Sony Xperia Z2 and Z2 Tablet get PS4 Remote Play support

Sony has announced that both the Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet will be receiving PS4 Remote Play support in its latest software update. This will allow users to use their phone or tablet as a remote screen for playing PS4 games over their home network, effectively turning their device into a portable games console. 

PS4 Remote Play was previously limited to the brand new Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z3 Tablet Compact, with Sony saying that it was originally going to wait until the new year to bring this exclusive feature to its Z2 devices. However, Fredrik Ekstrand, Head of Sony Mobile’s Software Portfolio Planning said in a company blog post that “demand and excitement [for PS4 Remote Play] meant we just couldn’t wait”. PS4 Remote Play isn’t available to use just yet, but Sony said users will definitely be able to start using the app by the end of this month.

Sony’s latest update will also bring high-res audio to the Z2 and Z2 Tablet. Both devices will support built in hi-res audio playback from PCM and DSD files via the 3.5mm audio jack in addition to USB hi-res playback. The Walkman app will also add Sony’s DSEE HX technology to enhance your existing MP3, AAC or Music Unlimited files by helping to restore anything lost the music’s file compression. You’ll also be able to select optimised settings for different Sony headsets.

Xperia Z2 users will receive a new power saving mode as well. In Ultra Stamina mode, only limited functions will be available to use, but Sony estimates you’ll be able to stretch your phone’s battery life to over a week in standby. 

Other updates include new camera modes, including the Z3’s Sound Photo, which lets you add a small sound clip to your photos, and AR Fun modes, which inserts text and other scenes into your environment. Meanwhile, Multi-Camera gives you the ability to capture something from up to three different Xperia devices via NFC and then merge the footage into a single video. Then there’s Face In, which uses both the front and rear cameras to insert up to three faces into your photos in small cut-out shapes.

The update begins rolling out today, so Xperia Z2 and Z2 Tablet owners should definitely upgrade their device as soon as possible.