Researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have demonstrated transmission speeds of 3Gb/s at 542GHz, the BBC reports. This development could mean greatly increased wireless transmission speeds, up to 20 times faster than 802.11n Wi-Fi transmission rates and slightly faster than the 1.7Gbps speeds that Netgear claims for its new 802.11ac equipment.
Today Amped Wireless, which specializes in high-range wireless equipment, announced the availability of what it claims is the industry's most powerful indoor Wi-Fi option. The R20000G High Power Wireless-N Gigabit Dual Band Router boasts a Wi-Fi coverage area roughly the size of a major league baseball diamond.
The IEEE has published expanded standards for increased speeds and simpler communications in Wi-Fi. The revision, called IEEE 802.11-2012, increases the scope of the existing networking standards to include more supported devices and improve cellular network hand-offs. This is the fourth revision of the standard since the original publication in 1997.
Samsung has revealed three new mirrorless cameras for its 2012 lineup of NX cameras. The NX1000 ($699), NX210 ($899) and NX20 ($1099) all arrive utilizing the APS-C format, incorporate a 20.3-megpixel CMOS image sensor, can capture 1080p video and have an ISO range up to 12,800. Each model also now includes Wi-Fi for sharing of photos directly from the camera, wirelessly.
Toshiba has begun shipping the Camileo AIR10, a pocket camcorder that features Wi-Fi connectivity. The device enables users to shoot 1080p video and upload the content to the Internet or a computer without requiring a direct connection via USB. The Wi-Fi connection also enables wireless webcam and streaming functionality.
AT&T officially is making Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) available to HTC Vivid owners. Although the carrier is recommending that all users update their devices, the upgrade is not automatic. Owners must connect to a Wi-Fi network and then start the download through an update check.
Samsung has announced that it has started shipping its DualView, Wi-Fi enabled DV300F pocket camera around the globe. However, while the company has made the product available on time, it may retail for anywhere up to $260 although it had been priced at $199 during CES 2012. The camera is the latest in its line of DualView cameras and features a second 1.5-inch front display giving subjects a better sense of how they appear when a photo is taken,
Apple has issued an update over the weekend specifically for iMacs (late 2009 and newer) entitled Wi-Fi Update v1.0 that is said to correct an issue where the unit does not automatically re-connect to a known Wi-Fi network after waking from sleep. The update requires that users be running the latest version of Lion (10.7.3) and weighs in at 25.81MB. It's available for all supported OS X languages.
Intel is readying a new dual-core Atom-based chip with a digital 2.4GHz Wi-Fi receiver built into the same die. Dubbed Rosepoint, the new architecture is built on a 32nm process and will show for the first time as a research project (PDF) at ISSCC 2012 in San Francisco. For end-users, devices equipped this technology significantly improve power consumption and produce a more reliable Wi-Fi connection than current analogue-based receivers.
Congress has has passed a bill allowing spectrum previously set aside for TV broadcasts to be used for next-generation Wi-Fi services and Bluetooth. According to CIO, a portion of the band will be offered up for unlicensed use by long-distance ‘super Wi-Fi’ services. A separate portion of the TV spectrum will be utilized as a nationwide mobile broadband service for emergency services.
Two applications from Google to the FCC, one asking to test a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled "entertainment device" from December and other seeking to set up a residential gateway using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from earlier this month may indicate that Google is planning to deploy or at least support future 802.11ac networks and devices, which would dramatically increase transmission speeds for HD video and other data throughout a local network.
Microsoft has provided details on how it has optimized its upcoming Windows 8 OS for mobile and wireless networking. Integrated into the new architecture are tools to automatically toggle between mobile broadband and Wi-Fi networks based on data transmission costs, seamlessly switch between networks without interruption, and view diverse networks, including Wi-Fi, mobile broadband like 3G and 4G, and Bluetooth, from a unified interface. The new Windows can even stay connected to a network even when the PC is in a low power state such as sleep-mode or when the screen is turned off.
