PS4 can't play MP3, Music Unlimited needed for background music [Up:Yoshida responds]

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I think it's specific to the MP3 file format. I can't believe no one in the media has asked Sony this yet.
It's kind of silly way to answer the question then as a flat no, without bringing up alternatives if they exist. Right now they're saying a subscription to MU is required for any kind of music playback to be available.
 
I'm surprised the lack of .mp3s is a big deal for some people, though I guess it's kinda similar to the outcry over Xbox One essentially going digital only (which I participated in).

For me, personally, I now rely entirely on cloud services for music playback. It used to be Last.fm radio, but now I've uploaded all my old CDs to Google Music, and I also sub to Google Music All Access. If I fear I won't have access to an internet connection or I don't want to use up my data, the Google Music app lets me "pin" any music I want (including All Access content) to whatever device I'm using, storing it locally.

I'd imagine Sony was expecting most people to use apps like this and their own Music Unlimited as opposed to .mp3s, so they didn't bother including .mp3 support given they expected no one would care.

DLNA support, on the other hand, I can easily understand. Though the lack of .mkv support made that feature pretty much useless for me too.

Edit: If they ink a deal with Google for Google TV/Play features (music, movie, book, etc. access) I will be SO stoked. But it seems Google doesn't let people do that too often, looking at the current slate of media boxes and consoles.

I'd be very happy with Google Music, it lets me play my music for free. Use it all the time on my phone. Problem is MU doesn't let you listen to your music, it lets you listen to their music; there's no cloud storage. It's like Spotify. And it doesn't have most of the music I listen to (or hasn't the last few times I bothered to check).
 
Check my previous posts, no official confirmations from Sony, but this represents a delay in features than an omission.

It seems odd they are willing to say stuff like suspend/resume is coming but not mention any future about stuff like this.

Even with the Vita they said from the start PS1 support was coming and it took quite a long time for that to happen. For them not to mention this at all is worrying and the concern is that they're doing this to increase Music Unlimited subscriptions and video purchases/rentals and not because they don't have time to complete this for launch.
 
I'd be very happy with Google Music, it lets me play my music for free. Use it all the time on my phone. Problem is MU doesn't let you listen to your music, it lets you listen to their music; there's no cloud storage. It's like Spotify. And it doesn't have most of the music I listen to (or hasn't the last few times I bothered to check).

Sorry, I was using "cloud" to convey something more like "streaming shit from a server somewhere far away", which would encompass pretty much every music streaming service, though I supposed all currently labeled cloud services support the user editing the data on the server, so that was a mistake on my part.

But yeah, I agree. Google Music = awesome.
 
Can we stop calling the people who want to listen to their own music or put their own videos up on their TV pirates?

Fucking hell, you're the third poster I've seen do this shit.

This. I have a massive library of music imported from CDs, iTunes and 7digital, and streaming to my nice living room audio system probably reps 40% of the reason my ps3 use (which is a lot because I still play a huge amount of games and movies).

DLNA support is not a fucking piracy tool. It's as much one as any media player, which is reflected by widespread device support. The ignorance on display from some posters on these boards is astonishing.
 
It seems odd they are willing to say stuff like suspend/resume is coming but not mention any future about stuff like this.

Even with the Vita they said from the start PS1 support was coming and it took quite a long time for that to happen. For them not to mention this at all is worrying and the concern is that they're doing this to increase Music Unlimited subscriptions and video purchases/rentals and not because they don't have time to complete this for launch.

The telling thing about all of it is that its MP3 support... the most basic support there is. Pretty much every important or basic electronic device has supported this format for a decade or more. Suspend/resume mode is a matter of working out the bugs and implementing, there's nothing holding the mp3 back, just hoping to grab a few extra MU subs.

edit-

This. I have a massive library of music imported from CDs, iTunes and 7digital, and streaming to my nice living room audio system probably reps 40% of the reason my ps3 use (which is a lot because I still play a huge amount of games and movies).

DLNA support is not a fucking piracy tool. It's as much one as any media player. The ignorance on display from some posters on these boards is astonishing.


I usually do buy straight digital, but for certain releases of my favorite bands I still buy cds... first thing I do is rip it to the digital library to get it implemented on my media server and distributed on my media players. Ps4 will not be one of these.
 
These types of uncertainties are the reason I have decided to wait for consoles to mature a bit before I buy in. I can't fault early adopters because I want the latest shiny new electronics when they come out too, but it just seems like you are asking to get burned by buying either one of these consoles at launch.

We already know both companies are rushing their respective products out to be ready for the holiday's. Both companies provided less than stellar launches with their previous consoles (RROD for 360 and YLOD and 599.99 for PS3). Software lineups are pretty mediocre on launch for both consoles. Also the OS's on both are missing advertised features and are likely to be buggy out of the gate.

