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Business 2.0 is speculating that Google might be getting ready to roll out a free nationwide WiFi network. The network could be a new rollout, which is most likely given Googles recent acquisition of fast fiber networks, or could be similar to an MNVO and piggybacked on another providers hardware infrastructure. In either case, the service would be supported by Google AdWords. Best guess is that Google would inject an iFrame into every website visited on the access point, thus generating revenue via their advertisers. The idea of a nationwide free access point network is positive in my eyes - ad supported content and bandwidth really could be the wave of the future!
Read More 
| Business 2.0
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Freedom Input Releases Standalone Bluetooth Thumb-board
Posted by Sparky Categories: Accessories, Handhelds, Wireless / WiFi,
Freedom Input just might be my hero at the moment. They have announced their Mini Bluetooth Keyboard - a credit card sized thumb board similar to those on the Treo, or Motorola Q - the difference being that this is a stand alone unit and could theoretically be used with Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, PDAs, TabletPC’s, and other devices. The problem is that it does not support the Bluetooth HID profile, so whatever device you want to use this on will require special drivers. Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows XP already have support built in. This seems like the perfect solution for someone who does a lot of SMS or email on their phone, and wants a QWERTY keyboard without having a huge handheld to carry. The Mini Bluetooth Keyboard features backlit keys and features an innovative backlighting system for your “after hours” data entry needs. The Mini Bluetooth Keyboard is available for $60 and can run on 120 hours on two AAA batteries. The website says it will be available in Q3 2005 - not soon enough if you ask me!
Read More | Freedom Mini via MS Mobiles
What do you get when you combine a PocketPC, a signal amplifier, and a high gain antenna with a slingshot base? The Bloodhound WiFi Gun. The creative hackers from the schmoo group at Defcon put this WiFi signal detector together and instantly created a new category in WiFi detectors - deliciously excessive. Our hats are tipped to you, oh wielder of the bloodhound gun!
Read More | MAKE
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Linksys introduced a travel sized router today aimed at business travelers looking to broadcast an in room Internet connection to their laptop. The WTR54GS features a compact size, built in A/C adapter, a 10/100 port for wired computers, and of course 802.11g networking technologies. The WTR54GS also features a convenient setup button that can enable secure setup of the router without having to utilize a password that can be forgotten. While this router lacks the Airport Express music streaming functionality it does provide a smaller size and $100 price tag as well as a wired port for connecting older laptops.
Read More | Linksys WTR54GS via Daily Wireless
Boeing’s In-Flight Internet Preparing for Takeoff
Posted by Alex Grahmann Categories: Corporate News, Internet, Wireless / WiFi,
Several tech-minded journalists were invited this week to take Boeing’s new broadband service for an test flight. The on board service, dubbed Connexion, would service the plane with 20Mbps of bandwidth. Taking advantage of the connection would cost anywhere between $10 and $30, depending on the type and length of the flight. While this all may sound wonderful, especially for those living the traveler’s high-tech lifestyle, the down side is that none of the major airlines have shown any official interest in purchasing the service. In the era of budget and service cuts in the airline industry, it may be a while until we can join the mile-high web surfing club.
Read More | PC World
Garmin just dropped a couple of sweet convergence devices on us. The GPSMAP 396 and 376c are two GPS mapping gadgets with built in XM radio, XM Weather information (XMWX), and high resolution color screens. The XMWX feature allows the user to see real time NEXRAD radar overlays, wind speeds, and temperature maps in the surrounding area along with forecasts - a useful feature for any boaters out there. The 376c is aimed at in car and marine installation and is compatible with BlueChart format maps. The 396 is aimed at aviation and provides significant additional information about heading, altitude, and other information important to pilots. Both GPS units are WAAS enabled for higher accuracy. Given the blend of GPS functionality, live satellite weather information, and XM radio in a small package I can see some users forking over the $999.99 for the 376c. The 396 is expected to retail at $2695.00 which while being a significantly higher price it is certified for use in airplanes - partially justified by a larger screen, and better battery technology.
Read More | GPSMAP 376c via Orbitcast
Read More | GPSMAP 396 via Gizmodo
Plantronics Unveils First Bluetooth Stereo Headset - Pulsar 590
Posted by Sparky Categories: Accessories, Wireless / WiFi,
The well respected headset maker Plantronics has just released initial details about the first Bluetooth Stereo Headset: the Pulsar 590. The headset will feature high quality stereo earphones and a telescoping microphone. The Pulsar 590 is designed to be paired with laptops, cell phones, and tomorrow’s Bluetooth enabled MP3 players. Aimed squarely at VOIP and other voice activated technologies these seem like an ideal tool for someone wanting to use Skype or Gizmo around the house. With a 12 hour talk time and over 10 hours of listening time this sounds like a winner. The Pulsar 590 will retail for under $150 and there will be an optional $50 universal adapter for laptops and cell phones without Bluetooth. Once these come out I’m going to have to give them a try - if they have good enough sound quality they will certainly find a place in this Gear Live writers gadget bag!
Read More | Pulsar 590 via Geekzone
Today Marvell announced a new ultra low power 90nm wireless LAN chip solution. What does this mean for todays gadget hungry consumer? It means that tomorrow’s PDA’s, cell phones, MP3 players, and digital cameras will be able to have battery friendly 802.11 connections built in for transferring data to and from networks. Imagine never having to plug in your MP3 player or camera to transfer media. The new chip boasts the ability to increase battery life over 100% over previous WLAN chip as well as being supported by the Windows CE, PalmOS, and Linux platforms. Because of the small size of this single chip system 802.11 technologies can be added to virtually any device with minimal design impact.
Read More | Marvell via LockerGnome
PC Home Networking Software: Easy At Last
Posted by Sparky Categories: PC / Laptop, Software, Wireless / WiFi,
With Reuters reporting today that global PC shipments are up 16% in 2nd quarter of 2005 it’s no surprise that more and more people are joining the PC revolution. Particularly with major manufacturers providing sub-$400 PC combos a lot of families are getting a second computer - for the kids, a media center for the living room, or a laptop for the college bound young adult. Many of these users are unable to take full advantage of the home network they have at their disposal for file sharing, printing from a single printer, or utilizing secure wireless technologies. Luckily a company called Pure Networks has released a piece of software called Network Magic which helps simplify the process of setting up a home network, securing it against intrusions, and taking full advantage of Windows networking technologies. Network Magic completely sets up a small home network, shares out printers and scanners, and is able to automatically configure most routers (both wired and 802.11 technologies) to provide the household with a secure network and one click access to a variety of network features. Consumers and OEM’s alike should pay attention to this new company providing a great product for those just getting their second computer.
Read More | Pure Networks website
Read More | Reuters report on PC sales
Wireless Revolution Spawns “Generation Laptop”
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi,
In May of 2005 U.S. hardware history was made. This was the first time that laptops sold more than desktop computers in a single month. Indeed, Current Analysis, an innovative research firm headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, confirmed that laptop sales leapt to 53.3 percent of the total PC retail market in May 2005.
Were these figures just a blip on the the computer sales radar? Your own eyes can answer that question for you - folks with laptops are everywhere. Students learning interactively in the classroom, business men and women compiling data reports on planes and trains, and casual surfers reading emails in coffee shops. So, what current factors contribute to the massive popularity of laptops with the computer buying public?
Click to continue reading Wireless Revolution Spawns “Generation Laptop”
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