TechBytes: Verizon Tiered Pricing

Oct. 20, 2010— -- Verizon Wireless is ready to roll out a cheaper data plan for smart phones. Verizon will reportedly offer a limited data plan for $15 a month beginning next week, in addition to its current $30 a month unlimited plan. Rival AT&T switched to a tiered pricing scheme this summer.

Microsoft has unveiled a new suite of online software taking direct aim at Google apps. Office 365 makes many of Microsoft's most important programs, including Office and Exchange, available online. The service targets businesses, with various prices based on the size of the company. Office 365 debuts next year.

A robot that will make any bowler jealous was unveiled to the public Tuesday. EARL can be programmed to roll a perfect strike every time. The machine was shown for the first time Tuesday at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas. It's actually used to set official rules for the game and design equipment such as lanes, balls and pins.