I have no qualms working on my backlog and waiting for these problems to be sorted out. For those who have decided to go ahead and jump in on either of these two systems at launch, you should definitely know what you are getting into.
 
I'm surprised the lack of .mp3s is a big deal for some people, though I guess it's kinda similar to the outcry over Xbox One essentially going digital only (which I participated in).
.

Using your own music in games is a huge deal to some of us. Sport games especially since you can add your own custom crowd sounds, music, etc. The NHL series is going to take a step down in quality for me because of this.
 
It seems odd they are willing to say stuff like suspend/resume is coming but not mention any future about stuff like this.

Even with the Vita they said from the start PS1 support was coming and it took quite a long time for that to happen. For them not to mention this at all is worrying and the concern is that they're doing this to increase Music Unlimited subscriptions and video purchases/rentals and not because they don't have time to complete this for launch.

It is weird, but the person I talked to was concerned as well and has some solid ties to Sony, so I definitely believe him when he says it's just a delay in rolling out.
 
I think people are not realizing the problem is not that they are blocking MP3 files, but that they are forcing consumers to purchase music unlimited if they want to listen to music (at all), on their PS4s.

If the PS4 had Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and or any other service, there really would be no "big" issue. This way the consumer at least has choice. Even Apple does not force you in any particular direction.

This, this is not choice, this is shoe horning a service in because they cannot think of any actual way to make it attractive.

What I really hate, is I bet there are plenty of people at SCE that honestly, wholeheartedly believe that consumers will not be able to see this and actually have a positive view, and want to buy their music service because they have so graciously forced them into a corner.

I mean... really? Why not make the service better? Why not make it discounted for PS+ members? Why not make it the only service on our system, but at least let us play our own music? Why not have the service scan our own music and then mix in it's own selections? Why not a million other options besides this one?

This is why initiatives like Music Unlimited fail. Treat the consumer like crap, and they will reciprocate.
 
It's hilarious sony thinks this will drive unlimited subs, as opposed to the actual logical decision: Apple TV or Rdio. I love sony and most of their services, but music unlimited is a fucking joke compared to other supported services. More important, you shouldn't be forcing the consumers hand.

This is a way to lose users, not gain them.
 
I mean... really? Why not make the service better? Why not make it discounted for PS+ members? Why not make it the only service on our system, but at least let us play our own music? Why not have the service scan our own music and then mix in it's own selections? Why not a million other options besides this one?

It is discounted for PS+ members. It's $41.99 a year. It's cheaper than Spotify actually.
 
It's amazing how huge this thread is, just over being able to play music and other content already owned by the user.
I wish more people would be up in arms over taking content away from gamers, but instead, it seems people overwhelmingly support such things.

meh
 
It's amazing how huge this thread is, just over being able to play music and other content already owned by the user.
I wish more people would be up in arms over taking content away from gamers, but instead, it seems people overwhelmingly support such things.

meh

This is taking away content from gamers though... background music and custom soundtracks are now rendered useless. It's the same concept as DRM. It's anti-consumer.
 
This is the kind of stupid nickle and dime shit that will cost them mindshare. If you want people to subscribe to your music service then design it so it offers something of value, don't try and force it's use by blocking playback of people's existing library of content.

I can buy a $10 pocket MP3 player but my $400 PS3 with an 8 core CPU can't play them. GTFO of here with that shit Sony.
 
I am now wondering if I should cancel my PS4 order and just go the Xbone. DLNA and Mp3 streaming are the main use I have for my PS3 besides games obviously.

Really sucks to have to buy an extra media device to stream content to my TV.
 
Personally to me this doesn't matter as I pretty much use my consoles for gaming only and very rarely for Bluray/Netflix.

I can see why people are upset by no DNLA and MP3 support. It's just a bone headed move.
 
Even mp3 support?

They spoke specifically to dlna, but if I get a chance, I'll see if I can get more info on the mp3 situation.

I didn't expect to get what I did tbh. Rare to get actual answers on stuff like this these days it seems, and it was just the result off an offhanded comment.
 
This is taking away content from gamers though... background music and custom soundtracks are now rendered useless. It's the same concept as DRM. It's anti-consumer.
My point is that people are up in arms about the cheapest aspect of anti-consumerism for these consoles so far, yet things like online multiplayer pay wall, DLC on disc, and other anti-consumer policies you have millions of people supporting that shit.
The whole point of owning a console is where most people don't give a shit about being bilked, but secondary functions? 50+ page thread in half a day.
 
I am now wondering if I should cancel my PS4 order and just go the Xbone. DLNA and Mp3 streaming are the main use I have for my PS3 besides games obviously.

I'm thought Microsoft confirmed those features aren't supported on the Xbox One. Unless I am getting misinformation. I know for certain they are dropping Windows Media Center Extender.
 
