PS4 game developers seem to be in for a treat soon enough, as spotted info shows Sony's intention of unlocking the console's seventh core.
It is not unusual for console manufacturers such as Microsoft or Sony to keep a tight grip on their devices' resources. Developers usually had restricted access to the cores of the console's CPUs, but as the updates roll in, the OEMs become more flexible and open up their gadgets to aid game creators.
Unofficial reports unveiled that Sony smoothened up the developers' path by allowing them access to the seventh core of the PlayStation 4.
The updated Software Development Kit (SDK) change log for PS4 revealed an interesting piece of text, and observing user DieH@rd made it public on NeoGAF. It reads:
Code: Firelight Technologies FMOD Studio API
Detailed Revision History
17/11/15 1.07.03 - Studio API patch release (build 69975)
From the three featured Studio APIs, the last hints at the unlocked potential of PS4's seventh code.
LowLevel API - When using System::recordStart the provided FMOD::Sound can now be any channel count, up/down mixing will be performed as necessary.
LowLevel API - Improved performance of convolution reverb effect when wet is 0 or input goes idle.
LowLevel API - PS4 - Added FMOD_THREAD_CORE6 to allow access to the newly unlocked seventh core.
Until recently, two of the PS4's eight cores were reserved for the console's embedded operating system. Now, coders get access to one of the two OS-destined cores, which could help them boost the gaming performance. Although the increase might not be substantial, any improvement to smooth gameplay is appreciated by dedicated gamers. Microsoft established a precedent earlier this year by opening up the seventh core of Xbox One to developers.
Sony did not officially confirm the leaked information and the SDK is currently NDA. This means that, at least for now, it is better to look at the reveal as if it was only a rumor. The real test will be once developers get the SDK update and start harnessing the seventh core of the PlayStation 4.
Some voices claimed that the seventh core unlock of the Xbox One produced negligible results, while others observed that the small overclocking in the Xbox took Microsoft's console over PS4 in heavy CPU-processing scenarios.
It might just be that the new core opened for developers will be a bit of an overkill, as PlayStation 4 announced recently that it topped 30 million sold units, whereas Xbox One only sent (a rumored) 10 million units to vendors worldwide.
