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Siri’s Eyes Free Integration coming to Chevy Sonic LTZ / RS and Spark
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Portable Audio / Video, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
GM is the first to announce Siri integration with two new car models: the Chevrolet Spark and the Sonic Drive. The feature was dubbed "Eyes Free" and was announced at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June by former iOS chief, Scott Forstall. Basically, "Eyes Free" will be integrated via the car's Bluetooth functionality and the iPhone itself. The user can then initiate Siri's voice command by tapping a button on the steering wheel, and Siri's responses will be played over the car's audio system. Other car manufacturers such as Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Jaguar, Audi, Land rover, GM, BMW and Mercedes are slated to incorporate Siri's "Eyes Free" as well. Check out the full press release after the break.
Click to continue reading Siri’s Eyes Free Integration coming to Chevy Sonic LTZ / RS and Spark
Read More 
| GM
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Google planning to release AirPlay alternative
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Google, Home Entertainment, Rumors, Wireless / WiFi,
Rumor has it that Google is about to take on Apple's AirPlay with an open version of its own. So, it appears that DNLA and Miracast functionality is not enough for the Mountain View web search giant. No wonder, as both features are somewhat of a bag of hurt and have received lackluster reviews.
Google will attempt to get other venders to adopt its open streaming alternative and, perhaps, have the same huge success that AirPlay is having with customers. Apple has had vendors like Denon, Panasonic, JBL, Pioneer, Philips, Yamaha, Logitiech, iHome and Bower & Wilkins, to name a few, that have integrated AirPlay functionality into consumer products.
Click to continue reading Google planning to release AirPlay alternative
Read More | Gigaom
Western Digital My Net AC1300 brings 802.11ac Wi-Fi to the home for $189
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Wireless / WiFi,
Western Digital is following up on its recent entry into the home router market with its new AC1300, bringing the new 802.11ac standard into the fold. While a lot of router companies are releasing 802.11ac hardware, there are still no computers that come with the standard built-in, but that isn't stopping Western Digital from proclaiming that the AC1300 outperforms competing routers, thanks to the unique 3-by-3 antenna layout. It's got 4 Ethernet ports (we were hoping for 7, like the WD N900 has!) and 2 USB ports for connecting things like external hard drives and printers. You can pick up the Western Digital AC1300 router now for $190, and the company has also released the My Net AC Bridge for $150, which will allow you to connect up to four Ethernet-enabled devices and get them operating at 802.11ac speeds.
Read More | Western Digital AC1300
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AT&T expands 4G LTE coverage in Seattle, launches in Tacoma
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Broadband, Smartphones, Wireless / WiFi,
After launching its new 4G LTE service in Seattle days before the iPhone 5 launch, AT&T is now launching its faster data service in Tacoma, Washington, as well as Federal Way, Lakewood, Puyallup, and Auburn. Additionally, LTE expansion upgrades are now live in Seattle, Bothell, Bellevue, Kirkland, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Renton, Redmond, Tukwila, and Woodinville. AT&T plans to officially announce the enhancements tomorrow. Of course, you'll need an LTE-compatable AT&T device to take advantage of the faster speeds.
FaceTime coming to AT&T cellular tiered data plans in 8-10 weeks
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Wireless / WiFi,
AT&T has announced on its public policy blog that FaceTime over cellular will be available to iPhone and iPad users with several caveats. Users must have LTE versions of iPads and iPhones and must be on a tiered plan. Previously FaceTime on AT&T was only available for customers on mobile shared plans. However, the rollout is not immediate. AT&T expects it to take 8-10 weeks, which is unusually slow. The decision has come after much pressure from customers, public advocacy groups, and the media.
Still, AT&T's policy change is a half-hearted attempt as it doesn't fully cave in to demands. It omits a larger group of customer that are not on LTE from using FaceTime over cellular on 3G and "4G." Also, it continues its hostility toward customers of grandfathered unlimited data plans on any cellular mode. The FCC has warned that discriminatory practices on citizen owned spectrums will not be tolerated in accordance with net neutrality regulations. AT&T is cherry picking customers based on monetary gains and not necessarily reasons of management of network congestion.
