Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[AMIMON's WHDI wireless HD modules coming to netbooks and laptops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/amimons-whdi-wireless-hd-modules-coming-to-netbooks-and-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/amimons-whdi-wireless-hd-modules-coming-to-netbooks-and-laptops/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/amimons-whdi-wireless-hd-modules-coming-to-netbooks-and-laptops/#comments For as long as we can remember, AMIMON's WHDI technology has been reserved for use in high-end AV components -- HDTVs, Blu-ray players, set-top-boxes, etc. Today, the outfit has finally figured out a way to break free from its current box and get all up in the grille of the mainstream market. As of now, WHDI modules are being made available for netbook and laptop manufacturers, enabling portable PCs to send or receive high-def signals from other WHDI-enabled devices sans cabling. The outfit expects lappies with their tech built-in to ship sometime in 2010, and when we prodded for more information on who exactly would be taking 'em up on their offer, the company stated that specific partners wouldn't be announced for a few more months. Still, built-in support for beaming 1080p content from a laptop to an HD panel without a single cord? Major score.

Continue reading AMIMON's WHDI wireless HD modules coming to netbooks and laptops

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AMIMON's WHDI wireless HD modules coming to netbooks and laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5ghzamimonembeddedembedded wirelessEmbeddedWirelesslaptopnetbookWHDIwirelessTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon responds to AT&T's Map For That lawsuit: 'the truth hurts']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/verizon-responds-to-atandts-map-for-that-lawsuit-the-truth-hurt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/verizon-responds-to-atandts-map-for-that-lawsuit-the-truth-hurt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/verizon-responds-to-atandts-map-for-that-lawsuit-the-truth-hurt/#comments Sure, Verizon's doubled down on the 3G map ads in response to AT&T's false advertising lawsuit, but eventually the company's lawyers had to file a response and, well, ain't nobody backing down in this one. Here's the freaking introduction:
AT&T did not file this lawsuit because Verizon's "There's A Map For That" advertisements are untrue; AT&T sued because Verizon's ads are true and the truth hurts.
Yeah. It's gonna be like that. Verizon goes on to argue that even AT&T concedes the maps are accurate, and that pulling any of the ads off the air without proof that they're misleading consumers would be unfair, and that at the very least both parties need time to investigate further. Honestly? We've read it over a couple times now and while the legal arguments are certainly interesting, it's hard not to get the impression that Verizon drafted this response with publication in mind -- check out this quote:
In the final analysis, AT&T seeks emergency relief because Verizon's side-by-side, apples-to-apples comparison of its own 3G coverage with AT&T's confirms what the marketplace has been saying for months: AT&T failed to invest adequately in the necessary infrastructure to expand its 3G coverage to support its growth in smartphone business, and the usefulness of its service to smartphone users has suffered accordingly.
See what we mean? Now, we still think there's some merit to the idea that Verizon's ads improperly conflate 3G coverage area with 3G service quality, but that's really not what AT&T's arguing -- hell, it's busy pimping EDGE. We'll see if these two can solve their differences and get back to work, but we've got the feeling this thing ain't over yet.

Update: Here's the PDF, in case you're interested.

Gallery: Verizon's response to AT&T: 'the truth hurts'

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Verizon responds to AT&T's Map For That lawsuit: 'the truth hurts' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attbreaking newsBreakingNewslawsuitlegalmap for thatMapForThattheres a map for thatTheresAMapForThatverizonMon, 16 Nov 2009 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz takes aim at Microsoft with its own Wireless-N Gaming Adapter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/mad-catz-takes-aim-at-microsoft-with-its-own-wireless-n-gaming-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/mad-catz-takes-aim-at-microsoft-with-its-own-wireless-n-gaming-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/mad-catz-takes-aim-at-microsoft-with-its-own-wireless-n-gaming-a/#comments
Well, go figure. It seems like some companies see Microsoft's new and pricey Wireless N adapter for the Xbox 360 as a prime candidate for some competition. One of the first out of the gate is Mad Catz, which has just released its new Wireless-N Gaming Adapter that packs a slightly more reasonable MSRP of $80 (twenty bucks less than Mircosoft's), and should no doubt see even bigger discounts than the official Microsoft option. As you may have already guessed, however, this one is actually just a standard wireless bridge aimed at the gamer crowd, which just so happens to mean it'll also work just fine with the PlayStation 3 if you're looking to step-up to 802.11n or take advantage of the forthcoming Adhocparty service.

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Mad Catz takes aim at Microsoft with its own Wireless-N Gaming Adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nmad catzMadCatzps3wifiwireless bridgewireless-nwireless-n gaming adapterWireless-nGamingAdapterWirelessBridgexbox 306xbox 360Xbox360Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: Hey, AT&T -- drop lawsuits, not calls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/editorial-hey-atandt-drop-lawsuits-not-calls/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/editorial-hey-atandt-drop-lawsuits-not-calls/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/editorial-hey-atandt-drop-lawsuits-not-calls/#comments AppleInsider published a piece this week that does a good job rounding up the latest counterarguments we've been hearing against Verizon's claims in its suddenly ultra-aggressive attacks on archrival AT&T's network -- attacks that have offended AT&T right into getting the legal team involved. Both sides are applying enough spin to make you dizzy at this point, so let's break down the latest round of pot shots, shall we?
  • Verbiage on Verizon's site suggests that swaths of its 3G network are still running at EV-DO Rev. 0 speed: false. In fact, 100 percent of Verizon's 3G coverage has been Rev. A since 2007 -- the wording refers to 1xRTT, which is the transport technology in use where EV-DO hasn't been deployed.
  • You can't distinguish between EV-DO and 1xRTT on Verizon's coverage map: false. Turns out Verizon has one of the more comprehensive coverage browsers among top-tier carriers. The technologies aren't called out by name, but they're there -- they list compatible features in different coverage zones, ostensibly to reduce customer confusion since your average Joe (not to be confused with our own Joe Flatley) doesn't know or care what "1xRTT" means.
  • EDGE approaches the "low end" of EV-DO Rev. A: false. At the top end of the specification, EDGE can theoretically approach 500kbps in a cleanroom environment -- but in reality, it runs at a fraction of that and suffers more severe latency issues in practice (which is sometimes a greater detriment to a mobile web browsing experience than raw speed) than UMTS and EV-DO. Heck, AT&T itself claims 75-135kbps. Meanwhile, we got 823kbps on the downlink in real-world modem use on Verizon's Rev. A.
  • AT&T's 3.6Mbps and 7.2Mbps deployments are significantly faster than EV-DO Rev. A: true, but only in theory. We're getting downlink speeds ranging from the low 100s -- yes, 100s -- to the high 800s in Chicago and New York; Chicago's got a trial 7.2Mbps network that's live, but even if we're not connected to it (hard to say), we should still be on 3.6. We seriously have no idea what AT&T's doing behind the scenes with these rollouts, but in urban areas, at least, they're not helping. At all. And that's assuming we can help ourselves from dropping down to EDGE.
  • AT&T's service is augmented by the nation's largest WiFi network: we won't even justify that with a rebuttal.
  • Verizon's gaming the system by comparing only their 3G networks: the truth hurts, AT&T. Verizon's commercials would have you believe that by comparing only 3G coverage, Verizon wins by a country mile. And guess what? They do. To AT&T's credit, the 3GPP's WCDMA technology path is considerably more advanced and extensible than EV-DO Rev. A is, but beyond UMTS's simultaneous voice / data capability, the end user's experience is pretty similar in day-to-day use. We go where the faster real-world speeds (and the reliable calls) are.
  • Verizon is "defending steep losses" with its anti-AT&T, anti-iPhone commercials: false. Verizon added 1.2 million net customers in the most recently reported quarter, excluding acquisitions.
  • LTE is "still years away from viable use" on Verizon: false. They'll have 20-30 markets commercially live in 2010, which is 20-30 more than AT&T will have. It's not nationwide coverage by a long shot, but it gives the carrier a notable lead in the 4G transition since AT&T has sparsely detailed its LTE plans and isn't expected to go live with any markets until 2011 at the earliest.
To be fair, Verizon's taking a questionable angle in its advertising by trying to associate 3G coverage with call reliability -- in AT&T's case, the two are totally, completely unrelated -- but the fact remains that for a bunch of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco-based Engadget editors, Verizon bests AT&T in both categories, and we're having a hard time arguing with personal experience.

