Playstation 4 specs

Yesterday, Sony officially revealed the PlayStation 4 at an event in New York City. Although Sony announced a number of specs and highlighted some upcoming features, it didn't really break down what those components meant. We take a look back at the details and highlight the important parts of what Sony did — and did not — say at yesterday's event.

First and foremost, Sony highlighted the PlayStation 4's similarity to a PC. This emphasis was more for developer benefit than consumers. One of the biggest complaints with previous Sony consoles has been the custom hardware. Yes, the hardware was solid, but developing for the PlayStation 3 while also developing for the Xbox 360 and PC was not a simple task. Now that the underlying hardware is basically a gaming PC, developers won't need to learn a whole new set of hardware. This is similar to the approach that many current arcade games use.

Breaking down the hardware

CPU: 8-core x86-64 AMD "Jaguar"
GPU: 1.84 TFLOPS integrated Radeon

The PlayStation 4 is set to use a custom version of one of AMD's APU processors. Recently introduced by AMD, these chips combine a traditional CPU and GPU on a single die. Initially they were used in laptops, but the APUs are also used in desktop machines. Jaguar chips are not currently available in the marketplace, though AMD did show off working samples at CES in January. Those were "Temash" chips, which are low-power versions and meant for tablets. The Jaguar targeted for the PlayStation 4 will likely be part of the "Kabini" family. Initial versions of the Jaguar APU will be 28nm, though AMD expects to get that down to 20nm.

Assuming Sony does use a Kabini family APU, one of the key advantages will be low power consumption. Low power consumption means less heat, and less heat means less cooling is required. If Sony can keep heat generation to a minimum, fans need to run less often, keeping system noise to a minimum.

One key feature of the Jaguar APU is the fact that each core is completely independent. In the standard version announced by AMD (which features four cores), the only shared component is L2 cache. The stock version features 2 MB of L2, with each core getting one quarter of that. Since the PlayStation 4 version is slated to have eight cores, it is likely that the PlayStation 4 APU will feature at least 4 MB of L2. This is because the each Compute Unit on the Jaguar contains four cores and the L2 cache. An eight-core version of the APU will simply contain two full CUs.

Because the Jaguar APU is a full system-on-a-chip design, it supports all of the instruction sets found on standard 64-bit x86 compatible processors. Additionally, the Jaguar includes AES-NI, which is used to accelerate AES data encryption. It is likely that AES will be an integral part of the PlayStation 4's security features.

Comparatively speaking, there are no public benchmark numbers for the PlayStation 4 processor; however, the fastest AMD APU currently available is the A10-5800K. On the PassMark CPU Mark test, it rates an average score of 4,439, which is comparable to an Intel i7-3520M and an AMD Phenom II X4 970. Keeping in mind that the A10 is a previous generation APU and it has fewer cores than the Jaguar, the PlayStation 4 CPU should rate significantly higher. We're including the performance number above in order to give a baseline performance estimate.

As far as the GPU is concerned, Sony was mum on specifics, but since it is using the Jaguar APU, the GPU component will likely be derived from the Radeon 8000 line. Comparing specific features isn't really possible at this time, but the stated 1.84 TFLOPS of performance allows for a general comparison with current PC graphics cards. AMD's own Radeon HD 7850 currently boasts 1.76 TFLOPS, and that is considered a mid-range video card. On the high end, nVidia's GeForce GTX Titan boasts 4.5 TFLOPS.

It is likely that even faster cards will be available in the PC market by the time the PlayStation 4 hits retail shelves at the end of this year. Still, the stated performance is nothing to laugh at. Just don't expect the PlayStation 4 to surpass a high-end gaming PC in terms of image quality or performance.

RAM: 8 GB of GDDR5, Unified System Memory

While many will focus on the PlayStation 4's processor, it is the inclusion of 8 GB of GDDR5 that will make developers take notice. Along with the APU, it is also likely one of the most expensive components in the PlayStation 4. Rough estimates based on numbers from Mercury Research place the cost of 1 GB of GDDR5 between $16-19 and 2 GB of GDDR5 between $37-$49.

GDDR5 RAM is desirable because it's fast. Really fast. You won't see it used as system memory in gaming PCs (the vast majority use DDR3), but all of the high-end video cards come with GDDR5 standard. Since the PlayStation 4 is going to use a unified memory model, game developers will be able to allocate memory as they see fit, giving them a greater deal of flexibility than the PlayStation 3.

HDD: Unknown Size

Like the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 4 will ship with a hard drive as standard. No size was announced, but given hard drive prices, we would be surprised if anything less than 500 GB was standard.

