PS Vita TV's Killer App: Remote Play

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PS Vita TV's Killer App: Remote Play

Posted by Soulskill on Tuesday September 10, 2013 @06:16PM from the all-your-gadgets-have-subgadgets dept.

jfruh writes "When Sony announced the PS Vita TV yesterday, most observers saw it as competition for the Apple TV and Roku, or maybe the Ouya. But gaming writer Peter Smith views it differently; he thinks that remote play, including the ability to stream games from the upcoming PlayStation 4 console, will be the Vita TV's killer-app. In that sense, it isn't so much a low-cost replacement for casual gamers as an add-on to the high-end PS4. '[W]hen you're in the middle of a game and someone wants to watch TV, you can just grab a Vita and keep on playing. (This is similar to the popular "tablet play" feature of Nintendo's Wii U, without the Wii U's limitation of having to stay in close proximity to the base console.) ... For any Playstation 4 household with more than one TV I think the PS Vita TV will become a 'must-have' accessory; it's almost like getting a second PS4 for $100.'"

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Sony wins again! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 18:27 · Score: -1

Looks like if you want to play video games at the cutting edge, you'll have to go against your anti-sony faggottry.
1. Re:Sony wins again! by Therad · 2013-09-10 21:32 · Score: 1
  
  Looks like if you want to play video games at the cutting edge, you'll have to go against your anti-sony faggottry.
  I play cutting edge perfectly fine without a console... if you haven't noticed, there is this thing called a "PC" which can be used for gaming. Not only that, but it has better controls for certain types of games. Crazy I know.
2. Re:Sony wins again! by Zeromous · 2013-09-10 23:34 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  > but it has better controls for certain types of games
  but it has better controls for SOME types of games.
  
  --
  ---Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A START
3. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 00:06 · Score: 1
  
  You can also use standard console controller with them and carry them to another room if you have the portable kind. I have HDMI cables hanging off all my TV's so I can plug any one of by three laptops into a TV to watch movies, TV shows, Netflix, downloads, play games on a big screen, play music, look at photos, read a book (yes I've spent many a sick day sitting in bed reading books on my bed room TV that has my home media server in the closet. I don't even have to get out of bed to turn it on, it's always there.). My PCs also have emulators that give me backward compatibility with the PS, PS2, XBox (original, is that what we're calling it now? I'm unsure.), NES, SNES, N64, Game Cube, Saga and a bunch of other consoles.
  
  The only advantages a console has over a PC is they're slightly cheaper, but I have to own a PC anyway since I can't do everything I want with just a console, and exclusive games, but I'm predicting with this gen of consoles (because they're all x86 based) most games will be available for both PS4 and XBOne as well as PC's. If not on release then eventually through an emulator.
4. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 00:17 · Score: 1
  
  The fact that you can use a regular console controller for a PC, or a mouse and keyboard means you get the best type of control for whatever type of game you want to play. There's no question IMHO that PCs have the better controls for ALL games. Ever tried play an RTS with a console controller? It doesn't work. FPS, keyboard and mouse beats console controller any day. MMORPG, I couldn't play without hot keys, keyboard and mouse wins. Simulator, too many controls for just a single controller.
  
  Actually the only thing I can think of that console controllers are better than a keyboard and mouse for is a JRPG like old school Final Fantasy, that's not to say you can't play it with a keyboard and mouse, but in that case the controller is easier to just hold and repeatedly tap 'A'.
  
  Actually if you look at how console controllers have evolved you'll see pretty quick they have to keep adding new buttons for all the actions that keep getting added to games, pretty soon it'll just be a keyboard-mouse combination you hold more comfortably.
5. Re:Sony wins again! by CronoCloud · 2013-09-11 00:46 · Score: 1
  
  There's no question IMHO that PCs have the better controls for ALL games.
  
  No.
  
  Ever tried play an RTS with a console controller? It doesn't work
  Yes, I have, and it does work. Have you, or are you just spouting what you think is true because you're one of those "PC Master Race" people.
  
  FPS, keyboard and mouse beats console controller any day.
  You know why PC FPS players like mice? Easy headshots. Maybe you don't remember when the first mouselook shooters showed up and the old school DOOM players calling that "easy mode" And I'll take analog movement over WASD any day.
  
  MMORPG, I couldn't play without hot keys, keyboard and mouse wins.
  You did know that Final Fantasy XI implemented hotkeys on the controller right? And that nobody, not even those who played it on the PC used keyboard to move and nobody used mice.
  
  Simulator, too many controls for just a single controller.
  That's what USB is for...which also lets you hook up a HOTAS or a keyboard and mouse if you want...so according to your own argument the PC has zero advantage in controls.
6. Re:Sony wins again! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 01:07 · Score: 0
  
  Anti Sony faggotry? I was bit by XCP, others were bit by OtherOS and having their CC info on an unencrypted web facing database. You're either trolling you're part of that damned evil company. Only an idiot would call a Sony victim a "faggot", you god damned bigot. FOAD,
7. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 01:49 · Score: 2
  
  There's no question IMHO that PCs have the better controls for ALL games.
  No.
  Yes, that is my opinion. You can argue, but you don't get to dictate what I do and do not believe.
  
  Have you
  I've played plenty of RTS games with a controller back in the NES and SNES days, keyboard and mouse is superior. They don't seem to make very many RTS games for consoles these days, Hmmm I wonder why?
  
  or are you just spouting what you think is true because you're one of those "PC Master Race" people.
  I'm not one of those "PC Master Race" people, I have several consoles including an Ouya, PS, PS2, PS3, Wii, SNES, NES, XBox (original). I do find PC, especially a good laptop with an emulator is a better all-in-one solution, it's portable and has the mouse & keyboard or controller option, but I guess if your one of the console fanbois that wouldn't matter anyway.
  
  You did know that Final Fantasy XI
  I've played FFXI on both PS3 and PC. PC is far superior. On top of the keyboard being better than the controller for hot keys, the keyboard is pretty much essential for text chat, which I find better for communicating that a headset, but that's a different argument.
  
  You know why PC FPS players like mice? Easy headshots
  Yeah, they had to implement "assisted lock on" for console controllers in order for PC and console players to play together because a mouse was just too accurate when compared to a controller.
  
  Sorry, but them's the facts.
8. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 02:09 · Score: 1
  
  I've played FFXI on both PS3 and PC.
  Sorry that was a typo. I've played FFXI on both PS2 and PC.
9. Re:Sony wins again! by CronoCloud · 2013-09-11 04:05 · Score: 0
  
  You can argue, but you don't get to dictate what I do and do not believe.
  I said "No" because you said "all" which we both know is an exaggeration.
  You know as well as I do, that there are far far more genre's out there than FPS's, RTS's and simulation...but that seems that those are the only genre's PC gamers want to talk about when it comes to controls. And those other genres...well some of them do play better with gamepads.
  
  I've played plenty of RTS games with a controller back in the NES and SNES days
  Your memory is faulty, there are no NES and SNES RTS's, the first one was a Genesis game, Herzog Zwei, (which inspired Westwood to do Dune II) so the genre actually originated on consoles. Never play the C&C series, Dune 2000, Warcraft II, or Warzone 2100 on a PSone?
  
