PS4 gamers are treated to a few big updates each year, bringing some top features to the PlayStation Store. But with the PlayStation 5 scheduled to launch in 2020, there has been some concern we could start seeing a drop in support from Sony. The tech giant finished 2019 by expanding one of its most underused PS4 features. This included Remote Play becoming widely available on Android devices.
Sony also made it possible to link its Bluetooth-enabled controllers to Android 10 devices, another big boost for fans who wanted to avoid using a touchscreen.
Not only does this make it easier to use Remote Play but it also made it possible to use DualShock 4 controllers on a number of big mobile titles, like Call of Duty Mobile.
These little changes are what can make PS4 system updates so important to gamers.
So what big changes can fans expect in 2020 and beyond on PlayStation consoles and are we going to see a slowdown due to the PS5?
The good news is that while the next PlayStation console is going to become the priority, that isn’t set to happen yet.
And even when it does occur, there may still be a little wiggle room to bring certain services to the PS4 as well.
An example of this is the upcoming launch of YouTube TV on PS4 consoles.
According to Cord Cutters News, Sony is set to launch YouTube TV on PS4 consoles in the coming months.
This stems from a recent comment made on Reddit, saying that the App was coming soon to PlayStation consoles.
But the report also notes that YouTube TV is looking to be a kind of replacement for PlayStation Vue on PS4 consoles.
PS Vue made it possible for customers to stream a number of different items in the USA, without the need for a cable or satellite subscription.
This included On Demand programming for Television services and premium channels that could be purchased individually or with a multi-channel plan.
Then in late 2019, Sony confirmed its plans to shutter the service due to its growing commitment to the PlayStation gaming platform.
“Unfortunately, the highly competitive Pay TV industry, with expensive content and network deals, has been slower to change than we expected,” a statement from Sony explains.
“Because of this, we have decided to remain focused on our core gaming business.PlayStation fans can continue to access movie and TV content through the PlayStation Store on PS4 and via our partnerships with top entertainment apps.
“With 100 million PlayStation 4s in the market today, our community continues to grow and thrive.
“We will continue to deliver the best entertainment experiences across the network, along with other key gaming services, including PlayStation Now and PlayStation Plus.
“We are very proud of what PlayStation Vue was able to accomplish. We had ambitious goals for how our service could change how people watch TV, showcasing PlayStation’s ability to innovate in a brand-new category within the Pay TV industry.
“We want to thank all of our customers, some of whom have been with us since PlayStation Vue’s launch in 2015.”
A new email suggests that Sony is offering YouTube TV as an alternative for PS Vue customers to consider when their service ends at the end of January 2020.
And that makes it sound like YouTube TV will be launching on PS4, at least in the United States, very soon.
So February 2020 could see a new PS4 System update launched as part of a wider digital store update to make ways for changes like YouTube TV.
Or, fans may just see a few new App options appear on their consoles, well ahead of the launch of the PS5 in 2020.