I'll be looking at confirmed factual information about both consoles. I'll keep necessary speculation [i]really clear by using italics[/i]. FIRST PUBLISHED: 13th June INFORMATION LAST UPDATED: 3rd November [b]CPU, GPU AND RAM SPECIFICATIONS[/b] Both Playstation 4 (PS4) and xBox One (XB1) use similar versions of AMD's Jaguar 8 core CPU processors. The PS4 CPU has an estimated clock speed of 1.6GHz, while the XB1 CPU clock speed has been confirmed at 1.75GHz. [i]Both systems reportedly reserve 2 of the 8 cores for OS services.[/i] They both use AMD Radeon GPUs, but operate differently. The PS4 has more GPU cores as well as a higher peak shader throughput, while the XB1 uses additional eSRAM to hold the framebuffer from the GPU, and has a faster GPU clock speed. PS4 uses GDDR5, the same type you would find in a current generation PC. It's main purpose is to allow for a higher bandwidth of graphical data. For the purposes here, think of it as a huge gravity fed pipe; a huge amount of water coming through, but only at the speed of gravity. XB1 uses DDR3 ram, and it's use is a little more complicated; essentially it is designed to support the CPU. It allows for the ridiculous speed at which we've seen the XB1 change applications. Think of this as pressurised water pounding its way through a smaller pipe. The XB1 reserves 5GB RAM primarily for gaming, while the PS4 reserves 4.5GB for gaming. [b]OTHER HARDWARE COMPARISONS[/b] XB1 and PS4 both use USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11 b/g/n wireless, and come with 500GB hard drives. The XB1 will support external storage (not at launch), while Sony have stated you will be able to change the PS4 hard disk. XB1 supports HDMI output and input (up to 4k), which will allow you to overlay free-to-air tv and cable services (or even your xBox360) with the XB1 / xBoxLive (xBL) services. The PS4 supports HDMI output only (at HD res only - not 4k). Neither PS4 or XB1 will support analog input. [b]OPERATING SYSTEMS[/b] The XB1 OS uses a combination of three systems based on the standard Windows kernal for PC. The similarity to PC makes it very easy for developers to create PC and XB1 versions of a game simultaneously, as well as porting PC developed apps. Not much is known about the PS4 OS; Sony have only release a concept video of their UI. It is assumed to be an improved version of the previous Linux platform. It is generally accepted that, given the Linux platform is not based on the Windows kernal, more development time is required to create versions of games for this platform. [b]SUBSCRIPTION BASED SERVICES[/b] Microsoft will continue with an improved XBL service. Each console will only require one Gold account. All additional accounts will have full access to all games (including online multiplayer), services and apps on that console. Sony now requires a Playstation Plus (PS+) service for online multiplayer gaming. However, online multiplayer 'free-to-play' games published by Sony, will be available without a PS+ subscription. PS+ will not be required for some of the online services only available with a XBL Gold subscription. It is unclear whether multiple accounts will require individual PS+ memberships. [b]THE CLOUD[/b] Microsoft's cloud service will allow developers to increase the power of the XB1 by moving more of the gaming runtime off the physical device in your house, and on to their massive server farm. Microsoft sees this as a way to continually improve gaming fidelity and computational output as the system ages. The cloud service can scale server requirements up or down, therefore removing day one server capacity issues. The first 'cloud' computing content will be available at launch, as showcased by Fortza 5's custom player AI. Although Sony has also mentioned the possibility of cloud computation, they have focused on tying PS+ services to their acquisition of Gaikai. It will allow PS4 users to stream and try other PS4 games, as well cross game chat. GaiKai has been earmarked for US users only, later in 2014. It is unclear when Gaikai will be available for international markets. [b]CONTROLLERS[/b] The PS4 still uses the (now 6 year old) 2.1 Bluetooth format for its controllers, while the XB1 has changed to WiFi Direct. Bluetooth 2.1 runs at 3bm/s while WiFi Direct runs at 250mb/s. While this is not expected to noticeably impact latency, the difference in the maximum data transfer has resulted in the ability for XB1 to support up to eight controllers, while