  I've played FFXI on both PS3 and PC. PC is far superior.
  How so, it's the same game other than resolution.
  [quote]On top of the keyboard being better than the controller for hot keys[/quote]
  Say what? Those hotkeys were fast enough, easy to use too. Though I had a keyboard for chat and could use hotkeys that way too. You did know the PS2 supports USB keyboards right?
  
  Yeah, they had to implement "assisted lock on" for console controllers in order for PC and console players to play together because a mouse was just too accurate when compared to a controller.
  I am going to make a general rant of how I am sick and tired of elitist FPS fanboys thinking competitive FPS's are the be all of gaming. Yes the mouse makes those headshots easier...but that means that a gamer who can get headshots with the controller is thusly more skilled because it's more of a challenge, correct? And some might say that easy headshots aren't all that realistic. And I did point out that the old school FPSers considered mouse-look to be "Easy mode"
10. Re:Sony wins again! by CronoCloud · 2013-09-11 04:07 · Score: 1
  
  You CAN play it on a backwards compatible PS3 though.
11. Re:Sony wins again! by BenoitRen · 2013-09-11 04:20 · Score: 1
  
  FPS, keyboard and mouse beats console controller any day.
  
  I far prefer a Wii Remote and Nunchuck combo for an FPS. It's 1:1 input and gives me analogue movement.
12. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 04:54 · Score: 1
  
  Which my PS3 is, I just haven't played FFXI on it because I preferred to play it on my laptop instead. Completely unrelated to our discussion, I just don't have to compete with my wife for the TV to play games on my laptop, and the original PS3 is a lead weight. Way to heavy to carry up and down stairs and setup on different TVs depending on if I want to use it as a game machine or a media server client.
13. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 05:33 · Score: 1
  
  I said "No" because you said "all" which we both know is an exaggeration.
  Your opinion is different than mine that's fine, but in this case it doesn't make my opinion wrong or an exaggeration.
  
  You know as well as I do, that there are far far more genre's out there than FPS's, RTS's and simulation...but that seems that those are the only genre's PC gamers want to talk about when it comes to controls.
  Ok, great. It would have been nice if you followed that up with some examples, I'd like to hear about other genre's. Assassins Creed would be a good start, that might be better with a console controller, but I've never tried it with a keyboard and mouse and I only ever played the first one. I don't know what the genre is called these days Action Adventure? Third Person Adventure?
  
  Sports games, ick, are better with a controller...I think... Don't remember the last time I played one. Racing games are better with a racing wheel and pedals over a simple controller, not sure if those exist for consoles (excluding the steering wheel controller attachment for the Wii).
  
  I did know the PS2 supported USB keyboard & mouse, that's how I started out playing. I switched because my laptop has it built in and I found using the mouse, on top of being more responsive, was much more comfortable at my desk than trying to play off the arm of a chair or coffee table and I'm not tethered five feet from the console while playing on a 65" TV with cords running across the room. Now a days I suppose I'd use a wireless Keyboard and Mouse, but again, why it's already built into my laptop.
  
  controller is thusly more skilled because it's more of a challenge, correct?
  
  You're correct, they would be more skill full, but the fact is it's easier with mouse and keyboard because the mouse is a more accurate pointing tool. For FPS games it's like you're giving one person a hammer and the other a screw driver and asking who can drill in a one and a half inch Robinson head screw first. The right tool for the job is going to get it done. Your argument comes of as who's more skilled for doing things the hard way vs. who's smarter for using the right tool.
  
  I'm way more of a JRPG fan and, like I said before, it's one of the genre's that does benefit from the simplicity of a controller, but I can still play them just as easy on a keyboard.
  
  I think we might be arguing about two different things here. I said a PC is better because it supports all types of inputs making it the better over all for gaming, but you seem to be limiting the argument to keyboard & mouse vs. controller.
14. Re:Sony wins again! by Zeromous · 2013-09-11 05:33 · Score: 1
  
  I'm with you CronoClod, even if newbile-slashdot is not.
  Simple fact, there were games before FPS and RTS and they played best wtih gamepads and sticks. Most games outside of these areas play better with pads. PC Gamers (of which I am one) just seem to think FPS and RTS are the end-all-be all of gaming. It also never occurs to them, that many PS3 games which require it, support Mouse and Keyboard and have since the introduction of USB ports on PS2.
  Risk on PS3 plays fine. Civ on PS3 plays fine. Simcity was adapted to SNES to play rather well with a pad, meanwhile, was absolutely BRUTAL with a stylus on DS.
  
  --
  ---Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A START
15. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 05:35 · Score: 1
  
  Good call, I played Golden Eye with the Wii mote and nun-chuck for a while. It was fun, but I found it really sluggish.
16. Re:Sony wins again! by Zeromous · 2013-09-11 05:37 · Score: 1
  
  I think two new shoulder buttons L2 and R2 were added in 1994 and sticks were added in 1996. By Sony. 17 years ago. The gamepad has essentially been unchanged ever since, unless you count Nintendo, which finds a way to get by with less buttons.
  
  --
  ---Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A START
17. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 05:54 · Score: 1
  
  The gamepad has essentially been unchanged ever since, unless you count Nintendo, which finds a way to get by with less buttons.
  The new generation console controllers for XBOne and PS4 have new buttons and features. You'd pretty much have to exclude all of Nintendo consoles, every system had a different controller with different buttons and layouts. The Sony controller kept the same layout for the PS2 and PS3, however the PS3 controller also had accelerometers in it, but the only game I've played that takes advantage of that is Folklore.
18. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 06:37 · Score: 1
  
  Simple fact, there were games before FPS and RTS
  Yeah, I remember trying to play Kings quest and Space quest with a joystick. It was better with just the keyboard, which you needed up to KQ5 anyway. Or did you mean games in the time frame between text adventures and FPS/RTS. Because I'm of the opinion that Commander Keen and similar side scrolling platforms were just as good with a keyboard as with a joystick. Damn now I have an urge to go and pull out some old games.
  
  I actually don't mind adventure games with a stylist. I recently picked up a copy of broken sword, which I originally played on PC, it was pretty good on the DS. Not sure if King's or Space Quest would scale as well with the man eating plant maze or fall off cliffs and stairs and die challenges.
  
  I personally did not like Civ on the PS3, at least the demo version I played, was very dumbed down and limited. Simcity on the SNES was an atrocity compared to the PC version, but that's just my opinion.
19. Re:Sony wins again! by Talderas · 2013-09-11 07:58 · Score: 1
  
  The argument is mouse & keyboard vs controller and not PC vs console. You need to look at what various inputs provide and what they're superior. The quantity of buttons on a keyboard is a non-issue. One could always, if one wanted to, add more buttons to a controller and in fact some controllers have featured keyboard addons. I, for example, own a Gamecube controller with an ASCII keyboard included on it. SquareEnix, in fact, recommends you get a USB keyboard for use with communication. These game consoles support keyboards and there are games for them that support keyboards. That leaves us with the differences in input as the platform itself really doesn't matter.
  The mouse & keyboards principle advantage is in precision pointing from the mouse. The controller's principle advantage is derived from the control stick which provides a huge advantage in precision movement. The best that a PC has match is attempting to use the mouse point as a movement guide with distance from center of the screen indicating speed or you use the mouse to govern camera movement and whatever your controlling is just constantly barrelling forward. That's a terrible method because the natural resting state is wherever you left the mouse pointer or it wrecks the ability to independently move the camera while still moving in the direction you want. The joystick provides an advantage here as it naturally rests at neutral and provides a much smoother control of movement. Flight sims and driving games, for example, are vastly superior on a controller compared to the binary input mode for steering that's provided by the keyboard.
  