So listen, AT&T, we're sorry Verizon made you upset, but the solution's actually pretty simple: compete. Fix your network, keep scoring hot exclusives, and get hungry again -- because in a year or two, no one's going to give a damn that you used to have an exclusive on the iPhone.

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Editorial: Hey, AT&T -- drop lawsuits, not calls originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleattfeaturesiphoneverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwFri, 13 Nov 2009 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse pictured in the wild, almost as ugly as last week's OpenOfficeMouse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/sonys-vaio-bluetooth-laser-mouse-pictured-in-the-wild-almost-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/sonys-vaio-bluetooth-laser-mouse-pictured-in-the-wild-almost-a/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/sonys-vaio-bluetooth-laser-mouse-pictured-in-the-wild-almost-a/#commentsSony's VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse pictured in the wild, almost as ugly as last week's OpenOfficeMouse While it may not sport the same egregious number of buttons and blue and white aesthetics as last week's affront to ergonomics, Sony's VGP-BMS80 VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse certainly doesn't offer much better looks. It does, however, allow for wireless control of either a PC or a PS3 and, with an optical sensor on top, can be used in the air like a trackpad or on a flat surface like a mouse -- a place where that "bar of soap" design will surely not do your carpal tunnels any favors. It's available now at various internet destinations and, if you're still interested, about $80 will get you into this party.

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Sony's VAIO Bluetooth Laser Mouse pictured in the wild, almost as ugly as last week's OpenOfficeMouse originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sonysony vaio bluetooth laser mouseSonyVaioBluetoothLaserMousevaio bluetooth laser mouseVaioBluetoothLaserMousevgp-bms80Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[ZyXEL's MWR222 Mobile Wireless Router will stop at nothing to get you connected]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/zyxels-mwr222-mobile-wireless-router-will-stop-at-nothing-to-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/zyxels-mwr222-mobile-wireless-router-will-stop-at-nothing-to-ge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/11/zyxels-mwr222-mobile-wireless-router-will-stop-at-nothing-to-ge/#commentsZyXEL's MWR222 Mobile Wireless Router will stop at nothing to get you connectedFinding connections on the road can be tough, but like a digital Sherpa ZyXEL's MWR222 will drag you straight to that bounteous broadband then sit by quietly while you take all the credit. It can act as a wired router, connecting to your DSL or cable line and beaming out 802.11g/b/n wireless, but also offers integrated 3G/4G support, meaning just about wherever and whenever you turn this on you should find a connection. It'll even keep track of your monthly wireless plan quota and help you avoid expensive charges. An integrated battery means completely wireless operation and a rugged design means it won't complain if you throw it in the bottom of your laptop bag when it ships sometime in Q1 of next year. That said, at $299 you probably won't want to be too rough with it.

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ZyXEL's MWR222 Mobile Wireless Router will stop at nothing to get you connected originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4g802.11802.11b802.11g802.11nmwr-222routerruggedwimaxwireless routerWirelessRouterzyxelzyxel mwr-222ZyxelMwr-222Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint cutting up to 2,500 more employees from the payroll]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/sprint-cutting-up-to-2-500-more-employees-from-the-payroll/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/sprint-cutting-up-to-2-500-more-employees-from-the-payroll/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/sprint-cutting-up-to-2-500-more-employees-from-the-payroll/#commentsIt's been a helluva couple years for Sprint -- new networks, new platforms, and new acquisitions have all been intermixed with a drawn-out recovery effort that's undoubtedly weighed heavy on the hearts and minds of staff at the company's dual headquarters in Kansas and Virginia. With more (albeit slower) subscriber losses in its most recent earning's report, it's still all but impossible to say whether they'll be able to survive in the long term as an independent operation, and we're not quite sure what to make of this latest move, either: a promise of 2,000 to 2,500 job cuts to be announced through the fourth quarter, many of which will be completed before the year's up. It gets a little weird here because Sprint's applying some hardcore spin in its press release, touting the fact that reduced calls to customer service -- ostensibly due to an improved experience -- have lessened the need for call center staff, but we're not really buying it; the business continues to shrink, and staff continue to be cut. The good news is that they're being cut at a much slower rate than before, so it's still entirely reasonable to believe that black ink is in sight -- particularly if they've got a killer 2010 lineup in store.

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Sprint cutting up to 2,500 more employees from the payroll originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffssprintTue, 10 Nov 2009 05:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Google gifting free airport WiFi for the holidays]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/google-gifting-free-airport-wifi-for-the-holidays/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/google-gifting-free-airport-wifi-for-the-holidays/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/google-gifting-free-airport-wifi-for-the-holidays/#commentsWe really want to dislike Google. Such a massive company with unbelievable wealth and control over so much of our data must be evil, right? But man, free airport WiFi for the holidays? Come give us a hug Goog. The gift extends the Virgin America deal already announced to 47 airports across the US until January 15th -- an arrangement expected to cover about 35% of all US travelers. Oh, and it starts now. Hey, at least we can still hate those money grubbing airport WiFi service providers. Hit the read link to find out if the airports in your holiday plans are covered.

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Google gifting free airport WiFi for the holidays originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportfreegooglewifiTue, 10 Nov 2009 04:12:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T intros USBConnect Lightning for 7.2Mbps service]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/atandt-intros-usbconnect-lightning-for-7-2mbps-service/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/atandt-intros-usbconnect-lightning-for-7-2mbps-service/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/atandt-intros-usbconnect-lightning-for-7-2mbps-service/#comments When you're rolling out a new 7.2Mbps upgrade to your network, it naturally helps if you've got some compliant hardware in the stable -- so to that end, AT&T has announced its USBConnect Lightning from Sierra Wireless today. Apart from 7.2Mbps downlink capability, the new model's little more than a run-of-the-mill USB stick so there's not a lot to say about it, though it features a trick swiveling USB connector that should make the thing more likely to work with unusual (and unusually tight) port configurations. It'll be available on November 22 for free after rebate on contract, just in time for service launches in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Miami expected by the end of the year.