I am now wondering if I should cancel my PS4 order and just go the Xbone. DLNA and Mp3 streaming are the main use I have for my PS3 besides games obviously.

Really sucks to have to buy an extra media device to stream content to my TV.

why buy an extra device, when you have one that works now?
 
I was going to bitch but then I didn't find a reason to. I've never used the PS3 as my home stereo, nor ever used custom soundtracks. Actually didn't even know it had the ability to do so.
 
MSStusq.jpg

That is fucking great right there. Love that guy.
 
My point is that people are up in arms about the cheapest aspect of anti-consumerism for these consoles so far, yet things like online multiplayer pay wall, DLC on disc, and other anti-consumer policies you have millions of people supporting that shit.
The whole point of owning a console is where most people don't give a shit about being bilked, but secondary functions? 50+ page thread in half a day.

I get where you're coming from, but it's just a different level when it comes to something as basic as mp3s. DLC is a little different though, simply because all DLC is, is expansion packs, which have been around for years and are completely optional. Mp3s are something we own annd have payed for, we should be able to play them on this device.
 
My point is that people are up in arms about the cheapest aspect of anti-consumerism for these consoles so far, yet things like online multiplayer pay wall, DLC on disc, and other anti-consumer policies you have millions of people supporting that shit.
The whole point of owning a console is where most people don't give a shit about being bilked, but secondary functions? 50+ page thread in half a day.

I am one who hates the fact that PS+ is required for online play. =( Won't be buying it after my free year is up.
 
My point is that people are up in arms about the cheapest aspect of anti-consumerism for these consoles so far, yet things like online multiplayer pay wall, DLC on disc, and other anti-consumer policies you have millions of people supporting that shit.
The whole point of owning a console is where most people don't give a shit about being bilked, but secondary functions? 50+ page thread in half a day.

People DID complain about the online play pay-wall. This is another element that is going behind the paywall. Too bad microsoft sucks so bad this generation that the lack of competition allows Sony to think of ideas like this... since they can just point over to the abomination that was the one's drm policies and say, "Look, we aren't as bad as them!" Removing mp3 support to push people to use your subscription music is anti-consumer.
 
I am one who hates the fact that PS+ is required for online play. =( Won't be buying it after my free year is up.

Yah, it is kinda of junky to require gamers to pay for online play. At least Sony is giving us 'free' games along with the paywall for online play.

Is Microsoft ramping up Live Gold to hand out 'free' games?
 
I'm thought Microsoft confirmed those features aren't supported on the Xbox One. Unless I am getting misinformation. I know for certain they are dropping Windows Media Center Extender.

Yeah, I just read that the Xbone most likely wont it either, what the hell!

why buy an extra device, when you have one that works now?

I am giving my PS3 to my younger brother, he wants to play GTA 5 :) plus I don't like hoarding consoles, the only one I have kept is the SNES.
 
My point is that people are up in arms about the cheapest aspect of anti-consumerism for these consoles so far, yet things like online multiplayer pay wall, DLC on disc, and other anti-consumer policies you have millions of people supporting that shit.
The whole point of owning a console is where most people don't give a shit about being bilked, but secondary functions? 50+ page thread in half a day.

I definitely agree. It just boggles my mind & I have to call it for what it is...hypocrisy.
 
Yah, it is kinda of junky to require gamers to pay for online play. At least Sony is giving us 'free' games along with the paywall for online play.

Is Microsoft ramping up Live Gold to hand out 'free' games?

Microsoft is talking about continuing the "Games with Gold" program, which is the free games program you are talking about.
 
I get where you're coming from, but it's just a different level when it comes to something as basic as mp3s. DLC is a little different though, simply because all DLC is, is expansion packs, which have been around for years and are completely optional. Mp3s are something we own annd have payed for, we should be able to play them on this device.

DLC isn't the same as expansion packs, since expansion packs came much later, especially not those that are already on the disc you own. DLC is basically what software updates were to PC gaming back in the 90s and 00s, where they gave new maps, weapons, characters, for putting up with buggy software. This sort of thing was going to happen with consoles too, but MS didn't allow developers to give that sort of thing for free and which also forced them to charge on the competitor platform.
Of course, now it's a full blown extra source of revenue and consumers aren't in arms about it anymore. And I'm not even specifically talking about DLC (check my poster history to see what I've spoken out about).

That slow erosion of content, has made anti-consumer policies into the normalcy for gamers, and you're bitching about secondary functions on a gaming console.

You're totally right it's on a different level, but it seems we have the opposite view on which is higher than the other.


I seriously wish more people would bitch on things that affect us, as gamers, most.
 
Microsoft is talking about continuing the "Games with Gold" program, which is the free games program you are talking about.

