Verizon’s New 4G LTE Router

Verizon’s 4G LTE Router is meant to replace your home phone line and cable Internet subscriptions | Photo courtesy Verizon

Verizon recently announced a new 4G LTE router that includes voice, and it’s meant to replace your home phone line and cable Internet subscriptions. The Verizon 4G LTE Broadband Router with Voice includes WiFi connectivity as well as three Ethernet ports and a jack for your landline. Up to 10 devices can connect to it wirelessly.

This is the first broadband router to combine voice and data over the Verizon network in one package. You can use it with the plug-in power source, or there is a battery backup for times when the power cuts off (up to four hours/33 hours standby). The touch-key navigation screen puts info right at your fingertips, allowing you to see your data usage, connected devices, voice and data signal strength, battery level, number of voicemails and Wi-Fi password at a glance.

On top of that, you can use this router during a power outage (as long as the battery lasts).

There are a few different subscription options – data only ($20), voice only ($20) or voice and data ($30) – if you sign up for a two-year plan.

Sony’s PlayStation 4 Update

It hasn’t even launched yet, but Sony already announced that PlayStation 4 will require an update the moment you turn it on. This significant software patch is about 300MB and will be necessary to enable some functionalities, such as Remote Play on PS Vita and the Share button. Going hand-in-hand with this patch is the release of Sony’s second screen PlayStation App, which will be available Nov. 13.

The update also includes the ability to record and upload gameplay highlights via the Share button, as well as livestream sessions using Twitch or Ustream. If you happen to pick up a PS4 Eye at launch, you can take advantage of the camera’s voice commands and facial-recognition features. Sony’s “Play as you download” function leverages Sony’s Gaikai-powered cloud tech so you don’t have to wait half a day before playing recent PSN purchases.

In addition, the update transforms mobile devices running the app into second screen controllers for supported titles, a remote for control/keyboard for navigation of the PS4, and makes Remote Play over WiFi on the Vita. One big drawback is that the “suspend/resume” feature will not be available. This is a low-power state, which means you never have to shut off the console and you can pause, walk away and pick up right where you left off. It will eventually go live, but no date has been announced yet.