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AT&T intros USBConnect Lightning for 7.2Mbps service originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7.2Mbpsattdata modemDataModemdatingmodemSierra WirelessSierraWirelessusbconnectusbconnect lightningUsbconnectLightningMon, 09 Nov 2009 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung pays Qualcomm $1.3 billion to secure wireless licenses]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/samsung-pays-qualcomm-1-3-billion-to-secure-wireless-licenses/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/samsung-pays-qualcomm-1-3-billion-to-secure-wireless-licenses/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/samsung-pays-qualcomm-1-3-billion-to-secure-wireless-licenses/#comments Samsung and Qualcomm have wrapped up a cross-licensing deal with ten figures of US currency in it, which will permit the Korean giant to continue producing 3G- and 4G-enabled wireless devices for the next 15 years. In exchange, Samsung is letting Qualcomm make use of its own 57 patents on mobile technology and splashing out a further $1.3 billion as a down payment. Further royalty payments are involved, but not detailed, but just as a reference point, that's more than the new Dallas Cowboys stadium and its ultra-huge scoreboard cost to build. The move is a renewal of the two companies' current arrangement and Samsung has boldly claimed the terms of the new contract are more favorable to it, but we get the feeling the champagne will be flowing in San Diego this week.

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Samsung pays Qualcomm $1.3 billion to secure wireless licenses originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g4gcdmacross-licensinglawlegallicenselicenseslicensingmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetpatentpatentsqualcommsamsungwirelesswireless networkingWirelessNetworkingMon, 09 Nov 2009 06:11:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo's AN0100 802.11n WiFi adapter hits the FCC, stirs up imaginations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/tivos-an0100-802-11n-wifi-adapter-hits-the-fcc-stirs-up-imagin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/tivos-an0100-802-11n-wifi-adapter-hits-the-fcc-stirs-up-imagin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/tivos-an0100-802-11n-wifi-adapter-hits-the-fcc-stirs-up-imagin/#comments TiVo's Wireless G USB network adapter has been out and about since late 2005, so to say an 802.11n version is past due would be understating things dramatically. At long last, it seems as if high-speed network access is coming to the heralded DVR, with an AN0100 802.11n AP recently splashing down at the FCC. There's no instruction manual or indication of whether this is the device we've been waiting for in order to stream networked media to the TV through one's TiVo, but why else would the outfit bother with tossing out a new dongle with support for higher throughput? We know, we're letting ourselves get a bit too optimistic here -- but c'mon, can you really blame us?

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TiVo's AN0100 802.11n WiFi adapter hits the FCC, stirs up imaginations originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11naccess pointAccessPointan0100bridgefccmedia streamingMediaStreamingstreamstreamingtgn-an0100tivotivo hdTivoHdwapwifiwlanFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:51:00 EST<![CDATA[MOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld you didn't even know existed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/moto-releases-amp-mid-the-oled-android-2-0-handheld-you-didnt/#commentsMOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld of your dreams Remember those BASF commercials, the: "We make a lot of the products you buy better" ones? That's kind of the story at MOTO Development Group. We've seen the company working on e-ink internals, also having a hand in the creation of the Zune 2.0 and the Livescribe Pulse. MOTO's going it alone for its latest product, though, a MID reference design called the Android Media Platform (AMP) that runs Android 2.0 and is available now to developers. Yes, the DROID isn't the only 2.0 player releasing today. AMP will ultimately be available in three sizes: 10-, 5-, and 3.5-inches; the mid-sized model is the one shipping now. That touchscreen can be OLED or LCD, oomph is provided by a Texas Instruments OMAP3430 CPU, accelerometers and GPS are integrated as is 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional 3G wireless, all powered by a 3,000mAh battery. There's no word on price, but we're guessing that's somewhat negotiable depending on your intended application and, naturally, the volume, volume, volume of your order.

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MOTO releases AMP MID, the OLED Android 2.0 handheld you didn't even know existed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ampandroidandroid 2.0android media platformAndroid2.0AndroidMediaPlatformgooglegoogle androidgoogle android 2.0GoogleAndroidGoogleAndroid2.0motomoto development groupmoto development group ampMotoDevelopmentGroupMotoDevelopmentGroupAmpportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoFri, 06 Nov 2009 06:18:00 EST<![CDATA[LTE Connected Car redefines the 'mobile' in mobile broadband (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/lte-connected-car-redefines-the-mobile-in-mobile-broadband-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/lte-connected-car-redefines-the-mobile-in-mobile-broadband-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/06/lte-connected-car-redefines-the-mobile-in-mobile-broadband-vi/#comments If you think cellphones have become overbearingly complex, look away now. A partnership of tech companies and content providers, known as the ng Connect Program, has revealed a prototype "LTE Connected Car," which, as you might surmise, combines 4G mobile broadband connectivity with a bunch of cloud-sourced facilities, such as video on demand, audio libraries, and multiplayer gaming. It can also serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot, connect directly to home automation or monitoring systems, and probably cook you scrambled eggs if you ask nicely. A Toyota Prius serves as the guinea pig for this new concept, and we've got video of the whole shebang after the break.

Continue reading LTE Connected Car redefines the 'mobile' in mobile broadband (video)

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LTE Connected Car redefines the 'mobile' in mobile broadband (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4galcatel-lucentatlantic recordsAtlanticRecordsbroadbandchumbycloudcloud computingCloudComputingkabillionltelte connected carLteConnectedCarmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetng connectng connect programNgConnectNgConnectProgrampriusqnxqnx softwareqnx software systemsQnxSoftwareQnxSoftwareSystemstoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusvideoFri, 06 Nov 2009 04:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Coalition of carriers, manufacturers settles on voice standard for LTE]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/coalition-of-carriers-manufacturers-settle-on-voice-standard-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/coalition-of-carriers-manufacturers-settle-on-voice-standard-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/coalition-of-carriers-manufacturers-settle-on-voice-standard-fo/#commentsAs much fanfare and support as it's been getting over the past couple years, LTE's dirty little secret is that there's been no unified stance on how to ferry voice services over the technology; the concentration has been on data alone so far. Sure, the occasional carrier has raised concerns -- and a variety of solutions have been proposed, ranging from VoIP to repurposing legacy networks for voice alone -- but until now, voice has been an afterthought that everyone's been procrastinating on solving. Fortunately, a veritable who's-who of industry players from both the manufacturer and carrier sides of the fence have congealed this week to announce the One Voice initiative, which basically just hand-picks existing 3GPP-defined standards for voice and SMS services over LTE. Strangely missing is T-Mobile, one of the loudest voices in demanding a voice standard for LTE up until this point -- but considering that AT&T, Orange, Telefonica, TeliaSonera, Verizon, and Vodafone are all on board along with Samsung, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and others, we think they'll have no option but to fall in line in the long term. For consumers, this means we can all breathe a sigh of relief that LTE handsets won't be arbitrarily compartmentalized by supported voice standard, so it's a big win any way you slice it.