  --
  "Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
20. Re:Sony wins again! by rsilvergun · 2013-09-11 11:33 · Score: 1
  
  I don't know what you're talking about.
  
  --
  Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
21. Re:Sony wins again! by rsilvergun · 2013-09-11 11:34 · Score: 1
  
  Also, take that consoles.
  
  --
  Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
22. Re:Sony wins again! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 17:41 · Score: 0
  
  Nothing beats mouse and keyboard for a pro FPS player. I could headshot snipe your Wii remote using ass from across a map, while rocket jumping over a lava filled chasm before you even got your bearings.
23. Re:Sony wins again! by Jmc23 · 2013-09-12 05:05 · Score: 1
  
  I'm not sure if you can really say too accurate. A controller gives more of a feel of moving through 3d space, and in fact you are describing 3d arcs with your thumb/hand/whatever. A mouse is just point and click in a 2d co-ordinate system. Or a difference between reaching for something with your hand or pushing an object towards a space. Someone needs to pop some gamers into brain scanners and see what brain difference if any and what activation differences between keyboard people vs controller people.
  
  --
  Don't complain about syntax, grammar, or spelling. There is no.hell like input on android.
24. Re:Sony wins again! by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-12 05:28 · Score: 1
  
  Someone needs to pop some gamers into brain scanners and see what brain difference if any and what activation differences between keyboard people vs controller people.
  I would find that a very interesting read.
Too late by pbjones · 2013-09-10 18:27 · Score: 0

Apple TV mirrors your desktop, so you can do on the TV what you can do on the mac. Macosx maverick will use use Apple TV as a second desktop, menu bar and all, so Sony get a PS4 extension, well done!

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There was an unknown error in the submission.
1. Re:Too late by negRo_slim · 2013-09-10 18:35 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  Mirroring a general purpose computing environment and being able to play your dedicated gaming device on a separate screen are not quite the same thing.
  
  --
  On the Oregon Cost born and raised, On the beach is where I spent most of my days
2. Re:Too late by Dahamma · 2013-09-10 19:03 · Score: 1
  
  How does that in ANY way relate to playing a PS4 game on other TVs by using one console (with all installed games, saves, account logins, etc) and cheap remote devices. It doesn't. But fanboys gotta be fanboys...
3. Re:Too late by spire3661 · 2013-09-10 19:05 · Score: 1
  
  This thing is pretty much exactly like Chromecast and AppleTV with Sony specific features tacked on. The only thing surprising here is that Sony actually made it.
  
  --
  Good-bye
4. Re:Too late by obarthelemy · 2013-09-10 19:11 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Not at all. ChromeCast is a very different beast than miracast/ariwhatever....: the content is *not* streamed from the master to the slave, but *pointed at and handed off*. The slave then directly connects to the server, the master then can even be switched off with no consequences.
  
  --
  The Cloud - because you don't care if your apps and data are up in the air.
5. Re:Too late by spire3661 · 2013-09-10 20:56 · Score: 1
  
  The hand off functionality isnt the only way to get video to the device. Tab casting.
  
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  Good-bye
6. Re:Too late by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 20:57 · Score: 0
  
  You mean it can display the picture from your computer on the TV screen? Wow! That's truly ingenious!
7. Re:Too late by Seumas · 2013-09-10 21:39 · Score: 1
  
  This will allow you to play video games, which OSX and Apple TV will not (at least, not with the same selection and capacity).
  Also, the only benefit of this device is that it will let you play them remotely (meaning elsewhere in the same house, I believe) on another TV. The regular PS VITA will also stream games from your PS4 like the Wii U does.
8. Re:Too late by mcgrew · 2013-09-10 22:39 · Score: 0
  
  Mirroring a general purpose computing environment
  Until they remove the functionality.
  I can't understand why anyone would give their hard-earned money to Sony. They're not the least bit trustworthy.
  
  --
  Free Martian Whores!
9. Re:Too late by Kartu · 2013-09-10 23:44 · Score: 2
  
  I don't see OtherOS removal as a problem, sorry, call me selfish, but I'm way more concerned about attempt by its competitor, to enforce digital only games.
  There was hardly anyone who was affected by this. Those who bought device for Other OS didn't need to upgrade the firmware, those who bought it for games, couldn't care less about Other OS.
10. Re:Too late by Kartu · 2013-09-10 23:47 · Score: 1
  
  You can also hook a controller to it, and it would transmit your commands to your main console over the network.
  A bunch of my (kidless :)) fellows bought second consoles simply to be able to also play in the bedroom.
11. Re:Too late by gstoddart · 2013-09-11 00:12 · Score: 1
  
  Apple TV mirrors your desktop, so you can do on the TV what you can do on the mac.
  Does it work for non-Mac OSes?
  I'd like to mirror my display onto my bigscreen TV -- that would be awesome.
  
  --
  Lost at C:>. Found at C.
12. Re:Too late by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 00:34 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  Those who bought device for Other OS didn't need to upgrade the firmware
  Stop saying that, it wasn't an option. My PS3 was updated when my cousin put in a RENTED BluRay. I bought the PS3 for the Other OS along with the ability to play games AND watch BluRays. I paid more for it because of that and was later given the option to use Other OS exclusively XOR games and BluRays. I paid for all of the functionality. What was the PS3 slogan again? Oh yeah, "It only does everything!".
  
  Oh you only bought that V8 car to drive? Well it's been two years so I guess we can replace the engine with V2. Guess you won't need the radio, air conditioner, power seats, windows, locks, etc... here's your soap box racer have fun.
  
  In any case this isn't a which is better PS4 or XBone, this is a case of which isn't the worst and there is a third option. Just don't get either. Shows both companies we don't approve of any of their the anti-consumer behavior, whether it's removing features or DRM-lock-in-always-on-piece-of-shit.
13. Re:Too late by Dogtanian · 2013-09-11 02:35 · Score: 1
  
  call me selfish, but I'm way more concerned about attempt by its competitor, to enforce digital only games.
  Bastards, I want my analogue games!!!
  
