PS4 to support cloud gaming, live streaming

Today during Sony's unveiling of its new PlayStation 4, Gaikai CEO Dave Perry revealed how the company's cloud streaming technology will integrate with and benefit Sony's next home console.

Built around the concept of "everything everywhere," the aim is to make PS One, PS2, and PS3 titles playable on the PS4, someday. Gaikai's streaming service will work in conjunction with the existing PlayStation Network to provide a more personalised, connected experience, and take part alongside other players.

Perry hopes the service (not yet detailed as being basic or tied to a premium subscription) will notify other players of new game purchases from friends, including Facebook and Ustream functionality from the ground up, with Sony hoping to "create the first social network with meaning," using avatars alongside real names on player profiles.

Gaikai will benefit from the newly announced share button on the PS4's redesigned DualShock controller to live-stream directly from the console, sharing their session with online viewers. Players will also be able to pass control of the game over to remote friends to help navigate difficult gameplay elements. The service will also allow friends to play a Dungeon Master-style role, joining sessions and modifying the gameworld to provide virtual power-ups as required.

While no specifics were revealed as to which software from the PlayStation back catalog will be playable on which devices--PS4, PlayStation Vita, or mobile--Perry confirmed Sony's support to roll out a global network in phases. No time frame was provided.

Sony purchased Gaikai for $380 million in July last year.

Stay tuned to GameSpot for more updated coverage on the new PS4.

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