Sony is kicking off a beta of its latest PS4 system software today, which adds some nifty features that expand the console’s social capabilities.
The new version, codenamed Kenshin, will allow PS4 owners to livestream gameplay on YouTube as well as YouTube Gaming . You’ll also be able to share clips of up to 10 seconds in length to Twitter.
If you want to watch a friend in action, you can now send a ‘request to watch’ notification to them and tune into a live broadcast.
PS Plus members will get a bump in online storage capacity, from 1GB to 10GB. A new usage meter helps users monitor their available capacity.
There’s also a new Events hub that gives an overview of activities in your favorite games, including official broadcasts, Double XP weekends, or even seasonal events like in-game towns getting decked up for the winter.
Players will now be able to create communities to bring together groups that share interests like favorite games or genres. Each community will get a message board, the ability to share screenshots and join games. Sony believes this will help players quickly find companions for large multiplayer missions.
As with just about every messaging app worth its salt, this update also brings stickers to the chat system.
These features will first become available to users who have selected for Sony’s beta program. The company notes that some of the features it’s testing may not make it to the final update; it’s also yet to decide on a rollout date for Kenshin.
➤ PS4 System Software 3.00 Features Detailed, Beta Starts Today [PlayStation Blog]
Gadgets on the go: Don’t miss these great deals
In the spirit of this month’s holiday-shopping extravaganza, we’re ramping up the great deals for TNW readers, to make the giving and receiving a truly rewarding time instead of a hunt for the gift receipts.
Check out some fantastic deals below on smart chargers, air purifiers, key consolidators and more!
Zus Smart Car Charger & Locator – $29.99 Efficiency is key when you’re on the go, and so is safeguarding against forehead-smacking forgetfulness. Now you can charge two gadgets twice as fast as conventional chargers, and keep track of your vehicle anywhere you go with the Zus Smart Car Charger & Locator.
This great in-car USB charger helps you find where you parked your car using its companion smartphone app via Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy or LE. Military grade titanium coating means you’ll have lifelong durability, with no data plan required. Save 40 percent off on TNW Deals.
➤ Get this deal
Car Plug-In Air Purifier – $16.99 Between allergy-baiting dust, pollen, and foul odors, improving air quality is always a good thing. The RAWtronics car plug-in air purifier is a small device that plugs into a car’s AC outlet with a built-in ionizer for eliminating foul odors and improving air quality in the vehicle.
Pet dander, bacteria, cigarette smoke, dirty gym socks, and beyond are drawn in and neutralized, with no additional fragrance left in their wake.
Grab a Car Plug-In Air Purifier for your ride for $16.99 for a limited time from TNW Deals
➤ Get this deal
KeySmart 2.0 Extended Version – $15.99 The standard key ring is a bulky, cluttered mess. Luckily, KeySmart designed a simple, stylish, and compact key organizer which made headlines for offering an innovative solution to a common problem.
Right now, TNW readers can get the KeySmart 2.0 Extended Version for 30 percent off – just $15.99 , plus free shipping.
KeySmart’s claim to fame lies in its small form, which enables the device to fit up to 10 keys in a Swiss army knife fashion. KeySmart accommodates most sizes of keys, including longer and foreign keys, and is able to fit two times the amount of keys in just half the space thanks to its efficient design.
It’s made from aircraft aluminum and stainless steel hardware, making it both lightweight and durable.
➤ Get this deal
Bobine Auto Flexible iPhone Dock – $29.99 Flex, stretch and maneuver your iPhone however you want, all while charging on the go with the Bobine Auto Flexible iPhone Dock. This innovative dock is flexible on bending, but stays firm when you let it go – enabling you to position your phone wherever and however you want.
The Bobine iPhone Dock fits with any USB port, at home or on the road, and its military-grade nickel-plated steel will keep it free of frays and other damage as time goes on. At just $29.99, you’re taking a full 25 percent off the retail cost!
➤ Get this deal
Xiaomi launches $64 Yi action camera to rival GoPro, only in China for now
Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi has launched its Yi Action Camera , a pint-sized Full HD sports shooter, for just $64. The device is currently available only in China.
The Yi camera captures 1080p video at 60 fps and takes 16-megapixel photos with an f/2.8 aperture lens. It features slow motion and adjustable time-lapse shooting modes, is waterproof down to 40m and includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with your smartphone to transfer media.
The device could go up against the adventure-friendly GoPro Hero3+ Silver , which offers similar specs but costs $300. However, Xiaomi doesn’t seem to be targeting outdoorsy types. There’s no rugged casing for the Yi camera. Instead, the company’s offering novelty accessories including a selfie stick and a harness to strap the device to your pet.
The device could go up against the adventure-friendly GoPro Hero3+ Silver, which offers similar specs but costs $300.
Despite its China-only launch, it’s possible the device may be sold elsewhere soon. Xiaomi is opening an online accessories store soon to serve customers in the US.
➤ Yi Action Camera