PlayStation 4's Biggest Update Expands Remote Play Streaming to PC & Mac

PlayStation 4's Remote Play feature has been expanded to PC and Mac.

The new feature is Sony's biggest update, which is part of a PlayStation 3.50 software upgrade (codenamed MUSASHI) scheduled to be released on Wednesday, PCWorld reported. Now, users can stream their console games to their desktops and laptops.

Prior to this update, Sony only allowed a PlayStation Vita handheld or PlayStation TV set-top box to remotely stream PS4 games, the news outlet noted. However, neither of these devices have stellar performances in the market.

After receiving the update, users will be able to download the Remote Play PC installer from Sony's website. Games can only be streamed if your PC is running Windows 8.1 or higher, and in Mac devices with OS X 10.10 or higher. A DualShock 4 controller is required to be plugged into the computer via USB.

Sony's Remote Play is at 720p and 60 frames per second, with a default of 540p and 30 frames per second, PCWorld noted.

New social features have been included in the update as well. Users can now appear offline whenever you're playing games or watching movies, and get notified when your friends go online, according to a blog post from PlayStation's website.

There's also the User Scheduled Event feature (allows you to schedule gameplay sessions with your friends) and the Play Together feature (allows all Party members view what others are playing so they can join a game easily or create one together).

Xbox Streaming Games for PC

Aside from the PS4, Microsoft also enabled the Xbox One to support streaming on a PC last year.

The Xbox One, however, only supports home network streaming except if you're using an unofficial and complex workaround. Sony's Remote Play for the PS4 supports Mac, Windows 8.1, and the internet, which means you can stream games from outside your home, PCWorld further reported.

New Free PS4, PS3, and PS Vita Games

The PlayStation Store refreshed on April 5 for the first time this month, adding free new games to the PlayStation Plus library.

The April 2016 lineup now has six new games for PS4, PS3, and PlayStation Vita, GameSpot listed. The titles are indicated below.

PlayStation Plus April 2016 Free Games Lineup:

PS4:

• "Dead Star"
• "Zombi"

PS3:

• "Savage Moon"
• "I Am Alive"

PlayStation Vita:

• "A Virus Named Tom"
• "Shutshimi"

These games are free as long as your PS Plus subscription is active. March 2016's lineup included games such as "Flame Over," "The Last Guy," "Broforce," and "Super Stardust HD," among others.