Sony is beefing up PlayStation as a destination to consume media with the arrival of the GoPro channel. Available now on PS3 and PS4, the GoPro channel will allow users

 to stream GoPro content on-demand and browse GoPro cameras and accessories 

That’s not all:

 PlayStation will get an exclusive in the form of The 66th Parallel show, or discovering Iceland with Ben Brown. 

More details after the jump.

According to Jon Cohen, GoPro’s director of distribution, they want GoPro

 content and programming to be easily accessible on every platform where our millions of fans spend time. 

He followed up with:

 There’s a sweet-spot of overlap between PlayStation’s super-engaged audience and the GoPro audience and we’re excited to welcome PlayStation to GoPro’s expanding OTT family. 

While more content on PS3/PS4 is always better, especially seeing how many other platforms, including Xbox, Roku, and Fire TV, I’m not sure how useful this is for PlayStations current audience and usage. That is to say that when I think of consuming media, I generally reach for my Apple TV. That’s where my ‘media streaming’ takes place. Consequently, even with the new Apple TV, when I think of gaming, I immediately fire up the PS4.

Part of the problem is that PS4 has not been positioned as a media device, despite it being more than capable and I’m not sure the current layout of it is best suited for being a media hub. It might always be clever for Sony to add a third row down to the menu where all media apps live, giving them more of a spotlight.

This way on PS4, you’ll have

• Top row – which houses PSN, communications, and settings and for the most part remains unchanged from its current layout.
• Middle row – which turns purely into games. This way, perhaps the library at the end can be dropped in favor of just a long row to scroll through
• Bottom row – this is where all of your media lives. From the GoPro channel to Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Crackle, and more.

In fact the more I think about the current PS4 UI, the more I feel that there’s a discovery problem. PS4 is a powerful machine with a lot of content, especially in the age of live streams. By breaking down the UI, Sony can better highlight where content is and in turn, ensure that more of its users are taking advantage of what the system can provide.

Discuss:

Do you think PS4 needs a better way for media to be displayed?

[Via VentureBeat & PSN]