While the PlayStation 3 (PS3) was touted as the all-in-one entertainment device for the longest time, its successor has a much narrower focus. Sure, you can use the PS4 to watch Blu-ray discs or play music from a USB drive, but the lack of media support is glaringly obvious. So much so, that Sony hasn't released its own official remote for the PS4 much like it did for the PS3.
However accessories firm PDP has stepped in to rectify this oversight with an officially licensed PS4 Universal Media Remote. It connects to the console via Bluetooth and can control your TV, set-top box, and audio receiver as well. It features buttons unique to the PS4 such as the PS4 home button to control playback without the console's DualShock 4 controller.
(Also see: As Sony's PS4 Turns 1 in India, Is It a Good Time to Buy?)
According to a listing on US video game retailer Gamestop, the PS4 Universal Media Remote runs on two AAA batteries and has a minimum of six months battery life under normal use.
While the peripheral has not been officially announced yet, listings on Gamestop and Amazon US tout an October 31 release date. Both sites have it listed for $30 (roughly Rs. 1,900).
With PDP not having an Indian presence and Sony not releasing its own media remote, you can expect this to be available via parallel import channels. Though considering the Dual Shock 4 can run most media functions on the PS4 well enough, this is perhaps an indulgence more than a necessary purchase for media hungry PS4 owners.
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