Disc Drive: Blu-ray (6X Speed)

The press conference didn't focus on it, but the PlayStation 4 will definitely have a Blu-ray drive inside for playing both movies and games. The primary reason this is worth noting is the increased speed. This means higher transfer rates, so installing games from disc won't be as annoyingly long as it currently is on the PlayStation 3

Networking: Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi

Most consumers likely won't care about Gigabit Ethernet, but the inclusion of 802.11n Wi-Fi support will be a welcome addition.

Connections: USB 3.0, Bluetooth 2.1, HDMI, Optical Audio, Analog-AV, AUX

Though the USB and Bluetooth specs have been updated, from a usability standpoint, they should work the same as the current ports on the PlayStation 3. The main difference with USB 3.0 is a faster transfer rate. HDMI and Optical Audio are standard connectors, and unless Sony decides to change just for the sake of change, the Analog-AV connection should be the same multi-out that Sony has used since the original PlayStation. The AUX port is for the PlayStation 4 Eye.

PlayStation 4 Eye:

An updated version of the PlayStation Eye, the new unit contains two cameras with an 85 degree field of vision. Each camera runs at a resolution of 1280x800. It also features four microphones. The updated Eye does not appear to use an IR camera, unlike the Kinect, which uses IR for depth. There is also no visible motor on the Eye, though the large field of view likely makes that unnecessary.

DualShock 4:

An evolution of the DualShock 3, the most notable changes are the concave analog sticks, the touchpad and the inclusion of a headset jack. A chat headset will ship with the PlayStation 4. There is also a multi-colored light bar at the top of the controller that can be used to indicate pre-defined status messages as well as act as a tracking indicator for the PlayStation 4 Eye.

Breaking down the software features

Backward Compatibility:

The PlayStation 4 will not be backward compatible out of the box. This means that it will not play any prior PlayStation games, whether they were released on disc or purchased digitally from PSN. Sony did mention the possibility of using the Gaikai technology to stream older games in the future, but this was just a possibility.

From a feature perspective, the lack of any backward compatibility appears to be a mistake on Sony's part, as the company has prominently featured backward compatibility in its prior systems. While PlayStation 3 backward compatibility is likely not possible due to emulation overhead, there is no reason why the PlayStation 4 shouldn't be compatible with PSone, PlayStation 2 and PSP software. The hardware is more than powerful enough to run those titles via purely software emulation.

With no definite backward compatibility plan on the horizon, PlayStation 3 owners (especially those with large PSN libraries) should plan on keeping their current console and not selling it in order to upgrade.

Remote Play:

Remote Play will allow you to run a game on the PlayStation 4 but view it and control it via the Vita. If this sounds familiar, it should. Sony previously announced the feature for the PlayStation 3 but never fully rolled it out due to technical issues. Unless you have a modded PlayStation 3, it's a feature you have probably never used. Assuming the technical issues are resolved for the PlayStation 4, this alone could be a reason to purchase a Vita. Bonus points if Remote Play also supports streaming movies to the Vita.

Share:

It is a button on the DualShock 4, but the magic is in the software. Pressing that button allows you to broadcast your gameplay directly from the system, no video capture box required. As live-streaming game footage becomes more popular, this is a feature that has the potential to catch on like wildfire. Yes, a handful of games, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops II, currently offer integrated live streaming, but that is dependent on the developer for support. With the PlayStation 4, you'll be able to do it in any game.

The PlayStation 4 will also allow game spectating, just like OnLive. Players will be able to view the game you're playing as well as leave comments. Taking things a step further than OnLive, the PlayStation 4 will also offer a remote help feature. If you're having trouble playing a game, you can ask a friend for help and let them control your system remotely. Your PlayStation 4 will still be running the game, but it will be controlled by your friend's PlayStation 4. Once you've gotten past the trouble spot, your friend can pass the controller back.

The help system sounds like an innovative feature, though it will be interesting to see how it gets exploited (and if Sony can do anything to stop it). Such a feature could potentially allow for enterprising individuals to offer paid-for-leveling services. It could also potentially allow someone to virtually "rent" a game they purchased to others. After all, if you're not going be using your PlayStation 4, why not subsidize a new game by letting someone connect remotely and pay for the privilege? Gamers found a way to monetize the game-sharing feature on the PlayStation 3. It would be folly to assume the same won't happen with the PlayStation 4.

Social:

Social was a major component of the PlayStation 4 presentation, and Sony announced both Facebook and Ustream as partners. There was talk of a gaming-specific social network, so it is possible that Facebook integration isn't as bad as it sounds, though we wouldn't be wholly surprised if a Facebook account is required to use the social features on the PlayStation 4.

Sony also plans on extending the social features to other devices, such as tablets and smartphones, so you can be connected to PSN even while away from your PlayStation 4. We got the sense that this would be similar to what Microsoft is doing with SmartGlass on the Xbox 360.

