PS4 remote play heading to the PC with next firmware update

It’s the headlining new feature of the update (codenamed MUSASHI), which also adds options to show immediately when friends appear online, and allow yourself to appear offline *even when connected to the internet* for those times you want a little bit of private time away from your PSN pals.

Beta testing will begin tomorrow for firmware update 3.50 for PlayStation 4.

The PS4’s next major update will include the ability to use the console’s Remote Play function on both Mac and PC.

Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Worldwide Studios, had previously said PC and Mac remote play would arrive at some point. The option will let players be be notified when members of your friends list sign on the network.

Appear Offline – Sometimes you want to play a game or watch a movie without being bothered by friends. Notifications can be tailored to certain friends. You can designate if you would like to appear offline when you log-in or at any time from your Profile or the Quick Menu.

In order to improve community building, the update will add the ability to schedule future play sessions with your friends through which you will automatically get added to the party when the event starts.

The other video streaming site will be added to the list of sites on which you can broadcast your gaming stream, which will appeal to those who prefer its interface.

Given that the beta process that Sony conducts tends to run for about two weeks the company will probably release the changes and new features for all PlayStation 4 owners before the end of March.

Interestingly, this new update also renders the PlayStation TV redundant, allowing for remote play direct to PC.

Announcing the update on the PlayStation Blog, Sony held back from providing further information – only that you can “look forward to it soon”.