04/17, 3:22pm
Microsoft enables two-step verification to Microsoft Accounts
Microsoft has enabled two-factor authentication for Microsoft Accounts. Leaked earlier this month, users will see the option to add the extra security measure through the account management menu over the next few days, and can download an authenticator app from the Windows Phone store or use third-party apps on other platforms, according to a company blog post. Apps and devices that will not work with the new security measure directly can have application-specific passwords created in order to function.
more
03/27, 7:08am
Pebble firmware update fixes showstopping bug
Kickstarter-funded smartwatch Pebble has received an update to fix a showstopping bug. The new 1.9.1 firmware came into being following reports received by Engadget of users finding their timepieces stopped working after shutting down, and is said to fix the issue. Customers with watches on older firmware that do not switch back on can request for a replacement through e-mail or the companion Pebble app.
more
08/02, 1:08pm
Hotspot connects five to Internet, contract version missing
UK mobile network O2 has brought out its Pocket Hotspot. The MiFi device, like many others, enables up to five devices to go online simultaneously, connecting to the hotspot over 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. The carrier claims maximum download speed can reach up to 21.6Mbps, while upload speeds peak at 5.76Mbps.
more
04/30, 7:30pm
New prepaid plan, 4G hotspot due on May 1
Verizon Wireless has added new tiers to its phone and data prepaid offerings starting on May 1. A new $80 smartphone plan includes unlimited talk and text messaging while allotting 1GB of data use per month. At the same time, the carrier will ship the Jetpack 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi 4510L with prepaid mobile packages.
more
03/28, 2:05pm
Novatel MiFi 4620L for Verizon priced and dated
Verizon ended a two-month wait since CES by pricing and dating one of its second-generation LTE hotspots. The Novatel MiFi 4620L, badged as a Verizon Jetpack, should be in stores April 12 for $50 for those signing up for a two-year data plan of at least $50 a month, albeit after a $50 rebate. The hotspot is its first real hotspot with world 3G and can switch to HSPA on international carriers when outside of the US. Like newer-generation Novatel hotspots, it has its own OLED display to provide basic access to settings and status without turning to another device.
more
01/01, 11:55pm
Verizon may drop many phones, hotspots in January
Verizon may be on the edge of replacing a large swath of its device line if a rumor floated on New Year's Day is an indicator. Among other withdrawals, a lone source for The Verge had Verizon stopping shipments of the Motorola Droid 3 in January. The exit would likely be in prep for the delayed Droid 4 launch the following month.
more
12/21, 11:05pm
Gannett gets iPhone 4S and iPad 2 for field report
An escaped memo from Gannett newspaper head Bob Dickey has revealed that the company is making a massive investment in Apple technology for its newsroom. The USA Today publisher has bought "thousands" of iPhone 4S and iPad 2 units that reporters and journalists will use to hopefully report more effectively in the field. The iOS hardware will be joined by MiFi hotspots to get iPads online as well as microphones and other accessories to let them record in the field.
more
10/31, 10:25pm
Milestone reached in less than 3 years
Novatel Wireless has announced that it has shipped more than 3 million MiFi routers throughout the globe. The milestone was reached less than three years since the first MiFi devices arrived on the market. As part of an announcement celebrating the achievement, the company notes that it now holds 35 patents and 37 patent applications related to its line of portable routers.
more
05/19, 11:05am
Virgin Mobile adds $20, 500MB data plan
Virgin Mobile USA has added a new service tier to its no-contract Broadband2Go mobile broadband offerings. The $20 plan gives users 500MB of data for use anytime that expires after one month even if not used. This tier splits the $10, 100MB offering and the $50, 'unlimited' access offering that provides 3G speeds up to 2.5GB in a month before throttling speeds.
more
04/22, 7:50am
ATT MiFi 2372 adds DLNA support
AT&T has pushed out Novatel's recent update to give DLNA media sharing to its version of the MiFi 2372. The update allows sharing movies, music, and videos stored on a microSDHC card slotted into the pocket router. Sharing is independent of the platform and works for any format the card and the network connection are fast enough to handle and will recognize.