the PS4 will only support 4. [b]PS4 EYE & XBOX KINECT[/b] Not much has been confirmed about the PS4 eye. It is an additional accessory that will cost somewhere between $50 and $100 USD. It has a stationary 85degree 'viewing' angle and uses two fixed focus 1280x800 pixel cameras for depth perception and player recognition. Although Sony has stated it will have facial recognition login, as well as support for player voice and motion, there are few details about these features. It is known that the Eye will track the lightbar on controllers to set up split screen gaming according to the position of the player. Kinect is now an integrated device that uses a 1080p wide-angle 'time-of-flight' camera system. (A time-of-flight system measures depth of the entire room with each light pulse, rather than measuring the depths of individual points). It also uses an IR senor for low light use. It has a minimum distance of three feet, and will be able to track up to 25 joints (including thumbs) on six 'skeletons' at the same time. It recognises facial expressions, joint rotations, the amount of pressure put on each limb and approximate heart rate. The Kinect allows for the automatic adjustment of controller setup preferences (like inverted look) if the controller is passed between players, and it will be possible to place a 3d image of your face on any game avatar. You can also set the sensitivity and responsiveness of the Kinect so it won't respond to another person's commands while logged in to your account. It will not respond to commands over game chat. Microsoft have stated that while Kinect is in low powered mode, it will not record or upload conversations. Any data it collects will not leave your XB1 without your explicit permission. While in low powered mode, Kinect will be only listening for a single voice command: "xBox on". Microsoft has confirmed you can turn this function off; turn the Kinect off completely or just disconnect it and use your controller, SmartGlass or a remote controller to interact with the XB1. [b]SECOND SCREEN[/b] Microsoft is expanding their SmartGlass service, available on a range of smart phones and tablets while Sony is targeting the PSVita. Sony will also release a 'Playstation App' for smart phones and tablets, however it does not appear to have any ability for real time game interaction. [b]LIVE BROADCASTING & SHARING RECORDED GAMEPLAY[/b] Microsoft will use an integrated version of Twitch and Skype services, while Sony will use uStream supported by GaiKai. Both will allow you to share previously recorded gameplay through a DVR. The PS4 records 15 minutes, while the XB1 records in 5 minute blocks. Microsoft has announced gameplay will be HDCP free, which will enable external video capture for things like "Let's Play" vidoes. It will keep HDCP for movies like the 360. Sony have said this feature will come in a future update. The XB1 has an editing suite called Upload Studio, allowing you to cut and edit gameplay, as well as overlay audio. Sony are yet to announce how or if you can edit PS4 recorded gameplay, however they have stated you will not be able to narrate or overlay any other sounds on captured game footage. [b]USED GAMES FEES[/b] Neither company will charge a fee to sell your game. However, it is still possible for publishers to use a 'pass' system for any online gaming. Sony have stated they will not use an online pass system for any of the games they publish. [b]SHARING GAMES[/b] Neither company will charge a fee to share your game. Both companies now support the use of any disc in any machine. Both will be region free, however it is unclear if publishers could make PAL, NTSC-U/C or NTSC-J versions only. Microsoft have confirmed a range of features for digital purchases including a 'digital library' that can be accessed on a friends console with your login; Sony has also announced a similar plan for digital content. [b]AUTOMATIC UPDATES [/b] Both consoles have a powered down state that, if connected to the internet, will automatically update games by downloading patches. While this will happen on XBL regardless of the type of account you have, the PS4 requires you to have a PS+ membership to receive automatic game updates. It is not clear if updates are available without the PS+ membership. [b]INTERNET CONNECTION[/b] Neither console will require an internet connection to use; however both will require a one-time internet connection upon set up in order to download patches.