Hasta La Gadget!

In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you’d like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with “Insert Coin” as the subject line.

When we last saw Connectify, it had brought its Dispatch internet connection combining software to Kickstarter, doubled its funding goal and launched the product into market. However, customers using it said they wanted more than the web browsing and BitTorrent streaming speed-ups the load-balancing app provided, and were looking for so-called connection aggregation tech that’d allow quicker video streaming, VPN access and Skype calls, too. As a result, the company has just launched Switchboard, a cloud based app that combines all your internet connections but appears as only one IP address.

To make it work, the company built new software from scratch and put together a network of cloud servers across the world. The result is a “channel bonding” system that Connectify says will speed up all your online activities: Dropbox or SkyDrive uploads and downloads, Google Hangout video conferencing and video streaming from the likes of Netflix, to name a few. A quick test of the beta software on our end has worked seamlessly so far, requiring just a software installation and two or more internet connections (two ADSL lines in our case). On top of speeding everything up as promised, we also noticed that our IP address appeared as that of the server we were connected to instead of our local one, which could be a bonus for those trying to access US internet from abroad. Connectify’s looking to grab $100,000 in funding this time around, with pledges starting at $50 — so if you’re looking to finally click that “HD” button on Vimeo, hit the source.

Filed under: Networking, Internet, Software

Comments

Source: Connectify (Kickstarter)

While many browsers sync through the cloud, few know how to cope with the local network — what if we just want to push a file to another device nearby? Maxthon doesn’t think we should have to resort to an online service or a dedicated app for the purpose, so it’s rolling a LAN Transfer feature into its Cloud Browser. Starting with Android and Windows versions available today, the web client lets users shuttle files directly to others on the same network, with nothing but the browser in between. Both iOS and Mac users should join the party soon, which could turn Maxthon into a rare (and very unconventional) cross-platform file manager.

Filed under: Cellphones, Networking, Software, Mobile

Comments

Source: Maxthon

Creating a mobile ad hoc network is tricky when rounding people up for a game or two, let alone when linking thousands of soldiers whose lives are at stake. DARPA has had enough trouble getting such large-scale networks off the ground that it just put out an official request for solutions. The agency wants ad hoc technology that grows both elegantly and automatically, and it’s prepared to ditch legacies like internet-based networking to get there — in fact, it would rather not rely on IP technology when 20 years of research in that area hasn’t panned out. Anyone sitting on a brilliant solution has until May 24th to submit an abstract for consideration ahead of an August 7th symposium. We hope at least a few people answer the call, if just for the possibilities that breakthroughs spill over to civilian life — DARPA helped build the networking we’re using right now, after all.

Filed under: Networking, Alt

Comments

Via: DARPA

Source: Federal Business Opportunities

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is from Travis from Provo, who is a jammy individual, wants to replace his router. If you’re looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“I’m currently living in Provo UT, and my wireless router just died. I want to replace it with something that’s going to handle Google Fiber as that’s on its way. What do you recommend?”

Given the number of places that are now getting super-speed fiber, we’re very interested in the results of this one. We ask a similar question each year, and in 2012 you were all voicing your support for Cisco/Linksys hardware, ASUS’ RT-N66U and D-Link’s DIR-655. The only question is what’ll come out on top in 2013, so get commenting, friends.

Filed under: Wireless, Networking

Comments

Wireless access in New York City’s subway system has so far been limited, at best: two GSM carriers, one WiFi provider and six stations does not a full network make. Coverage is getting much wider, however, as Transit Wireless just flicked on access in 30 extra stations. While cellular service with this batch is still limited to AT&T and T-Mobile for now, it reaches a much wider swath of Manhattan that includes Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the Museum of Natural History. Those on CDMA carriers also won’t be left hanging for long — both Sprint and Verizon have nearly finished making deals to join the project, with Sprint aiming for service later this year. Although the deployment still leaves big holes in carrier support and geographic reach, it’s a big leap for travelers with an urge to stay online while underground.

[Image credit: Retromoderns, Flickr]

Update: Verizon now tells us that it’s also aiming for service by the end of the year.

Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Wireless, Networking, Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile

Comments

Via: The Verge

Source: Governor Cuomo