more
04/18, 9:40am
Verizon quietly starts selling 4G LTE MiFi
Verizon on Monday began selling the second of the two 4G routers it promised at CES. Novatel's MiFi 4510L can share the 5-12Mbps typical connection speeds on the new LTE network with as many as five other devices over 802.11n Wi-Fi. It doesn't have a microSD slot but is also truly multi-platform and uses the browser for setting up.
more
04/05, 6:20pm
Sprint Novatel MiFi 4082 now on sale
Sprint on Tuesday began shipping its promised Novatel MiFi 4082 WiMAX router. The pocketable 4G hotspot is on its way now to direct orders and should be at retail shops on April 17. Pricing has been hiked upwards and will see the router cost $80 when attached to at least a $50 data plan.
more
03/27, 3:00pm
Samsung Presto 4G router hits Verizon March 31
A leak from within Verizon's internal systems has set a launch date for Samsung's 4G LTE hotspot. Known through tips as the Presto, the SCH-LC11 should reach online and retail on March 31. Engadget's copy of the Verizon Equipment Guide didn't have price, although most modems and routers are $100 or less paired up with a data contract.
more
03/21, 11:55pm
We try MiFI DLNA media sharing
Novatel confirmed on Monday -- accidentally, as it told us -- that it was adding DLNA sharing to MiFi routers. The company gave us a look at the technology on display at the ShowStoppers mini-event for CTIA and gave us a fairly good first impression. Read ahead a quick look.
more
03/21, 12:50pm
DLNA Server integrated with MiFi OS
Novatel Wireless has announced that its MiFi 2372 mobile broadband router has received certification from the DLNA, enabling the device to be used as a portable media server. The DLNA Server feature, which is built into the MiFi OS, allows users to add videos, music, photos or other files onto a microSD card and stream the content to other devices.
more
03/16, 10:15pm
Pricing and launch dates remain unknown
T-Mobile's upcoming range of Wi-Fi hotspots have been previewed in several leaked photos. The images, which were posted on TmoNews, show several different designs, including what appears to be a high-end model that integrates a white-on-black LCD for status information regarding the signal strength, text messages, and battery power.
more
03/04, 2:55pm
Verizon confirms iPad 2 on day one
Verizon removed doubt about its plans on Friday and put up a home page ad as well as a teaser page confirming the iPad 2 would be available in its stores on March 11. The EVDO-equipped 3G version will reach the carrier's stores the same time as the Wi-Fi and HSPA 3G versions. It's likely that the store will join in having a special 5PM release.
more
02/01, 8:00am
Zyxel MWR211 brings handheld 3G routing
Zyxel this morning gave fresh competition to the MiFi with the MWR211. The pocket 3G router is a carrier-independent option and should share most any USB modem over 802.11n Wi-Fi. Compared to its Novatel-made counterpart, however, the maximum number of users is uncapped and limited only the 3G connection.
more
01/10, 10:30am
Novatel USB551L details back Mac support
Novatel at CES confirmed with us that the USB551L 4G modem it unveiled at CES would be the first LTE modem in the US to work with Macs. Unlike the LG and Pantech modems from the December launch, the new stick will support Mac OS X Tiger or newer along with the usual Windows support. Novatel always tries to support the Mac at the same time, a spokesman said at the ShowStoppers event at the show.
more
01/06, 9:05pm
Details and photos of Verizon non-phone LTE items
The 10 LTE-aware devices Verizon launched at CES on Thursday included six non-phone devices, including a pair of firsts. Novatel's MiFi 4510L is its first LTE mobile router and makes a direct upgrade in speed that can reach about 5-12Mbps downstream and 2-5Mbps upstream in regular conditions. Like its ancestors, it can share its connection over Wi-Fi with up to five other devices.
