Public safety agencies in the US have been pushing for some time to have the so-called ‘D Block‘ portion of the 700MHz wireless spectrum all to themselves, and it looks like they can now officially count on the support of the White House in that effort. The Obama administration announced today that it’s backing plans to reserve the airwaves — estimated to be worth $3 billion if they were auctioned off — for a new national public safety network, and it also plans to ask Congress to approve the additional spending needed to actually build out the network, which the FCC estimates could cost as much as $15 billion. As The Wall Street Journal notes, the fate of the proposed network is now largely in the hands of House Republicans, who remain divided on the plan — although some key members have come out in support of it in recent days.
If you can be sure of anything, it’s that Sony will be pushing the NGP with its own particular brand of “wacky” trailers and adverts ahead of the next-generation console’s release. The first example has arrived, and the poor NGP itself is little to be found; instead there’s plenty of “inspiring” messages like “play life” and the suggestion that NGP gamers will be terribly social.
Video after the cut
To be fair, that’s a possibility given the NGP’s “Near” system; part of the PlayStation Network, it will keep an eye out via WiFi b/g/n for any other NGP consoles in the immediate area, and show you what titles they’ve been playing and other stats. Whether that’s quite the same as having the whole world in your hands remains to be seen.
It’s definitely one of the first things we thought of trying with AT&T’s 3G MicroCell back in 2009, but our dreams were quickly dashed after finding that said device was hard-wired to only operate when receiving a GPS lock within the United States of America. Thankfully, it looks as if at least a few engineers at Ubiquisys are riding our same train of thought, and come Mobile World Congress, it’ll be debuting the device of our dreams. The Attocell is described as a personal femtocell for use with 3G smartphones, and best of all, it’s designed for use internationally. In essence, this would allow a smartphone from one country to use their international web connection to tunnel a cell call through — presumably free of charge — and definitely bypassing those nasty roaming fees that are incurred when ringing through an overseas cellular network. The company admits that it has been tested with the iPhone, BlackBerry handsets, a few Nokia phones and a gaggle of Android handsets, and we’re guessing that Windows Phone 7 and webOS users won’t have any issues, either.
The idea is fairly simple: connect the Attocell to your laptop via USB, which provides power and an internet connection. From there, it’ll analyze the IP address and radio environment to determine which country it is in, and sets its 3G radio power accordingly to below the licensed level. In some countries its range will be just five millimeters, in other countries, it could cover a whole room. For those in the former, you’ll need to place your phone atop the dongle and use a Bluetooth headset to make a call, but hey, it’s still better than paying AT&T two arms and the vast majority of a leg just to phone home from wherever you may be. Crazier still, Ubiquisys thinks that the device’s low power output — coupled with its ability to “continuously monitor its radio environment to ensure that there is zero impact on existing mobile networks” — will make the Attocell exempt from regulatory controls and the requirement for type approval. Here’s hoping it flies through just as the company hopes, and we’ll be hitting the floor in Barcelona to pry out a price point, release date any carrier deals they’ve managed to land.
Texas Instruments may have been pipped to the post by NVIDIA when it came to getting an OMAP 4 chipset out the door, but it seems the company is leading the way in fancy calculators. Spotted crossing the FCC is the TI-Nspire CX Navigator, a WiFi b/g adapter intended for Texas Instrument’s TI-Nspire range of “learning handhelds” (as fancy calculators are now known).
The exact purpose of the wireless network adapter isn’t made clear in the FCC filing, but looking at TI’s site it would seem likely that the accessory will allow files to be transferred remotely to the TI-Nspire devices rather than requiring them to be physically connected to a computer. The company already offers one wireless system, so we’ll have to wait to find out how maths students will benefit from the updated version.
A wire to your woofer is something best avoided if at all possible, at least that’s what Atlantic Technology believes, hence their WA-50 Wireless Audio System. Intended to make subwoofer setup – or indeed multi-room audio installations – more straightforward, the WA-50 can squirt an RCA output wirelessly up to 150 feet (or double that with line of sight) or hook up to your computer and transmit your digital music collection to nearby speakers.
Thanks to three transmission frequencies up to three zones can be supported, and the number of receivers is only limited by your wallet. If you’ve got an A/V receiver which supports multiple simultaneous outputs, but you’ve been put off a multi-room setup because of the hassle of stringing cables around, this could be a pretty straightforward way of doing it.
A starter pack with transmitter, receiver, UDB Cable, and RCA input and output cables is available now, priced at $199; additional WA-50 receivers (with the necessary cables) are $89 each.