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Coalition of carriers, manufacturers settles on voice standard for LTE originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gltemessagingone voiceOneVoicesmsvoiceWed, 04 Nov 2009 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile USA down all over the place? (update: yes)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/t-mobile-usa-down-all-over-the-place/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/t-mobile-usa-down-all-over-the-place/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/t-mobile-usa-down-all-over-the-place/#commentsWe're getting reports from sea to shining sea this evening that T-Mobile service is down or intermittent on both voice and data -- particularly bad timing in light of the recent Sidekick drama. We've tested in New York and it's definitely down for us -- both voice and data -- so how's service treating everyone out there?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Update: We just got an official statement from T-Mobile, and it's confirmed -- service is down. Here's the statement:
"T-Mobile customers may be experiencing service disruptions impacting voice and data. Our rapid response teams have been mobilized to restore service as quickly as possible. We will provide updates as more information is available."
Update 2: All service is now restored, according to the company -- they say about 5 percent of users were affected by the outage, though circumstantial evidence would certainly suggest that the number is higher (especially considering that New York City was one of the dead zones).

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T-Mobile USA down all over the place? (update: yes) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsoutaget-mobilet-mobile usaT-mobileUsaTue, 03 Nov 2009 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Healthcare-friendly Bluetooth revision is four times faster, still seems slow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/healthcare-friendly-bluetooth-revision-is-four-times-faster-sti/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/healthcare-friendly-bluetooth-revision-is-four-times-faster-sti/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/healthcare-friendly-bluetooth-revision-is-four-times-faster-sti/#commentsHealthcare-friendly Bluetooth revision is four times faster, still seems slowBluetooth may be good for rocking tunes or dropping calls, but transmitting high-res medical imagery seems like something of a stretch. Nevertheless, that's what a team at the PSG College of Technology Peelamedu in India has worked up, dubbed PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication Systems. It's built on Bluetooth spec and so offers similar range and reliability of transmission, but at higher speeds. Only anecdotal bandwidth levels have been provided thus far, indicating a 1.5MB image can be transmitted in 120 seconds compared to the 400 standard Bluetooth would require; a nice boost for sure, but two minutes per picture still seems awfully slow when a good 'ol 802.11a WiFi could beam it in seconds -- and at greater range.

Update: As many commenters have pointed out, PACS is an existing infrastructure for storing and sharing medical imagery. This is an extension of that system to allow Bluetoothy communication.

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Healthcare-friendly Bluetooth revision is four times faster, still seems slow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothpacspicture archiving and communication systemsPictureArchivingAndCommunicationSystemspsgpsg college of technology peelameduPsgCollegeOfTechnologyPeelamedutelemedecineTue, 03 Nov 2009 08:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Atheros brings 802.11n to cellphones with AR6003, is one antenna short of a pair]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/atheros-brings-802-11n-to-cellphones-with-ar6003-is-one-antenna/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/atheros-brings-802-11n-to-cellphones-with-ar6003-is-one-antenna/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/atheros-brings-802-11n-to-cellphones-with-ar6003-is-one-antenna/#commentsAtheros brings 802.11n to cellphones, is one antenna short of a pair802.11n is a wonderful thing, providing 144Mbps bandwidth and reliable connections over impressive distances, but part of that wonder comes thanks to a reliance on dual antennas. Twice the antennas means twice the streams (MIMO, ya dig?), but Atheros has decided to ditch one for its new mobile-friendly AR6003 chip. It's a power-saving move called "one-stream 11n," and while we've seen it before that doesn't mean we have to like it. Atheros's solution provides a maximum throughput of 85Mbps, which is frankly nothing to shake a stick at, and despite that will suck down 20 percent less power than its earlier AR6002 802.11a/b/g chip. In other words, we'll rock it in our celly -- begrudgingly.

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Atheros brings 802.11n to cellphones with AR6003, is one antenna short of a pair originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11802.11nar6003atherosatheros ar6003AtherosAr6003mimoone-stream 801.11nOne-stream801.11nTue, 03 Nov 2009 07:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Wireless N adapter disappears from the internets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/xbox-360-wireless-n-adapter-disappears-from-the-internets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/xbox-360-wireless-n-adapter-disappears-from-the-internets/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/xbox-360-wireless-n-adapter-disappears-from-the-internets/#comments Today's the day that a GameStop listing had Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter going live for retail. So how's that $100 worth of throughput treating you? What's that... it's not actually for sale? Indeed: the entry has been pulled from GameStop and a Google Shopping search reveals only a single Buy.com entry showing the adapter as "temporarily sold out." That's wishful thinking. While Microsoft has confirmed the adapters' existence they have not officially announced a street date or price. We'll let you know if that changes.

Update: Amazon.fr lists the adapter for 80 euro bucks with an expected November 20th ship. We'll see.

[Thanks Adam and Tim Ashman for pre-modified photo]

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Xbox 360 Wireless N adapter disappears from the internets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nmicrosoftWireless N AdapterWireless N Networking AdapterWirelessNAdapterWirelessNNetworkingAdapterxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint lights up WiMAX in NC, Chicago and Dallas, launches subsidized Mini 10]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/sprint-lights-up-wimax-in-nc-chicago-and-dallas-launches-subsi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/sprint-lights-up-wimax-in-nc-chicago-and-dallas-launches-subsi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/sprint-lights-up-wimax-in-nc-chicago-and-dallas-launches-subsi/#comments Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? Or better yet, when a leaked roadmap doesn't get delayed in the slightest? After months upon months of waiting, broadband-lovin' citizens in the North Carolina Triangle and Triad will be celebrating alongside DFW residents and Chicago natives as Sprint's 4G WiMAX service rolls into town. As of right now (that's today, junior), consumers in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and Charlotte, NC; Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas and Chicago, Illinois can roll into a Sprint store and snag a U300 3G / 4G WWAN modem on a $69.99 monthly data plan. We're told that San Antonio and Austin will get lit up later this month, while Honolulu and Maui, Hawaii; Salem, Oregon and Seattle, Washington will join the fray before 2010. Oh, and did we mention that Palm's favorite carrier finally snagged itself a WWAN-equipped netbook? 'Cause the Dell Mini 10 is available starting today for $199.99 at select Sprint stores in the metropolitan Baltimore area.

Update: Looks like Sprint changed "Baltimore" to "Bay Area." Odd.

