PS4: auto-update, social features free to all users

Some PlayStation 3 features currently restricted to PlayStation Plus subscribers will be free to PlayStation 4 owners.

Speaking to Videogamer, SCEE UK & Ireland MD Fergal Gara said auto-update, which is currently available only to PlayStation 3 owners with a PlayStation Plus subscription, will be free for all PlayStation 4 owners.

He also noted that the console's "social features" will not be restricted to subscribers - possibly including the newly-revealed cross-game chat feature.

"If you choose not to subscribe we are still gating relatively little in many senses, so access to online catch-up TV and online movie services sit outside of the gate, for example," he said.

"The social features of PS4 and PS4 games sit out of the subscription servic,. things like auto-updates on PS4 sit outside of PlayStation Plus, so we're trying to be as balanced and as fair as we possibly can."

A PlayStation Plus subscription is required for online multiplayer on the PS4. Current subscriptions will automatically include PlayStation 4 content. PlayStation Plus also provides free games, discounts and access to exclusive content.

Thanks, GamePolitics.