Hasta La Gadget!

According to Bloomberg, the folks over at Amazon are currently testing out a new wireless network which would enable their customers to stay connected to the Internet. This new wireless network undergone testing in Cupertino, California, where it made use of spectrum that were controlled by satellite communications company Globalstar Inc., and this particular test was performed in a hush-hush manner simply because it was a private affair.

This just goes to show how Amazon, right now the world’s largest e-commerce company, is about to make a move beyond being just a Web destination and hardware manufacturer. It makes plenty of sense though, as staying put where you are would not serve you well in the long run – and to see Amazon take a gander at the underlying technology required to get folks hooked up to the Internet is definitely encouraging. Perhaps it could be a start of something new that competition in the same sector will see us consumers win out in the end? When approached about this private wireless network test, Amazon declined to comment on the matter. Amazon is not alone in this boat, as Google did secure its own communications capabilities after it bid for wireless spectrum and laid the foundation for high-speed, fiber-based broadband networks across 17 cities.

Amazon Tests Out Own Wireless Network, Says Bloomberg original content from Ubergizmo.

Amazon may not be happy with just piggybacking on other wireless carrier’s signals for Whispernet-style offerings, as Bloomberg has heard it’s trying out technology that would let it create its own wireless network. The technology used in the tests is from Globalstar, which is seeking to convert its spectrum — intended for use by satellite-connected devices like the Global Phone pictured above — for strictly ground-based use. The report points out a letter from Globalstar technical adviser Jarvinian to the FCC indicating it was helping a “major technology company” assess the performance benefits available earlier this year. The usual people with knowledge of the situation have filled in the blanks, however whether the tests are continuing or if Amazon will ever make real use of it is unknown. If things do move forward Amazon would hardly be alone in its efforts with Dish Network’s similar push to use spectrum it owns for LTE. If Globalstar really can do LTE / public WiFi better we’re ready to hear about it, although hopefully it will connect to more hardware than just some future Kindle Fire 4.

Filed under: Wireless, Amazon

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Source: Bloomberg

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According to Amazon, folks who placed their Xbox One pre-orders after August 15th will not have the guarantee that they would be on receiving end of an Xbox One at launch later this year, which would be a bummer. Truly, this is where the proverb concerning the early bird getting the worm comes into play. Apparently, Amazon UK has already sold out of its entire allocation of Xbox One’s Day One Edition, hence the online retail giant has fired a warning to customers that whoever placed a pre-order for the Standard Edition after August 15 “will be received after (the) release date“.

Amazon also mentioned, “Please note–due to high demand, we are now out of stock of the Day One Edition Xbox One console and will not be taking further orders.” Of course, this does not mean that Amazon is no longer accepting pre-orders for the Xbox One Standard Edition, where they will “ship orders as soon as we receive inventory”. Those who want the Day One Edition might want to try their pre-order luck over at GAME and Shopto.net. Having said that, the Xbox One’s life has not exactly been smooth sailing ever since it was announced, having run into its fair share of issues already.

Amazon: Xbox One Pre-Orders Post August 15 Is Not Guaranteed For Launch original content from Ubergizmo.