  --
  "Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
14. Re:Too late by tlhIngan · 2013-09-11 03:42 · Score: 1
  
  Not at all. ChromeCast is a very different beast than miracast/ariwhatever....: the content is *not* streamed from the master to the slave, but *pointed at and handed off*. The slave then directly connects to the server, the master then can even be switched off with no consequences.
  Only to the point of cloud-accessible content. For "tab mirroring", Chrome's actually rendering the image and sending it through WiFi. It's why you can watch unsupported videos on Chromecast - because your local PC is actually tab-mirroring it to the device. It's also why audio and video are horrendously desynced and not smooth at all.
  
  call me selfish, but I'm way more concerned about attempt by its competitor, to enforce digital only games.
  You're assuming Sony doesn't do the same. Or that the existing PS3 and Xbox360 do it. Or that the PC is doing it as well.
  You have to admit that what Microsoft did at the time was fairly forward thinking. What is one of the most common complaints about Steam? That you have to download 4-12+GB of data? In an otherwise very convenient software distribution method? (Steam was amongst the first "app stores" around). Or that it was bad for people with lousy broadband?
  Microsoft did the same - you could download a 25+GB game, or you can get the disc, and save the download. They also went one further by allowing people to resell games (something no digital download store even offers the possibility right now of doing - sure a publisher could deny you the ability, but how is that different from the status quo?).
  And hell, people missed the biggest (dis?)advantage - no game is effectively "out of print". Did Europe get a game you want but it's not coming to North America? (or Japan, or Asia, or...). Well, with the digital scheme, the discs were effectively DRM-free (Microsoft has admitted that the plan was to not have DRM on the disc because it wasn't required anymore). Just torrent yourself a copy of the game and purchase it. The disadvantage is of course the loss of control and weakened regional exclusivity that many countries have, and that sellers off Amazon.com and eBay can't really scalp copies, and of course, not having to pay (potentially exorbitant) worldwide shipping (if the store lets you buy it - like how Amazon.com restricts what can be bought internationally).
15. Re:Too late by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 03:46 · Score: 1
  
  Those who bought device for Other OS didn't need to upgrade the firmware
  Stop saying that, it wasn't an option. My PS3 was updated when my cousin put in a RENTED BluRay.
  Whoa whoa whoa. Your cousin rented a BluRay disc of some kind and it had PS3 firmware on it? Firmware that automatically installed and updated your console? I think you might be leaving out a couple of steps, here.
16. Re:Too late by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-11 04:29 · Score: 1
  
  I've told the story so many times now, I decided to shorten it. I was making snacks and hadn't realized he rented a BluRay. He put it in and there was a firmware update. I don't know if it was automatic or he clicked yes, I wasn't in the room, but the result was my console was updated.
  
  YES, newer blurays require updated firmware on older model the PS3 in order to play. It's a dirty trick in my opinion. Right along with saying they wouldn't remove the other os, then removing it in an April 1st update.
  But you're focusing in on the wrong issue, I bought the PS3 to use the other OS AND Play games AND watch blurays. That was the deal when I bought the system and that's what I gave them money for. Then I had to choose between the Other OS XOR the other features. Call it what you will, but when someone buys anything for a set of features it's expect there'll be access to those features over the lifetime of the product, not just until the company decides they don't want to support it anymore, especially after such a short time.
  
  I could understand if it was say a 60 year old car and the company just didn't make do-hicky-ma-bobbers anymore. I'm not going to tell them to fire up the assembly lines to replace one broken part, but if they wait at the gas station until I have to fill up the tank and said "We're going to take either you're A/C or the gas pedal, your choice" that's a different story.
  
  I'll admit I'm bitter about it. My solution is that I'm just not going to buy from that company anymore and will be vocal about what kind of business practices they use. That's my right as a consumer.
17. Re:Too late by spire3661 · 2013-09-11 07:14 · Score: 1
  
  The problem with Microsoft's solution is that all the advantages were for Microsoft. Every one saw that and said no. Sure they could do some cool things if they had been able to implement it, but first and foremost it was so they could exert unprecedented control over the device and the software. Keep the discs as the physical license is good for everyone, considering the alternatives.
  
  --
  Good-bye
18. Re:Too late by Talderas · 2013-09-11 08:05 · Score: 0
  
  You're blaming Sony for your inability to adequately police your guests and what they do.
  
  --
  "Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
19. Re:Too late by obarthelemy · 2013-09-11 09:19 · Score: 1
  
  It's an exception, where your own local station acts as a server. For brodcast media, it's pointed at.
  
  --
  The Cloud - because you don't care if your apps and data are up in the air.
20. Re:Too late by Kartu · 2013-09-11 19:20 · Score: 1
  
  Why did they remove Other OS? Because:
  a) IBM was pissed about US Defence buying PS3's instead of its servers
  b) OtherOS was the main reason console was hacked into oblivion (which, one could argue, also degrades legit user experience due to cheaters, console becoming less attractive to the developers etc)
  Compare that to competitor's actions and reasons behind them. The reason that you'd need XBox Live Gold to USE A FREAKING BROWSER or watch youtube movies.
  Sony's competitor tried to fruck us, the customers in a number of ways, only part of that was reversed (thanks to Sony not following the suit and customers canceling pre-orders)
21. Re:Too late by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-12 04:42 · Score: 1
  
  While I don't doubt IBM would have preferred to sell cell processors to the air force without them being purchased on discount through Sony, there's nothing to indicate IBM in anyway influenced the Other OS removal.
  
  The Other OS allowed GeoHotz (or whatever his name was) to print "Hello world!" on his screen after ripping they system apart and soldering stuff to the motherboard, it wasn't something anyone with a PS3 could do, there was a lot of technical knowledge involved, and he ultimately failed to do anything beyond that initial hack. The PS3 wasn't hacked into oblivion until after the other os removal and the reason it was possible was because instead of using a random seed number for the zero ring security hash some Sony engineer seeded the hash with '3'. That alone was all hackers need to break the system and had Sony not removed the Other OS feature it most likely wouldn't have happened. No one with the skill to do so was interested in hacking the system until after the removal, which was pretty much Sony throwing down the gauntlet and challenging the hacker community.
22. Re:Too late by mcgrew · 2013-09-12 05:07 · Score: 1
  
  Flamebait? What's the matter, mod, did I offend your employer?
  Here's a hint, folks: dissing an evil company isn't flamebait unless you, yourself are evil as well. Rather than downmodding why not simply answer the question: why would you give money to a company with a history of removing features the customer has already paid for?
  
  --
  Free Martian Whores!
23. Re:Too late by mcgrew · 2013-09-12 05:17 · Score: 1
  
  I don't see OtherOS removal as a problem, sorry, call me selfish, but I'm way more concerned about attempt by its competitor, to enforce digital only games.
  I wouldn't buy a XBone, either. My daughter was going to buy a gaming rig for me last xmas (she works at GameStop) and I told her "no thanks" since all the console manufacturers fuck over their customers. Like Mr. Ball said when switching to all non-Microsoft (mostly FOSS) after a BSA raid (google "ernie ball linux), I refuse to do business with someone who treats their customers poorly.
  Time for a new console company to come into play.
  
  --
  Free Martian Whores!
24. Re:Too late by Jmc23 · 2013-09-12 05:18 · Score: 1
  
  Let's be honest. Admit it. You shortened it because everytime you trot out your story, people call you out on the fact that it isn't automatic and your friends suck.
  
  --
  Don't complain about syntax, grammar, or spelling. There is no.hell like input on android.
25. Re:Too late by Vanderhoth · 2013-09-12 05:45 · Score: 1
  
  No I shortened it because it's a long story with details people don't care about and many have already read dozens of times.
  
