Rumor: PS4 based on AMD A10 series, new dev kits shipping
Console featured revamped UI. Travel "anywhere" on the system mid-game.
A plethora of new PlayStation 4 details have hit the net, that is, if the unnamed source of VG247 is to be trusted. Find the batch of information below. But of course, as it’s according to the site’s source, thus unconfirmed, take it with a grain of salt.
Dev Kits
A new version of the dev kit, housed in a standard PC case and codenamed Orbis, is being shipped to developers.
There will be four versions of the dev kit. The previous version was just a graphics card. The new version is of a “modified PC.” The next version, which will be sent out in January, will have close to final specs. The final version will be sent out “next summer.”
Developer Meetings
Sony held a “disclosure meeting” with U.S. developers this week to discuss the machine, what it’s designed to do, detail its hardware, and show a set of presentations. It will hold another meeting in “the coming weeks.”
The name “PlayStation 4” was never used in these meetings. Sony has always referenced the machine as “Orbis.”
Hardware
Orbis is based on the AMD’s A10 APU series, which is a combined CPU and GPU. The system’s APU is “derivative” of existing A10 hardware, and is “based on A10 system and base platform.”
The “ultimate goal” for the hardware is to run 1080p, 60fps game in 3D with “no problem,” and to create a machine powerful enough for “today and tomorrow’s market.”
Current dev kits for the platform have either “8gb or 16gb of RAM.” The system will feature a Blu-ray drive, and offer a 256gb “standard” hard-drive. However, it was not clear if it will be a normal or solid state drive. It will also have Wi-Fi, and Etherhnet and HDMI out ports. There is “no difference” between Orbis and PlayStation 3‘s outputs, according to the source.
With Orbis, Sony aims to avoid the problems it encountered when launching PlayStation 3. It aims to create a console that’s “very affordable,” but “isn’t a slouch.”
The machine is not being made in Japan.
User Interface
Orbis’ user interface has been revamped. Players will be able to press the PlayStation button mid-game and travel “anywhere” on the system. The source cites buying download content from the PlayStation Store mid-game, then seamelessly returning to the game.
“They’re trying to make it as fluid as possible,” said the source.
The system will also be able to accept system and product updates in the background, and will “always be in standby mode,” if you choose to enable that option.
Announcement
Sony is expected to announce the new console “just before E3” next year, according to the source.