more
01/04, 10:05am
Sprint confirms Evo Shift 4G and MiFi 4082 for CES
Sprint confirmed its expected launches for CES today with two new WiMAX devices. The HTC Evo Shift 4G is the carrier's variant on the T-Mobile G2 and shares its 3.7-inch LCD, 800MHz new generation Snapdragon and five-megapixel camera. It switches to Sprint's requisite WiMAX for 4G-level speeds and brings HTC's custom Sense UI on top of Android 2.2.
more
01/01, 11:50pm
Verizon Samsung Galaxy Tab drops to 500
Verizon was discovered tonight to be cutting the price of the Galaxy Tab to $500 contract-free. The steep, $100 drop should take effect soon and will also include $60 of movie rentals from Blockbuster's app or Samsung's Media Hub. Anyone who bought the Android tablet within the past two weeks can get a refund for the price difference, Droid-Life retail sources said.
more
12/30, 2:00pm
Novatel MiFi 4082 press image slips
A forum post late Wednesday provided the first look at the finished version of one of Novatel's first 4G routers, the MiFi 4082 for Sprint. The hybrid WiMAX and EVDO router spotted by SprintUsers veteran r0fl shows an at least superficially upscale design with a brushed metal effect and chrome trim. Its design still adopts the familiar pocketable shape but has extra indicators for signal strength and what may be the presence of 4G speed.
more
12/19, 8:35pm
Best Buy bundling free MiFi, Overdrive with iPad
Best Buy has quietly started up a new promo that gives away a free 3G or 4G router with an iPad, store visitors discovered on Sunday. Those who buy any Wi-Fi iPad and start up a two-year data plan can get either a MiFi on AT&T, a Fivespot on Verizon or an Overdrive on Sprint. Terms spotted by 9to5Mac reveal the discounts are due to end January 2.
more
12/14, 3:45pm
Novatel MiFi 4082 for Sprint reaches FCC
The previously only hinted at Novatel MiFi 4082 for Sprint has surfaced in an FCC filing posted today. The hotspot both has 4G through Sprint's WiMAX network and for 3G over EVDO. A diagram shows a device that isn't fundamentally different than the existing 3G-only MiFi.
more
12/10, 9:45pm
Apple posts job for Verizon iPad System Engineer
Apple today posted a job listing for a Verizon iPad Systems Engineer that confirmed both a deeper connection to Verizon and to enterprise sales. The position is targeted at integrating the iPad with Verizon's business customers and will depend on knowing the tablet's corporate support, such as Exchange syncing and VPN access. The hire would "develop confidence" in using iPads for work and would talk to every level of a company, the listing said.
more
12/10, 8:25am
Novatel sues Franklin and ZTE over MiFi patents
Novatel on Friday filed a lawsuit against both Franklin and ZTE for allegedly violating five patents relating to its MiFi routers. The Southern District of California complaint argued that Novatel invented the core concept of a portable 3G router. Both Franklin and ZTE were trying to profit off of Novatel's success by copying the architecture and functionality, according to the company.
more
11/18, 11:35am
Virgin US gives 1GB data for 20 dollars in Walmart
Virgin Mobile USA sparked its mobile data plans today by launching a new plan through Walmart. Those who have either the Novatel MiFi 2200 router or an Ovation MC720 modem can get 1GB of data per month for $20 when paying for access through the retailer. The plan is a direct balance between the lightweight $10 for 100MB deal and the $40 unlimited service.
more
11/17, 1:25pm
Novatel MiFi 2372 comes to AT&T
AT&T today became one of the last major US carriers to get a mobile hotspot but countered with a continent first. Its version of the Novatel MiFi 2372 is the first in North America to use the MiFi OS and supports apps and web browser widgets to handle tasks that don't need locally stored software. The pocketable router can reach up to 7.2Mbps on AT&T's network.
more
11/09, 9:05am
Verizon runs own iPad ad
Verizon last night began running its first ad for its iPad + MiFi bundle in a sign that Apple may have reached a level of compromise for network deals. The ad shows using the 3G router to blow away the walls and remove limits by letting the iPad get online anywhere. It's "all the magic" of the iPad but the "power and reliability" of Verizon's 3G network, the 30-second spot says.
