Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Skype Access expands, now unlocks over 500,000 hotspots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/skype-access-expands-now-unlocks-over-500-000-hotspots/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/skype-access-expands-now-unlocks-over-500-000-hotspots/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/15/skype-access-expands-now-unlocks-over-500-000-hotspots/#commentsSkype Access expands, now unlocks over 500,000 hotspots We can't all have 3G or 4G wireless wherever -- sometimes we need to get friendly with a plain 'ol hotspot. Skype is making that a little easier, expanding Skype Access in partnership with eight international WiFi pushers:
  • BT Openzone
  • Fon
  • M3 Connect
  • Row 44
  • Skyrove
  • Spectrum Interactive
  • Tomizone
  • Vex
Fon will probably be the most familiar if you're in America, but combined the program covers 500,000 hotspots, including 500 hotels. Users will be able to pay for WiFi by the minute using Skype Credit, with prices ranging from a nickel to $.19 per currently. No word on whether that will be changing with this new announcement.

Skype Access expands, now unlocks over 500,000 hotspots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11BT OpenzoneBtOpenzoneFonhotspotM3 ConnectM3ConnectRow 44Row44skypeskype accessSkypeAccessSkyroveSpectrum InteractiveSpectrumInteractiveTomizoneVexwifiTue, 15 Feb 2011 14:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Fonera SIMPL router now on sale for $49, moving quickly to telcos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/fonera-simpl-router-now-on-sale-for-49-moving-quickly-to-telco/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/fonera-simpl-router-now-on-sale-for-49-moving-quickly-to-telco/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/fonera-simpl-router-now-on-sale-for-49-moving-quickly-to-telco/#commentsStill holding tight to the "Sharing is Caring!" mantra? Not afraid in the least of handing out a few kilobytes to lost tourists down below? If so, you're a prime candidate to own a Fon router; for those unaware, Fon's goal is to equip the world with its 802.11n routers, and then distribute WiFi through them for all to enjoy. The device creates two WiFi signals (SSIDs), one private and one public, and for anyone who knows the pain of being desperate for just a single open hotspot, it's a product (and mission) worth supporting. The Fonera SIMPL was introduced way back at Mobile World Congress, and while the company said it had an order for 400,000 then, that figure has risen rather significantly since. Today, it's revealing that two million of these guys have been sold to telecommunication companies around the globe, with British Telecom, MTS-Comstar Russia, SFR France, SoftBank Japan and ZON Cable Portugal named in particular. The general idea is to provide these to customers in order to lighten the overall load for everyone else, but those looking to buy in sans help can finally do so -- the SIMPL's going for $49 / €39 right now directly through the outfit's website and we're confident that you'll do the right thing.

Continue reading Fonera SIMPL router now on sale for $49, moving quickly to telcos

Fonera SIMPL router now on sale for $49, moving quickly to telcos originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11neuropeFonFonerafonera SIMPLFoneraSimplhotspotinternetmobile hotspotMobileHotspotrouterSIMPLwifiwwanMon, 29 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fonera SIMPL aims to ease 3G overload, give smartphones a better way to upload]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/fonera-simpl-aims-to-ease-3g-overload-give-smartphones-a-better/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/fonera-simpl-aims-to-ease-3g-overload-give-smartphones-a-better/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/fonera-simpl-aims-to-ease-3g-overload-give-smartphones-a-better/#comments If you've never heard of Fon, its mission is pretty simple: to equip the world with Fonera routers, and thus blanket the planet in WiFi that no one is scared to share. Over at Mobile World Congress this week, the company unveiled a new device that exploits the impending bandwidth crisis that operators all over the globe are attempting to deal with. The all-new SIMPL is a palm-sized router that has just two Ethernet ports and could be doled out by carriers in order to provide a city-wide WiFi network that can be accessed by any WiFi-enabled phone, thereby easing the demand on its 3G network. Equipped with 802.11n, a faster CPU than the Fonera 2.0 and a shiny white shell, we're told that an order has already been placed by an undisclosed customer for 400,000 of 'em, though it's unclear when these will be made available to the general public and for how much. Hop on past the break for a five minute showcase video.

