Sony announces PlayStation 4 launch-day entertainment apps

When it comes to entertainment, I am mostly all-digital (although I still collect vinyl). However, like many people, I have abandoned optical media (CD, DVD and Blu-Ray) and instead choose to stream my movies and music over the Internet. This streaming-media trend has spawned a plethora of hardware devices such as Roku, Chromecast and "smart" televisions. I often find myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of devices with duplicate streaming functionality.

Today, Sony announces that the PlayStation 4 will also be adding this feature. "We know you’ve been waiting anxiously for PS4 to finally arrive and we have exciting news to share with you today. Starting Day One, a number of your favorite digital entertainment services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video will be available with more coming soon", says Phil Rosenberg, SVP at SCEA.

Mr. Rosenberg further says, "PlayStation is dedicated to giving our fans the best entertainment options on our platforms and we’re proud to share the following services will be available on PS4 starting November 15".

The company lists the following services:

• Amazon Instant Video -- Users can choose from over 150,000 titles to rent or purchase, including new release movies and in-season TV episodes.
• Crackle -- A part of Sony Pictures Television, Crackle is a freely accessible multi-platform television network delivering original series such as Emmy Award nominated Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and hit movies and television programs in a variety of genres.
• Crunchyroll -- Watch the latest and best selection of Anime right from Japan such as Naruto Shippuden, Attack on Titan, Bleach and more up to one-hour after Japanese broadcast!
• EPIX -- Authenticated subscribers on the PS4 system can instantly access and stream more than 3,000 titles on-demand, including top blockbusters such as The Avengers and The Hunger Games in HD, classic Hollywood franchises, award-winning original documentaries plus music and comedy specials.
• Hulu Plus -- Hulu Plus offers unlimited instant streaming of current hit shows like Family Guy, The Simpsons, and South Park as well as original series including The Awesomes and The Wrong Mans.
• NBA Game Time -- Stay connected to Live out-of-market NBA game action on the PS4 system with NBA LEAGUE PASS Broadband on an authenticated basis for subscribers. Get access to real time stats, complete scores, stats and schedules for every game, and video highlights and recaps.
• Netflix -- Netflix members can instantly watch a wide variety of TV shows and movies, including exclusive series such as House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, on the PS4 system.
• NHL GameCenter LIVE -- Instantly stream live out-of-market games in HD quality with your NHL GameCenter LIVE subscription.
• Redbox Instant by Verizon -- Subscribers can stream from a library of hit movies on the PS4 system and receive 4 DVD or Blu-Ray rental nights every month for new releases at the Redbox kiosk. Everyone can purchase and rent the latest movies on-demand.
• VUDU -- Watch the world’s largest selection of HD movies and TV shows, including thousands of blockbusters, Hollywood classics and indies. Stream new releases before they're available on DVD, or build a collection of favorites without ever paying for a subscription.
• YuppTV -- YuppTV offers over 150 Indian TV channels Live and on demand, including a selection of over 600 Movies to watch anytime, anywhere.

While all these apps sound great, the most important to many people are Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Hulu Plus. These three apps alone will satisfy many users. By offering eleven entertainment apps at launch and promising more in the future, Sony has greatly increased the value of its games console. As someone who has pre-ordered the PS4, I look forward to getting rid of my Roku and replacing it with the console. While the Roku is a fine device, the PlayStation 4 simply duplicates everything for which I used the tiny streaming device.

Are you getting the PlayStation 4? If so, which of these eleven services are you most looking forward to?