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Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu Plus among first PS4 entertainment apps; HBO Go and YouTube are no-shows

Sony has announced the slate of entertainment apps that will be available on the PlayStation 4 at launch.

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John P. Falcone is the senior director of commerce content at CNET, where he coordinates coverage of the site's buying recommendations alongside the CNET Advice team (where he previously headed the consumer electronics reviews section). He's been a CNET editor since 2003.
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Sony has announced the entertainment apps that will be available on the PlayStation 4 when the console launches on November 15. Dominated by familiar names like Netflix, Amazon Instant, Crackle, and Hulu Plus, the lineup is similar to what's offered on the current PS3 console.

According to Sony, the launch lineup is as follows:

  • Amazon Instant Video
  • Crackle
  • Crunchyroll
  • Epix
  • Hulu Plus
  • NBA Game Time
  • Netflix
  • NHL GameCenter Live
  • Redbox Instant
  • Sony Music Unlimited
  • Sony Video Unlimited
  • Vudu
  • YuppTV

The most notable name missing from the list is YouTube. Also absent (despite being available on the PS3) are Cinema Now, Gaiam TV, MLB.TV, SEC Digital Network, Laugh Factory Live, Neon Alley, VidZone, and TuneIn Radio. And fan favorites Watch ESPN and HBO Go -- both available on the Xbox 360 -- have yet to make an appearance on any Sony console. Of course, any of these -- and others -- could be added at any time in the future via periodic software updates.

Microsoft has yet to detail the apps that will be available on the PS4's main rival, the Xbox One, which launches a week later. But the company has positioned the Xbox as a more full-service living room entertainment box.