That is cool, I think it takes quite a bit of the bite out of paying for online. Playstation does have a better program, but it is nice to see Microsoft continuing the program. I wish I could take advantage of it on my Xbox 360, sadly I'm still sitting on a launch system with a 20gb hard drive.
 
I have no doubt that this will get implemented in the first six months of release. Sony have given me the impression so far that they are interested in making the PS4 the platform of choice for the hardcore and savvy tech consumer.

It's disappointing though that it's not there on day one. MP3 and media playback has become a standard on the current gen; omitting this functionality for the next just makes me hold on to my cash a little longer.
 
I definitely agree. It just boggles my mind & I have to call it for what it is...hypocrisy.

Are you guys seriously saying that gaf doesn't complain about online paywalls, on disc dlc, and other anti consumer issues? Are we reading the same gaf? I've seen literally tens of thousands of posts complaining about just those very things!
 
I was going to bitch but then I didn't find a reason to. I've never used the PS3 as my home stereo, nor ever used custom soundtracks. Actually didn't even know it had the ability to do so.
Custom soundtracks are on a game by game basis on PS3 and not nearly enough have support, but when they do its worth it.
 
#snip#

That slow erosion of content, has made anti-consumer policies into the normalcy for gamers, and you're bitching about secondary functions on a gaming console.

You're totally right it's on a different level, but it seems we have the opposite view on which is higher than the other.


I seriously wish more people would bitch on things that affect us, as gamers, most.

I actually agree with you. I usually vote with my wallet, waiting for deep discounts, GOTY editions, purchasing it used or just ignoring it entirely. I should add more vocal outrage so they know why at least one person is not buying their game.

I was already intending to build a steam box but more it's looking like I'm going to find it with money originally intended for the PS4. At least Valve doesn't abuse me and I fell less like I'm just walking cow to be milked.
 
Are you guys seriously saying that gaf doesn't complain about online paywalls, on disc dlc, and other anti consumer issues? Are we reading the same gaf? I've seen literally tens of thousands of posts complaining about just those very things!

53 page thread in less than 12 hours vs... 4 or 5 threads with maybe 5 pages each about the pay wall? Seems to me that people care less about things that actually affect games and costs much more money, but they sure do care a lot about the secondary functions of a console.

DLC used to be a pretty big deal back in the day, but GAF was much smaller than and so their threads weren't as big.
Now that DLC is the norm and we certainly don't get as much bitching.
 
FWIW, the same stuff just went down between the smartphones division and the camera division. The camera processing in th Z1 was essentially held back to protect the camera division. In the end the Xperia division won the battle and a new processing engine is being coded. Hopefully common sense will prevail here as well. Kaz seems to have a handle on things from what I have heard.

I often forget that Sony is in a state of constant civil war. This explains a lot about what's going on with them.
 
DLC isn't the same as expansion packs, since expansion packs came much later, especially not those that are already on the disc you own. DLC is basically what software updates were to PC gaming back in the 90s and 00s, where they gave new maps, weapons, characters, for putting up with buggy software. This sort of thing was going to happen with consoles too, but MS didn't allow developers to give that sort of thing for free and which also forced them to charge on the competitor platform.
Of course, now it's a full blown extra source of revenue and consumers aren't in arms about it anymore. And I'm not even specifically talking about DLC (check my poster history to see what I've spoken out about).

That slow erosion of content, has made anti-consumer policies into the normalcy for gamers, and you're bitching about secondary functions on a gaming console.

You're totally right it's on a different level, but it seems we have the opposite view on which is higher than the other.


I seriously wish more people would bitch on things that affect us, as gamers, most.

ehh agree to disagree then. With Multiplayer games have more longevity than they've ever had before. I get plenty out of the majority of the games I buy and I never buy DLC,
 
Yah, it is kinda of junky to require gamers to pay for online play. At least Sony is giving us 'free' games along with the paywall for online play.

Is Microsoft ramping up Live Gold to hand out 'free' games?

IIRC yea as that free games with Gold thing is now permanent for gold members.



As for this whole thing while I haven't used any of the features its still weird to see (especially lack of mp3 playback...WUT)
 
I used custom soundtracks a few times on my OG XBOX and never really used it again. Not a factor for me, although it sucks it's not available. I use Plex with my PS3s so not really too concerned with the DLNA, although once again, kind of silly not to include. Hope it was planned and was just not ready for launch.
 
Are you guys seriously saying that gaf doesn't complain about online paywalls, on disc dlc, and other anti consumer issues? Are we reading the same gaf? I've seen literally tens of thousands of posts complaining about just those very things!

That's where the outrage should be rightly directed at. No one shouldn't have to cancel their pre-orders of either Xbox One or Playstation 4 or refuse to buy either of them because of "No DLNA" or "No MP3 feature."
 
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