PlayStation Now is making it big among PS4 fans because it seems to be a very well-planned online service that would bring gaming on Sony's next-gen console to a higher level.

Aside from PlayStation Now being the best way to have backwards compatibility for the PS3 games with the PS4, it also enables more features and capabilities for those who will avail of the service.

Going Against Microsoft's Own Xbox One Cloud Power

When the PS4 and Xbox One were first announced, it seemed that Microsoft was more bent and had a wider headway start when it comes to the direction of the Xbox One cloud power.

From previous claims of Microsoft's cloud power being the key to making the Xbox One four times more powerful to the fact that Microsoft almost made the Xbox One as a disc drive-less device, Microsoft seemed more banked on pursuing the digital dream.

However, it does seem that Sony is aiming to beat out Microsoft even in that aspect when it announced the PlayStation Now. The Gaikai-powered service has finally been announced at CES 2014, with details and even demos for guests.

*These Australia retailers still have some PS4 in-stock and ready for pre-orders for a February shipping. Read here for more.

Basically, PlayStation Now is still going to be a U.S.-only service that will allow PS4 gamers to stream and play older titles from the PS3. But according to T3, PlayStation Now also allows game streaming to the PS4, PS3, PS Vita and even select Bravia TV with a subscription.

For now, expect limited numbers of beta starters come January to test the PlayStation Now service. Hopefully, there will be news of when it will come to the UK and other territories.

PS4: From Gaming to Multimedia

At the get-go of PS4, it was all about the games---meaning patronage of indie games, hunt for better exclusives on AAA titles and a complete focus on better offers and services that come with a PS Plus subscription.

This time, it seems that Sony also wants a share of those who are looking for a good multimedia device that can also serve as a gaming console.

*Does the Xbox One's 3 million sales and the PS4's 4.2 million sales matter? How about the upcoming change in the Xbox One's OS? Read the details here.

VG 24/7 reports that the PS4 will feature a cloud-enabled TV streaming service, which will be initially launched in the U.S. this year. With this, users can get a range of TV shows, movies and more, and even allow for remote TV services, just like how it works with the gaming content.

"We're trying to resolve one of the biggest hurdles, which is watching live TV and streaming content on different devices. Everybody's been talking about it, I don't think anyone has been able to do it," said Sony's Kaz Hirai during a CES 2014 press event, quoted by VG 24/7.

But as much as competition is concerned, Sony stressed that this doesn't mean a move to counter what cable companies are already offering.

Cross-platform Gaming is Also Available

The PS4's cloud power also means that users can play with PS3 games even without the PS3 in sight. The Verge has experienced a demo of the PlayStation Now service and seen "The Last of Us" on the Bravia TV.

*These 5 Samsung devices have debuted at the CES 2014---which one do you have your eyes on? Read the full list here.

The drawback here is that, if users are suffering from consistent bandwidth and connection problems, there may be issues arising from gaming. This is what was experienced slightly with "The Last of Us," but so far, everything went smooth enough for a starting cloud service.

The cross-platform play also emphasises that users can easily enter a PS3 game as a PS4 player. But at the same time, the progress that Sony is looking forward to would be the inclusion of other devices that have Internet capabilities, reports Joystiq. This could mean that userz can easily play PS3 or PS4 games with their tablet or smartphone once the PlayStation Now service becomes even more stable as a feature.

RELATED STORIES