in its newest flagship system. For the past number of months, PS4 aficionados and gamers alike have decried the lack of options within Sony’s rewards-based scheme. The inability to sort Trophies into any other coherent order, or even to auto sync them offline has left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth, as has the lack of an official tracking model – showing how close you are to a particularly elusive Trophy. A budding Trophy room would be a timely addition, too, where players can show off a particular set of Trophies that they’re most proud of to the gaming masses. It’s time to get that drawing board, Sony, and make an already great scheme that little bit better.
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Miscellaneously under the hood
Like any launch system, there’s always going to be slight niggles that ultimately hinder a release from receiving unanimous applause, and as expected, the PS4 is no different. The glaring omission of DLNA, MP3 and flash support from the get-go has been a detriment to the PS4’s accessibility in many peoples’ eyes, and as a result there’s been many a call for Sony to remedy these shortcomings in the near future. Also, the ability to pause and resume downloads is another blatant oversight on the company’s part, which needs to be rectified post-haste. Interestingly, the PS4’s championed touchpad is – as of yet – criminally underused, in no way more so than as a cursor for the machine’s internet browser, which it was effectively born to do.
Superficial tailoring
The PS4’s lush blue background and ethereal sound bites have been a relaxing breath of fresh air for many early adopters, but in order to cater to the benevolent masses, Sony will need to allow for new custom dynamic themes and wallpapers to fit specific moods and feelings. Atop of this, when the PS4’s game library grows larger it’ll become imperative that customised tile options are addressed so that players can organize their budding collection as they see fit.
Why can’t we be friends?
Sony has forever touted the PS4 as a socially-inclusive hub, but for whatever reason, has also conspicuously regressed on some of the common friend-type features found on the system’s predecessor. Players are now unable to see when a friend was last online, and perhaps most pertinently when one comes or goes on the system itself. The latter is most baffling as the necessity to get notifications when a friend comes online in order to communicate is a very real one and it’s beggars belief as to why Sony removed it in the first place; one thing’s for certain, though, we need it back pronto.
Well there you have it, just a few suggestions from the eager minds of the PSU collective, and we’re sure you’ll agree that many of the issues highlighted are wholly warranted whilst some others are perhaps wishful thinking. Even so, the PS4 has an incredible foundation on which to build upon, so it’s only matter of time until we see some eagerly-anticipated implementations. Fingers crossed anyway.
Special thanks to our forumites, PS4Freak, Sufi, Shingo, Fenix, xPSYCHOPATH410x, mistercrow, Crazystuff155 for their contributions.
What are you hoping to see in future PS4 updates? Give us your thoughts below.