MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE 2) – On February 20 (February 21 Philippine time), Sony announced the PlayStation 4 as its next generation platform.

Sony’s new console will take advantage of a “supercharged PC architecture,” an X86 processor, and 8GB of GDDRR5 unified system memory.

The PS4 will also use a secondary custom chip for uploads and downloads of content, allowing for play even while uploading and downloading content. Users will also be able to play a game while its downloading once you’ve acquired a certain fraction of that game. The graphics chip will also help with processing.

Sony also introduced the DualShock 4, an updated controller for the PlayStation 4. In addition to an enhanced feel for the controls and rumble capabilities, the DualShock 4 will also have a touchpad control function, a one-touch share button and a headphone jack. Aside from the DualShock 4 controller, a light bar will also be used to track the position of the controller.

In terms of connectivity to other devices, Gaikai CEO David Perry discussed the integration of Gaikai technology in the PS4 to allow for a fast gaming network with a set of new capabilities on the console. For instance, your friends on the PlayStation Network can take over your game to assist you if you permit it. The PS4 will partner with Ustream for multicasting, and remote play will also be capable using the PlayStation Vita handheld game device. Instant demos of games will also be possible through the PlayStation Store.

PS1, PS2 and PS3 games to be playable via the PlayStation cloud service #PlayStation2013

— PlayStation Europe (@PlayStationEU) February 20, 2013

With regard to PlayStation 3 games, Perry also mentioned PS3 games are not natively supported on the PlayStation 4. At the same time, a tweet from the PlayStation Europe account did say, “PS1, PS2 and PS3 games to be playable via the PlayStation cloud service.”

At the end of the event, there were also some noticeable absences. The PlayStation 4 console unit was not unveiled during the meeting, and pricing was also not mentioned.

Gaming news site Polygon adds that Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Andrew House “announced a holiday 2013 release date” for the PS4.

Sony has also put up a downloadable press release for people to learn more about the PlayStation 4, which confirms a holiday 203 release date and explains more about the functions that will be available on the PS4.

– Rappler.com