Read - Sprint WiMAX in the Triangle
Read - Sprint WiMAX in the Triad
Read - Sprint WiMAX in Charlotte, NC
Read - Sprint WiMAX in Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
Read - Sprint WiMAX in Chicago, IL
Read - Sprint's first netbook is Dell Mini 10

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Sprint lights up WiMAX in NC, Chicago and Dallas, launches subsidized Mini 10 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbroadbandcharlottechicagodallasdelldell mini 10DellMini10expansionillinoisinternetmini 10Mini10mobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetncnetbooknorth carolinaNorthCarolinaraleighrolloutsprintSprint 4GSprint4gtexaswimaxwirelessxohmMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Unfinished Windows 7 feature exploited for virtual WiFi hotspots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/unfinished-windows-7-feature-exploited-for-virtual-wifi-hotspots/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/unfinished-windows-7-feature-exploited-for-virtual-wifi-hotspots/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/unfinished-windows-7-feature-exploited-for-virtual-wifi-hotspots/#comments It wasn't all that long ago that Microsoft was talking up the Virtual WiFi feature developed by Microsoft Research and set for inclusion in Windows 7, but something got lost along the road to release day, and the functionality never officially made it into the OS. As you might expect with anything as big and complicated as an operating system though, some of that code did make it into the final release, and there was apparently enough of it for the folks at Nomadio to exploit into a full fledged feature. That's now become Connectify, a free application from the company that effectively turns any Windows 7 computer into a virtual WiFi hotspot -- letting you, for instance, wirelessly tether a number of devices to your laptop at location where only an Ethernet jack is available, or even tether a number of laptops together at a coffee shop that chargers for WiFi. Intrigued? Hit up the link below to grab the beta.

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Unfinished Windows 7 feature exploited for virtual WiFi hotspots originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotspotvirtual wifivirtual wifi hotspotVirtualWifiVirtualWifiHotspotwifi hotspotWifiHotspotwindowswindows 7Windows7Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleek Audio's SA1 earbuds bring Kleer wireless, custom tuning for $80]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/sleek-audios-sa1-earbuds-bring-kleer-wireless-custom-tuning-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/sleek-audios-sa1-earbuds-bring-kleer-wireless-custom-tuning-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/sleek-audios-sa1-earbuds-bring-kleer-wireless-custom-tuning-fo/#comments Sleek Audio earbuds have always had a certain allure, but for most, the sticker shock alone was enough to turn 'em away. Now, however, the boutique audio shop has punched out its very first set that's tailor made for the budget-minded, and at $79.99, the SA1 offers an awful lot of value (on paper, anyway). Much like the pricier SA6 and CT6 models, the SA1 also ships with Kleer wireless technology, enabling it to go from wired to wireless and back again. It also boasts a modified VQ Tuning system that allows the user to acoustically alter the sound signature of their music, a siam rosewood body, detachable cable and single / dual-flange ear tips. The real kicker? The $79.99 price point, which is darn near unheard of for something with these kind of specs. It's up for pre-order right now in the read link, with initial shipments expected to head out in November.

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Sleek Audio's SA1 earbuds bring Kleer wireless, custom tuning for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocustom tunedcustom tuned earphonesCustomTunedCustomTunedEarphonesearbudsheadphoneheadphoneskleerkleer wirelessKleerWirelessmusicportable audioportableaudiosa1Sleek Audiosleek audio sa1SleekAudioSleekAudioSa1soundFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[GM to offer $500 Autonet Mobile WiFi option in select vehicles]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/gm-to-offer-500-autonet-mobile-wifi-option-in-select-vehicles/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/gm-to-offer-500-autonet-mobile-wifi-option-in-select-vehicles/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/gm-to-offer-500-autonet-mobile-wifi-option-in-select-vehicles/#commentsFirst came Cadillac (naturally), and now some of General Motors' other remaining brands are finally scratching the WiFi itch. Beginning next month, Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet dealers will all begin offering up Autonet Mobile's $499 WiFi router as a dealer-installed option, though it's on you to pony up the $29 (or more) it takes to get said device online month in and month out. As always, you'll also get a docking station to take it from one GM vehicle to another, though (at least initially) it'll only be offered in SUVs, crossovers and trucks, which are whips most likely to be used by internet-addicted families. 'Course, those looking to do a little retrofitting need only head to gmextras.com to snap one up themselves, but don't say you heard it from us.

[Via Autoblog]

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GM to offer $500 Autonet Mobile WiFi option in select vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Autonet MobileAutonetMobilebroadbandBuickCadillaccarchevroletchevygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgmcin-carin-car wifiIn-carWifiinternetmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetroutervehiclewifiWed, 28 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[NEC's Aterm WM3300R is like a souped-up WiMAX version of the MiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/necs-aterm-wm3300r-is-like-a-souped-up-wimax-version-of-the-mif/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/necs-aterm-wm3300r-is-like-a-souped-up-wimax-version-of-the-mif/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/necs-aterm-wm3300r-is-like-a-souped-up-wimax-version-of-the-mif/#comments Not every company has the design chops to make it in modern consumer electronics. Case in point: NEC's Aterm WM3300R. While it looks like a thermostat you'd wall-mount at the local health center, it packs enough technological appeal to make up for that clinical dowdiness. See, it's a pocketable WiMAX router with integrated 802.11b/g WiFi -- think MiFi only with the relatively blazing speeds of 40Mbps (downstream) / 10Mbps (upstream) WiMAX instead of EV-DO or HSPA and a battery capable of about 2.5 hours of shared usage. The WM3300R can also be USB-attached to a PC as a WiMAX modem. Drop another ¥5,000 (about $54) and you've got a spare battery to keep the mobile action going. Expect it to be released in early November in Japan for an estimated ¥25,000 or right around $272. You seeing this Sprint, Clearwire?

[Via Akihabara News]

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NEC's Aterm WM3300R is like a souped-up WiMAX version of the MiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atermatermwm3300rjapannecportable routerPortableRouterrouterwifiwimaxwimax routerWimaxRouterwm3300rTue, 27 Oct 2009 04:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Novatel MiFi 2200 gets new firmware, now stays on even when you don't need it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/novatel-mifi-2200-gets-new-firmware-now-stays-on-even-when-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/novatel-mifi-2200-gets-new-firmware-now-stays-on-even-when-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/novatel-mifi-2200-gets-new-firmware-now-stays-on-even-when-you/#commentsMiFi gets new firmware, now stays on even when you don't need it If you're using one of the various MiFi incarnations, you may have been slightly annoyed at the thing shutting itself down after a few minutes of inactivity. It's a lovely feature to save juice when running disconnected -- a little less desirable when running on AC. There's a new firmware in town and it does away with such bad behavior whilst also adding better compatibility with the Nintendo DS and BlackBerry Curve. It's not an automatic update, though, so you'll need to dig through some menus to make the magic happen, but we're sure you can figure it out. (If you get stuck, the read link has pictures.)