Residents of Belarus are reportedly facing a new law that bars attempts to access foreign websites. The new regulations also threaten to impose fines for Internet cafes, public Wi-Fi providers and individuals that share connections if they do not identify users who violate the law and submit the data to authorities. Separate reports suggest the government of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur has taken a contrasting approach, requiring restaurants all restaurants to offer Wi-Fi to customers.
The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) has reportedly issued a warning regarding a vulnerability in Wi-Fi routers that use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) PINs. The security flaw, which was said to be discovered by security researcher Stefan Viehbock, enables hackers to easily gain access to routers by using brute-force attacks and software tools to guess the PIN codes.
Sirius XM's new Lynx satellite radio, first revealed in October, has reached the FCC for approval. The radio will be one of the first devices to support Sirius's expanded broadcast capabilities. The portable audio device runs a modified version of Android and is one of the few devices outside of phones and tablets to get the treatment.
Samsung has finally demonstrated its SE-208BW Smart Media Hub, which was originally announced in September. The device offers the same basic functionality as many other media hubs, however it adds a CD/DVD burner. Users can stream audio CDs or DVD content over Wi-Fi networks to play on smartphones, tablets or PCs.
TP-Link has expanded its 802.11n router lineup with a new pocket router and a portable router for 3G modems. The pocket router enables users create a Wi-Fi network after connecting it to a network or modem via Ethernet. Users can also configure the device to work as a range extender or a wireless bridge to expand the connectivity of existing Wi-Fi networks.
United and Continental Airlines have announced that they will have Wi-Fi access on all their main flights by 2015. The companies have chosen Panasonic Avionics to install the Wi-Fi systems on over 300 of their aircraft. The companies chose the Panasonic system because it offers Ku-band satellite technology that delivers faster air to ground speeds and wireless streaming of video content.
Starting in mid-October, T-Mobile will be holding a month plus long launch of 12 new phones, tablets and Wi-Fi hotspots, a leak uncovered Tuesday. The roll-out will start October 10, and continue until November 19. The busiest day will be November 2, when the carrier will put forward six new smartphones.
When T-Mobile launched the RIM BlackBerry Bold 9900 in August, It irked its customers because the new smartphone was being shipped without any Internet calling support. The carrier acknowledged the deficiency and promised to fix the situation with a future software update. A new maintenance release, with at least a partial solution, is expected in November.
A company called Joypad has released a self-title free app for the iPhone that turns it into a Wi-Fi, ad-hoc or Bluetooth synced controller for some popular retro-style games, including Super Mega Worm, Vertex Blaster and others. The app offers multi-button presses, five controller layouts (with support for additional ones), accelerometer and multi-player support as well as options for retro gaming. Joypad supports select iOS as well as Mac or Windows games.
Qantas Airlines will begin offering iPads on a trial basis to its passengers for in-flight entertainment. The airline will be offering the devices to all 254 passengers on the plane. It will conduct the experiment on a single Boeing 767-300 aircraft flying between Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Popular VOIP and telephony app Line2 has released a Line2 HD version for the iPad that lets users make or receive calls as well as text-message using Wi-Fi or 3G. The app requires an existing Line2 account (due to App Store restrictions, users must get the account from the website rather than within the app) and allows users to port over existing phone numbers, supports Visual Voicemail and generally turns the iPad into a full-fledged mobile phone.
Ooma has introduced a wireless accessory for its Telo home phone system. The Air adapter attaches directly to the back of the Telo box, enabling connection to a home network via Wi-Fi rather than requiring users to route an Ethernet cable. The wireless option is claimed to support the same level of quality as a direct connection.
Delta has announced that it is expanding its in-flight Wi-Fi service to include a number of additional regional aircraft. The program is set to include Bombardier CRJ700 jets operated by Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines. The company claims to be the first carrier to offer Wi-Fi services across its entire mainline and two-class regional fleet, which include a total of more than 800 aircraft.
