Sony unveiled its PlayStation 4 video game system this week — sort of. It didn’t display the console itself or reveal its physical dimensions and form factor. It also left unanswered a raft of questions about its capabilities. How compatible — or incompatible — will the PS4 be with Sony’s current-generation PlayStation 3 system, for example, which was launched in November of 2006?
Given that the PS3 has an install base of about 77 million, it is unlikely Sony will stop supporting its aging console anytime soon. However, what isn’t clear is which PS3 software — whether discs or PlayStation Network purchases — will actually work on the PS4.
Compatibility Confusion
The PS4 will take advantage of cloud-based services, and Sony has said that games purchased through PSN could carry over to the PS4.
It is possible that Sony could either provide a direct transfer of PSN titles or allow owners of both systems to access their downloads via the Gaikai-powered cloud server. The big question is why would Sony make it impossible for PS3 packaged software to play on the new system? When it launched, the PS3 could play PS2 titles, just as the PS2 could play original PlayStation games. This type of backward compatibility shouldn’t be that hard to provide.
Playstation 4 Hardware Improvements
While many questions remain, what is known is that the PS4 promises to be a far more robust machine — and this could mean more titles out of the gate. “The system is built on a PC chipset, so it will be far easier to develop for. “Easier means lower cost, and lower cost presumably means more content.” The system could be friendlier to smaller developers as well, and that could help ease concerns over the lack of compatibility with the existing software library.
“The nice thing about using the x86 platform is they can get a lot of code from the Open Source Linux world and don’t need to do all of the heavy lifting themselves to do major parts of this,” said Enderle. “They could also do drivers for some of the hardware, but it sounds like they may have decided not to in order to increase accessory revenue and avoid reliability problems.”
However, with the good comes some bad. While the PS4 will feature a new version of the original DualShock controller — with the addition of an LED touchpad — older versions of the gamepad won’t be compatible. Nor does it seem that most hardware accessories, from steering wheels to Move controllers, will work with the PS4.
“Normally you get new accessories with a new console,” Enderle told TechNewsWorld. “For one thing, the newer ones tend to address any problems with the old ones, particularly with the controllers. The old ones don’t have the touchpad or ability to connect with the Sony motion features that will be built into the PS4.”
Never full or satisfied, I am always willing to try new things and visit new places. Lover of food and all things FAST - Not necessarily fast food. If I am not in the office, you can find me near a track or under a car. I also work with great people in TrendLife's Editorial team.
As petrol heads, TrendLife Magazine is thrilled to announce the return of Petrolheadonism Live at the historic Knebworth House on September 14-15. This event is a paradise for car enthusiasts, showcasing over 1000 vehicles, including supercars, hypercars, classics, and movie-themed cars. Attendees can expect live dyno demonstrations, thrilling bike shows, and family-friendly activities.
One of the main highlights is the chance to meet automotive celebrities and influencers, with Chip Foose among the star attractions. The event also features numerous trade stands, offering everything from car accessories to merchandise.
Our Experience Three Years Ago
TrendLife Magazine had the privilege of attending Petrolheadonism Live three years ago, and it was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electric, with car lovers from all walks of life coming together to celebrate their passion. The stunning array of vehicles, combined with live entertainment and interactive exhibits, made it a truly unique event.
What to Expect This Year
This year, Petrolheadonism Live promises to be even bigger and better. Here are some key attractions:
Supercar and Hypercar Displays: Get up close with some of the most exotic cars in the world.
Retro Classics: A nostalgic journey through automotive history with beautifully maintained classic cars.
Movie Cars: Iconic vehicles from your favorite films.
Live Demonstrations: Watch powerful cars in action with live dyno demos and bike shows.
Celebrity Meet-and-Greets: Meet automotive legends and popular influencers.
Family Fun: Activities and entertainment for all ages, making it a perfect family outing.
Live at Knebworth House
Don’t miss out on this incredible automotive event. Whether you’re a die-hard petrolhead or just looking for a fun day out, Petrolheadonism Live has something for everyone. Secure your tickets now and be part of a weekend filled with horsepower and excitement.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit See Tickets. Read about our previous visit here.
Event Details
Dates: September 14-15
Location: Knebworth House
Time: Saturday 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Sunday 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Mark your calendars and join us at Petrolheadonism Live for a weekend to remember!
Silverstone’s Lap of Lights Christmas experience was officially opened this evening by the World Championship winning Mercedes-AMG Petronas W10 Formula 1 car driven by Anthony Davidson. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas team embraced the Christmas spirit and decorated the car in festive lights which caused quite a spectacle for those fans who were lucky enough to be at the preview event and included NHS and Emergency Service employees and their families as well as staff from Silverstone.
On completion of the opening laps Anthony was delighted to meet Santa who, having given a cheery wave to the passing 2019 Formula 1 World Championship-winning Mercedes, took a short break from his busy schedule to get a closer peek at the F1 car as it came to a halt on Hamilton Straight.