  I didn't say the update was automatic, just that I wasn't in the room so I couldn't confirm it one way or the other.
  
  In either case it doesn't matter because the argument is in one situation I get to keep using the Other Os, in the other situation I get to play games and use the BluRay player. I bought the system to do both, not one or the other.
  
  My friends (cousin in this case) had no idea about what was going on and isn't a tech person, not everyone is. Like most people who don't understand or care about technical things, he just ran an update because that's what the system told him to do. Suggesting he sucks simply because he didn't understand what was happening shows a level of maturity I'd expect from a 10 year old on a playground.
  
  Maybe you're more suited to monkey bars than playing in /. with the big boys. Come back when you're older and I'd be happy to have a discussion with you, until then don't expect another response from me.
26. Re:Too late by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-12 06:17 · Score: 0
  
  Time for a new console company to come into play.
  Well, several have came out/are in the works.
  Unfortunately, I think the OUYA has failed. Even the fanboys on slashdot seemingly disappeared shortly after its release.
27. Re:Too late by Jmc23 · 2013-09-12 07:16 · Score: 1
  
  Perhaps some reading comprehension courses are in order. I stated what happens when you post your story. I did not state that 'I' thought your friends/cousin suck.
  
  --
  Don't complain about syntax, grammar, or spelling. There is no.hell like input on android.
Already been done. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 18:29 · Score: -1

Can't find the url, someone has been doing this for over 7 years.
1. Re:Already been done. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 19:00 · Score: -1
  
  Cool story, bro.
Comment by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 18:48 · Score: -1

Virtual-Notary.Org hereby notes that on
Date: Wednesday September 11, 2013 02:48.01 EDT (UTC-0400)
a random drawing in the range [1, 100000], inclusive, based on
a hardware source of true randomness, yielded the following decision.
Random Value: 61565
-------
64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor
perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee,
what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.
64:5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those
that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have
sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses
are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities,
like the wind, have taken us away.
64:7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up
himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and
hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.
Wait... Hasn't... What? by timbudtwo · 2013-09-10 19:00 · Score: 0

Hasn't the WiiU his this, you know, forever? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-TV_Play This is not a killer app, it is just progressing as things should have long ago. Sony followed Nintendo's lead with their motion control. This time I do think they will offer an excellent console, though.
1. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 19:04 · Score: 1
  
  This lets you play on another TV (that has only a PS Vita TV connected to it, not a PS4), the Wii U does not.
2. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 19:09 · Score: 0
  
  You couldn't even read the summary?
3. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by timbudtwo · 2013-09-10 19:18 · Score: 0
  
  I did. It gives you a BIT more freedom. You can be a little further away. Whoopie doo! If you can play it on another tv then why cant the person who needs your tv do the same? Again, missing the killer app.
4. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 19:35 · Score: 0
  
  Because the person watching TV wants to use the big living room set.
  With the Wii U, you have to be practically right next to it for "remote" play. With the Vita TV you can be anywhere in your house. I guess that's the same thing if you live in a tiny apartment or something.
5. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by king+neckbeard · 2013-09-10 20:45 · Score: 1
  
  A friend of mine has no problem playing it on the couch in a fairly large room. That's about as far you would expect to go if someone wants to watch TV.
  
  --
  This is my signature. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
6. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by Seumas · 2013-09-10 21:41 · Score: 1
  
  I currently have four PS3s and three of them are strictly for myself, so I can have access to them in different places of the house that I might want ot enjoy them. One in the sunroom, one in the home theater, one in the home office. Having the ability to just plug in a little box that costs half as much or a third as much and have the same experience is pretty awesome.
  I'm also looking forward to using the regular PS Vita for remote play.
7. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 21:42 · Score: 0
  
  I wouldn't, I'd want to continue playing in another room or have the person playing go to another room to avoid distractions.
8. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by Kartu · 2013-09-10 23:50 · Score: 1
  
  If all you want is off TV play, Sony PSP could do it for ages.
9. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by SScorpio · 2013-09-11 05:27 · Score: 1
  
  It could for a very limited number of games. Vita remote play supposed is supposedly going to be put into more of the games. This also allows you to play on another TV rather than just a handheld. I have two PS3 just so I can play games in different rooms, this would allow me to have a single PS4, and a $100 Vita TV.
  Of course I also still have my normal Vita which I can stream games to as well and play anywhere.
10. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by ZombieBraintrust · 2013-09-11 06:55 · Score: 1
  
  Going to agree. Playing on the Vita or on another tv is very similer to wii u second screen. It wasn't a killer app for Wii U its not going to be a big deal for Sony. This is a nice to have for families and vita owners.
11. Re:Wait... Hasn't... What? by Talderas · 2013-09-11 08:11 · Score: 1
  
  There's also a functional difference in your setup. You need to stop playing, somehow transfer any save data, then start playing again. This device allegedly lets you pause the game and pick it up on the TV the little box is connected to.
  
  --
  "Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
Great idea, but... by Dahamma · 2013-09-10 19:10 · Score: 3, Insightful

I'm wondering a bit about the "playing PS4 games" part in regards to the controller. The PS4 controller has a touchpad that the Dualshock 3 doesn't have - I suppose as long as games don't make it integral to the gameplay it will work, otherwise, not so much unless/until the Vita TV supports the new controller...
1. Re:Great idea, but... by aiadot · 2013-09-10 19:16 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  It was hinted in some interviews that the PS4 controller will also be supported. The only reason it only supports the DS3 for now is because it's getting released before the PS4.
2. Re: Great idea, but... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 21:20 · Score: 0
  
  The PS Vita has a touch screen and a touchpad on the back and acts as the controller in this setup.
3. Re: Great idea, but... by Therad · 2013-09-10 21:39 · Score: 1
  
  No, Ps vita isn't the controller in this case. Ps Tvita has an ordinary controller. You are mixing it up with their other solution, where you stream directly to your handheld.
Confusing summary by wonkey_monkey · 2013-09-10 19:26 · Score: 4, Informative

[W]hen you're in the middle of a game and someone wants to watch TV, you can just grab a Vita and keep on playing.
The way the summary is written implies that you need a Vita TV to stream to a Vita, but you don't. What the article actually says is that, instead of streaming direct to a Vita, you could instead stream to a Vita TV connected to another TV.
I can see "Vita" and "Vita TV" causing a lot of customer confusion.

--
systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
1. Re:Confusing summary by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 20:52 · Score: 0
  
  The Vita TV is in fact a Vita in which the screen and controllers have been removed and a TV output added.
2. Re:Confusing summary by Seumas · 2013-09-10 21:43 · Score: 1
  
  Correct. You can stream to your PS Vita from the PS4 the same way the NVIDIA Shield streams from your PC.
  The PS Vita TV does the same thing, but with TV-OUTs so you play it on another television.
  This may have limited appeal, but for those who want it, it'll be terrific.
3. Re:Confusing summary by Trogre · 2013-09-10 23:03 · Score: 1
  
  Couldn't they just add a TV output to a regular Vita? I mean, why strip out the screen and controller at all?
  