Public advocacy groups, like Public Knowledge and Free Press, have made statements regarding the changes.
Click to continue reading FaceTime coming to AT&T cellular tiered data plans in 8-10 weeks
Read More | AT&T
Withings WS-30 Wi-Fi scale arrives for $130, adds Bluetooth
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smart Home, Wireless / WiFi,
Withings has announced the availability of its new WS-30 Wi-Fi scale in the US. The new scale can be set up using just your smartphone over Bluetooth, rather than requiring you to tether it to a PC or Mac whenever you want to make changes. As would be expected, the Wi-Fi scale can send your weight, BMI, and body fat % data to a ton of different services of your choosing, making it easy to keep on top of those metrics and have them tracked over time. The scale is great for the whole family, as it can recognize up to eight different users. You can order the Withings WS-30 now for $130.
Read More | Withings
Philips introduces the Hue, an app-controlled smart LED lightbulb
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smart Home, Wireless / WiFi,
Ever wanted to add extra ambience to your living space? Well, Phillips has a cool new set of lightbulbs that does just that. They're called Hue. LED lightbulbs that change color with iOS app wirelessly via WIFI network. Pretty much any color in the rainbow is at your fingertips. In addition, one can set a schedule for when you want Hue to go on or off, which is a nice security incentive.
Click to continue reading Philips introduces the Hue, an app-controlled smart LED lightbulb
Read More | Phillips
Google Nexus 7 with unlocked 3G available November 13th for $299
Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Google, Handhelds, Wireless / WiFi,
For those that want a more portable tablet, and prefer Android, Google will be offering the Nexus 7 in an unlocked cellular option (HSPA+, not LTE.) This version has a capacity of 32GB and will be available on November 13th in the Google Play Store in the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, and France for $299. Head past the break for a breakdown of the specs.
Click to continue reading Google Nexus 7 with unlocked 3G available November 13th for $299
Read More | Google Play Store
Control your light bulbs with motion and smartphones with GreenWave LED lights
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smart Home, Wireless / WiFi,
GreenWave Reality is aiming to bring us the lightbulbs of the future with its new Connected Lighting Solution line-up of Wi-Fi-aware LED bulbs. These bulbs use a fraction of the power of the light bulbs that you're used to, and can be controlled from your smartphone or tablet immediately after being put into their sockets. You can also group a set of bulbs together to control them all with one command. You can even set up timed lighting on the bulbs individually, or as a group, for a nice set-it-and-forget-it configuration. If all that is too much for you, another great feature is that the setup is even motion sensitive, so you can have lights turn on in any room that someone enters. All in all, it's pretty neat. We're looking to get our review units in soon to give you a deeper look at GreenWave's lighting solution.
Read More | GreenWave Reality
Beats Pill Bluetooth speaker launches at $199
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Wireless / WiFi,
It's not just the Beats Executive on-ear headphones that are new from Beats Audio, as the company has also released it's own portable Bluetooth speaker: the Beats Pill. Yes, it's a pill-shaped speaker, likely a play on the fact that it's part of the Beats by Dr. Dre line, and doctors prescribe pills. Anyhow, cheesy concept aside, the Pill brings 12 watts of power across four 1-inch drivers into it's contoured frame, made up of metal grilles and soft-touch plastic. The rechargeable battery can pump out up to 7.5 hours of tunes, and offers NFC support for easy pairing with Bluetooth devices that support the standard (including the upcoming Lumia 920, HTC devices, and all Android Jelly Bean NFC smartphones--the iPhone doesn't have NFC support at this time.) A microphone is also built-in, allowing the Pill to also work as a speakerphone, and a physical audio input lets you connect devices that don't support Bluetooth as well. You can pick up the Pill Bluetooth speaker for $200.
Read More | Beats Pill
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