In addition to the spectacle of the opening laps, visitors got to experience the Lap of Lights Ice Trak and Lodge which were open to all and bursting with festive atmosphere. Ice Trak is the first ever skating rink to feature at the world famous motor racing circuit and many took to the ice to enjoy the novelty of skating around the Formula 1 pit lane and garages. The Lodge was buzzing with the sound of families enjoying activities such as axe throwing, curling and musical entertainment and the children’s cinema and Santa letter corner were particularly popular.
Speaking to Sky F1 David Croft as he got out of the car Anthony Davidson said “That was really exhilarating in the dark following the lights around the circuit although it was a bit scary at times! The team has really enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit and putting on this very sparkling show for everyone who has joined us here this evening!”
Silverstone Managing Director, Stuart Pringle, commented “Anthony and Mercedes-AMG Petronas have put on a great show for us tonight and I could not think of a more fitting way to open Lap of Lights. I have had to reassure Father Christmas that the rest of our nights will be run at a more subdued pace as I think he got a bit of a shock this evening when he saw the stunning W10 approach his grotto at speed! After 11 months of planning it is great to see so many families here having fun and I look forward to welcoming many more over the festive period.”
Lap of Lights ticket prices start at £30 per car including all occupants. Ice Trak is from £8 for adults, £6 per child. Entry to the Lodge is free with a Lap of Lights ticket. The event opens on 26 November and runs through to 3 January (closed on 29, 30 November and 25 December). Full details and booking at www.silverstone.co.uk
Petrolheadonism Live is the brand new, ultimate celebration of all things automotive. The huge two-day family event, set in the beautiful grounds of Knebworth House in Stevenage on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th September 2021, will welcome up to 10,000 people per day and bring over 1,000 cars together, including Supercars, Classics, Americana, Highly Modified and much more. Guests will be awestruck at the Hypercar Enclosure with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a stunning selection of exclusive, cutting-edge cars worth over £50 million.
What’s happening at Petrolheadonism Live?
With special guests including Guest of Honour, Richard Rawlings (owner of Gas Monkey Garage and star of Discovery’s Fast ‘n’ Loud TV show) flying in from the USA for his first ever UK automotive event, the Lewis Hamilton Petronas Formula One Simulator, the Superbike enclosure, free entry to Knebworth’s adventure playground, and a host of other entertainment, this is an unmissable weekend for petrol heads and their families.
Petrolheadonism Live has well over 50 car clubs already confirmed to attend. Enthusiasts will be able to engage with car owners to learn more about the incredible array of classics and modern classics on show. Then the Hypercar Enclosure awaits, featuring cars such as the Koenegsigg Regera worth £3.5m, the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing worth £4m, and the Ferrari F50 worth £1.65m to name but a few. Totalling over a staggering £50m of unforgettable, breath-taking cars, the Hypercar Enclosure presented by Zach’s Garage is a true highlight of the Petrolheadonism Live weekend.
The Main Arena will provide entertainment throughout the event and hosts the ‘Petrolheadonism Elite 2021’ competition. Richard Rawlings will be on stage each day and will also judge the competition as seven incredible cars from seven different classes parade across the catwalk each day giving guests the chance to check out these elite cars up close.
Petrolheadonism Live: Guest of Honour Richard Rawlings
Richard Rawlings will be speaking on the Live Stage and making special guest appearances throughout the day, together with his much-loved sidekick, Big Chris. In 2002 Richard Rawlings opened Gas Monkey Garage creating automobiles for customers worldwide. The enterprise became the subject of Discovery Channel’s ‘Fast ‘n’ Loud’ series from 2012 – 2020 turning Rawlings into one of the global automotive scene’s biggest and most influential characters.
He now co-hosts Garage Rehab on Discovery and the Gas Monkey Garage brand extends across a variety of products and genres, even an energy drink. There’s no bigger name out there for petrolheads and his first ever UK car show is a special moment, not to be missed.
For those who have ever watched Lewis Hamilton race and declared ‘I could do that’, the Lewis Hamilton Petronas Formula One Simulator will be at the event. Guests can experience the same training regime as Lewis Hamilton himself and taste the thrilling speeds of Formula One.
The wonderful charity Sporting Bears will also be at Petrolheadonism Live, providing Dream Rides in some amazing cars to raise money for wishes that will be granted by Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity – every penny of every dream ride will add to the £2.5million the Sporting Bears have already raised to date.
There are few better locations than Knebworth House for Petrolheadonism Live. The event will take place right next to the Grade II listed, Tudor Gothic style country house, spreading out to its 250 acre deer park. Knebworth House has hosted huge concerts from the likes of The Rolling Stones, Oasis, and Elton John, and now prepares to welcome the UK’s most fanatical petrol heads and some of the world’s most spectacular and desirable cars.
For those guests bringing kids, the ticket includes on-site parking but also free entrance to the Knebworth adventure playground where kids can enjoy a zip wire, dinosaur trail with 70 life-sized dinosaurs, a maze, water features and much more. When it’s time to recharge the batteries there are plenty of street food and drinks traders on site (and a licensed bar for mum and dad).