Hasta La Gadget!

Anyone who’s been in a packed stadium or concert venue knows better than to expect to be able to browse the web or even check email, unless of course your device happens to be compatible with a certain underutilized data-only network. A new initiative from Cisco, however, aims to bring connectivity to the over-saturated masses. The company’s Connected Stadium WiFi bundles the Aironet 3500p access point, designed specifically for “high-density stadium and arena deployments,” with strategically placed antennas that target fewer seats with the same amount of throughput — likely similar to the 884-device network AT&T deployed at Cowboys Stadium for Super Bowl XLV. We hope the lighter load placed on carriers — and already sky high ticket prices — would help make Connected Stadium a free service, but key words like “purchasing” and “monetizeable” in the networking company’s announcement make us think that some greenbacks are likely to change hands once the service launches in the real, connectivity-challenged world of overcrowded venues.

Continue reading Cisco boosts stadium WiFi, makes MLB slightly more tolerable for the internet-obsessed (video)

Cisco boosts stadium WiFi, makes MLB slightly more tolerable for the internet-obsessed (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Too little, too late, we’re afraid. For the past decade or so, the RIAA (amongst others) have spent every waking hour figuring out how to best sue and frighten every internet-connected human that even dares think about an illegal download. Now that said practice has failed miserably, it’s finally resorting to something sensible. The entity announced today that AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Cablevision have teamed up with the RIAA and MPAA in order to agree upon a six-stage notification system that’ll electronically alert internet users whenever their account is used for wrongful downloading. It’s actually not all that much different than the systems that have been in place at Suddenlink for what feels like eons, but at least this creates a standard protocol that the whole lot can adhere to. Oh, and before you ask — under no circumstances will any of these notices result in termination of your broadband connection. There’s no way an ISP would agree to such a thing, and indeed, they haven’t here. The full run-down can be delved into below, but it’s worth noting that no extra “watching” procedures are being put into place; your ISP will only drop you a line if a content overlord asks ’em to. Good times, no?

Continue reading ISP’s agree on Copyright Alert System, plan to notify you to death for piracy infringements

ISP’s agree on Copyright Alert System, plan to notify you to death for piracy infringements originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The border runners at Taco Bell have fallen behind the ginger clown and his posse of hamburger-loving friends in terms of connectivity, but the fast food franchise will soon rectify that with the introduction of free WiFi at 5,600 locations over the next four years. In an attempt to keep you connected whilst stuffing your face with Beefy Melt Burritos, Taco Bell has teamed up with Indoor Direct to bring in-store WiFi and a specially branded TV network to the chain. Diners will apparently be encouraged to interact with content running on the network, with enticements to download free music, receive opt-in text messages, and engage in social media campaigns. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to resurrect that pot-stirring little chihuahua.

Continue reading Taco Bell to serve up free WiFi and in-store TV, keep you LOL’ing through Fourthmeal

Taco Bell to serve up free WiFi and in-store TV, keep you LOL’ing through Fourthmeal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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