Continue reading Fonera SIMPL aims to ease 3G overload, give smartphones a better way to upload

Fonera SIMPL aims to ease 3G overload, give smartphones a better way to upload originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g3g router3gRouterfonFoneraFonera simplFoneraSimplmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetmodemmwcmwc 2010Mwc2010routerSIMPLvideowifiwifi routerWifiRouterwlanFri, 19 Feb 2010 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Peek teams up with FON to liberate Europe... from roaming charges]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/10/peek-teams-up-with-fon-to-liberate-europe-from-roaming-charge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/10/peek-teams-up-with-fon-to-liberate-europe-from-roaming-charge/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/10/peek-teams-up-with-fon-to-liberate-europe-from-roaming-charge/#comments
Although the bright and cheerful Peek (and its somewhat ill-advised Twitter-centric brother) has long been a source of fascination for us, we realize that for most Americans a dedicated email device doesn't make too much sense. Now, in the same way that Hendrix had to go to London to find critical acceptance, it looks like FON CEO Martin Varsavsky thinks the device might be a winner overseas -- nothing less than a heroic "pan-European email machine that avoids [data] roaming charges." According to the man's blog, the PeekFon will cost €99 (roughly $145), including six months unlimited service, courtesy of a new MVNO called Spotnik. After that, you'll need to pay as you go to the tune of €12.90 (roughly $19) a month. Sick of those insane roaming charges? Curious? European? Varsavsky shares his feelings on the subject after the break.

Continue reading Peek teams up with FON to liberate Europe... from roaming charges

Peek teams up with FON to liberate Europe... from roaming charges originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europefonhandheldhandheldsmvnopeekpeekfonspotnikThu, 10 Dec 2009 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Fonera 2.0n web applications router now available in the US]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/fonera-2-0n-web-applications-router-now-available-in-the-us/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/fonera-2-0n-web-applications-router-now-available-in-the-us/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/24/fonera-2-0n-web-applications-router-now-available-in-the-us/#comments
It can get a bit confusing at times amid all the announcements about announcements, but the folks at FON have now finally confirmed that their Fonera 2.0n "web applications" router is indeed available in the US, and for the bargain price of just $99. As its name suggests, in addition to functioning just fine as a regular 802.11n router, this one will also let you manage a whole host of web applications like Twitter, Facebook or Flickr even when your computer is turned off -- finally giving you the ability to, for instance, tweet when an upload or download has completed (a surefire way to hang onto those followers you've amassed). Still not up to speed on all this Fonera business? Don't worry, there's a helpful video after the break.

[Via Wi-Fi Planet]

Continue reading Fonera 2.0n web applications router now available in the US

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Fonera 2.0n web applications router now available in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nfonfonerafonera 2.0nFonera2.0nrouterweb applicationsweb appsWebApplicationsWebAppsThu, 24 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Fonera 2.0n available - adds media sharing, shared storage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/fonera-2-0n-available-adds-media-sharing-shared-storage/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/fonera-2-0n-available-adds-media-sharing-shared-storage/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/fonera-2-0n-available-adds-media-sharing-shared-storage/#comments
Remember that Fonera 2.0 wireless router that's been blowing minds in Europe since way back in April? FON has announced today that it's now available Stateside as the Fonera 2.0n. If that weren't excitement enough for a Tuesday morning, the thing has received a slathering of new features, including storage (just supply your fave USB 2.0 drive), 802.11n, and the ability to sync your YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, and Facebook files, as well as clients for managing your RapidShare, Megaupload, and bit.torrent addictions. Just make sure you're not violating anyone's copyrights, huh? The movie industry is struggling enough as it is. PR after the break.

