At E3, Sony confirmed that the PlayStation 4 will be getting PS3 backwards compatibility using Gaikai’s streaming technology in 2014. Initially available in the US, Gaikai will provide PS3 and PS4 owners access to critically acclaimed PS3 games, streamed through cloud.
LOVEFiLM, an Amazon company, has released version 2.0 of its streaming application for the PS3, bringing a host of exciting new features to members. New features include an improved search function and recommendation engine, making great content more accessible than ever before, and an optimised user interface that enhances the way members browse the latest films and TV shows.
Sony is always expanding the entertainment options on the PS3 and PS Vita, and the latest announcement is the launch of the EPIX app on the PlayStation Network. EPIS provides premium content, with more than 3,000 new and classic feature films, concerts, stand-up comedy and sports shows.
Netflix is available on a multitude of devices, from PS Vita to tablets and PCs, but, the PS3 is the number 1 device used to stream content in the living room for the provider. The service was first launched on the console back in November 2009 and has since become a primary development platform for the Netflix streaming experience, giving PS3 owners early access to many new features that come to other platforms later.
Gaikai has updated its Q&A page to answer questions over the recent Sony acquisition, answering questions that many gamers may have. Gaikai reveals that the team is “working on a number of exciting initiatives.” When asked about Gaikai on Sony platforms, the company said it “cannot share any details at this point in time.”
Sony Entertainment Network has finally launched a new service called “Instant Play” that allows users to stream standard or high definition films instantly on the PS3. Apps like Amazon Instant and LOVEFiLM have used instant streaming since launch, but it’s taken Sony far too long to catch up.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Andrew House, president and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, has revealed Sony’s plans on how the company will use cloud streaming service Gaikai. Sony announced that it will be acquiring Gaikai early this week.
In a press release today, Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that it will be acquiring Gaikai Inc., the world’s leading interactive cloud-based gaming company, for approximately US $380 million. With the acquisitions, “SCE will deliver a world-class cloud-streaming service that allows users to instantly enjoy a broad array of content ranging from immersive core games with rich graphics to casual content anytime, anywhere.”
Announced at the Anime Expo, Crunchyroll is bringing its anime streaming application to the PlayStation 3. Later in the year, an PS Vita app will also be available. The app will launch in North America at first, with other countries possibly to follow.
In an interview with MCV, Shuhei Yoshida, President of Sony Worldwide Studios, has said that the company is looking at “what OnLive is doing” and “how this can be a part of PlayStation.” He also mentioned that Sony already implements some basic cloud technology with the Remote Play feature on the PS3, PSP and PS Vita.