  --
  "Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
4. Re:Confusing summary by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 23:36 · Score: 0
  
  so the price is less than half while retaining basically the same functionality (being capable of playing on the go aside).
5. Re:Confusing summary by RaceProUK · 2013-09-10 23:47 · Score: 1
  
  Strip out the screen, halve the cost.
  
  --
  No colour or religion ever stopped the bullet from a gun
6. Re:Confusing summary by Kartu · 2013-09-10 23:53 · Score: 1
  
  Besides dualshock is a better controller, with Vita they had to make compromises (big screen in the middle, should fit in a pocket etc)
7. Re:Confusing summary by ulzeraj · 2013-09-11 07:40 · Score: 1
  
  I think its fair to mention that the Vita has an unused port on its top right side. AFAIK it is "reserved" for future features. I would not be surprised if thats HDMI capable.
Killer App? Really? by Khyber · 2013-09-10 19:27 · Score: 2, Informative

Uhh, my PSP was able to do this with my PS3. What's new, here?

--
Still waiting on Serviscope_minor to wake up to fucking reality and realize that Jessica Price isn't going to fuck him.
1. Re:Killer App? Really? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 20:00 · Score: 0
  
  Your PSP was able to connect to another TV and use a real controller to play a game that is streamed from your PS3 on said TV?
2. Re:Killer App? Really? by p.g.king · 2013-09-10 20:14 · Score: 2
  
  Your PSP has no screen, plays output on the TV, uses a separate controller and cost $100 when released?
  I think that's really part of the point, the remote play in and of itself may not be new, but the way it'll work and enable the Vita TV to be used to play PS4 games on any TV in your house, is the new twist. The article sees that as the more compelling use than playing Vita games on the TV.
3. Re:Killer App? Really? by PKFC · 2013-09-11 00:25 · Score: 1
  
  They say that it will work with every game and work better. I thought it was a pretty lousy feature on the PSP as it seemed to need too much bandwidth to be worthwhile. It's neat for about ten minutes to play a PS1 game from a disc in the PS3, but the lag...
4. Re:Killer App? Really? by Guppy06 · 2013-09-11 03:54 · Score: 1
  
  Your PSP was able to connect to another TV(?)
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Portable#TV_output_and_accessory_port
5. Re:Killer App? Really? by Guppy06 · 2013-09-11 03:56 · Score: 1
  
  They say that it will work with every game and work better.
  That's still "evolutionary" versus "revolutionary," though. At the very least, it still doesn't seem to justify the author's apparent assertion that "This Changes Everything!"
6. Re:Killer App? Really? by SScorpio · 2013-09-11 05:32 · Score: 1
  
  The PS4 has a dedicated encoder chip to compress the streams. It's been rumored that it will take about 5Mbps for this to work.
  The Vita TV supports an wired Ethernet connection as well as 802.11N so bandwidth shouldn't be an issue. If the connection does require 5Mbps, it might work decently when streaming outside your home to a Vita, or maybe a Vita TV in a hotel room.
Everybody forgot about Gaikai already ? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 20:18 · Score: 0

This seems to be the first Cloud gaming console: cheap streaming hardware, common controller, connected to an existing console account.
The only part missing is the PS3 cloud streaming service, which will come in 2014.
Remote play - with restrictions by DrXym · 2013-09-10 20:18 · Score: 2

The Vita TV controller comes with a PS3 dual shock controller. Why didn't they use a variant of the PS4 controller with a touch sensitive pad?
It seems pretty dumb to release a box to play Vita or PS4 games that has a controller that can't even replicate most or all of the control surfaces. The Vita even has a rear touch pad though it's probably the front one that matters most. The Vita TV could draw a little circle to indicate where the user is touching on the screen.
1. Re:Remote play - with restrictions by Narishma · 2013-09-11 00:29 · Score: 1
  
  It comes with a DS3 because it will be released before the PS4. Once the PS4 is out, a firmware update will be released to make it compatible with a DS4.
  
  --
  Mada mada dane.
2. Re:Remote play - with restrictions by DrXym · 2013-09-11 01:11 · Score: 1
  
  That really doesn't make much sense. The Vita has a touch screen. The PS4's controller with its touch pad could act as a substitute. Without it the system from the UI through to the compatible games it can play are seriously gimped. Besides, the Vita TV releases on November 14 - exactly one day before the Playstation 4 does, albeit in Japan while the PS4 launches first in the US. They could have shared the same controller.
  I hope that if this thing launches in other territories it ships with the proper controller.
3. Re:Remote play - with restrictions by Narishma · 2013-09-11 01:45 · Score: 1
  
  So far, the PS Vita TV has only been announced for a Japanese release. If it were to be released with a DS4, it would have to be delayed for 3 months. Even then, the touchpad on the DS4 isn't a replacement for the touchscreen on the Vita for all games that make use of it, nor does it have an equivalent to the back touchpad or the cameras, so plenty of Vita games still wouldn't work on it.
  
  --
  Mada mada dane.
4. Re:Remote play - with restrictions by DrXym · 2013-09-11 03:37 · Score: 1
  
  Why would it have delayed the Vita by 3 months? The PS4 controllers would be rolling off assembly lines in the far East regardless of where the PS4 is launched. Providing they had sufficient supply then the same controller could be used in one system.
  I think the touch pad could be used as a substitute for the touchscreen in almost all cases. The Vita TV could just draw a dot or something where somebody was touching and they'd get used to it. The backpad isn't used as much so it's loss wouldn't be so felt and could probably be mapped in many instances (e.g. to the lower shoulder buttons, or to a player holding a lower shoulder button and touching the pad at same time).
  Camera is understandable, but there are things that could have been done which weren't.
almost go both ways... by gagol · 2013-09-10 20:41 · Score: 3, Interesting

'it's almost like getting a second hdmi cable for $100.'

--
Tomorrow is another day...
1. Re:almost go both ways... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 23:24 · Score: 0
  
  'it's almost like getting a second hdmi cable for $100.'
  Only its not like that all, and does a whole lot more.
2. Re:almost go both ways... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 23:33 · Score: 0
  
  Bravo sir! This article is full of hype and FUD imo. Slashdot is slipping with these shill articles.
3. Re:almost go both ways... by Kartu · 2013-09-10 23:55 · Score: 1
  
  You also get "bluetooth extender" for your controller.
4. Re:almost go both ways... by wbr1 · 2013-09-11 00:09 · Score: 1
  
  Does your $100 HDMI cable reach across the house and up two floors to my bedroom?
  
