Michael Ventimiglia, Managing Editor and Tech Enthusiast at GetVoIP.com - Guide to VoIP service providers and innovations.

Earlier this year, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced the Playstation 4, the latest evolution of their next-gen gaming system. Slated for Holiday 2013, Sony is still hard at work on their latest console; therefore, much of the details pertaining to the system’s specs and features have been kept mum. Sure, the basic announcements have been released—i.e. better graphics (next gen Radeon-based graphics engine), stronger processor (x86-64 AMD Jaguar single chip custom processor), expanded memory (8GB of GDDR5 memory plus a 6x blu ray drive), etc; however, nothing yet seems to be too out of the ordinary. Even the unveiling of their new controller, which SCEI spokesperson, Aram Jabbrari states includes “a much more sensitive six-axis sensor gyroscope” seems somewhat stale. While specs and specifics may be sparse, Sony has unveiled some big plans regarding both the users’ community and the console.

Under the “Everything Everywhere” moniker, Sony has revealed their console’s planned implementation of a Gaikai-powered cloud platform. While this may not seem that big of a deal, it most definitely is. Sony’s Playstation 4 will utilize cloud computing technology to deliver resources over the Internet via live stream. In doing so, users will be able to play a catalogue of PS3 games via the Internet as opposed to a physical copy. Again, this is a huge deal, especially since the console will not run Playstation 3 games physically. Instead, the cloud platform will enable the console to work with these games.

As stated above, Playstation’s cloud will be powered by Gaikai, a cloud gaming company with over 200 games in their catalogue. Acquired by Sony last year, Gaikai will fit Sony’s device with an expansive library of games, as well as work with the console itself to deliver a more incorporative, shared experience. Upon its initial unveiling, Sony revealed that the Playstation 4 would have a refined focus on social capability and functionality. That being said, Sony will join its existing community, the Playstation Network, with Gaikai’s cloud technology. In doing this, Gaikai will work to enhance both remote play and mobility. With remote play, players from all over the world are able to take over for you when you’re in the middle of a game. For example, if a user is playing a game and cannot beat a level, there is an option to let other users pick up from where you are. Additionally, Gaikai will have a hand in Sony’s mobile gaming push. When Sony announced their cloud platform, they used the banner “Everything Everywhere.” Using the cloud and the catalogue of games, the Playstation 4 will further mobile functionality substantially. “With Gaikai gaming technology, you’ll be seeing your favorite Playstation 3 games being able to be played from your smartphone, your tablet, your PS Vista, and your PC.”

Though gaming via the cloud was launched in 2006, it has never hit strides like this before. Sony’s initial announcements may be been underwhelming; however, the company has truly reached for the heavens with their newest innovation. Instead of recycling cosmetic upgrades (graphics, design, etc.), Sony has set out to revolutionize the way users play games and interact with one another. Additionally, it seems the company has actually learned from past criticisms—namely the PS3’s inability to play a back catalogue of games from PS2 and PS1. By implementing the cloud, Sony’s Playstation 4 looks able to rectify past mistakes while also advancing its capabilities.

While the console’s release is still a long ways away, Sony has already begun talking about additions and expansions to their cloud—namely an archive of PS1 and PS2 games. Although details pertaining to specs and features continue to trickle out, none seem as impressive as the company’s adoption and implementation of the cloud. With tremendous potential, Sony could very well revolutionize gaming. One can only hope the company delivers.