Hasta La Gadget!

AT&T has announced that it has a new USB modem available for customers that operates on its 4G LTE network. The modem is called the Beam from Sierra Wireless. One of the most interesting features of the USB modem is that it has an integrated LCD screen.

That LCD screen gives the user of the modem all sorts of interesting information including a network signal strength indicator, what type of network are connected to, and how much data is being used. It’s very easy-to-use more data than you’re allotted on your plan and run up a significant bill, so having how much data you have used right on the modem is very helpful indeed.

The modem can also be used as a storage device thanks to an integrated memory card slot supporting microSD cards of up to 32 GB in capacity. The modem is also capable of roaming allowing you to connect to the Internet in more than 210 countries. AT&T says that the modem is plug-and-play compatible so you don’t have to worry about software.

The modem supports Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows RT laptops and tablets. When connected to Windows 7 laptops, the modem can also be used as hotspot to share 4G connectivity with up to 10 other devices via Wi-Fi. The Beam will launch on May 10 in AT&T stores around the country and online for $19.99 with a two-year agreement. The mobile plan with 5 GB of data will cost $50 per month.

[via AT&T]

AT&T gets LCD packing LTE modem called Beam from Sierra Wireless is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

ZTE has announced the launch of its MF823, a small dongle it touts as the smallest 4G LTE data card currently available. The little white unit has already launched in Kazakhstan, of all places, and is heading for Europe and Asia “soon.” The press release doesn’t state a price, but if similar offerings from the company are any indication, you’ll likely be looking at $200+ for the unit.

The MF823′s user interface is operated via the Web, and, according to the press release, is compatible with Windows 8, Windows XP, Mac OS X and “all major operating systems.” The device supports IPv6, GPRS/GSM, UMTS-HSPA+, and LTE-FDD. The LTE-FDD supported download and upload speeds are 100Mbps/dl and 50Mbps/ul, while the UMTS-HSPA+ supported speeds are 42Mbps/dl and 5.76Mbps/ul.

The MF823 dongle uses 30-percent less energy than its first-gen counterpart. Says ZTE, the device has the “lowest working temperature in the industry,” so it’ll feel cool to the touch even after prolonged periods of use. In addition, the unit has improved radiating properties, and has been optimized for a combo of high bandwidth/high communication rates and low delays.

In addition to boasting having launched the world’s smallest 4G LTE USB modem, ZTE also has claims to fame in other related areas. Earlier in 2012, the Chinese company unveiled the first multi-standard USB modem available. Also, says the press release, ZTE was the first mainland Chinese vendor to make available a 4G LTE smartphone.

ZTE unveils the smallest 4G LTE datacard available is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.