  --
  Silence is a state of mime.
5. Re:almost go both ways... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 00:19 · Score: 0
  
  I have one of those wireless TV extenders. Depending on the day they have static and if you turn on the microwave on the floor below plof, no signal. Thank you, I prefer the HDMI cable.
6. Re:almost go both ways... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 00:31 · Score: 0
  
  Yes: http://lifehacker.com/5918457/hdmi-over-ethernet-adapter-extends-hdmi-connections-up-to-98-feet-saves-money/.
  Please note, this cable goes from my entertainment center to your bedroom, so it's going to be a little awkward.
7. Re:almost go both ways... by aliquis · 2013-09-11 00:57 · Score: 1
  
  Do the Vita TV stream uncompressed video and have very low (say less than 10 ms) latency?
8. Re:almost go both ways... by FatAlb3rt · 2013-09-11 04:46 · Score: 1
  
  As long as that run is less than 100 ft: 100 ft cable for $68
delay.. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 20:56 · Score: 0

do these stupid tech writers have any idea how unplayable remote play is? the delay is fairly significant, at least in my testing
1. Re:delay.. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 04:08 · Score: 0
  
  Jebus, it's almost 2014. Get a decent fucking router already!
or, you could by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 21:02 · Score: 0

avoid purchasing any of this electronic junk, turn off your TV, get off the couch, and go for a walk instead of developing type 2 diabetes
1. Re:or, you could by deviated_prevert · 2013-09-11 11:00 · Score: 1
  
  avoid purchasing any of this electronic junk, turn off your TV, get off the couch, and go for a walk instead of developing type 2 diabetes
  Amen to that! The techo babble gamers are headed for big bellies and fart for brains. The TV and techo gadgets is also one sure of the ways to increase the turnover in nursing homes.
  Personally I really like the ability to come home load the pictures and movies of my last trip up a to a beautiful stretch of the river or lake while seeking anadromous and fresh water Oncorhynchus mykiss or my rare encounters with the elusive Oncorhynchus clarki clarki.
  The ability to stream them directly to my Samsung TV from my laptop is great. NO HDMI cable required or if I decide get a Samsung DLNA capable Wifi camera and do it directly from the camera. As it is, instead I use a non wifi dlna Canon waterproof to record the trips. And especially the interesting and beautiful scenes I encounter during a productive fishing trip. :-)
  So the technology is great but the implementation of the technology by Sony and Microsoft sucks! It does little other than encourage fat and stupid consumers to become little more than couch potatoes!
  
  --
  This message was not sent from an iPhone because Peter Sellers really was a deviated prevert without a dime for the call
PFF more electro trinkets from Sony YUK by deviated_prevert · 2013-09-10 21:24 · Score: 2

The PS3 is well known for crippled DLNA that does not even accept push as a client, typical Sony crippleware device. So if I take my cell and try to push a pic or a vid to it, it is essentially useless. Sure I can pick up the controller and browse to a DLNA server and then just maybe if the server is written by the Google summer of code guys I just might be able to view my videos and picks but only by browsing to them on the device which sucks big time
Sorry but the crippled DLNA of both the Xbox and the PS3 makes them essentially just what they are toys, not great devices with a future in my living room. Until Microshaft and Sony realize the full potential of these devices and stop crippling what they are easily capable of doing at a software level with DLNA, Samsung smart tvs will keep invading more and more living rooms because they are more capable than these toys! Making users pay another 100 bucks for crippled gimmick screen mirror device like Apple TV is not selling me on Sony products.
Right now I am using a GNU UPNP AV Control Point on my laptop to push to a Samsung while I type this, heck I can even pause and replay or control the TV volume through push DLNA. SONY AND MICROSOFT are missing the boat big time and Samsung is starting to eat their breakfast in the home entertainment field and for good reason!

--
This message was not sent from an iPhone because Peter Sellers really was a deviated prevert without a dime for the call
1. Re:PFF more electro trinkets from Sony YUK by Zeromous · 2013-09-10 23:37 · Score: 1
  
  So.... You are taking the wait and see approach?
  There is very little reason to believe PS4 and Xbone will be shipping with 'crippled' DNLA servers. You have to remember PS3 was one of the first widely available consumer devices to deploy DNLA.
  
  --
  ---Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A START
2. Re:PFF more electro trinkets from Sony YUK by deviated_prevert · 2013-09-11 10:26 · Score: 1
  
  So.... You are taking the wait and see approach?
  There is very little reason to believe PS4 and Xbone will be shipping with 'crippled' DNLA servers. You have to remember PS3 was one of the first widely available consumer devices to deploy DNLA.
  Not that they cannot be a server but that they are not capable of receiving DLNA STANDARD push by design. If they will not even accept push from Sony's crippleware Android devices they just plain suck. Accepting push or play-to is a standard and they deliberately change the device DLNA to not accept Universal PNP. Same as Xbone except Microshaft deliberately obfuscates the protocol to only work with a heavily modified WMP interface , (so what's GNU).
  At least Samsung is trying to make their devices in the spirit of UPNP that Intel created the DLNA api for in the first place. This "all your files and music are belong to us" bullshit keeps me from putting either MS entertainment devices OR Sony's OR Apple's in my living room! PERIOD
  
  --
  This message was not sent from an iPhone because Peter Sellers really was a deviated prevert without a dime for the call
Killer app? yeah right by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 21:59 · Score: 0

This is really chasing into the diminishing returns...
If you're playing a game, on your tv, and someone wants to watch tv, you tell them to fuck off and watch it on their own tv.
If you're playing on their tv, then you save and quit, watch the show with them, if it's any good, and go play again when they're done.
So, now, for a high price, you get a third option, that's not particularly an improvement - you get to play the game on an inferior screen, with an inferior controller, while some asshole watches your tv.
And about the Wii U by MikeRT · 2013-09-10 22:42 · Score: 2

Such a shame that Nintendo didn't learn from how quickly the Wiimote was copied by their competitors that gimmicks can be quickly copied and nullified as competitive advantages. The Wii U is a really nice console, but they just don't have a clue how to take on Sony and Microsoft...
1. Re:And about the Wii U by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 00:47 · Score: 0
  
  That's because the Wii U isn't competing with them, they are selling alongside either the PS4 or XBone. NIntendo exists for casual and first party games. It's the same strategy they used with the Wii.
2. Re:And about the Wii U by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 01:01 · Score: 0
  
  Yes... the amount of profit they have shows how noob they are at these type of wars *Myamoto cynical smile*
3. Re:And about the Wii U by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 02:24 · Score: 0
  
  Sony and Microsoft didn't copy the Wiimote concept with the Move and Kinect until well into the last generation. And that was after years of chanting by Sony and Microsoft, along with the gaming press, that the Wiimote was a fad, doomed to be forgotten by the gaming masses. A fad, that is, right up until the instant they had their own version of the Wiimote ready to go.
4. Re:And about the Wii U by Anubis+IV · 2013-09-11 03:19 · Score: 1
  
  Such a shame that Nintendo didn't learn from how quickly the Wiimote was copied by their competitors [...]
  Uh, you're kinda rewriting history a bit there.
  Wii release: November 2006
  Kinect release: November 2010
  Move release: September 2010
  I'd hardly refer to them taking four years to catch up as "quick". That was over halfway through the product cycle, and while the Wiimote shipped with every Wii sold, the Kinect only made it to about 1/3 of 360 owners, while the Move only got picked up by about 1/5 of PS3 owners. And dismissing the Wiimote as a gimmick demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding about the role that Wiimote played in defining the Wii. Were it merely a tack-on feature that could have been removed with nothing lost, then sure, it'd be a gimmick. But with the Wiimote, it was a console-defining feature that shipped with every unit sold. It did serve the same role as a gimmick, in that it grabbed attention for cheap from people who want new and shiny things, but dismissing it merely because it demonstrated that trait would be to ignore the fact that it was much more than a mere gimmick.
  
