Sony preview PlayStation 4

[Smokey]

Sony unveiled the PlayStation 4 at a New York event on Wednesday. The new system features an array of new specifications and social enhancements.

As a side note, since PS4 will be using a new chip and architecture (x86 based rather than Power-PC-based PS3), it will not be backward compatible with PS3 games. But company has said that it will try to make titles playable "in some form."

Here's the rundown:

The Console: The PlayStation 4 will be powered by A "supercharged" x86 processor chip, a PC-style graphics processor, and eight gigabytes of RAM.

Social integration: The PS4's controller features a share button. When pressing it, users can share clips of the last few minutes of their game play and even broadcast real-time gameplay to friends. It also features social networking integration and personalized recommendations for downloading games and media.

The Controller:PS4 controller didn't get too much of a makeover, but it packs a few new tricks. The new DualShock 4 controller sports a touchpad placed smack in the middle. Along the bottom is a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting a headset.

Games:Sony already has a couple of big titles lined up. Developers showed off first-person shooter game "Killzone: Shadow Fall," team-based online racing game "Driveclub," and "The Witness," a puzzle solving game.

Sony said every major third-party partner is on board with the PS4, including 185 different studios.

The Camera: The PS4 features a built-in camera for 3D tracking and motion control, similar to the Microsoft Xbox's Kinect attachment.

The Release: Sony didn't say what the price would be, and it hasn't given a firm release date aside from "the holiday shopping season." In other words, expect the PS4 sometime around November.

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