Novatel preps MiFi with WiMAX, wearable tech
updated 02:10 pm EST, Thu February 25, 2010
Novatel has 4G hotspot and deal with Qualcomm
Novatel on Thursday outlined some of the future of its mobile networking technology and centered on one of its first 4G hotspot. It now has a prototype MiFi router that can connect to WiMAX at up to 18Mbps in actual conditions and theoretically as quickly as 30Mbps with 10Mbps uploads. The router would give those on Clear or Sprint 4G the option of sharing the connection with multiple other devices over Wi-Fi.
Simultaneously, the network device builder says it has picked up two wearable mobile device designs from Qualcomm. The hardware would give users EVDO-based 3G data they could carry on their bodies and would have extra sensors and wireless to take advantage of the positioning; either design touts an accelerometer to track movement, Bluetooth and GPS location finding.
Novatel hasn't said what it plans to do with the technology, but wearable adapters with motion and GPS sensing are often used for advanced exercise sensors.
