This week in tech news – users of PS4 report a glitch that renders units unusable, Google Play Music debuts on iOS and Apple purchases a 3D chip maker.
Glitch turns PS4 into Paperweight
While Sony can revel in the tremendous sales of the PS4 on launch day, many of the new users are experiencing a glitch that renders their brand new purchase unusable. Sony reports that some 0.4% systems affected have a blue light that continuously flashes. This can apparently be triggered by various issues including, but not limited to, the PS4 power supply, hard drive or hardware or TV compatibility. In a statement released by Sony concerning the flashing light problem, they state it is within their expectations for new product introduction. Sony’s response to the complaints was to release a troubleshooting guide for users.
Google Play Music comes to iOS
Six months after its launch on Android-based devices, Google has rolled out its release of Google Play Music to iOS devices. The service is similar to other streaming services like Spotify and Rdio. Google Play Music has a free version, which lets users upload up to 20,000 songs to the cloud that can be accessed through the web, Android or iOS devices and Google Play Music All Access, which has a $9.99/month subscription fee, which allows users to purchase and listen to unlimited songs. Unfortunately, song purchase is not included through the new iOS app.
Apple purchases 3D Chip maker
Israeli chip maker, PrimeSense, is the newest acquisition by Apple. PrimeSense makes chips that enable three-dimensional (3D) machine vision. Their spokesperson stated that PrimeSense was focusing on bringing 3D sensing and natural interaction to the mass market. PrimeSense’s technology was used to help power Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect. This newest acquisition by Apple cost $345 million.