more
11/03, 10:20am
Novatel MiFi 3352 brings own web-based OS
Novatel today upgraded its MiFi routers with a next-generation model. The MiFi 3352 is the first mobile 3G router to have Novatel's own MiFi OS platform and lets users customize its functionality. A web-based portal lets users both install web widgets viewable from the router but to run native apps that take advantage of the local link, even for tablets.
more
10/14, 3:30pm
Verizon explains extra 3G iPad plans
Verizon has quickly filled in details of its iPad + MiFi bundles beyond what was introduced this morning. It added that, beyond the $20 plan for 1GB, there will also be 3GB available for $35 each month and 5GB for $50 per month. Every plan is a steep discount over Verizon's regular plans, which include just 250MB for $35 and 5GB for $60.
more
10/09, 6:50am
Connect up to four devices (3 wireless)
Cricket has listed the Crosswave MiFi for pre-order on its website. The device is manufactured by Huawei technologies and offers high-speed internet access for up to four devices (3 wireless) at once. It has a 33 feet range and is capable of downlink speeds of 3.1Mbps and uplink speeds of 1.8Mbps.
more
09/20, 4:40pm
Verizon Fivespot release just around the corner?
Verizon's Fivespot mobile hotspot may be arriving at the carrier sometime soon, as a launch kit is arriving at retail stores. The device was originally expected to arrive at the end of August, along with some new mobile broadband plans such as a 5GB, $80 tier that should last for 30 days.
more
08/24, 7:55am
No contract, unlimited data en route
Confirming an earlier leak, Virgin Mobile has revamped its Broadband2Go data plans and now offers a true $40 unlimited data service. Replacing the earlier four tier arrangement, the simplified two tier pricing structure also includes a $10 option for 100 MB that gives casual users up to 10 days of access when needed. Available for use online from tomorrow, the development is likely to increase competition in the mobile broadband space.
more
08/09, 12:35pm
Verizon 2010 to 2011 roadmap leaks out
More details of Verizon's roadmap have surfaced today in a scoop that shows a strong push into Android. The most surprising is a third Motorola Droid model due in November, the Droid Pro. It's implied in the BGR note that the phone would be a superior model to the Droid 2 but would have a larger four-inch screen, an even faster 1.3GHz processor and GSM roaming outside of the US.
more
07/21, 5:20pm
Verizon getting FiveSpot, 5GB prepaid data plan?
Wireless provider Verizon will reportedly soon add a prepaid mobile broadband plan that includes 5GB of data, or five times more than its current top-rung plan. It will cost $80, versus the $50 of the 1GB plan, and is assumed to last 30 days before it expires, like the other plans. It's said to go live on August 23, according to Engadget on Thursday.
more
06/23, 12:05pm
Virgin US MiFi to share connections on cheap
Virgin Mobile USA today became one of the rare North American carriers to offer Novatel's MiFi with prepaid data. Much like its USB modems, Virgin's MiFi will only require data by the bucket rather than a recurring rate; users can get as little as 100MB of data for a short 10-day stint at $10 or as much as 5GB of data for a full month at $60. The MiFi still shares its connection with as many as five devices over Wi-Fi.
more
06/17, 9:45am
Sony VAIO Y and Z add Share My Connection
Sony today gave owners of the VAIO Y and VAIO Z an after-sale treat by adding Share My Connection. Either notebook can now, like a MiFi, share its 3G connection with other computers over Wi-Fi. As many as five devices can get online at the same time.
more
05/05, 2:45pm
Rogers joins Bell in warning of MiFi issues
Rogers today joined Bell in recalling the MiFi 2372. It explained the issue and warned that the lithium-ion battery pack in the router could swell and cut power. The battery cover is reportedly also difficult to remove and could damage the battery or the router if forced open.
