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With so many metropolitan WiFi networks being threatened by lawsuits from local telecoms, it’s a breath of fresh air for those of us with a near addiction-like need for constant Internet connectivity to see a company that is helping put WiFi everywhere. Tropos has announced they are adding yet more cities to their metropolitan coverage area. Tropos offers fast download speeds, unlimited data, and nearly limitless capacity (though heavy saturation of their WiFi hotspots) throughout any city they cover for as little as $25 a month. Cities are encouraged to use Tropos because it also helps insulate the city from lawsuits. Tropos recently announced Tulsa, OK as their next covered city.
Read More 
| Tropos Press Release
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With WiMax getting a lot of press of late its interesting to see a major player in the bandwidth and telecommunications space join the fray. WiMax is a technology similar to WiFi, but is able to offer greater bandwidth at a distance of up to 40 miles. With companies like WalMart and Sprint getting behind it it makes people wonder - will 3G or 802.1x technologies win in the end?
Read More | CNet
You -Who Guessing Game Makes Use Of Bluetooth Technology
Posted by Devin Categories: Smartphones, Wireless / WiFi,
You-Who is a game created by Age0+ that uses personal area networks created by Bluetooth technology that takes two or more players and allows one to guess who the other is by giving clues. Right now the game is only available in a free 28 day demo, but the developers hope to have a full commercial release out soon. In order to get a game going, two players must both consent to playing, with one acting as the mystery person and the other guessing the appearance. After several clues have been given, the phones start letting off a sound, allowing to two players to meet.
Read More | You-Who Product Page
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MIT Media Lab Researching $100 Notebook Computer
Posted by Rob Stevens Categories: Smartphones, PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi,
Nicholas Negroponte, Chairman and co-founder of the MIT Media Lab announced to the World Economic Forum the most recent plans of the lab: a research initiative to develop a $100 laptop computer, with a 12” one megapixel screen, 1GB hard drive, and 500Mhz processor. Other features include some sort of innovative power (possibly wind-up), a plethora of USB ports, and a ruggedized exterior to stand up to the elements in harsher climates. The machines will be WiFi enabled, and have GSM cell phone connectivity as well.
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Actiontec 54g Wireless Game Adapter Review
Posted by Sparky Categories: Accessories, Features, Product Reviews, Wireless / WiFi,
Actiontec provides a third party wireless game adapter at a price less exhorbatant than the first party counterparts. It really functions as an Ethernet to 802.11g bridge, enabling you to get your game system (PS2 or Xbox) or other Ethernet enabled device (TiVo or notebook) online wirelessly. It’s a very cool concept, but unfortunately the Actiontec has a few minor implementation issues. Check out the full review after the jump.
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Logitech’s Wireless Bluetooth iPod Headphones
Posted by Devin Categories: Accessories, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi,
In a move that isn’t really all that surprising, Logitech has commercialized the wireless, Bluetooth enabled headphone that was once exclusive only to the HP iPaqs. This new, lightweight set, which will retail for about $150, is for use with only the Apple iPod. It features iPod controls on the headphone unit itself, and an internal, rechargeable battery(that is not removable) which is said to fully charge in 2 1/2 hours. Not willing to spend so much money on something you don’t know much about? Check out CNET’s review here.
Read More | Logitech
Skyhook Offers LoJack-like Services To Locate Stolen Electronics
Posted by Devin Categories: PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi,
Skyhook Wireless is now offering a positioning system to help locate your laptop or other WiFi gadgets incase they’re ever stolen. By compiling a list of 1.5 million public and private wireless access points, then marking them by their geographic location, Skyhook will be able to give an approximate location of your laptop, even if the crook only does something as simple as checking thier emails. As with pretty much everything in life, it’s not perfect- the system only works if the thief signs on to one of the WiFi hotspots in the Skyhook system, and once you get the location information it is up to you on how you want to handle retrieving your stolen goods.
Read More | Yahoo! via engadget
Cell Phone Technology Aims To Make Wallets A Thing Of The Past
Posted by Devin Categories: Smartphones, Misc. Tech, Wireless / WiFi,
Pretty much everyone has a cell phone these days, right? Some have cameras, some have Internet and email access, some play mp3’s, and some can even be used to watch TV segments. Heck, some even have the capability to do all of the above. Phones these days can do nearly anything, so why not store your credit or debit card information on the phone, so you don’t even need to take your wallet when you leave the house? The process is quite simple, and it’s already in use in Japan.
At the simplest level, all that’s needed is to embed phones with a short-range radio chip to beam credit card information to a terminal at a store register. It’s not unlike the wireless system used to pay tolls on many highways or the SpeedPass key chain wand used to buy gas at Exxon Mobile Corp. pumps.
Mastercard International has already been testing out this technology, which they call PayPass, since 2003, and they may even conduct a market trial sometime next year.
Read More | USA Today
QuickerTek: Providing Custom-fit High Gain Antennae for Mac Systems
Posted by Kristin Wenzel Categories: Mods / Hacks, PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi,
Quickertek is a company I’m keeping my eye on, after reading about their after market antennae built to fit the PowerBook and iBook. Their line of products includes not only range-extenders but also directional and omni-directional antennae that are made to fit your iBook, PowerBook, or any other Apple computer (even the tiniest 12” Aluminum PowerBook G4, the site boasts). And best of all, the parts are made specific to the computer you have, so it seems that their antennae aren’t the typical “one-size-fits-all” nonsense that tends to leave notebook users out in the cold.
First to catch my eye:
QuickerTek’s Whip Pro antenna gives AirPort, Extreme and Express users that extra boost in signal strength, stability and range. A stronger signal-to-noise ratio grabs and holds wireless signals better. You can use the PC Card [PCMCIA] slot and the antenna at the same time for maximum mobile options.
Rock the hell on. A boost to signal strength and mobility is always welcome on this geek girl’s PowerBook. It’s about darn time someone came up with some better after-market antenna options for Mac users, and these seem to fit the bill perfectly - especially all the solutions specific to PowerBook/iBook users, who are typically offered very little when it comes to wireless add-on parts. These products look fantastic and I’m already coveting the WhipPro Antenna for the Aluminum PowerBook G4 15”.
Another thing that piquéd interest is their iBook antenna, which mentions directional antenna add-ons:
The first antenna for all Apple iBooks with AirPort wireless capability, including AirPort Extreme. Get 5.5dBi of power and improve your wireless range and signal strength. iBook users get connections for other QuickerTek external antennas such as directional antennas for war-driving
Well, I know what I want for Christmas. If I can get my hands on one of these babies, I’ll let you know how it goes over, everyone. The prices are somewhat steep but the products seem well made and semi-custom, so I wouldn’t mind if I had the cash. At just shy of $100 for the PowerBook and iBook 5.5dBi version, and $70 for the 2dBi version, I’m sorely tempted.
Read More | Quickertek via TUAW
Linksys WRTP54G VOIP Wireless Router
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Hot Deals, Misc. Tech, Wireless / WiFi,
Linksys (Cisco) and Vonage have announced a deal that allows those who currently own a router of any type to get a new WRTP54G combo 802.11g router/switch/hub/TA if they sign up for a new Vonage VOIP account. The router drops the black and blue Linksys look in exchange for the more modern silver style seen in the WRT54GX Pre-N MIMO router. While it looks good on paper, there are a couple of things you should know. First, this only works on Vonage for now - so if you get this router, you shouldn’t expect the ability to switch VOIP providers and maintain its usability. The other thing is that it can take up to three mail in rebates before the router is actually considered free.
Read More | Linksys Trade In
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