Sony launches PlayStation TV (it’s called Vue)

Sony has revealed a new cloud-based TV service called PlayStation Vue.

What it does, basically, is let people watch on-demand and live TV over the interwebs. No DStv satellite or Altech Node required – all you need is a PlayStation 3 or 4 and a broadband Internet connection.

PS4 and PS3 owners (well, a lucky few) will receive a beta version of the service before the end of November 2014, Sony told Bloomberg.

A PlayStation-eque user interface and DualShock control will let you navigate Vue, while the service will monitor your viewing habits and recommended shows and movies. That could be awkward if a friend arrives unexpectedly – “Why does your PlayStation Vue keep recommending we watch Dance Moms?”

The service will also store the last three days of programming, giving you instant access to anything you may have missed. If you want to save a show yourself you can do that to, with no storage restrictions or schedule conflict issues. (Guess the cloud is cool after all.)

PlayStation Vue’s beta will include 75 channels per market, with North America getting CBS, Fox, NBC, and Viacom.

Although no pricing information is available yet – or whether it is coming to South Africa – Sony has promised that the subscription will be “fair” and will be offered on a month-to-month basis.

Once the beta is over Sony said it will look at bringing the service to the iPad and other devices. The commercial launch is expected in early 2015.

“This is an opportunity, in my view, to fulfill a longer goal of transforming what was in the past a dedicated game device into a proper entertainment hub,” said Sony, refering to Vue on the PlayStation 4.