Sony has confirmed that the PS4 Remote Play functionality, announced for its new Xperia Z3 smartphones and tablet, could some day become available on its older models in the range.
The feature, which will allow owners of the Sony Xperia Z3, the Xperia Z3 Compact and the Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact to link up the PS4’s DualShock controller and stream games directly from the PS4 console.
Speaking to TechRadar, Sony said there was no chance of the feature being rolled out on the Google Play store, meaning competing Android manufacturers won’t be able jump on board.
“It is important to highlight that this functionality will be exclusive on Xperia, and there is no intention to roll out this on any other competitor device,” said Pierre Perron, Sony Mobile’s president for North West Europe.
While stopping short of confirming an eventual roll out on earlier Xperia models like, for example, the similarly-specced Z2 series, Perron said it was technically possible and a decision would be made in the next six months.
He added: “Today we cannot answer whether we will be [allowing older Sony phones to have PS4 remote play capabilities]; the Z3 series will be the only series compatible with the remote play, and then we will see in the next six months.
“There is no reason technically [why we don’t do it], the only limit we would have is the processing power of the smartphone. So depending on that, there is no reason why at a certain point we wouldn’t bring the functionality as we did on other Sony features.”
Earlier today we brought confirmation from the show floor at IFA 2014 in Berlin where the company explained why streaming from the PS4 to a Z3 from outside the home was a no-go.
Just like the PS Vita, players must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the console in order to take full advantage of the feature.
“Our recommendation for the best user experience is that consumers restrict this, or use this, primarily as an in home experience – so when you’re on the same Wi-Fi network,” said Calum MacDougal, Sony’s Director of Xperia Marketing said.
“It all depends on Wi-Fi connectivity.”
Read more: Sony PS4 review
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