Top 10 Hobbies

Photography

10. Photography

To perceive world according to own eye in a different way, this idea fantasize many and force them to go for photography. Often people make their own world of portraits and pictures. This hobby is celebrated and followed around the world; it’s everywhere and with availability of low cost cameras, advanced digital technology and instruments to perform the activity has boosted the interest in this field manifold over last few years.

Traveling/Adventure

9. Motorcycling

To explore the new corners and streets of the world people reserve their weekend for an outing be it on Motorcycle, Car or public transport. Who doesn’t want to travel and see beauty of mother Earth? Serenity of mountains, bustling of cities, peace in valley and hugeness of sea is tempting enough for a person to break the monotony of life.

Internet Surfing

It’s an addiction!! An addicted can’t go to sleep without checking-in his social networking account

8. Internet Surfing

or Google a doubt of day in his mind. Everyone wants to know what’s happening around the world and it‘s the best way to know and entertaining too.

Walking/Exercise/Gardening/Sports

7.Walking

Who doesn’t want to be fit? Well everyone and therefore hobby develop automatically to walk, exercise, gardening or to opt for a game like baseball, golf, cricket etc. Burn some calories, be happy and healthy.

Listening to Music/ Dancing/ Playing a Music Instrument

6.Listening To Music

Tune into your favorite song or track and forget the world of worries and burdens. Whether you like to dance or not in public but when you are alone your body come to groove itself. It is a common and very popular hobby in all corners of the world. And sometimes involvement in music demands a person to go for learning favorite instrument. Sound from speaker is just not enough to

5.Painting

satisfaction.

Creative Work

Many find art and craft interesting and tempting enough to try their hands at it. Few find it soothing to inner self and beautiful. Poster making, graffiti, painting and scribbling/doodling are activities that are common to choose for as a hobby.

Watching TV

4. Watching TV

Coming home after a long tedious day, it’s time to watch your favorite TV serial, and at any cost you don’t wanna miss it. It is very common hobby among the people around the world.

TV and movies are the same thing.  Cinema is too expensive ($10?).

Gaming

3.Gaming

Advancement in technology has gifted people of the world cheap platforms to play interactive games that were a dream for gaming lovers few years ago. Mobile/Laptops/Play stations have revolutionized the gaming world. And a challenge to break highest score by your friend will not let you sleep if you love gaming genuinely.

I do number 3 very well. I have 800 videogames right now.  That is a little low compared to some collections on Gamespot and IGN, but could be slightly above normal range of collection.  I knew this would happen as soon as 1994.  I have 15 consoles. The favorite publisher is Nintendo; however, the most popular platform is PS2.

2. I was playing online with Diablo in 1998 and Diablo 2 in 2000. Warcraft 3 in 2002, and Guild Wars in 2005.

Reading

Well it may appear strange but yes Reading still is one of the best, recommended and popular

2. Reading

hobbies around the world. Be it newspaper in the morning, an article on a website in afternoon or your favorite book/magazine at night, reading fulfill the intriguing demand of peace and satisfaction of human mind in a complete convincing manner.

Aside from my degree, I don't have many novels. I hate reading. I love paper, because I do print weekly.  I barely read so I have 150 books and not 800 books.  I have a little Sci-Fi collection and Hobbit, Lord of the Rings,  Maysian book of the fallen.

Watching Movies

1. Watching Movies

Oh yes! It is the favorite and most followed hobby around the world. And if you go to watch a movie in a theater it can fulfill many desire like an outing, driving, traveling, longing company of friends and most important the urge to see your favorite actor on the big screen. It is a goose bumps ride of few hundred minutes.

This is why I have DirecTV including HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, 180 DVDs and 45 Blurays. I watch movies daily.

Cousin's cats

My cousin (Sheree) loves cats, Tomb Raider and The Nightmare before Christmas. I think that is her book collection. She said she owned less PS2 and PS3 games than me, but still a lot more than average including every Tomb Raider videogame made for at least Playstation 1,2,and 3. She does not own Tomb Raider for Sega Saturn or Dreamcast.

They used to own this buick sports car

I only own two cats.

The world uses (or will use) Linux or FreeBSD

MAC OS X is pretty stupid right now. Mac OS X is the most vulnerable and most expensive. Any Mac OS X is easy to hack. The US military and Government use the Linux operating system. Linux and FreeBSD have way too many free upgrades to ever get an virus. Linux and FreeBSD is the future. Android Linux phones are even going to surpass iPad and iPhone in the future. Firefox Linux is going to be competitor to Android in the near future. Mac OS X cannot compete with free upgrades, Windows applications in Wine, and virutalization.

