We’ve seen plenty of photos of the DualShock 4 since the PS4 was first revealed back in February, but there are still some small details yet to be confirmed. One such detail concerned the DualShock’s new Light Bar, used to communicate with the PlayStation Eye. While the Eye is not a requirement for the system to function, Sony intends to use the peripheral to enhance gaming experiences; one such example being the Eye’s ability to detect the DualShock 4 for the purposes of motion controls. The Light Bar is also significant because developers can take advantage of it’s ability to change colors. So far, the implications of this can either be A) changing colors to differentiate multiple players or B) changing color to signify on-screen actions such as the loss of health.
Those with little interest in purchasing a PlayStation Eye, however, have wondered if the Light Bar feature can be turned off; presumably allowing them to save controller battery life or simply as less of a distraction while playing. In response to these inquiries, Sony Worldwide Studios head Shuhei Yoshida took to Twitter to offer a definitive answer.
@DN_pro no
— Shuhei at BitSummit this weekend (@yosp) July 5, 2013
In other news, Sony filed a trademark application last month for something called “PlayStation TV.” While they’ve yet to announce any sort of plans to host their own video content or provide a central hub for gamers to access any television programming, Sony has made it clear during recent events that they intend to branch out into more diverse content offerings via a partnership with Sony Pictures. Perhaps PlayStation TV will serve as the nerve center for the Pay-Per-View and On-Demand content Sony announced for the PSN at E3 in June, among other things.
Of course, trademark applications are often filed just so companies can keep a handle on potential names for services they may eventually offer, so this should not be taken as confirmation a TV service is headed to the PSN anytime soon. Should Sony decide to make any official announcements about any new network features, we’ll be sure to cover it, so stay tuned for updates.
Do you folks mind that the DualShock 4’s Light Bar must remain active at all times? Would you be interested in a PlayStation TV service? What types of features would you expect from it? Let us know in the comments section, and don’t forget to like IGXPro on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or give us the ‘ol +1 on Google+. If you can’t get enough of my shenanigans, (who could blame you?) you can check me out @GamingsNirvana, or add +VinnyParisi to your circles.
