Comparing PS3 and PS4 specs: what it means for everyday use

[mankind]

PlayStation 4 is obviously going to be a much more powerful system than its predecessor. But, PS4 will improve upon many other facets of the system beyond just prettier graphics. By looking at Sony's officially released documentation [PDF] on PS4 specifications, we can see some of the more subtle changes coming to Sony's next console.
Faster Blu-ray drive
For example, the Blu-ray drive gets a significant boost on PS4. The slow 2x drive found on PS3 proved to be a bottleneck for some games, as its 9MB/sec transfer rate was actually slower than the DVD drive found on Xbox 360. While Blu-ray can store many times more data than DVD, the slower transfer rate meant that developers had to deploy many tricks to compensate. For example, many developers opted to have large HDD installs which led to Capcom's infamous advice to "go make a sandwich and grab a soda, then come on back" during a PS3 game installation. With the 6x drive of PS4, we may never have to sit through lengthy mandatory install screens ever again.
USB 3.0
PS4 comes equipped with USB 3.0 ports, which were unavailable when PS3 launched in 2006. The upgrade enables significantly higher transfer speeds (up to 4.8Gbps). A potential benefit could be the ability to reliably use external hard drives to expand PS4 capacity. Although PS3 allowed users to open the chassis and replace the hard drive, many will likely prefer the simplicity of plugging in a USB 3.0 hard drive instead.
In addition, USB 3.0 can transfer up to 80% more power, which will be especially helpful in charging any USB-powered accessories. Recharging a DualShock controller, for example, should be a far more speedy affair.
Recharging PS4 controllers should take far less time
Wireless N
Although every PS3 includes wi-fi built-in, it is notoriously slow. Try plugging in your PS3 directly, and you'll see download speeds more than double. Sony's upgraded the network support in PS4 by providing a card that not only supports the 802.11 b and g standards, but the new n standard as well. This should result in significantly greater speed and range for those that opt to use PS4 wirelessly.
Bluetooth 2.1
PS4 includes support for Bluetooth 2.1. While a miniscule numeric jump from PS3's support for 2.0, the improved functionality should make it much easier to pair devices with the PS4. Crucially, the 2.1 standard allows devices to pair via NFC. Sony's "one touch sharing" feature was a big talking point during the company's CES keynote, and it would be incredibly surprising if similar functionality wasn't included in PS4.
DualShock 4
Sony's upgraded DualShock is loaded with added functionality, from a touch pad to PlayStation Move-inspired motion controls. DualShock 4 will likely consume far more power than its predecessors--but the controller has a heftier battery to help compensate. DS4 features more than 60% greater battery capacity than DS3, but weighs only 0.6 ounces more. While initial prototypes of the controller appeared bulky, it appears holding the DS4 will not be unlike using a DS3.
Here's another picture of DualShock 4, because we don't know what the PS4 looks like
With PS4 incorporating many of the tech advances that have occurred since the launch of PS3, using Sony's next home console should be far easier, and far more connected. Of course, many questions still remain regarding the hardware. For example, how many USB ports will there be (and will any be located behind the system)? Will the box still include composite cables instead of HDMI? And most crucially, how much will this all cost?

http://www.shacknews.com/article/779...s-for-everyday

[Abdou23]

Actually i am a bit disappointed with the lack of touch screen, i don't know what kinda purpose a touch pad will serve, just some stupid gestures.

[Cyn]

Actually i am a bit disappointed with the lack of touch screen, i don't know what kinda purpose a touch pad will serve, just some stupid gestures.

I'm exceptionally glad it's not a touch screen. The pad itself I don't really care about but bare in mind it's also going to be clickable so is basically an extra button. I guess it will probably serve as 'select'.

I was kinda hoping they would add more buttons in general, sometimes you really feel like you need a few more. And with a bigger controller there's extra space to work with. Oh well

[D3seeker]

I'm exceptionally glad it's not a touch screen. The pad itself I don't really care about but bare in mind it's also going to be clickable so is basically an extra button. I guess it will probably serve as 'select'.

