Sony is following Nintendo and Microsoft's lead in offering "second-screen" features for its next-generation gaming console, the just announced PS4.

At Sony's PlayStation 4 event it announced a new feature called PS4 Second Screens, which has similar functionality to Nintendo's Wii U GamePad. A key feature enabled by second screens is "Remote Play," which allows the PlayStation Vita to become the ultimate companion device for the PS4. PlayStation Vita users will be able to seamlessly pull PS4 titles from their living room TVs and play them on the PlayStation Vita's beautiful 5-inch display and intuitive dual analog sticks over Wi-Fi networks. Sony is planning on making most of its PS4 games playable on the Play Station Vita.

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Sony is also launching a companion app for the PS4 that can be used on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android-based smartphones and tablets. It has similar functionality to Microsoft's Smart Glass companion app for the Xbox 360. The new PlayStation app will allow gamers to use smartphones and tablets to interact with the PS4 and many of its new features. The PlayStation app for smartphones and tablets will show gamers maps on their second screens when playing an adventure game, purchase PS4 games while away from home and download them directly to the console at home, or remotely watch other gamers playing on their devices. The apps will also play a new role in making the PS4 a much more social experience

Sony is focusing on more than just gaming and media with the PlayStation 4. It has deeply integrated social networking functionality into the PS4 and emphasized that it wants to build the first social gaming network. Sony even built a Share button into the PS4's controller that will allow gamers to share screenshots with friends, in-game video clips and to multi-cast game play to friends remotely and even allow them to control others' gameplay.

It seems like Sony is trying to turn the PS4 into much more than just a gaming console. It wants the PS4 to be your one-stop shop for games, music, movies and social networking. Sony is hoping that Second Screens will keep you connected to the PS4 no matter what type of screen you're using.

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