While being always online is not necessary, a network connection is important to fully enjoy the features of the PS4.
The PS4 will initially act as a stand-alone web server for the PlayStation App. In the future there’s the possibility of this to be expanded through the cloud, with the PS4 and PlayStation App interacting through the cloud, allowing cooperative play between multiple players.
The secondary chip for ultra-low power operation will mostly activate at night from 1 to 4 AM and download any required update automatically. It will also activate when software is purchased through external means like the PlayStation App.
Power consumption will vary greatly depending on the performance of the game played.
The noise level of the console during operation is generally much smaller than it was on the PS3.
The PS4′s cooling fan has a low noise level and stepless speed control (meaning that it will increase its speed to match heat smoothly and not in sudden steps like the one on the PS3).
Since the Blu-Ray player is 6x instead of 2x in speed (like the one on the PS3 was) the initial spinning noise is actually louder, but that will be countered by using the hard disk drive.
The Audio/Video performance (for movies and music) of the PS4 will target PS3 levels at launch, but will be improved through updates, for instance with the addition of 4K, as Sony is also an Audio/Video company.
The theme of the PS4 is “Personalization”, meaning that it will offer an experience tailored to each individual.
Solange Downloadversionen nicht spürbar günstiger sind, gibt es für mich keinen einzigen Grund auf die Discversion zu verzichten.
