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 After years of development, Sony's next generation hardware, the PlayStation 4, is set to release on Friday, November 15th. Armed with a host of features, which are detailed in the trailer above, the PS4 will debut at a full $100 less than its Microsoft-owned competitor, Xbox One (since Sony opted to sell their new PlayStation 4 Camera separately). We've been actively reporting on the new PlayStation console for over a year, breaking down pricing and sales speculation, as well as featured rumors and games, but with only a few short weeks before the hardware releases (from the time of this writing), official information is trickling out more frequently.

Following an extensive PS4 FAQ that detailed the full release day line up of games, confirmation of swappable PS4 hard drives, and more, we're now getting word from Sony on the various entertainment apps that will launch alongside the new console on release day.

In the face of crunch time tweaks to the PS4 launch, and day one software update, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding how long it would be before Sony, and partner developers, were able to bring essential entertainment apps to the new hardware.

PS3 Number 1 Netflix Device

However, in a post on the Official PlayStation Blog, Sony has confirmed that eleven apps will be available to download on November 15th - including Netflix, Hulu, and other famous content providers.

Check out the full list below, including descriptions of each service:

  • 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 they¹re 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.

Entertainment enthusiasts (and sports fans) will, no doubt, be relieved to discover that some of the PS3's keystone apps will be available day one on the PS4. Inclusion of high profile apps might seem like a no-brainer, but considering the PS4 won't even support Sony-made wireless headsets at launch, the jump to the next-generation has already required gamers show some major patience - as developers scramble to make sure the next-gen console offers key features already present in the current-gen.

It's great to see Sony has prepared a solid line-up of apps for gamers to enjoy on the PS4, with many more on the way, but there are a few major oversights in the launch list - including HBO Go, NFL GamePass, and YouTube, to name a few, that undercut the system's ability to be a one-stop entertainment hub (especially now that it has been announced the console will not support CD or MP3 playback).

PlayStation 4 logo

Nevertheless, unlike Microsoft and the Xbox One, Sony has been clear that while they'd love for gamers to use their console as an entertainment/media center, their primary goal for the PS4 is to provide great game experiences. As a result, while certain consumers might be disappointed at the lack of custom soundtracks and missing apps on PS4, it's hard to fault Sony for focusing on delivering superb gaming experiences on their next-generation gaming machine.

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The PS4 is set to release on November 15, 2013.

Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick.

Sources: PlayStation Blog