Continue reading Fonera 2.0n available - adds media sharing, shared storage

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Fonera 2.0n available - adds media sharing, shared storage originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nfonfonerafonera 2.0fonera 2.0nFonera2.0Fonera2.0nmedia sharingMediaSharingwifiwireless routerwirelessrouterTue, 14 Jul 2009 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Fonera 2.0 on sale in Europe April 21, US in May]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/05/fonera-2-0-on-sale-in-europe-april-21-us-in-may/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/05/fonera-2-0-on-sale-in-europe-april-21-us-in-may/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/05/fonera-2-0-on-sale-in-europe-april-21-us-in-may/#comments
It's been a while since we heard from those lovable rapscallions at FON, but it looks like the Fonera 2.0 wireless router is finally ready to make the jump from developers-only to the consumer market -- it'll go on sale in Europe on April 21, and in the US, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in May. The new unit runs Linux, and supports BitTorrent and services like RapidShare and MegaUpload, so you can set downloads to run without firing up your computer. The launch party seems like it was pretty adorable -- it took place in FON CEO's Martin Varsavky's Paris flat, with pasta, wine and cheese. Experience it yourself (in French) after the break.

Continue reading Fonera 2.0 on sale in Europe April 21, US in May

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Fonera 2.0 on sale in Europe April 21, US in May originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonfonerafonera 2.0Fonera2.0wifiwireless routerWirelessRouterSun, 05 Apr 2009 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[La Fonera 2.0 gets demoed on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/07/la-fonera-2-0-gets-demoed-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/07/la-fonera-2-0-gets-demoed-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/07/la-fonera-2-0-gets-demoed-on-video/#comments
Developers have been able to get their hands on a Fonera 2.0 for some time now, but others haven't been able to do much more than stare at their current Fonera and imagine all the USB devices that'd be so much better connected to it. Now folks can at least get a pretty good idea of what's in store courtesy of a demo video from Fon CEO Martin Varsavsky himself (available after the break), which provides a decent overview of the device and includes a couple of new details. From the looks of it, the router delivers as promised, with it able to get along nicely with a whole host of USB devices including hard drives, printers, or a 3G modem, and make use of plug-ins for everything from Flickr to BitTorrent. What's more, while Varsavsky didn't offer too many specifics, he did throw out €50 or €60 as a possible price point, and said that it should be launching in the next 60 days or so.

[Thanks, estqwerty]

Continue reading La Fonera 2.0 gets demoed on video

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La Fonera 2.0 gets demoed on video originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonfonerafonera 2.0Fonera2.0la fonerala fonera 2.0LaFoneraLaFonera2.0Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[FON CEO teases ruggedized outdoor Foneras]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/fon-ceo-teases-ruggedized-outdoor-foneras/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/fon-ceo-teases-ruggedized-outdoor-foneras/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/fon-ceo-teases-ruggedized-outdoor-foneras/#comments
While this isn't the first device we've seen of its kind, new images of a wireless-capable, ruggedized la Fonera router have surfaced on the FON head honcho's personal blog. CEO Martin Varsavsky clearly states that "this is not a product announcement," and that the pictured devices are part of an R&D project, so pricing and availability info are certainly out of the question. Still, it's promising to see FON working to extend the reach of its network beyond the current Fonera / Fontenna combos. Just let us know when this one hits the market, okay Mr. V?

[Thanks, Joas]

