Sony Reveals PS4 System Update v2.00 Features; PlayStation TV Launch Date

Sony on Tuesday at Gamescom 2014 introduced new features coming to the PlayStation 4 along with the release of the PS4 system update v2.00 this fall. The firm, besides these new features, which included an innovative game-sharing experience called 'Share Play', also announced release dates for PlayStation TV, and showcased several upcoming games for the console.

Arriving as a part of the PS4 system software update v2.00 by the end of this year, Share Play allows players to create an 'online local co-op experience' by inviting friends to join a game. Notably, the invited user does not need to own a copy of the game. Invited users can apart from co-op also be allowed take over the controls of the host users, to help them accomplish certain tasks if required.

Sony, on the PlayStation blog, adds, "...You'll be able to invite your friend online to play against the Miami Heat for the championship as the San Antonio Spurs in NBA2K, tackle the challenging Towerfall Ascension Quest Mode together, or aide, heal, and protect you as Igniculus in Child of Light's local co-op mode. With Share Play, you can even jump into a game to assist a friend. For example, if there is part of a game that you can't quite finish, you can invite a friend to take over your controls. Like handing over the controller to a friend on your couch, your screen will be shared as your friend gets through the part of the game that has been giving you trouble-can't get past that part in The Last of Us: Remastered when you're hanging upside down? Get a little help."

The Japanese electronics giant also mentioned that the PS4 system update v2.00 would bring the 'much-requested' broadcast and video share features, with the ability to upload gameplay footage, as well as dedicated app support for YouTube. The 'What's New' feature will include a redesigned real-time activity tracker through friend-of-friends suggestions. The real name search function will also come in the update. The firm said it would announce more features that will come with the update later this year.

In addition to the features PS4 system update v2.00 would bring, Sony also announced (via Gamespot) that it would introduce the long-awaited PlayStation TV set-top box in North America on October 14. It is further scheduled to launch in PAL countries, which includes India, on November 14 this year. Notably, the set-top box was launched in Japan last year as Vita TV.

To recall, the PlayStation TV set-top box lets users access movies and TV shows from the PlayStation Store. Users will also be able to stream (via PlayStation Now) or download PS3, PlayStation 1, PS Vita and PSP games via the set-top box. Users will also be able to use the Remote Play option to stream PS4 games from the console to any PlayStation TV-connected television in the house. The set-top box supports DualShock 3 and DualShock 4 controllers.