Press Release:
Atlantic Technology Debuts Wireless Audio Solutions for Subwoofers and Remote Zones
NORWOOD, MA, Jan 25, 2011 — Atlantic Technology, one of America’s most respected manufacturers of loudspeakers and custom installation solutions, has introduced its WA-50 Wireless Audio System, which can transmit a full-range stereo signal wirelessly up to 150 feet, or 300 feet line-of-sight, and with no time delay or interference. The WA-50 system can accommodate three zones and eliminates the need for long runs of RCA cable for powered subwoofers or remote amplified speaker systems.
“We think custom installers are really going to appreciate the WA-50 wireless audio system,” said Steve Feinstein, Director of Marketing and Product Development, Atlantic Technology. “Installers and end users alike are always looking for a way to eliminate those unsightly long runs of RCA cables. Now they have a quality solution. The WA-50 also has applications for rear surround channels, remote Zones, and outdoor speakers.”
The Atlantic Technology WA-50 wireless audio system is incredibly easy to set up and use. Up to three WA-50 transmitters and an unlimited number of receivers can be used in a system. Simply connect the WA-50 transmitter to the desired RCA audio outputs, and the WA-50 receiver to the RCA line inputs of a powered subwoofer or powered speaker system. Both the transmitter and receiver have a three-position switch that assigns each pairing to either Zone 1, Zone 2, or Zone 3.
The WA-50 can also be connected to your PC or Macintosh using a supplied USB cable interface. This allows the WA-50 to transmit music from the computer to your high-end audio system or to a portable audio system by the pool for parties.
The Atlantic Technology WA-50 Wireless Audio System, consisting of a transmitter, receiver, UDB Cable, and RCA input and output cables, is now available for a suggested retail price of $199, with additional WA-50 receivers and output cables available for $89 each.
From its inception in 1989, Atlantic Technology’s mission has been to produce home entertainment products that exemplify the very best in both performance and value. The company specializes in complete high-performance multi-channel speaker systems, state-of-the-art home theater electronics components, and products for custom audio/video installation. For more information on Atlantic Technology and its many fine products for home theater and custom audio/video installation, visit www.atlantictechnology.com or call 781-762-6300.
We’ve all seen movies where glossy concept gadgets casually flick photos and other content between themselves in a way that gets us cursing flaky Bluetooth transfers, but Australian tech specialist Amnesia Razorfish claims it has created a real-world version. Using Microsoft’s Surface multitouch table, Amnesia Connect allows you to slap your smartphone down, drag an image, video or app from it, and then drag it onto another device.
Video demo after the cut
Right now it works with iOS devices – Amnesia Razorfish show photos being pulled between iPhone and iPad – but the company is developing support for Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices. In the background there’s a blend of WiFi, Bluetooth, proximity-detection, token management and device positioning with the accelerometer doing all the hard stuff, but for the end-user it’s simply a case of joining the Surface’s own WiFi hotspot and putting down their device. Even that WiFi step is being removed by the crafty Aussie engineers.
Although Amnesia Razorfish is positioning this as an eye-catching way to sell content – they’re also looking at NFC payments for in-store use – the Surface table isn’t really required. It allows for the animated transfer and preview process, but the Amnesia Connect app itself would work on a regular notebook and allow for the same seamless exchanges.
The Nintendo 3DS stands to democratize stereoscopy in a way society hasn’t experienced since the View-Master craze, by offering 3D hardware more affordable than the current crop of televisions and PCs, and without requiring special glasses to see images pop out of the handheld’s screen. But when it comes to innovation, the 3DS could represent a two-way street, for even as its 3D screen is focused on enhancing the handheld gaming experience, its “Pass” network technologies — SpotPass and particularly StreetPass — could have broader implications for the way we discover the world around us.
Logitech has outed its latest wireless mouse, the Logitech Couch Mouse M515, and as the name suggests it’s intended for the living room. Unlike many mice, which have a recessed nook where the laser lives, the M515 has a smooth, sealed base that Logitech says is to avoid picking up fluff and crumbs when you’re sofa-surfing. It also has easy-glide pads for swift navigation on fabric.
Otherwise there’s the same Unifying receiver, which allows you to use a single USB dongle with multiple Logitech wireless products, up to two years of battery life, and auto-sleep when you’re not gripping it. It’ll go on sale later this month, priced at $49.99.