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Novatel MiFi 2200 gets new firmware, now stays on even when you don't need it originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatemifimifi 2200Mifi2200novatel mifinovatel mifi 2200NovatelMifiNovatelMifi2200sprintverizonwifiwireless routerWirelessRouterMon, 26 Oct 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart to rival Best Buy's Geek Squad with own in-home install crew]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/walmart-to-rival-best-buys-geek-squad-with-own-in-home-install/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/walmart-to-rival-best-buys-geek-squad-with-own-in-home-install/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/walmart-to-rival-best-buys-geek-squad-with-own-in-home-install/#comments We've never truly been at ease with that Geek Squad crowd. Something about "the people" they hang with and "the places" they hang at just worries us, so we're pretty thrilled to see another mega-corp stepping in to take the place of the now-deceased Circuit City FireDog crew. Starting sometime before the holiday season, Wally World will be partnering with N.E.W. Customer Service Companies in order to offer in-home installation to customers buying anything from a wireless router to a HTIB. The service plans will be sold on prepaid cards ranging from $99 to $399 in value, and each install includes a "preliminary consultation and a tutorial after installation is completed." Granted, it may be a bit tough to get the dude looking to spend $5 on a new plasma to spring for such a service, but hey, it's not like competition is a bad thing.

[Via Hot Hardware]

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Walmart to rival Best Buy's Geek Squad with own in-home install crew originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuybusinessconsumer electronicsConsumerElectronicselectronicsgeek squadGeekSquadhdtvhelpinstallinstallationitretailserviceservicestech supportTechSupportwal-martwalmartSun, 25 Oct 2009 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Ukraine war memorial given eternal LED torch, cell antenna]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/ukraine-war-memorial-given-eternal-led-torch-cell-antenna/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/ukraine-war-memorial-given-eternal-led-torch-cell-antenna/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/25/ukraine-war-memorial-given-eternal-led-torch-cell-antenna/#comments An eternal flame that once blazed via good old fashioned science has now been given a new lease on life thanks to modern technology. This Cherkassy, Ukraine war monument, erected in honor of fallen World War 2 soldiers, had been sitting extinguished given the price of natural gas after the fall of the Soviet Union. Now, though, the bowl has been gifted with a LED marquee simulating a flame, which covers up its alternate use as a cell tower. Sure, beauty's in the eye of the beholder and we're fairly certain this hasn't been accepted with universal approval, but if you ask us, and admittedly we're biased, the more LEDs the better.

[Via Hack a Day]

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Ukraine war memorial given eternal LED torch, cell antenna originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennacellcell antennacell phonecell towerCellAntennaCellPhoneCellTowercherkassyled-backlitMemorialDaymonumentukrainewarwar memorialWarMemorialSun, 25 Oct 2009 06:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire and Sprint slinging WiMAX to NC, HI and TX in November / December]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/clearwire-and-sprint-slinging-wimax-to-nc-hi-and-tx-in-november/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/clearwire-and-sprint-slinging-wimax-to-nc-hi-and-tx-in-november/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/clearwire-and-sprint-slinging-wimax-to-nc-hi-and-tx-in-november/#comments We knew Clearwire would be snaking its 4G services to select markets in North Carolina, Hawaii and Texas before the year's end, but it's always reassuring to hear a corporation come right out and affirm that those leaked dates are still solid. What's interesting about the latest announcement is that both Clearwire and Sprint will be offering 4G in these same cities under their own brands, even though the signals and towers used will be the same. Starting next month, WiMAX will officially land in Greensboro and Raleigh, North Carolina (Charlotte is already lit up, despite these companies' claims) and Austin; Dallas/Fort Worth; San Antonio, Texas. In December, the companies will get things fired up in Honolulu and Maui, two areas where we're certain techs from Sprint / Clearwire are more than eager to go "test things out." So, now that this has all panned out, how's about another leak sheet for 2010 rollouts?

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Clearwire and Sprint slinging WiMAX to NC, HI and TX in November / December originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbroadbandclearClearwireHawaiiFive-oInternetTvmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetnorth carolinaNorthCarolinarolloutsprintTexaswindowsxohmFri, 23 Oct 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Rocketfish wireless whole home audio system cuts the cord on all your speakers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/rocketfish-wireless-whole-home-audio-system-cuts-the-cord-on-all/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/rocketfish-wireless-whole-home-audio-system-cuts-the-cord-on-all/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/rocketfish-wireless-whole-home-audio-system-cuts-the-cord-on-all/#comments Anyone stumbling into a Best Buy looking for some sort of wireless speaker solution has probably been ushered over to the Rocketfish section, but up until now, only a few devices have been available. Now, the Best Buy staple is introducing an all-encompassing system that aims to cut the (speaker) cable to all of your speakers. The wireless whole home audio system, which is obviously only available at the yellow-tagged retailer, is comprised of a Wireless Amplified Audio Receiver, a Wireless Sender / Receiver, a Wireless Outdoor Speaker and a Wireless HD Audio Starter Kit, which includes both a sender and receiver. The whole rig is designed to work with standard connections for speaker line and line level inputs, so most any speaker assortment should play nice. All told, the devices combined can send up to five sources to nine receivers throughout the home, but not surprisingly, there's no mention made of the presumably lofty price tag.

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Rocketfish wireless whole home audio system cuts the cord on all your speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobest buyBestBuyhome entertainmentHomeEntertainmentRocketboostrocketfishspeakerspeakerswireless speakersWirelessSpeakersFri, 23 Oct 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/jabra-stone-bluetooth-headset-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/jabra-stone-bluetooth-headset-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/jabra-stone-bluetooth-headset-review/#comments Finally, the teaser's over. The latest delivery to Engadget's UK penthouse is the Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset due out in the US on 8th November, and we took no time to extract the pebble from the transparent cylinder. In front of us are the two parts of the STONE: an earpiece of a breakthrough form factor that instantly makes you pity its rivals, and behind it is the accompanying portable charging base which serves as an external battery. The latter is equipped with a micro-USB port and an LED indicator -- simply green or red -- to show whether there's enough battery juice for one full charge. It's a pretty neat idea as this is the only feasible way to fit eight hours of talk time (or twelve days of standby time) into such tiny package: two on the earpiece and an extra six from the surprisingly light battery base -- our scale reckons it is just under one ounce. We also dig the auto-off function when you dock the earpiece and vice versa. Docking and undocking are pretty straight forward too: just snap in for the former, and poke your thumb through the bottom hole of the base to push the earpiece out. The generic click button hidden under the Jabra badge is easy to access and responds well. Above that is the invisible vertical touch strip for volume control and similarly it responded nicely to our strokes. What's left on the earpiece are the two LED indicators on the underside for Bluetooth connectivity and battery. So far so good, but what really matters is the ear-on experience and the audio quality -- listen for yourself after the break.

