Sony Extends Private Beta for PlayStation Now to PS4 Console

Sony announced the extension of its Private Beta for PlayStation Now to the PlayStation 4 console starting Tuesday.

"Up until this point, our Private Beta for PS Now has been available on PlayStation 3 systems. We're pleased to announce that the Private Beta program is expanding and will make its debut on PlayStation 4 systems on May 20," stated the Sony PlayStation blog post.

Sony first unveiled the PlayStation Now game-streaming service for mobiles, tablets and TVs in January. Apart from delivering gaming titles to non-console machines, such as mobiles, tablets and televisions, the service also delivered a solution for a major complaint gamers had about the new PlayStation 4 console - the lack of backward compatibility with PS3 games.

Sony says that in 2014, apart from the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 consoles, other devices will get support for the PlayStation Now game streaming service, such as select 2014 Bravia televisions, and the PlayStation Vita portable game console.

Sony also added that its PS3 Private Beta for PlayStation Now programme has been running successfully so far, with testers logging more than 50,000 gameplay hours till now.

Gamers interested in helping Sony test the PlayStation Now service in the private beta can register via the Sony PlayStation Now website. Sony notes that gamers should wait patiently for their invitations after registering, and that is adding more beta testers to the program on a regular basis.

Last month Sony rolled out system software update v1.70 for its PlayStation 4 console, with several changes. The update let users to set the light bar of the controller in bright, medium or dim mode. The update also included SHAREFacetory video editing tool for the gamers; turn-off HDCP option that will in turn let them record and share longer gameplay clips via the HDMI output, and archive option for Twitch broadcasts that will be available in a 720p resolution.

The Sony PlayStation 4 system software v1.70 update additionally includes the options to easily find friends, mutual friends or even friends of friends and send then requests; the ability to sort trophies by rarity; alternate payment methods (APMs) including PayPal support when purchasing PS content from the store; more voice commands for the PlayStation Camera; and the sharing of favourite music via the 'Share' button from the PS4's DualShock 4 controller.