Historical Critical Method - ELCA

Will we trust in a wise God or ‘wise guys’?  Have you ever sat in church, about to ‘doze off’, when the pastor throws a zinger at you like, “Jonah wasn’t really swallowed by a whale”,“the Lord didn’t really part the Red Sea”? “God didn’t really create all things in six days”? Or “what God calls ‘sin’ in His Word, really isn’t sinful anymore”? Not only do you wonder if you ‘really’ heard what you ‘thought’ you heard, but just then your spouse jabs you in the ribs, so the pastor doesn’t catch you dozing. You then hear your pastor give you all the reasons why science, history and archaeology have proven Scripture wrong in parts; but, the pastor consoles, ‘Scripture can be factually wrong, and still meaningful to your faith life’!  At that point your head’s spinning, so you jab your spouse back, to see if she heard the pastor say what you ‘thought’ he just said. So you leave church, grit your teeth and say ‘nice sermon pastor’, as you try to find comfort from a Bible that your own pastor told you, “you can’t trust it completely”.

So then, when you visit your pastor on Monday and ask him how you can discern what parts of the Bible are true and what parts are not true, your pastor gives you a long, convoluted answer of a “theory” he learned at the seminary, about how we need to ‘find the real story behind the written text of the Bible’. You’re told that you can’t just read God’s Word at face value, and trust all that you’re reading. He might even toss in a ‘zinger’ like: “Don’t you know that science has proven much of it to be untrue?” Although your pastor doesn’t come right out and say so, what you are actually being told is: “you need to replace your belief in the inerrancy of God and His Word, with the inerrancy of man and his theories.” You need to ‘leave it to the seminary-trained professionals’ (mainly of the last 50 years), to tell you what God’s Word says, because you can’t trust what the Bible clearly says, or what your pastors more than 50 years ago taught you! What you have just experienced is the invasion of the “Historical Critical Method” of interpreting the Bible! This ‘new method’ of studying the Bible has only been around in the last 200 years of Christianity, but for the most part, only in the last 50-70 years in American Christianity. It’s the “new kid on the block”, but it is this method that is the enemy of the Historic Christian faith that your parents and grandparents were taught from pastors and professors who were faithful to God’s Word.  Many laypeople wonder: “what has happened
to our church?” And the answer is: the “Historical Critical Method”. It has led countless churches, denominations, pastors and laypeople away from the rock-solid foundation of God’s life-giving Word, to doubt and question the Bible and the faith of prior generations of believers.

Sadly, many laypeople remain in churches where they are convinced from the Bible that their pastor is teaching wrong, but they console themselves: “Well, it must just be this pastor. We’ll get a new pastor someday, and all will be well”. Yet, their denomination only continues to fall further and further away from God’s Word, regardless of how many pastors their church gets. What happened to the church of our grandparents? I don’t know how to say it more clearly, but the problem is that most of the mainline denominations, and most of the seminaries, and most of the pastors have adopted the “Historical Critical Method” of interpretation – and much of this has only taken place in the last 50-70 years. This method is why you hear things being preached and taught that are contrary to God’s Word, and to what prior faithful generations learned!

So what’s the solution? There is no “easy” solution any longer. Most of the seminaries of the mainline churches have made their bed withthe “Historical Critical Method”, and what theyare teaching our future pastors is that you “cannot take the Bible at face value”; whenever you find something in science, history, archaeology, culture, etc…. that questions it. So is there any solution? About the best solution is this: FAITHFUL LAYPEOPLE. “It’s time for laypeople to stop being married to a church body, a denomination, or a building; but to be married to Christ and His Word!” The church needs faithful laypeople to start measuring their church’s doctrine,their pastors’ preaching, and their Sunday School’s lessons by the Word of God. We see a great example of this in Acts 17 with the Christian church at Berea, where we’re told:  “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness, and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul had said was true.”  In I John 4:1 we read, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Sadly, I’ve heard many examples of churches where the members will argue whether or not to buy this item for the church kitchen, whether or not to buy new hymnals for the pews; but when the church is teaching false doctrine, these same laypeople will not utter a sound, but keep attending the church, which sends a terrible mixed message to our children of holding onto God’s Word. The faith of your children and grandchildren is largely dependent on what you the parents will do in defending or taking a stand for the truthfulness of God’s Word.

Once faithful laypeople begin to measure their church’s doctrine, and their pastors’ teachings, with the Word of God,if the truthfulness and complete reliability of God’s Word is being questioned by the pastors, professors, or leaders of your church, then first try towork with them to try to call them, yourself, and your congregation to repentance, forgiveness in Jesus, and a return to the truth of God’s Word. However, there may come a point, where “IF” your pastor or church body refuses to repent, turn from false doctrine, and teach ALL that God’s Word teaches, then faithful laypeople will follow Christ and look for a faithful church, rather than being married to a denomination or building. Paul warns Timothy and us in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth, and turn aside to myths.”