In today’s day and age, gaming consoles can’t be considered an unqualified success if they only excel at gaming… right? Besides the Nintendo Switch, most consoles also serve as entertainment centres, with options like Netflix offering video content, and Spotify for music. Now, Sony has confirmed the list of day-one entertainment apps for the upcoming Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5).
The PS5 will finally launch on the 12th of November 2020, and Sony says that popular streaming apps such as Netflix (of course), Disney+, and YouTube will “hit the PS5 console on Day 1”. We’ll also be seeing an Apple TV app—the first time we’ll be seeing Apple’s streaming service on a Sony gaming console. If you own a PS4, don’t feel left out. Apple TV should also be available soon.
As such, these are the confirmed apps that you’ll be able to use on the Sony PS5 at launch:
- Apple TV
- Disney+
- Netflix
- Spotify
- Twitch
- YouTube
No mention of HBO Max, although Sony promises that Amazon Prime Video, MyCanal, and Peacock, among others, will be added to the list after day one; the company hasn’t confirmed those dates just yet. Meanwhile, select apps will also have deeper integration with the PS5’s UI, Sony says. On Twitch and YouTube, you’ll be able to “broadcast and share” gameplay directly from the app, or simply use the apps to watch content.
All of the apps above will sit in a dedicated media section on your console, where you’ll also download new entertainment apps.
Just like the PS4, Sony promises that you’ll be able to stream music playback in the background while playing games, with a new Control Centre supposedly making it easier to control your music on the PS5. In fact, the PS5 will also come with a Media Remote—because we all know how cumbersome (and battery-hungry) it can be to use a DualShock controller to go through Netflix.
The remote will have the standard set of play/pause/fast-forward media controls, along with dedicated launch buttons for Disney+, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube. You’ll also be able to use it to control compatible TVs, probably via IR, which is a nice touch.
The PlayStation 5 will launch in select markets on the 12th of November 2020, with an Asian release scheduled for the 19th of November. We don’t have official Malaysian details just yet, but the PS5 Digital Edition will retail for USD 399.99 (~RM1,652), while the PS5 with an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive will go for USD 499.99 (~RM2,065).
Despite the proliferation of affordable media boxes such as the Mi TV Stick or even the new Chromecast dongle, the inclusion of major streaming services on the PS5 should prove to be an extra feather in the next-gen console’s cap. Plus, we’ll finally have access to Apple TV on a PlayStation console—this is also rumoured to be coming on Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox consoles.
[ SOURCE ]