Gallery: Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset review

Continue reading Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset review

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Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attbluetoothbluetooth headsetBluetoothHeadsetcarphone warehouseCarphoneWarehouseearpiecefeaturesgn netcomGnNetcomheadsetjabrajabra stoneJabraStoneNoise BlackoutNoise Blackout extremeNoiseBlackoutNoiseBlackoutExtremestoneFri, 23 Oct 2009 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung and TeliaSonera bringing LTE to vikings in 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/samsung-and-teliasonera-bringing-lte-to-vikings-in-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/samsung-and-teliasonera-bringing-lte-to-vikings-in-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/samsung-and-teliasonera-bringing-lte-to-vikings-in-2010/#comments Scandinavian folks tend to be a pretty cheerful bunch during the summer, and now Swedes and Norwegians will have reason to smile through the cold dark winters as well, with Samsung announcing an agreement to provide TeliaSonera with "mobile broadband devices for commercial service next year." This agreement relates to Sammy's Kalmia 4G USB modem and adds to the Swedish operator's LTE push, which already counts Ericsson and Huawei among the contracted hardware providers. So that's 100Mbps mobile broadband, coming to a snow-covered nation near you within the next dozen months or so. All we would ask of our viking friends now is that they remember their world-conquering ways of the past and start spreading that goodness globally. Come on, it's our right! Full press release after the break.

Continue reading Samsung and TeliaSonera bringing LTE to vikings in 2010

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Samsung and TeliaSonera bringing LTE to vikings in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3gpp4g4g modem4g modems4gModem4gModemsbroadbandGT-B3710hspakalmialtelte modemLteModemmobilemobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetmodemmodemspartnershipsamsungscandinaviateliasonerawirelessThu, 22 Oct 2009 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Google, Verizon team up to throw support behind FCC's net neutrality push]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/google-verizon-team-up-to-throw-support-behind-fccs-net-neutra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/google-verizon-team-up-to-throw-support-behind-fccs-net-neutra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/google-verizon-team-up-to-throw-support-behind-fccs-net-neutra/#comments Google and [insert any wireless carrier here] are the last two entities in the world that we'd expect to issue a joint statement on net neutrality, seeing how Google firmly believes the FCC should enforce it regardless of medium while carriers generally want to be exempted -- but Verizon and The Goog have put their differences aside for just one day to put together a thoughtful, lengthy piece on the subject. There aren't any surprises in the piece other than the fact that CEOs Lowell McAdam and Eric Schmidt are personally attributed to the statement, but it echoes what most ISPs have been saying since new FCC chair Julius Genachowski came into play: they generally acknowledge that a free, unhindered internet has led to a better world and that it's in everyone's best interest to make sure that it continues to be that way. They go on to say that "there will be disagreements along the way" -- Google and Verizon don't see eye-to-eye on the finer points, for example -- but that they're all looking forward to a spirited debate with the folks over in Washington. Ultimately, the FCC's ability to effectively police true neutrality on wireless networks ties in deeply with its ability to free up a lot more spectrum -- something the CTIA's been pushing for lately -- and Genachowski recently mentioned that they'd be looking into it, so this could all end up working out without any broken hearts or black eyes.

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Google, Verizon team up to throw support behind FCC's net neutrality push originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fccgooglenet neutralityNetNeutralityverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwWed, 21 Oct 2009 22:29:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile's Project Dark: $99.99 unlimited on Even More, $79.99 on Even More Plus?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/t-mobiles-project-dark-99-99-unlimited-on-even-more-79-99-o/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/t-mobiles-project-dark-99-99-unlimited-on-even-more-79-99-o/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/t-mobiles-project-dark-99-99-unlimited-on-even-more-79-99-o/#comments The details of T-Mobile's mysterious Project Dark definitely seem to be congealing around retooled handset billing and a set of new plans, and it looks like TmoNews might have the first word here on the all-important subject of plan pricing. Even More Plus, which would be contract-free and offer new handset FlexPay over four installments, is apparently tracking for a $79.99 all-you-can-eat package, $69.99 with 1,000 voice minutes, or $49.99 with unlimited voice and no data. Even More meanwhile, which basically amounts to new contract plan branding with traditional hardware subsidies, will come in at $99.99 for unlimited everything (mirroring Sprint's pricing) or $59.99 for unlimited voice alone. It seems strange that the contract pricing is higher than the prepaid, especially since Even More Plus apparently won't offer any hardware subsidies whatsoever, but we're sure we're going to find out how this all shakes out soon enough. Follow the break for another shot of the pricing grids.

Continue reading T-Mobile's Project Dark: $99.99 unlimited on Even More, $79.99 on Even More Plus?

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T-Mobile's Project Dark: $99.99 unlimited on Even More, $79.99 on Even More Plus? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>even moreeven more plusEvenMoreEvenMorePlusplanplan pricingPlanPricingplansproject blackproject darkProjectBlackProjectDarkrumort-mobileunlimitedWed, 21 Oct 2009 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[TRENDnet 'world's smallest' Wireless N travel router now on sale]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/trendnet-worlds-smallest-wireless-n-travel-router-now-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/trendnet-worlds-smallest-wireless-n-travel-router-now-on-sale/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/trendnet-worlds-smallest-wireless-n-travel-router-now-on-sale/#comments
Looking to take 802.11n to places you never thought possible? You know -- like your studio apartment on the Upper East Side? TRENDnet's Wireless N Travel Router (which was announced way back at CES) is tailor made for cramped spaces, fitting within the palm of your hand and offering up a single WAN port, a carrying case and a USB socket. Unfortunately there's no internal battery to keep this puppy alive in the wild, but for $79.99 we can't kvetch too much.

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TRENDnet 'world's smallest' Wireless N travel router now on sale originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nnow availableNowAvailableon saleOnSalerouterTEW-654TRTRENDnetwapwifiwireless nwireless routerWirelessNWirelessRouterwlanWed, 21 Oct 2009 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple quietly updates AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule, promises improved performance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/apple-quietly-updates-airport-extreme-and-time-capsule/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/apple-quietly-updates-airport-extreme-and-time-capsule/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/apple-quietly-updates-airport-extreme-and-time-capsule/#comments Just as it did in March, Apple has subtly updated both the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule, this time improving performance on both. According to new testing between today's model and yesterday's edition, the AE Base Station (which ships within three days for $179) can hum along at up to 25 percent faster thanks to undisclosed tweaks to the antenna design, while the Time Capsule's improved antenna promises the same. Just as before, both of these devices support dual-band 2.4GHz / 5GHz transmissions, though we can't seem to find an "802.11n draft" phrase anywhere on either page. Apple hasn't gone out of its way to say that both of these are certified with the final specification, but it's certainly a possibility. Finally, the new Time Capsule promises Time Machine backups in Snow Leopard that are some 60 percent faster than before; we're not sure whether to celebrate with new buyers or weep with existing ones, but it should ship within three days for $299 (1TB) / $499 (2TB).