I was kinda hoping they would add more buttons in general, sometimes you really feel like you need a few more. And with a bigger controller there's extra space to work with. Oh well

I think it should have been on the bottom (and I was personally an advocate for an actual touch screen as well but this seems like it'll do)

[Shibby]

Actually i am a bit disappointed with the lack of touch screen, i don't know what kinda purpose a touch pad will serve, just some stupid gestures.

If they can have some kind of creative application then great. One way I think we might see it used, for example, is trick moves in Fifa.

As long as they can find some cool ways to incorporate it. The Move part of the controller I don't see doing anything. They never peaked my interest with any uses of Sixaxis, and this is basically Sixaxis 2.0

[Syphon_Filter]

Actually i am a bit disappointed with the lack of touch screen, i don't know what kinda purpose a touch pad will serve, just some stupid gestures.

Same here man. As you mention about it, what we will do? Just press to share?

[emmerich]

Yeah I'm not keen on the touch pad thing either and unless it is mandatory to use in games I'll probably never touch it. I also hope it is not mandatory in games. Rather just play games the normal way.

[PeanutButterMunky]

Wireless N and USB 3 makes me very happy.

[ps3freak18]

Wireless N and USB 3 makes me very happy.

I still don't know what USB 3.0 is going to do for consoles. I know transfer rates will be faster for flash drives and what not but what other advantages are there?

[MonkeyClaw]

Actually i am a bit disappointed with the lack of touch screen, i don't know what kinda purpose a touch pad will serve, just some stupid gestures.

Same here, I was looking forward to having a virtual keyboard on the controller to type on!

I still don't know what USB 3.0 is going to do for consoles. I know transfer rates will be faster for flash drives and what not but what other advantages are there?

It's one louder!

[jlippone]

It's one louder!

These go to eleven..

[Bigdoggy]

Same here, I was looking forward to having a virtual keyboard on the controller to type on!



It's one louder!

Everything is faster on USB 3.0. I guess it charges faster also, information gets sent back and forth much much faster.

[MonkeyClaw]

Everything is faster on USB 3.0. I guess it charges faster also, information gets sent back and forth much much faster.

I know (I was just quoting an old movie), USB 3.0 has a major bandwidth increase compared to 2.0 and also provides more power which would allow much faster charging that we currently have. I am just hoping the hard drives will use SATA III interface, which I am sure they will.

[coolguy]

nice upgrade's i think th new blu ray drive will help

[Bigdoggy]

it could be for anything. They could use it in FPS multiplayer games for your mic. Tap it once activates your mic, tapping it again deactivates the mic. This would be nice because you wouldn't hear random coughing through the mic which I hear all the time on BF3.

It can also function as an a button or zoom feature for other games.

[emmerich]

I like the fact the BR Drive will be faster. A lot of great updates and I look forward to getting my PS4

[D3seeker]

You know we don't know if the DS4 actually has a Mini USB 3.0 port (I'm guessing not since every USB 3.0 B plug looked like some aweful welded on expansion ) Then again I haven't been keeping up with it's progress so whatdaIknow

[Coconut_Crunch]

I orginally thought they would add two more buttons for the face buttons but they didn't. something more like this but with 2 extra shapes.

[PeanutButterMunky]

I orginally thought they would add two more buttons for the face buttons but they didn't. something more like this but with 2 extra shapes.

Ew?

[ElieKatzQueer]

I have faith they'll incorporate it well.

[Shibby]

Idk what's dumber, that controller in and of itself or the numbering order on the face buttons.

[PeanutButterMunky]

I still don't know what USB 3.0 is going to do for consoles. I know transfer rates will be faster for flash drives and what not but what other advantages are there?

Faster controller charging, for one.

[ps3freak18]

Faster controller charging, for one.

I wondered about that. I figured that was all dependent of the power that was sent to the USB. Shows how much tech knowledge I have.

[admartian]

USB3 is cool. Let's hope for external HDD functionality like the 360. But without the size limitation.

[ps3freak18]

USB3 is cool. Let's hope for external HDD functionality like the 360. But without the size limitation.

Yeah I would like External HDD functionality for sure. Got a 500 GB that I'm not using for much except Steam Back ups.