Facebook and Cisco have teamed up to offer free WiFi in select stores, restaurants, and other public locations, aiming to get weary shoppers online in return for a Facebook check-in and some anonymized demographic data. The Cisco Connected Mobile Experiences (CMX) for Facebook Wi-Fi may have an unwieldy name, but it could get you online […]
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other standardized wireless protocols are set to trump proprietary wireless protocols in mobile medical devices by 2018, says a new ABI report. This follows the proliferation of consumer smartphones, tablets, workout monitors, inhalers and other devices, reflecting the desire of consumers and health professionals to make it easier to integrate remote health […]
Don’t quite have the funds — or room — for the circular B&O Play A9 speaker ($2,700)? Libratone’s new AirPlay and DLNA-equipped Loop might catch your eye. The $500 satellite dish-like rig packs two ribbon tweeters and a bass radiator, which together pump out enough volume for moderately sized rooms. While the Loop is tiny enough to sit on a nightstand, it also comes with a detachable wall mount. You can even connect devices to it via ad-hoc WiFi if you’re away from an actual network, thanks to PlayDirect — just like the Zipp. As with all Libratone speakers, the unit’s sound characteristics are adjustable via a free app (Android and iOS) and the swappable wool speaker grille comes in a variety of colors ($50 each). The Loop is up for pre-order now in “Pepper Black, “Salty Grey” and “Raspberry Red” if you’re interested enough to bring it full circle. It’ll hit doorsteps and retailers by the end of the month.
Filed under: Home Entertainment
Source: Libratone
A handful of neighborhoods in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx will have high-speed WiFi access available for businesses and residents by the end of this year. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced an expansion today that’ll roll out over the next few months, lighting up parts of downtown Brooklyn, lower Manhattan, Harlem and other areas by December 2013. Companies have invested $3.4 million in the new infrastructure, and the city has contributed $900,000 to get the job done. We’re still a long way from having a city blanketed in completely free high-speed wireless internet, but with widespread availability in key areas, thousands of residents and smaller businesses should be able to drop their current internet providers before the ball drops to welcome 2014.
[Image source: AP/Frank Franklin II]
Filed under: Wireless
Source: Michael Bloomberg
Be it PCs, phones, televisions or wearables, if it can go wireless, Broadcom wants in on the action. Today the company has added one more category to that list, and it’s the car. Indeed, its new line of wireless chips is specifically catered for automotive use, and is decked out with the latest 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth Smart Ready technologies for smoother streaming between mobile devices and in-car displays. But the technology’s scope doesn’t stop there. You could also use it for smartphone remote control of your vehicle’s settings, high-speed connectivity via LTE hot spots, vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and even the syncing of biometric data to make sure the driver isn’t fatigued or drunk when he or she’s behind the wheel.
Broadcom’s current automotive portfolio consists of the BCM89335 5G WiFi / Bluetooth Smart Ready combo chip and the BCM89071 Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart Ready chip, which are now in the sampling stage. Of course, as this is still in development, we’re not sure just which cars will incorporate such tech just yet. Seeing as how more cars are getting connected, however, you’ll probably see it in action at your local auto dealership sooner than you think. For more on Broadcom’s automotive initiative, check out the press release after the break.
Filed under: Transportation
Source: Broadcom
Soon after finalizing an acquisition that will help boost its 4G LTE coverage, AT&T has partnered with Fon to offer a slew of new international wireless hotspots for it subscribers who are traveling overseas. Says the carrier, this deal gives its users access to “hundreds of thousands” of wireless Internet hotspots, while Fon members in […]
It may not be as convenient as, say, Three UK’s attempt to abolish data roaming frustrations, but today AT&T has partnered with yet another WiFi hotspot provider to make sharing those vacation pictures with cubicle-bound chums that much easier. International hotspot outfit Fon and Ma Bell have inked a deal that opens their respective WiFi networks up to each other’s customers, though jetsetters will need a device compatible with AT&T’s WiFi International iOS and Android apps. That’s not the only catch, either. Like with AT&T’s other hotspot arrangements, patrons of the US carrier will already need a roaming data plan to take advantage of the free 1GB of WiFi per month — a 300 or 800MB Global Add-on package, in this case. Well, like everyone says: there’s no such thing as free international WiFi sharing agreement data.
Honeywell may not have the sort of geek-kudos Nest does, but it’s aiming to change that with a new voice-controlled touchscreen thermostat that hooks into the cloud. The Honeywell WiFi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control is fronted by a finger-friendly color display, but by saying “Hello, thermostat” it can also be controlled by naturally phrased […]
Republic Wireless’ low-cost, WiFi-driven phone service has proven tempting. The rapidly aging smartphones attached to that service, however? Not so much. The carrier will soon improve that device selection, as it has just revealed plans to sell the Moto X for $299 off-contract — roughly half of what it costs at other providers. Service is also expanding beyond the original $19 plan (now limited to the Defy XT), with steep discounts if you don’t depend on cellular service. Rely solely on WiFi, and you’ll pay just $5 per month for unlimited access; a $10 plan will be available if you need cellular voice and text messaging. There will also be more traditional plans with unlimited 3G and 4G data that respectively cost $25 and $40 per month. Republic Wireless hasn’t said when its extra-cheap Moto X will be available, but the new rates should take effect in November.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Google
Via: Laptop
Source: Republic Wireless
Escort has just announced yet another device which caters for the masses, where it comes in the form of the MediaFlair portable Wi-Fi streaming accessory. Sure, Escort is not exactly as well known as other established brands, but this does not mean that the MediaFlair has nothing to offer. This personal Wi-Fi streaming accessory will come in a small and lightweight form factor, where it opens up new avenues for you to listen, watch and share your media.
With the use of the MediaFlair, you are able to free up memory on your smartphones or tablets in a jiffy, as well as enjoy wirelessly access or share media via the on-board Wi-Fi connection. Not only that, it is really easy to use, since once loaded, all you need to do is insert the SD card (an 8GB SD card is included) and MediaFlair would turn into a wireless media hub which can be accessed by up to 5 users, not one at a time mind you, but rather, simultaneously. The MediaFlair has the dimensions that are smaller than a deck of playing cards, making it convenient to tote around in a portfolio, handbag or briefcase. A single full charge allows you to use it for up to 4 hours, making this the ideal tool for road trips, business travel and social events. [Press Release]
MediaFlair Portable Wi-Fi Streaming Accessory original content from Ubergizmo. 
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