Hasta La Gadget!

Phew. For a moment few years there, we thought any device set up to operate on these so-called white spaces — which have been vacated following the analog-to-digital TV transition — would be forced to use spectrum sensing modules in order to ensure that no TV station was operating in areas in which it wanted to. Based on the FCC’s Second Memorandum Opinion and Order, which was just published a few days back, it looks as if forthcoming white space devices will not be required to ping databases in order to make absolutely sure that it won’t interfere with TV stations.

That’s the long and short of it, which is fantastic (if not expected) news for device makers and anyone who despises red tape, but Ars Technica has taken an in-depth look at why the Commission made such a call. Indeed, the FCC’s 2008 Order mandated that white space gadgets check in beforehand in order to “protect TV signals from interference.” Essentially, the call that nixed this addition was the fact that this security ring would inadvertently provide “many wireless microphones systems that go to unlicensed use” — things like wireless systems at churches, football games, concerts, etc. As with anything FCC-related, it’s a long and wordy explanation, but those interested in the finer details are just one click away from the nitty-gritty.

FCC: white space devices won’t require spectrum sensing modules originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Got some Intel-powered WiMAX equipment, a Clear subscription, and a yearning to spend some time in Japan? Then we’ve got great news for you, sailor! Clearwire has just hooked up with UQ to provide Day Passes over in the land of earthquakes and sushi. These act as one-day roaming permits for your WiMAX needs, furnishing you with unlimited 4G access and costing a measly ¥600 ($7) a pop. So basically, it’s the Clear Rover gone international. Clearwire’s also talking business with other global partners and the ultimate idea seems to be for it to hook up with all the big WiMAX purveyors and set up an affordable 4G roaming network for its internationally minded customers. The full press release awaits after the break.

Continue reading Clearwire starts selling roaming WiMAX Day Passes in US and Japan, unlimited data awaits

Clearwire starts selling roaming WiMAX Day Passes in US and Japan, unlimited data awaits originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix CEO Reed Hastings may be stumbling over a publicity misstep or two since launching in Canada just yesterday, but he sure knows the right mea culpa to give. In a blog post entitled “Apologies” — which, amusingly enough, is published just after “We Blew It” — the King of the Red Envelope says, “we are looking at adding a streaming-only option for the USA over the coming months.” No prices are discussed, but our educated guess would place it parallel to Canada’s streaming-only plan, $7.99 monthly. Would we be willing to drop all physical media in exchange for at least one extra dollar per month? Now that’s a good question.

Netlix CEO promises streaming-only option for US ‘over the coming months’ originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 22:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft has chosen the small hours of the night to announce pricing of its second Kinect bundle, which is set for launch along with the standalone and 4GB options on November 4 in the USA and November 10 across Europe. The new package throws in the 250GB slim version of the Xbox 360 to accompany the newfangled motion tracker, a spare conventional controller, and a copy of the utterly unmissable Kinect Adventures! (it has its own punctuation, it must be good). Pricing is a bit on the painful side, with Kotaku reporting a $399 figure for the US and Microsoft confirming to us a £300 sticker for this “special edition” bundle for the UK. Full press release follows after the break.

[Thanks, Ravi]

Continue reading Xbox 360 250GB plus Kinect bundle priced at $399 in US, £300 in UK

Xbox 360 250GB plus Kinect bundle priced at $399 in US, £300 in UK originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Though it’s really quite a capable handset, Dell’s Streak brought several disappointments to its belated US launch; namely, a pastry-based OS without any creme filling, and a $549 version that’s still SIM-locked. While we doubt AT&T’s iron grip will release the Streak from the latter servitude, Dell’s Lionel Menchaca suggests that the former problem may get solved all at once, because the company is considering skipping Android 2.1 altogether for stateside Streaks and upgrading them directly to the faster, more capable Android 2.2. We don’t have a timeframe for a potential release, of course, as the device just went on sale, but it’s clear that Dell hears your cries for the functionality Froyo brings.

Dell: Streak likely going straight to Froyo in US originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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