Will PS4 be the first evolving console?

[KBG29]

There are many things that point to the PS4 being the first console to go from static platform, to an evolving platform. Sony's switch to the x86 architcture has brought them in line with the Apple and Windows computers of the world. According to Sony Computer Entertainmet Senior Vice President Masayasu Ito "because the PS4 uses X86 achitecture, improvments to performance can be made over time". This was mentioned in October, with the disclaimer that Sony had no immediate plans for such a devices.

However, fast forward to earlier this month, and Sony Computer Entertainment President Andrew House said he was hesitent to say PS4 would outpace PS2 due to the cadence at which consumer expect innovation. This once agian points towards something going on within Sony which an improved PS4 or PS4 successor may not be far down the road.

Then today, we have the leak /  reveal of the PlayStation VR External Processing Box. The box is an addition to the PS4 that handles addition processing essential to VR, and also expand the systems ports to allow the connection of the VR headset. This may not seem big at the moment, but it is an obvious bandaid to the current PS4 model, to bring VR to the forefront. Should PS VR take off, the likelihood of a future PS4 with this hardware and addition ports built in is a very high probability. 

Another peice of the puzzle comes from a slip up earlier in the year from Netflix, in which Cheif Product Officer Neil Hunt, suggested a 4K capable PS4 was on the way. This has obviously not happened yet, but there has to be some mumblings about this for it to have ever been said in the first place. 

Many signs are pointing to a revised PS4 in the future which is more powerful. Could the days of full stop console generations really be coming to an end? Is Sony going to attempt to turn the PS4 into the iPhone of the livingroom, built around the PS4 OS and PlayStation Network? I think the evidence is mounting, and the answer is a massive yes. What do you think?

 

High-Power PS4

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/high-power-ps4-model-something-sony-might-consider/1100-6431669/

Cadence of Innovation

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/28227dea-9c01-11e5-b45d-4812f209f861.html#axzz3v8dkfPuc

PlayStation VR External Processing Unit

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2015-playstation-vr-external-processor-revealed

4K Consoles are coming says Netflix

http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnarcher/2015/02/02/new-4k-capable-ps4-and-xbox-one-consoles-coming-this-year-predicts-netflix/