Alternate Hardware Options
If the PS3’s launch is any indication, it’s probable that the PS4 will launch with multiple hardware configurations. Different Hard Drive sizes will be one factor, but rumour also has it that some versions of the console may also incorporate digital video recording directly onto the internal hard drive. Even if these features are to be revealed, we won’t be holding our breath for full confirmation of what hardware variations will be available.
Online Features
The lessons Sony have learnt from the Playstation Network/Sony Entertainment Network will likely be put into practice for the PS4. That obscure acquisition of Gaikai last year has also yet to yield much fruit, prompting the suspicion that the PS4 could contain some game streaming goodness of some kind. That said, Sony are sure to keep tight-lipped about the full details on this front for now.
A Reel of Gameplay Footage
Again looking back to the initial PS3 announcement, we see the presence of the much maligned “target render.” It’s an understandable evil when you consider how early some of these announcements come prior to the launch of a console but, as a result of this we get pre-rendered CGI movies of how games “might” look rather than actual gameplay. Sony’s decision to use a CPU architecture closer to a PC in the PS4 has had some commentators speculate they may already have actual gameplay footage up and running, but I wouldn’t bet on real time footage being on display just yet.
Full Hardware Specs
We’ll certainly get some insight into hardware if a new system is announced on the 20th but, outside of some vague details and a typically weird CPU name, it won’t be a full list of specs. Much has already been speculated about the CPU configuration and the RAM in the PS4 so, whilst these rumours might be settled, don’t expect a chip by chip run down.