Read - Updated AirPort Extreme
Read - Updated Time Capsule

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Apple quietly updates AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule, promises improved performance originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nairport extremeAirportExtremeapplebackupsdual banddual-bandDualBandinternetnasperformancerefreshroutersnow leopardSnowLeopardtime capsuletime machineTimeCapsuleTimeMachineupdatewapwifiwireless routerWirelessRouterwlanTue, 20 Oct 2009 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset brings extreme noise blocking, $130 price tag]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/jabra-stone-bluetooth-headset-brings-extreme-noise-blocking-13/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/jabra-stone-bluetooth-headset-brings-extreme-noise-blocking-13/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/jabra-stone-bluetooth-headset-brings-extreme-noise-blocking-13/#commentsOkay, so this thing is way more "traditional Bluetooth headset" than "a round object that looks nothing like a Bluetooth headset," but we'll give the marketing team credit -- STONE sure got us looking. Jabra's newest Bluetooth headset has just become official, bringing with it a behind-the-ear design, a wireless portable charger (which doubles as a carrying case) and Noise Blackout Extreme technology to keep things quiet when your yammering. There's also a "nearly invisible touch-controlled volume pad" on the outside of the headset, a battery good for 8 hours of talk time (or 12 days in standby), dual BT pairing support and A2DP compatibility. Unfortunately, you'll have to waltz into an AT&T retail store starting on November 8th to get one, and worse still, you'll walk out $129.99 poorer. But hey, you'll leave Stoned. (Sorry.)

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Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset brings extreme noise blocking, $130 price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While those legacy airlines are scheming to charge you more to fly over the holidays, Virgin America is making it even easier to choose its services over the rest. Announced today, the airline (which should expand to more cities on the double, just so we're clear) has teamed up with Google in order to bring gratis WiFi to all flyers throughout the holiday season. If you'll recall, VA recently made known that every single one of its aircraft was equipped with in-flight internet courtesy of Aircell, and between November 10th, 2009 and January 15th, 2010, your surfing will be on the house should your find yourself in a seat. Not a bad way to spread a little holiday cheer, huh?

[Via Engadget Spanish]

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Virgin America and Google gift flyers with free WiFi for the holidays originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aircellairlinefreegogogoogleholidaysholidazein flight wifiin-flightin-flight wifiIn-flightWifiInFlightWifiinternetVirgin AmericaVirginAmericawifiMon, 19 Oct 2009 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS working up BR-HD3 wireless HDMI streamer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/asus-working-up-br-hd3-wireless-hdmi-streamer/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/asus-working-up-br-hd3-wireless-hdmi-streamer/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/asus-working-up-br-hd3-wireless-hdmi-streamer/#comments ASUS has been toying around with wireless transmissions to displays for a hot minute now, and it sure looks as if the outfit is fixing to pick up where the Belkin FlyWire left off by introducing the BR-HD3. Currently in testing, the wireless HDMI streamer is said to pass along 1080p content "with no lag," though there's currently no official range to speak of. The real kicker, however, is the price. The aforesaid FlyWire -- which worked amazingly in the trade show demos that we saw -- was priced at $1,499, which is obviously far too much for most consumers. This box? £399 ($654), and it could be out as early as next month. Unfortunately, the device only supports a single HDMI input (so you can forget about connecting your Blu-ray player and Xbox 360 at the same time), but ASUS is planning to introduce a three-port version in June 2010 as well as a niche spinoff in Q1 that'll wirelessly stream one source to three HDTVs.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

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ASUS working up BR-HD3 wireless HDMI streamer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pASUSASUS BR-HD3AsusBr-hd3BR-HD3hd streamhd streaminghdmiHdStreamHdStreaminghdtvstreamstreamingwireless hdmiwireless hdtvWirelessHdmiWirelessHdtvMon, 19 Oct 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/samsung-develops-first-chip-for-us-mobile-digital-tv-transmissio/#commentsMmm, nothing like a pinch of predictability to wake us in the morning. Just days after the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) finally announced that a North American mobile DTV standard was struck, Samsung has jumped in with what it's calling the planet's first single chip solution designed to handle those very transmissions. All we're told is that the solution combines RF and "digital chip components" into one 65 nanometer chip, making it ideal for smaller devices such as smartphones, car-mounted televisions and portable media players. Of course, Sammy doesn't even bother to mention a mass production date, so we're guessing we all just rise awkwardly and start a roaring slow clap to celebrate the accomplishment.

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Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65nmatscbroadcastchipdigital TVDigitalTvDTVdvbmobile dtvmobile tvMobileDtvMobileTvmphnorth americaNorthAmericaportable videoportablevideosamsungususaMon, 19 Oct 2009 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas Instruments CC2540 promises ultra-low energy Bluetooth]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/texas-instruments-cc2540-promises-ultra-low-energy-bluetooth-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/texas-instruments-cc2540-promises-ultra-low-energy-bluetooth-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/texas-instruments-cc2540-promises-ultra-low-energy-bluetooth-vi/#comments Texas Instruments is pretty chuffed with itself right about now, as it's prepping to demonstrate a swell-sounding new system-on-chip that takes Bluetooth connectivity to the extreme reaches of low energy consumption. About to be shown off in Munich tomorrow, the new CC2540 takes up a measly 6mm-squared of real estate, and is said to be able to operate for more than a year on a single button cell battery. With the reduced physical size and embedded Flash memory, this should be easier to install and update as necessary too. Considering the battery-draining ways of current Bluetooth tech, such claims sound preposterously awesome, but we'll keep our giddy enthusiasm in check until early next year when samples will begin rolling out. For now, you can check out the older video below 'splaining the prospective benefits in more detail.

Read - Texas Instruments press release
Read - Bluetooth low energy webpage
Read - Video explanation of Bluetooth low energy

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Texas Instruments CC2540 promises ultra-low energy Bluetooth originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbluetooth low energyBluetoothLowEnergyCC2540connectivityenergy efficientEnergyEfficientlow energylow powerLowEnergyLowPowerperipheralperipheralssystem-on-chiptexas instrumentsTexasInstrumentstiwirelessMon, 19 Oct 2009 07:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon prepping HP Mini 311, Mini 110 for launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/verizon-prepping-hp-mini-311-mini-110-for-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/verizon-prepping-hp-mini-311-mini-110-for-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/19/verizon-prepping-hp-mini-311-mini-110-for-launch/#comments Wait, hold up -- before you sprint down to your Verizon store (sprint... Verizon... never mind) to pick up that catchily-named Gateway LT2016u that just launched, you might want to mull over the next batch of netbooks primed to hit the carrier's outlets in the coming days. Subsidized netbooks still haven't proven themselves as viable products -- at least, so long as they're not subsidized down to $0 -- but Verizon's ready to keep on trying with the launch of a global 3G-equipped HP Mini 311 on October 22. Sickeningly, they want a full $249.99 on contract after $100 mail-in rebate -- but in exchange, you'll be getting ION, Windows 7, 1366 x 768 resolution on a 11.6-inch display, and a 1.6GHz Atom N270. Moving on, the carrier's current Mini 1151 will ride off into the sunset and be replaced by a Windows XP-equipped Mini 110 featuring a 160GB hard drive and 1GB of RAM; it'll launch once 1151 stock is depleted for $199.99 after rebate with a new two-year deal. Follow the break for details and specs on the 110 (spoiler: it's like pretty much every other 110, but with more voodoo subsidy math).

Continue reading Verizon prepping HP Mini 311, Mini 110 for launch

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Verizon prepping HP Mini 311, Mini 110 for launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>110311atomhpintelionminimini 110mini 311Mini110Mini311nvidiaverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwindows 7Windows7Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:31:00 EST