A number of HDTV and Blu-Ray devices now sport Ethernet ports for connecting to a home network, but do not have built-in wireless capability. The new Netgear WNCE3001 Universal Dual-Band Wireless Internet Adapter is an add-on -- for smart TVs and Blu-Ray players which have an Ethernet port -- that allows them to join wireless home networks, using the "cleaner" 5GHz Wi-Fi band for faster delivery and the avoidance of video "jitter," though it can use the 2.4GHz frequency as well.
LG has announced its latest robot vacuum cleaner, the VR6180VMNC Roboking Triple Eye. The Roboking Triple Eye is an upgraded version of the LG Hom-Bot, which debuted at the CES show in January. In addition to the sensors used to guide the vacuum automatically as it cleans, the Roboking Triple Eye also has three video cameras capable of streaming in real-time by Wi-Fi to a home network. The vacuum can be controlled remotely by PC or smartphone. It also responds to voice commands.
American Airlines has reasserted its commitment to expand its in-flight Wi-Fi program. After first announcing expansion plans in May, the company now promises to outfit its entire Boeing 767 fleet with Gogo Wi-Fi and a new 'Entertainment On Demand' system for streaming movies and TV shows.
Virgin Media has confirmed plans to build a free Wi-Fi network across London. The company is said to be aiming to compete with British Telecom's Openzone network, which is only available for users willing to pay up to £6 for 90 minutes of connection time if they do not have a BT broadband subscription.
Microsoft has reportedly published location information for Wi-Fi devices, such as personal cellphones and notebooks. The content is available from the company's Live.com location database, which is said to provide data that can be used to pinpoint certain device locations, connected to Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, down to a specific street address.
Nova Media in Berlin and Belgium company Option have made available a combo router with support for both broadband and quad-band 3G which supports up to 14.4 Mbit per second download and 5.76 Mbit per second uploads, compatible with most 3G networks worldwide. The GlobeSurfer III+ also offers DSL failover, automatically switching to cellular data and switching back when the broadband connection returns.
D-Link has expanded its range of home networking products with a new lineup, labeled the Amplifi series. The products include the HD Media Router 1000, the Whole Home Router 1000, the Wi-Fi Booster, and several PowerLine 500 products designed for communication via existing electrical wiring. The media router is claimed to automatically manage broadband connections, giving the highest priority to entertainment content such as streaming video or online video games.
Mobile devices have reportedly surpassed computers in terms of Wi-Fi usage in the US for the first time since 2010, according to data collected by wireless networking company Meraki. In the first half of last year, Windows and Mac machines represented 64 percent of the devices that accessed Wi-Fi networks monitored by Meraki. Transitioning to the same period in 2011, however, computers were responsible for just 36 percent of Wi-Fi connectivity.
Residents of New York City will now be able to enjoy free public Wi-Fi at 26 locations in 20 public parks throughout the New York City area, from Staten Island to the Bronx. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson have announced a five-year deal that is free for both AT&T customers and non-customers, which the telecommunications giant is providing at no cost to the city.
Kineto Wireless, a company that provides Wi-Fi calling technology, has reportedly confirmed that T-Mobile plans to offer free Wi-Fi calling to many of its subscribers. The information corroborates a recent leak suggesting that T-Mobile will no longer deduct Wi-Fi calling from the voice minutes included in the company's wireless plans.
The UA600EX High Power Wireless-N 600mW Professional Series USB Adapter by Amped Wireless is aimed at indoor and outdoor use where a directional antenna coupled with a wireless amplifier can significantly enhance range and strength of signal (up to four times normal, claims the company), including buildings, RVs, boats and other normally-challenging environments. It allows PCs, Macs and mobile devices to connect to 2.4GHz 802.11b, g, or n Wi-Fi networks, and features a weatherproof enclosure and indoor and outdoor mounting kits.
Wi-Fi hotspot provider Boingo has released an updated version of its free Wi-Finder app. The software, which points users to over 325,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots around the world, now has a streamlined login function and selects the best network if more than one is currently available. The program tracks free hotspots as well as those in Boingo's network, which require a subscription with the company to use.