more
03/31, 9:20am
Rogers next in Canada with MiFi router
Rogers morning became the second major Canadian carrier to pick up the Novatel MiFi 2372. Like its Bell equivalent, the Rogers version can share up to a 7.2Mbps HSPA-based 3G connection and share it over 802.11g Wi-Fi to five other devices nearby. GPS positioning and a microSDHC slot give it geolocation, network-attached storage and self-contained media serving.
more
03/24, 12:30pm
MiFi adds DLNA streaming and NovaDrive
Novatel at the CTIA mobile expo has given the MiFi a functional boost by adding media sharing and backup features. The 3G-to-Wi-Fi router can now act as a DLNA server for content on an inserted microSDHC card and will play it to any app or device that recognizes the sharing format, including the PlayStation 3 as well as iPhones and iPods with apps such as PlugPlayer ($5, App Store). It will initially work only with the unlocked version of the MiFi 2372 but should reach other MiFi hotspots in the future.
more
03/09, 8:35pm
Verizon hopes to sell MiFi to iPad buyers
Verizon tonight was caught distributing a memo to retail staff encouraging them to sell to iPad customers. The note obtained by Engadget encourages floor workers to promote the idea of using a Wi-Fi only iPad with a Novatel MiFi router. Mixing the two would not only save the $130 premium on an iPad with built-in 3G but would help users get off of AT&T's "overloaded network with limited coverage," according to the memo.
more
02/25, 2:10pm
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.
more
02/16, 4:55pm
Wi-Reach Classic a competitor to MiFi hotspot
Connect One has introduced a mobile hotspot at the Mobile World Congress show currently ongoing in Barcelona, the Wi-Reach Classic. The MiFi competitor can split the signal from a USB 3G modem to up to 10 users, and can support either WiMAX and LTE 4G networks after a firmware update. The battery-powered cradle holds the USB modem, while another USB port charges the built-in battery.
more
01/30, 11:50am
Virgin shares Bell plans and Bold 9700 too
Ahead of an official February 2nd launch, Virgin Mobile's Canadian branch today quietly rolled out its HSPA+ network and its first phones to take advantage of the new service, including iPhones. Features and pricing match those of its parent company Bell and give Virgin users up to 21Mbps downstream on supporting hardware as well as the same 93 percent national coverage thanks to a sharing deal with Telus. Those with at least a 500MB data plan get free Wi-Fi at Starbucks coffee shops.
more
01/19, 4:35pm
Novatel says impact of MiFi hacks limited
Novatel today promised that it will patch the security exploits that could threaten its MiFi hotspot routers and explained some of the behavior of the network. The router designer argues to Electronista that the remote settings hacks only apply as long as the MiFi is in contact with a malicious site and leaves no trace of hostile code the moment the connection is broken.
more
01/18, 4:35pm
Novatel MiFi hotspots are vulnerable to attacks
A recent report has found that Novatel's MiFi mobile hotspot can too easily be compromised by hacks. As the MiFi doesn't require a valid session to change settings, researchers have found that they could locate a user over GPS or even cut a connection remotely.
more
12/30, 5:15pm
Sierra Overdrive gives WiMAX a MiFi parallel
Sprint's WiMAX-based 4G service will get its first pocket router early next year as a leak of training material today has revealed the carrier's plans. A mobile hotspot from Sierra Wireless, the Overdrive, should supply up to five users with the up to 6Mbps Internet access with 3G as a fallback. In a unique twist, it will have an SD card slot for storage and will treat this as a network-attached drive for everyone using the same hotspot.
more
12/04, 4:30pm
Ellen DeGeneres gives away Nooks, Pixies, more
On her talk show on Thursday, Ellen DeGeneres gave away a Palm Pixi cellphone, Barnes & Noble's Nook reader, a MiFi 2200 mobile hotspot, a Powermat wireless charger and Nokia Booklet 3G netbook to every member in her audience. The bundle was the first in a series of giveaways, dubbed 12 Days of Giveaways.
more