That’s right, the Novatel Wireless 4G MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot has won not only a Best in Show Award from Notebooks.com in the notebook accessories category, it’s also been recently awarded both the World Communication and Mobile Star awards. These additional awards are the 2010 World Communication Award (WCA) for Best Mobile Device Strategy and the Mobile Village Mobile Star Award for Best Laptop or Tablet Accessory. It’s hard to believe that such an integral piece of technology was created such a short period ago – well done, chaps!
The MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is of course that little device that lets you simply press a button and be inside a personal cloud of high-speed internet for your notebook or other compatible mobile devices. Rob Hadley, CMO, Novatel Wireless notes “Notebooks.com, the WCA and Mobile Village are widely recognized as some of the most trusted awards programs in the industry and
it is an honor to be named a winner.” Take a peek at the full press release below:
Novatel Wireless 4G MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspots Honored with CES 2011
Best in Show Award from Notebooks.com
Recent Industry Accolades Also Include World Communication and Mobile Star Awards
SAN DIEGO – Jan. 18, 2011 – Novatel Wireless (NASDAQ: NVTL), a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that its new 4G MiFi? Intelligent Mobile Hotspots were chosen as the Best Notebook Accessory at CES 2011 by Notebooks.com. This award adds to the growing list of industry accolades for the MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot platform, which recently also garnered the 2010 World Communication Award (WCA) for Best Mobile Device Strategy and the Mobile Village Mobile Star Award for Best Laptop or Tablet Accessory.
The MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is the industry leading dedicated mobile data device. The user-experience is a key element in the MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot’s worldwide success. With the touch of a button, the MiFi creates a personal cloud of high-speed Internet connectivity that can be easily shared between multiple users and up to five Wi-Fi devices such as laptops, tablets, gaming devices and multimedia players. Unlike any other device, the MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is optimized for mobile data and ease-of-use, with dedicated and uninterrupted data sessions, optimized power management for data users, and advanced integrated antenna technology for maximum performance.
The MiFi platform, now with 4G mobile broadband speeds, serves as an intelligent, open platform built on the MiFi OS with a browser based web user interface, capable of hosting advanced software applications and flexible enough to address the continued evolution of mobile broadband.
“This industry recognition highlights the unrivaled functionality, flexibility and great user experience associated with the MiFi brand, as well as Novatel Wireless’ ongoing commitment to delivering the most innovative mobile broadband solutions to our customers,” said Rob Hadley, CMO, Novatel Wireless. “Notebooks.com, the WCA and Mobile Village are widely recognized as some of the most trusted awards programs in the industry and it is an honor to be named a winner.”
ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS
Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of intelligent wireless solutions based on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies providing wireless connectivity. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide. Novatel Wireless’ Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems, embedded modules and smart M2M modules provide innovative anywhere, anytime communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. Headquartered in San
Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL. For more
information please visit www.novatelwireless.com. (NVTLG)
This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant
to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended to date. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein. These factors include risks relating to technological changes, new product introductions, continued acceptance of Novatel Wireless’ products and dependence on intellectual property rights. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Novatel Wireless’ filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov) and other regulatory agencies.
(C) 2010 Novatel Wireless, Inc. All rights reserved. The Novatel Wireless name and logo, Ovation™, Mobilink™ and MiFi® are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Other Company, product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
The one downside to today’s ridiculously powerful graphics cards is that they require a lot of cooling to keep their GPUs running at peak efficiency. And if your tower happens to be sitting on your desk right next to your display, it just adds to the annoying white noise you have to deal with.
KFA2’s new GTX 460 though lets you stash your tower up to 100 feet away since it’s the first graphics card with built-in WHDI which wirelessly sends an uncompressed 1080P, 60Hz signal to the included WHDI receiver connected to your display. You’ll of course need a wireless mouse and keyboard to complete the setup, but it seems like a particularly great solution for an HTPC since you don’t need to have it running alongside the TV in your living room.
Public safety agencies in the US have been pushing for some time to have the so-called ‘D Block‘ portion of the 700MHz wireless spectrum all to themselves, and it looks like they can now officially count on the support of the White House in that effort. The Obama administration announced today that it’s backing plans to reserve the airwaves — estimated to be worth $3 billion if they were auctioned off — for a new national public safety network, and it also plans to ask Congress to approve the additional spending needed to actually build out the network, which the FCC estimates could cost as much as $15 billion. As The Wall Street Journal notes, the fate of the proposed network is now largely in the hands of House Republicans, who remain divided on the plan — although some key members have come out in support of it in recent days.