A new study has shown that download speeds over Wi-Fi are on average 30 percent slower than fixed Ethernet connections. The reason for this lies in physical barriers around a house as interference from other devices, including microwaves. According to Reuters, broadband research firm Epitiro has reported that when surfing the net, the speed drop is not as noticeable. However, when data is being transferred over Wi-Fi it could result in latency and data loss.
DoubleTwist has updated its self-titled Android app with new capabilities for streaming content to game consoles. Users can now stream photos, videos and music from their Android handset to an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 over a local Wi-Fi network.
Australia's official research organization, the CSIRO, has begun testing a new Wi-Fi system, named Ngara, that routes signals through television antennas. The technology is claimed to reach data transfer rates up to 12 Megabits per second, even while a large number of users are simultaneously uploading data.
Delta Air Lines -- which began installing Wi-Fi on its domestic main-route aircraft in 2008, and have offered service on some regional flights as well -- will add Wi-Fi service to all Delta Connection carriers throughout 2011, making it the first US carrier to provide Wi-Fi on all flights with two classes of service, including Delta Shuttle flights such as the Boston-NYC and Chicago-Washington DC routes.
Nova Media today announced a major update of its 3G connection manager for Mac, Launch2Net Premium, to v2.1, adding new support to 3G modems from Huawei and ZTE as well as updating its connection settings for other providers such as Novatel, Sierra Wireless, Sony Ericsson and Option. The program smoothes the connection process for Mac users who want to use a 3G modem to provide internet access, helps find local prepaid providers, keeps track of usage and includes an ability to create an ad-hoc wi-fi network so that non-3G devices can share the connection.
A private telecommunications company has proposed adding Wi-Fi service to two New York City area train lines. Mobilitie, which operates the free Wi-Fi service NYFI, submitted the proposal to build a wireless network for the Metro North and Long Island Rail Road lines. The service would be free to riders. The network and service would be built and supported by revenue from ads.
Garmin has quietly introduced the nüvi 295W, a new navigation device featuring Wi-Fi connectivity. The overall form factor gives the 295W an appearance similar to a smartphone, while the feature set is similar to a nüvifone without the voice communication capabilities. The device even automatically reorients the 3.5-inch touchscreen for portrait or landscape use.
Mark/Space has introduced an update to The Missing Sync for Android. Version 1.3 adds the ability to sync a PC or Mac with an Android handset without using a cable. Users can choose either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth options to sync content such as contacts, music, photos, or other files. The update also offers notes syncing, as the company's Fliq Notes app is now available for the Android platform.
Palm's webOS 1.4.1 update, currently being distributed to devices in Europe, reportedly supports Mobile Hotspot functionality for subscribers on O2's network. The latest offering provides the same basic features as the app for Pre Plus and Pixi smartphones on Verizon's network, allowing the devices to be used as a modem tethered via Wi-Fi.
Rokland Technologies has introduced BearExtender n3, a wireless adapter designed for Apple computers. The device pairs a 700 mW Wi-Fi radio with an external antenna claimed to increase wireless range by up to four times the typical distance experienced with a 32mW AirPort card. It features plug-and-play compatibility, connecting via USB, and supports 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n networks.
Dell's Android-based Mini 3iX has surfaced in Brazil with support for Wi-Fi and 3G UMTS/HSDPA on 850MHz, 1900MHz and 2100MHz bands, according to photos posted on the Brazilian site CelularCafe. The integration of 850MHz 3G components adds evidence to rumors suggesting Dell is planning to bring its Mini 3i smartphone design to the US market.
Alongside the announcements of new Macs and the Magic Mouse, Apple on Tuesday quietly introduced updated AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule devices. Like its predecessor, the new AirPort Extreme base station utilizes the same dual-band communication on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. A redesigned antenna, however, is claimed to improve data speeds by up to 50 percent, while extending the effective range by 25 percent.
QuickerTek has introduced its latest computer accessory, a USB transceiver designed for Macs. The device integrates a 1 Watt amplifier paired with a dipole antenna featuring 5dBi gain. Power is provided by a USB port, while the antenna connects to anything near the computer such as a notebook display. Users can also upgrade the detachable antenna later if needed.
