This week, we took a look at a new video-game system, two new phones and more. Here's what you need to know about the week in Tech:
Sony is aiming for a comeback in the video-game industry this holiday season with its new PlayStation 4.
The console, available Friday in stores, is "an impressive package" with "significant improvements," says USA TODAY's Brett Molina. New features include an improved controller with a built-in speaker and a simpler interface.
But you might have a tough time getting your hands on a PS4. Best Buy and Target are selling the console in limited quantities at physical stores. A few online retailers, including Amazon and GameStop, have already sold out of PS4 bundles online. The PS4 starts at $399, but get ready to pay up to $649 if you try to find it on eBay.
The cheapest of the cheap carriers in the smartphone market just got a big-name boost from Motorola.
Republic Wireless has started selling a modified version of Motorola's Moto X for $299, with plans starting as low as $5 a month.
However, Republic's low-price phone plan comes with a few conditions. The $5 plan gives you unlimited voice, text and data, but only over Wi-Fi. Other higher-priced plans give you expanded 3G and 4G cellular options. Republic also gives you the option to switch plans during each billing cycle if you need more data or cell minutes.
Google's version of the Moto X smartphone had weak sales, but the company is trying again with the launch of the cheaper Moto G smartphone.
The phone costs $179 for the 8 GB model and $199 for the 16 GB (without a two-year contract). The Moto G comes with a 4.5-inch display, front and rear cameras, and 50 GB of remote storage for two years.
The phone will launch in the U.S., India, the Middle East and Asia in January.
A former Apple executive responsible for helping create the iPod and the iPhone is now trying to change the way you look at ordinary, "unloved" household products.
Nest co-founder Tony Fadell sat down with USA TODAY's Marco R. della Cava earlier this week to explain how he has retooled a few household gadgets to "make them smart and save lives."
Nest's thermostat tracks heating and cooling patterns in your house to conserve energy and lower your energy bill. The company's latest product is Protect, a smoke and carbon monoxide detector that talks and relays alerts.
Fadell joked that he has big plans for his company in the future: "Nest will either be a huge rocket ship to Mars or a huge crater. But either way, it's gonna be huge."
Netflix's TV service just got a visually friendly face-lift. The company launched a new interface Wednesday, which comes with three large slideshow images, a teaser synopsis and some personalized details. Netflix says the redesign will be available worldwide in two weeks and will affect smart TVs, set-top boxes, Blu-ray players and game consoles.
The company is also boosting its original content. Last week, Netflix announced that it will be launching original TV programming from Marvel in 2015. Netflix also said it will premiere a new original documentary, The Short Game, in December.
Via: Usa Today
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