Except when it's not -- I rarely ever fire up my PS4 but when I do I can be guaranteed to have to wait a half hour for updates to install

Same with new games ... pop in the disc, run the install routine, download the day 1 patch...

The problem referenced by the GP is worse on consoles in my experience. Did the system software get updated today? Well, no network features for you until you download it.

What about that video streaming app? Well, there's a new version, so you have to download that right now or you can't watch. Oh, and we logged you out. Get out your phone or computer and type in this link. Then log in there and type this code. Make sure you enable all javascript because otherwise this won't work. Also, there will be an awkward pause after the computer tells you you've activated where the console won't indicate the same and you'll wonder if it even worked.

Granted, some consoles handle this better than others.