  [...] and nullified as competitive advantages
  Wii: 100M units
  360: 78M units (and it came out a year earlier)
  PS3: 75M units
  By units sold, the Nintendo DS and Wii are, respectively, the #2 and #5 best-selling consoles of all time. Nintendo may not have had the mindshare among gamers (mine has certainly sat unused for months, while my PS3 still gets near-daily use), but they definitely were the ones who "won" the last generation.
  I do agree that they are in trouble going forward, but that's not because they can't compete against Sony and Microsoft. It's more because of the threats coming in from outside of the console/handheld gaming industry, such as smartphones and tablets. We're nearing (even past, in some cases) the point where mobile appliances can deliver a "good enough" experience, and if they can stream to a TV (which they can), they'll manage to not only kill off handhelds, but they'll start to negate a lot of purchases for dedicated gaming consoles as well. After all, why would a normal person buy a PS4/One if the Android or iOS device they already own can stream games to their TV that look more or less just as good? People other than hardcore gamers could just buy a Bluetooth controller and use the mobile device + streaming box they already have, rather than having to shell out for an entire console.
  That's the real threat they need to compete against (in fact, Iwata famously said a year or two back that Apple is their biggest threat), and is why they're trying (and failing) to differentiate themselves with stuff like their funky Wii U controller.
OUYA? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 23:12 · Score: 0

observers saw it as competition for the Apple TV and Roku, or maybe the Ouya
Why is Ouya even mentioned at all, it's hardly in the same league. Their cube is heavily under powered not to mention the rest of the nightmares that came from it.
it's almost like getting a second PS4 for $100? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-10 23:40 · Score: 1

How is it like getting a second PS4 for $100? The PS4 is single session, meaning that the best this adds is a sense of portability to the PS4. It's comparable to those devices that allowed the user to transmit a VCR output over RF that could be picked-up by other TVs in the house. Great, if only person in the house wants to watch a video.
Gee Beav, can't I have the tv for a while? by Guest316 · 2013-09-10 23:56 · Score: 1

>'[W]hen you're in the middle of a game and someone wants to watch TV, you can just grab a Vita and keep on playing.

Because we're still living in the '50s where every household has only one tv.
1. Re:Gee Beav, can't I have the tv for a while? by mrfaithful · 2013-09-11 00:20 · Score: 1
  
  Because we're still living in the '50s where every household has only one tv.
  So many parents force the consoles to be in the main room, because "it's for the family" or "we don't allow the children to have TVs of their own". I consider it a form of child abuse, but it's common.
2. Re:Gee Beav, can't I have the tv for a while? by MysteriousPreacher · 2013-09-11 00:27 · Score: 1
  
  It's not uncommon for the big TV (and nice sound system) to be in the living room, while in other rooms there would be smaller and cheaper boxes.
  
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3. Re:Gee Beav, can't I have the tv for a while? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 02:24 · Score: 0
  
  My kids have small TVs in their rooms, but they keep the Wii hooked up to the large tv in the living room. I tried moving it upstairs and they basically stopped playing it and started vegging out on the couch... in the living room. I put it back, Mario again.
  Everyone likes a 60 inch screen.
Android Gaming the real threat by tuppe666 · 2013-09-11 00:05 · Score: 1

observers saw it as competition for the Apple TV and Roku, or maybe the Ouya
Why is Ouya even mentioned at all, it's hardly in the same league. Their cube is heavily under powered not to mention the rest of the nightmares that came from it.
Because my local Game store sells the OuYa but not the Roku an Apple TV...and its a Game Console, and FYI I am enjoying mine.
1. Re:Android Gaming the real threat by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 02:02 · Score: 0
  
  Seriously dude? http://www.reddit.com/user/tuppe666
How about an actual 2nd Playstation for $100? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 01:17 · Score: 0

I remember buying a new second PSX for $100 just because it was so cheap.
Desktops and notebooks have plummeted in price since then, why are consoles getting more and more expensive?
Reminder: Sony is awful by Zaphod-AVA · 2013-09-11 01:33 · Score: 1

Just reminding folks that Sony uses your money to do things you hate. Don't give Sony your money.
Not a killer app at all by coinreturn · 2013-09-11 01:36 · Score: 1

'[W]hen you're in the middle of a game and someone wants to watch TV, you can just grab a Vita and keep on playing.
Who the fuck cares about that? Anybody with enough disposable cash to buy gaming systems likely makes the kids play the damn games on the old TV sitting in the other room. I sure as shit don't let the teenagers play games on my living room TV. To the basement, you snot-nosers!
1. Re:Not a killer app at all by captjc · 2013-09-11 04:40 · Score: 1
  
  Kids maybe, but what if you are the one playing games and your wife comes in because her show is on. Oh, you could tell her to pound sand, but good luck playing your other favorite "game" anytime soon, if you catch my meaning.
  Video gaming isn't just for kids any more.
  
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2. Re:Not a killer app at all by coinreturn · 2013-09-11 04:58 · Score: 1
  
  Kids maybe, but what if you are the one playing games and your wife comes in because her show is on. Oh, you could tell her to pound sand, but good luck playing your other favorite "game" anytime soon, if you catch my meaning.
  Video gaming isn't just for kids any more.
  Yes it is. And get off my lawn.
3. Re:Not a killer app at all by captjc · 2013-09-11 07:52 · Score: 1
  
  My ID is older than your ID, you can get off my lawn, son.
  
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4. Re:Not a killer app at all by coinreturn · 2013-09-11 12:22 · Score: 1
  
  My ID is older than your ID, you can get off my lawn, son.
  Pro-tip: ID is not necessarily related to age. Some of us are so old that we forgot our password and had to start over.
Killer App...? by KramberryKoncerto · 2013-09-11 02:18 · Score: 1

For any Playstation 4 household with more than one TV I think the PS Vita TV will become a 'must-have' accessory; it's almost like getting a second PS4 for $100.'"
Can you still call it a killer app if it could only fill the intersection of three niches?
1. Re:Killer App...? by captjc · 2013-09-11 04:34 · Score: 1
  
  It's almost 2014, I'm pretty sure that people with multiple TVs is not a "niche". I'm fairly certain that there is a major overlap between people with game consoles and people who own multiple televisions. The ability to stream games and probably media from a PS4 to a different TV for only a $100 extra (on a $500 console) is a pretty sweet deal that could swing some on-the-fence sales from the XBone.
  I mean think about it, if Wife / Hubby / Roommate / Parents want to watch TV on the big screen downstairs, you can easily take the game / videos to the bedroom TV. Sounds like a pretty good purchase to me for any home with multiple people.
  
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Obvious troll is obvious... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 02:25 · Score: 0

You're either trolling you're part of that damned evil company.
I *suspect* he was trolling. Either that or this is a highly unusual new approach on the part of Sony's PR department.

Only an idiot would call a Sony victim a "faggot",
Or a troll, rather obviously.
Why not just watch TV by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-11 04:17 · Score: 0

Why not just use your second TV to watch TV? I don't get it