Sony announces PlayStation app that enables a smartphone or tablet to become a second screen for PlayStation 4 gaming

With Sony's big announcement last night on the PlayStation 4, it's no shocker that there would be something Android (and iOS) related. They announced a new app, simply called the PlayStation App, that will allow Android (and iOS) smartphones and tablets to become a second screen when playing PlayStation 4 games. Sega had the vision years ago with the controllers that came with the Dreamcast, but Sony is taking it to the next level.

The TV will still be the display of choice for gameplay, but you can now use your smartphone or tablet to look at maps. It makes perfect sense when playing something like football against a friend because your opponent won't have any idea what play you're calling. Users will also be able to purchase PlayStation titles from their devices and watch other gamers.

Press release

PS4 Second Screens

PS4 integrates second screens, including PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), smartphones and tablets, to wrap gamers in their favorite content wherever they are. A key feature enabled by second screens is “Remote Play” and PS4 fully unlocks its potential by making PS Vita the ultimate companion device. With PS Vita, gamers will be able to seamlessly pull PS4 titles from their living room TVs and play them on PS Vita's beautiful 5-inch display and intuitive dual analog sticks over Wi-Fi networks It is SCEI's long-term vision is to make most PS4 titles playable on PS Vita.

A new application from SCE called “PlayStation®App” will enable iPhone, iPad, and Android based smartphones and tablets to become second screens. Once installed on these devices, users can, for example, see maps on their second screens when playing an adventure game, purchase PS4 games while away from home and download it directly to the console at home, or remotely watch other gamers playing on their devices.