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FON CEO teases ruggedized outdoor Foneras originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonfonerafontennaMartin VarsavskyMartinVarsavskyoutdooroutdoorsrouterruggedizedwifiTue, 02 Dec 2008 00:54:00 EST<![CDATA[La Fonera 2.0 emerges for developers, encourages USB-related shenanigans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/11/la-fonera-2-0-emerges-for-developers-encourages-usb-related-she/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/11/la-fonera-2-0-emerges-for-developers-encourages-usb-related-she/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/11/la-fonera-2-0-emerges-for-developers-encourages-usb-related-she/#comments
La Fonera fans, it's finally time to celebrate. Iteration 2.0, which is fittingly dubbed the Liberator, is at long last ready for shipment... to developers, at least. The La Fonera 2.0 box will certainly look familiar to owners of the first, with just 1,000 of these being prepped for consumers in France, Germany and Spain. The intention here is for devs to start toying around and "programming their own applications for other Foneros out there." More specifically, the creators are hoping that more USB functionality will be worked in so we'll eventually have Fonera WiFi boxes that play nice with USB hard drives, printers, scanners, webcams and all manners of cooling devices. It's available now (for a limited time, obviously) for €39.95 ($53) if you're up to the challenge. Oh, and if you design an application sweet enough for the Fonera 2.0, you'll be reimbursed the purchase price -- not bad, eh?

[Via WiFi Romania]

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La Fonera 2.0 emerges for developers, encourages USB-related shenanigans originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fonfon spotfoneraFonSpothotspotinternetla fonerala fonera 2.0La FontennaLaFoneraLaFonera2.0LaFontennamesh networkingMeshNetworkingUSBwifiSat, 11 Oct 2008 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Joikusoft joins FON to share Symbian hotspot love]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/15/joikusoft-joins-fon-to-share-symbian-hotspot-love/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/15/joikusoft-joins-fon-to-share-symbian-hotspot-love/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/15/joikusoft-joins-fon-to-share-symbian-hotspot-love/#commentsJoikusoft joins FON to share Symbian hotspot love
JoikuSpot is one of our favorite S60 apps, turning what is otherwise totally capable smartphone into a pocket-sized WiFi hotspot. Now the company behind it, Joikusoft, is partnering with FON to release a new version called FONspot, which will turn Symbiotes into Foneros. (Symbreros?) Users will be able to share their mobile hotspots with up to 5 friends and, in keeping with FON's business model, access those provided by others Foneros free of charge. No word yet on up-front cost, but the updated app is due sometime in Q3 2008 which is... right now, actually.

[Via IntoMobile]

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Joikusoft joins FON to share Symbian hotspot love originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonfonspotjoikusoftjoikuspotmobiles60symbianFri, 15 Aug 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[BT Group hooks up with FON for widespread WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/04/bt-group-hooks-up-with-fon-for-widespread-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/04/bt-group-hooks-up-with-fon-for-widespread-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/04/bt-group-hooks-up-with-fon-for-widespread-wifi/#comments
It took quite a few months to make the call, but it seems the chatter between FON and BT Group has finally resulted in a deal. Announced today, Britain's top fixed-line carrier will be teaming up with FON to allow "more than three million UK broadband customers to use hundreds of thousands of hotspots for free." BT customers who agree to share a pinch of their broadband connection(s) will be eligible to surf away gratis on any of the "190,000" FON hotspots worldwide, and BT Group apparently hopes that this deal will eventually lead to "every street in Britain" being covered by WiFi.

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BT Group hooks up with FON for widespread WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbroadbandbtbt groupBtGroupenglandfoninternetmobile broadbandMobileBroadbandukwifiThu, 04 Oct 2007 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Corporate viral video showcase: Philips and Fon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/corporate-viral-video-showcase-philips-and-fon/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/corporate-viral-video-showcase-philips-and-fon/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/corporate-viral-video-showcase-philips-and-fon/#comments
We've seen a lot of pretty bad corporate attempts to woo the YouTube crowd -- for every Will It Blend? there's a million PSP disasters -- so these two clips from Fon and Philips score some points for actually making us smile. Fon unleashed a WiFi-seeking matador with a ridiculous fake accent on the streets of San Francisco, eventually sending him to a Starbucks to curse the high access charges and champion the Fon Community. It's not exactly a knee-slapper, but it's fairly amusing when the guy calls it "Wi-fee." On the other hand, Philips' mockumentary for their Bodygroom manscaper is one of the best virals we've seen in a long time -- the sad story of Frank "Furback" Sack and his walk-through Coney Island body hair remover is an inspiration to us all, if only for sheer number of double entendres it contains. Check both videos after the break. (Warning: the Philips video has some mildly blue language in it.)

