There are many challenges that can arise on a daily basis to spoil the mood for gamers. One issue in particular is having to leave the home. It might seem far-fetched, but many gamers will readily acknowledge that when they are zoned in, they have no desire to move away from the console. Sure, they might be able to take the game console and the TV with them, but that’s as far as that goes because they still won’t be able to play it while they commute.
That issue of mobility may have plagued video game lovers for generations, but thanks to one of the latest smart phone innovations, it won’t any more. Two recent smart phone releases – Sony Xperia Z3 (5.3”) and the Xperia Z3 Compact (4.6”) – will attachable to a Game Control Mount, as we as facilitate Remote Play. What does this latest innovation mean exactly? Its simple really – no TV access? No problem.
What is Remote Play?
For those who are yet to make the connection, the same technology company that has manufactured the line of PlayStation gaming consoles – inclusive of the PlayStation Portable (PSP), and most recently the PlayStation 4 (PS4) – released both Xperia phones. Remote Play is a feature that allows for the wireless transference of video and audio output between a gaming console and a compatible device via the Internet. As such, a user can be miles away from their gaming consoles and still have the potential to access and play whatever files they so desire.
Sony Xperia gaming mount.
This feature is accessible on both PS3 and PS4 consoles, while the PSP and the PlayStation Vita are two of the gadgets that are able to “pair” with them. There was also software released that made the remote accessible to game files on Sony’s VAIO laptops. With the latest advancements in their technology, the smart phones are now among that list.
So what of the games?
It should be noted that only PS4 games will be accessible on the smart phones. An individual who acquires one of them would not have to scratch their heads to figure out how to access the feature, as it is being reported that a PlayStation app is prominent on the main screen.
Remote Play will make the games stored on the PS4 accessible, and the game control mount will facilitate the game play. With the attachable being a DualShock 4, users of the device will be able to play as they would the traditional means. In the eyes of many, such a feature puts this ahead of other compatible devices such as the PSP or PS Vita as their controls are noticeably smaller. In other words, this provides the gamers with a more natural feel.
There is nothing to indicate that Sony will allow older games to be available for play on the devices, but they are flirting with the possibility of making older Xperia models compatible with the technology as well.
Keeping the tech close to home
Being able to provide gamers with the option of playing their games on the go is certainly a feature that all smart phone manufacturers would want to get in on, but Sony has no interest in giving its competitors a piece of the action. It may come across as a bit harsh, but why would they?
This latest development in their offerings provides them with that extra bit of leverage to attract the eye of a consumer who is one the look out for a smart phone or tablet. Instead of running the basic apps that are available, they can look forward to the game play of their PS4, without actually being in front of it.
Merging the technologies
Some may ask the question, “why merge the technologies?”, but a better question would be “why not?” From computers to smart phones and tablets, the more ways they find to make links between them the more marketable they will become. With so many tech gadgets under one roof (figuratively speaking), it was only a matter of time before they found a way to incorporate them.
What It Means for the Future
Sony has made its stance clear that they do not intend to make the technology available to their competitors, so for now, they have a distinct advantage in the market in relation to game streaming. Having said that, however, this news could prompt the competition to seek partnerships with other game developers to offer their users more.
For any gamer, the news that they’ll be able to access their content remotely is likely to be a dream come true. Being at a distinct advantage for developing both gaming consoles and smart phones, Sony has undoubtedly elevated its appeal, and potentially taken a lot of consumers from their competitors.
Smart Phone Tech Creates Game Console Mobility
No comments:
Post a Comment