With the PlayStation 4 and its handheld counterpart, the PlayStation Vita, released one year apart, Sony wanted the two devices to work with each other through remote play, which would allow owners to stream their PS4 games to the Vita and play it on the handheld instead of using a TV. On Thanksgiving, Sony Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida tweeted that remote play would no longer be exclusive to the Vita, as the company is working on an app for the PC and Mac.
Aside from the Vita, Sony provided other methods of streaming PS4 gameplay. The PlayStation TV (released last year) was a small device, which allowed streaming to other rooms throughout the house. If you owned a Sony Xperia Z3 or Z2 smartphone, both also had remote play functionality. The move to PC and Mac, then, seems only inevitable.
However, it can be seen as a response to Microsoft's efforts in linking the Xbox One and the PC, which also includes the ability to stream Xbox One gameplay to your desktop computer. However, it does have its limitations: You would need Windows 10, and obviously, Microsoft doesn't play ball with Apple products.
However, Sony seems to be comfortable working with both companies to create its own streaming app. Right now, Yoshida's announcement is all we have for the company's plans. The year is coming to a close, and with CES and other trade shows coming in a few months, we should be hearing more about the app's progress, as well as other features that Sony might have for its gaming brand.
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Rexly Peñaflorida II is a Contributor at Tom’s Hardware. He writes news on tech and hardware, but mostly focuses on gaming news. As a Chicagoan, he believes that deep dish pizza is real pizza and ketchup should never be on hot dogs. Ever. Also, Portillo’s is amazing.
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