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Wireless Internet Users Spend More Time Online

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi,

According to a new study, Internet users who go wireless “show [a] deeper engagement with cyberspace.” The Pew Internet and American Life Project was composed of 2,300 U.S. users, 798 of whom were wireless. The study claims that while 54% of us check our e-mail “on the typical day,” 72% of wireless users check every day. The report also states that about 49% of those wireless get online news daily, while 31% still connected are less frequent in checking what is happening online. The study concludes with the fact that wireless Internetting has nearly doubled from January 2005 to December 2006.

Spyke Alerts You to Home Intrusion

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: CES, CES 2007, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Science, Toys, Wireless / WiFi,

Spyke Meccano’s foot tall, remote controlled Spyke is not exactly the scariest security guard we have seen, but at least he is trying. Unveiled at the CES 2007, he will feed you images via his live webcam feed from a Wi-Fi router. He can also receive and play streamed music through his built in speakers, and is Skype capable.

One of the bot’s best attributes is that when his batteries run low, he will head for his charging station. Sounding like a cross between R2D2 and a toy machine gun, Spyke is being sold under the Erector brand in the U.S. and can be yours for £199.95 (~$391.00) this April.

Apple WWAN Support Update 1.0 Released

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Broadband, PC / Laptop, Software, Wireless / WiFi, USB,

As I was Twittering, Software Update popped up and notified me that there is a WWAN Support Update available. What does this mean? Since I am posting from a MacBook Pro, it means that Apple is adding support in OS X for even more cards for hopping online. Included are a bunch of Novatel products, like the Novatel Merlin XU870 ExpressCard (HSDPA) for Cingular, and the V740 ExpressCard for Verizon that supports EVDO Rev. A. The full message is below:

The WWAN Support Update v1.0 provides SW support for the following WWAN products:

Available on the Cingular network:

Novatel Merlin XU870 ExpressCard (HSDPA)

Available on the Sprint network:

Novatel Wireless Merlin EX720 Express Card (EVDO Rev. A)
Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 USB Modem (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A)

Available on the Verizon network:

Novatel XV620 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. 0)
Novatel V740 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. A)
Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A)

If you’re on a Mac notebook, rev up Software Update for the download.

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Mattel’s IM-ME Protects Girls from Online Predators

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Internet, Toys, Wireless / WiFi,

A booming trend is high-tech gadgets for kids, as seen at New York’s American International Toy Fair this week. One such item is Mattel’s Girl Tech IM-ME, a wireless text-messaging device for young girls, that allows them to chat while keeping them safe from anonymous online predators. The two-piece IM-ME set is a small, colorful text device and an RF dongle with antenna. Plug the dongle into a parent-monitored PC connected to the internet, and your little one can chat away. However they can only chat with other IM-ME users who are in her address book—and within her dongle range. Interesting idea, we just wonder why this product is targeted solely to young girls…and not to all kids. Look for IM-Me this summer, retailing for $64.99 USD.

Locca Access Opens the Door to the Future

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Wireless / WiFi,

Don’t you love it when you approach the supermarket and the door opens automatically? Well you can re-create that scenario at home with Locca Access, a remote control that unlocks your front door from 150 feet away, and comes with an electronic device that actually pushes the door open! The system comes with two remotes, a receiver that can store nearly 20 secret codes, and even a backup battery in case of a power outage. Yes, we love the notion of callously letting in guests without leaving the couch, but Locca Access also offers the convenience of not fumbling for keys when your hands are full—or when you’re coming home alone at 3:00 in the morning.

SMS Unveils Cell Phone/Computer Watch

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Internet, Misc. Tech, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi,

Australia’s SMS Technology has created the M300 watch that works with any GSM network, connects to a computer via USB, has a built-in MP3 player and speaker phone, an emergency call button, and a 1-inch color screen. Additionally, you can import logos and images for your screensaver, and download ringtones. The M300, which supports Bluetooth, will be available in March for a tidy $649.99.

SMS will also be releasing their M501 series in June, made of solid gold and titanium, and the M700 series for the business minded in November. These will be 850 mhz/1900 mhz watch phones and tri-band 900 mhz/1800 mhz/1900 mhz sets.

Acoustic Energy’s WiFi Internet Radio

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Home Entertainment, Internet, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi,

The advantages of internet radio over FM (and arguably satellite radio) are plenty: thousands of diverse stations, better sound, less ads and even fewer annoying DJ’s. The downside? A computer was always required to access this wonderful medium. Coming to the rescue is the Acoustic Energy WiFi Internet Radio, a standalone device that’s not only pre-loaded with over 5000 internet radio stations, but doesn’t need a computer…only an available WiFi connection. Translation? No monthly subscriber fees. You can program stations that aren’t included with the radio, and it can even pick up English-speaking stations in foreign countries. Plus, you can hook it up to your network to play your music files. Too bad the price tag is a wince-inducing $300 USD. But if you’re a satellite subscriber, you may want to break out your calculator and crunch some numbers…

Scientists Create Mini-helicopter With Insect-size Brain

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Science, Wireless / WiFi,

We already know that helicopters were inspired by creatures such as humming birds and dragonflies. Now scientists have designed a miniature version equipped with a simple visual sensor and electronic brain the size of an insect. They feel this may allow it better take-offs, flights, and landings.

“It’s extraordinary to see flies navigate with just their small 10-milligram brains,” said researcher Nicolas Franceschini, a neurophysiologist and engineer at NCSR (France’s National Center for Scientific Research.) We think we will just keep letting them test this one before we trust anything with a brain that small.

JaiQi Creates Knock-off Wowwee Bots

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys, Wireless / WiFi,

X-Robot As we have said often enough, we dig Wowwee’s roboline of creatures. China’s JaiQi has created a knockoff line of bots for those of you who perhaps cannot afford the genuine article. The Robone has 54 pre-programmed functions such as dance, pick-up, throw, perform a bit of Kung Fu, and of course burp and whistle. Running Robo, Robosaur, and Robodog are also available. The robots feature 2 program modes, an infra-red remote, and are powered by 4 D and 3 AA batteries (not included.) Contact JaiQi if you have a yen to try out their new line.

Hello Kitty Becomes Wireless Mouse

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Toys, Wireless / WiFi,

Hello Kitty Wireless Mouse No sooner did we tell you about the Hello Kitty USB and hub, up pops Spectra’s plug-and-play HK mouse. Featuring a resolution of 800 cpi, 3 buttons, and a rubber scroll wheel, it even goes to a power saving standby when you want others to admire that you are are in touch with your feminine side. Utilizing 2 AA batteries, you can find this 27MHz wireless pinkish peripheral eventually at Best Buy for $24.99. Since the item is on back order, maybe they are waiting for final negotiations with Google, who will surely try to buy up all the kitties from Sanrio.

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