The new Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, and Xperia Z3 Tablet compact, now with Android Lollipop 5.0, that were announced on September 3 are some of the best in their classes, though these don’t really outclass the hardware of the Xperia Z2 (or even Z1).
A big draw is the exclusive Remote Play feature, now available via Google Play, if you’re planning on downloading the app, you’ll need to be running the latest firmware on the PS4. It allows users to stream PS4 content over the Internet onto their tablets and smartphones.
This app has the ability to sync up a wireless DualShock 4 controller, or there’s still the option to play via overlaying touch commands. However, one thing to keep in mind is that Remote Play only works when your console and Z3 device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
So why is this important? To compete with Nintendo’s Wii U GamePad, of course. But what of the PS Vita you ask?
Originally Sony didn’t think to provide DualShock 4 support to the PS Vita (unless you’re playing on PS Vita TV), which means that you’re stuck with some of the controls remapped to screen and touch pad unless you go through some really annoying loopholes. On the other hand, the feature on Xperia Z3 did indeed support a DualShock 4, and the controls are exactly the same you’d use if you were playing on PS4.
But then this happened.
The PS4 firmware update 1.7 and the 3.15 update for the PS Vita made playing in remote play with a DualShock 4 a lot easier.
The Vita will automatically be recognized for remote play as long as it uses one of the accounts registered to the PS4, and multiple users can be logged in at the same time using the same DualShock 4 controller, so all you have to do is have your PS Vita set to a different account from your PS4′s main account, then open your game on the PS4 normally, and then go anywhere you want to go with your Vita and DualShock 4.
Turn on the Vita, select remote play, and it’ll automatically be recognized and connected. It won’t have any input on the game, but that really doesn’t matter, because you want to play with your DualShock 4 anyway.
The DualShock 4 has a longer range than remote play itself (at least in local Wi-Fi), so as long as your Vita will stay connected, so will the controller.
The Vita blows away the Xperia. Sony, you baffle me. The Vita will get smaller, and already has 3G, people don’t want to carry a multiple handheld systems anymore. But that’s just my 2 cents. Sound off below if you agree or disagree. Thanks for taking the time for my rant’see you next time.
