The network-analyzing super-wonks at OpenSignal have released their 2014 State of LTE report, and things aren’t looking good for U.S. smartphone users. Not only is our 4G LTE signal once again the second-slowest in the world; compared to last year’s report, it actually got more than 30% slower.
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There’s something uniquely scary about the idea of your calls being jammed. Good news! It turns out blocking calls and texts to certain phones is pretty easy. Hackers have figured out how to turn a feature phone into a "jammer" with just a few software modifications.
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Earlier this week a New York Times article claimed that NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden asked a group of lawyers visiting him to put their cell phones in the refrigerator—the idea being that it would act as a Faraday cage. But does it actually work?
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While I rarely switch my phone off, (i.e. never) I do like to make it shut up when I’m busy. That means that I had to adjust all my push notifications, because I don’t want an update whenever you like a cat on Facebook. That being said, with iOS 6′s Do Not Disturb, do you still need a pouch to block signals?
The answer is yes, because some apps just manage to get through without being blocked, like WhatsApp. So if you don’t think Do Not Disturb is good enough, and don’t want to switch on Airplane Mode – which is my favorite way to shut my phone up, then check out this pouch that will block all signals. The Blokket Signal Blocking Phone Pocket will allow you to easily find a quiet moment, without fiddling with your settings.
The woven silver and nylon fabric works as a pocket-size Faraday cage, blocking up to 99.7% of radio frequencies. It’s a great place to keep any sensitive RFID-enabled cards as well. This portable dead zone sells for $24.99(USD) from ThinkGeek.
[via Geek Alerts]
As a general rule, it’s usually never a good look to strap things to your noggin. That said, we’re willing to let this particular Quirky-made concept slide for two reasons: it could very well save your motorcycle-loving life and it won’t muck up your head gear. The in-development helmet light, which goes by the plain though apt Signal moniker, makes use of an elastic fiber-optic fabric known as Lumigram, thus avoiding the need for messy adhesives and, more importantly, keeping your biker fashion in check. So, how exactly does it help steer you out of harm’s way? Well, by communicating wirelessly via RFID, the attachment doubles up on signaling safety, mimicking your ride’s real-time responses for brake lights and turn signals. According to its creators, this hide-saving accessory could be “the coolest thing to happen to motorcycles since Easy Rider.” We’re not sure we (nor Jack Nicholson, for that matter) agree with that, but it should keep your body and bike free from the crush of neighboring wheels.
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Transportation
Quirky helmet concept gives new meaning to headlight originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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AT&T’s improving its coverage at live events by establishing a new (impressive sounding) setup — the five-beam multi-beam antenna. It works by dividing its customers’ signals into five narrow parts, illustrated above by the color bands, upping the bandwidth by splitting traffic to each segment, enabling up to five times the data traffic. Ma Bell even used similar technology to craft a “super” multi-beam antenna, which expands the same idea into two rows of nine, possibly offering up to 18 times the speed of a typical single-tower arrangement. AT&T adds that this setup also reduces dropped calls and failed uploads, and is apparently already being put to use at live concerts and games. Not quite wrapping your head around it? Check the video after the break.
AT&T reveals new multi-beam antenna tech for live events, could offer data speeds five times faster (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
If you’re often finding that your super-duper 4G service is more LT-Eh?, than LTE, then you might have been curious about Wilson Electronics’ Sleek 4G-V cellphone signal booster. If you were, it’s time to stop waving your hand in the air looking for bars, and stick it in your pocket in search of some sheets, as it’s now available in stores. Of course, it’s Verizon customers who’ll benefit the most, with the Sleek 4G-V being designed with the big red’s 700MHz service in mind. That said good old 2- and 3G services are still given a leg up. The MSRP remains $129 for the standard “in-vehicle” model, with an optional accessory kit for indoor use (no price at this time). If this message kept dropping out, head over to the window past the break for the PR.
Continue reading Wilson Electronics’ Sleek 4G-V Verizon flavored signal booster reports for service
Filed under: Cellphones
Wilson Electronics’ Sleek 4G-V Verizon flavored signal booster reports for service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 07:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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