Something interesting just cropped up on the database of the Federal Communications Commission: a certification, requested by Sony Interactive Entertainment, for a wireless adapter for the PlayStation 4.
For what it's worth, the certification doesn't explicitly state that the wireless adapter is for the PlayStation 4, but all indications suggest that this is the case. Why? Because the model number CUH-ZWA1U has "CUH" as a prefix, and that series of codes is associated with the PS4 and its accessories.
However, even if it can be determined what this wireless adapter is for — thanks to the certification — what it will actually be used for is anyone's guess. For now, all that is known is that the drawing points to it being a USB accessory — an assumption that is reinforced by the listed 5 V power supply.
Considering that the PS4 already has wireless modules built-in, three main ideas come to mind when looking at this certification: an adapter to add support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi, an adapter to connect any Bluetooth headset to the console or one used to introduce compatibility between DualShock 4 controllers and PCs.
The first of these theories, the adapter to add support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi, is the most unlikely of the bunch. Why? Because even though the adapter is currently unsupported, the radio specifications explicitly state that it is a Bluetooth adapter, which puts it in line with the one already built into the console.
Furthermore, the frequency is the same, and while this does not come as a surprise because Bluetooth devices do operate on a standardized frequency range, this means that Sony's move to create an external adapter would be redundant, since — once again — there is already one built into the system.
The second theory, an adapter to connect any Bluetooth headset to the PS4, is a little more plausible. As things stand, the PS4 is incompatible with many headsets currently out on the market, leaving third-party external adapters to do the majority of the heavy lifting. With an accessory of its own, Sony can eliminate any hassle consumers might have over which third-party accessory to purchase.
While on the subject of headsets, this could be actually be a dongle for a new proprietary headset, such as those included in the Wireless Surround Headset and the Gold Wireless Stereo Headset. However, if that's the case, then this would be one heck of a beast. Measuring at 75 millimeters (around three inches), it exceeds the size of the adapters for the Gold and Wireless Surround headsets by a considerable margin.
The final theory, an adapter to introduce compatibility between DualShock 4 controllers and PCs, is the most likely of the three. To date, much like with headsets, Sony has relied on third-party adapters or programs to do the heavy lifting when it comes to PC compatibility. However, with Sony officially supporting PC remote play, the time has likely come for Sony to produce an adapter of its own. It would be a long time coming, too: Microsoft already supports this for both Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers, so it's about time Sony did the same.
However, most of the documentation about the device is still under wraps and won't be revealed until January 2017, so we'll just have to wait until Sony gives an official announcement to learn the purpose of the adapter.