Continue reading Corporate viral video showcase: Philips and Fon

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Corporate viral video showcase: Philips and Fon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodygroomfonphilipsviralviral videoViralVideoTue, 10 Jul 2007 02:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Chinese gets hands-on with La Fontenna]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/01/engadget-chinese-gets-hands-on-with-la-fontenna/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/01/engadget-chinese-gets-hands-on-with-la-fontenna/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/01/engadget-chinese-gets-hands-on-with-la-fontenna/#comments
Although we certainly wish it was our hands wrapped around FON's La Fontenna, we've been admittedly busy handling other matters over the weekend, so we're glad to see that our Chinese brethren were able to do the honors. The directional antenna looks to be a rather simplistic and unvaried device, as it simply replaces the stubby antenna on your La Fonera and instantly boosts your range (and popularity amongst other now-nearby users, we presume). During rather unscientific testing, the crew was able to notice a halfway decent increase in signal strength in a number of (marginally) faraway locales, and while recorded increases weren't anything to write home about, more connectivity is never a bad thing to have. So go on, give the read link a visit, and check out a few more unboxing shots during your stay.

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Engadget Chinese gets hands-on with La Fontenna originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jul 2007 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennabroadbandfonfonerosfontennainternetrange extenderRangeExtenderwifiSun, 01 Jul 2007 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Fon's new La Fonera hits FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/04/fons-new-la-fonera-hits-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/04/fons-new-la-fonera-hits-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/04/fons-new-la-fonera-hits-fcc/#comments
Ok, Fon's new La Fonera isn't too different from last year's business-stealing La Fonera -- except this time it has a second Ethernet jack if you have a computer or device you want to plug right on in (and don't want / need to use an external switch), or, we suppose, if you want to jack your Fonera into your home network (if you do want / need to use an external switch). We kind of wish Fon changed the name up a little on this thing, maybe re-conjucated it so it would become La Fonero or something, but it would seem the ethernet jack is the only think you've got to look forward to in version 2.

P.S. -Don't mind that USB port -- it only appears in some of the pictures and not in the documentation, so we're assuming that's just a port used in testing / debug units.

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Fon's new La Fonera hits FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fccfonfonerala foneraLaFonerarouterMon, 04 Jun 2007 19:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Boingo set to roam on FON's worldwide WiFi network]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/25/boingo-set-to-roam-on-fons-worldwide-wifi-network/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/25/boingo-set-to-roam-on-fons-worldwide-wifi-network/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/25/boingo-set-to-roam-on-fons-worldwide-wifi-network/#comments
Boingo, which just recently flashed its Boingo Mobile services in your grill at 3GSM, has now made its somewhat sensational claims seem a bit more justified by partnering with FON to roam on its worldwide network of WiFi hotspots. Once the agreement is executed, Boingo's customers will reportedly have "access to an additional 130,000 hotspot locations," which will more than double the company's network size. Of course, this isn't the only partnership FON has inked in recent memory either, and while one may expect to fork over slightly more than the previously advertised $7.95 per month for an expanded Biongo Mobile network, it looks like the rates are staying put. No word yet on when the WiFi roaming will go live, but if you happened to be swarmed by Foneros in your neck of the woods, Boingo Mobile just might be worth the effort.

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Boingo set to roam on FON's worldwide WiFi network originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 May 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boingoBoingo MobileBoingoMobilebroadbandFONhot spotHotSpotinternetmesh networkingMeshNetworkingroamroamingvoipwifiFri, 25 May 2007 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[FON router used in DIY wireless network printer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/fon-router-used-in-diy-wireless-network-printer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/fon-router-used-in-diy-wireless-network-printer/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/fon-router-used-in-diy-wireless-network-printer/#comments
Sure, turning your OS X or Linux-based machine into a FON Spot is snazzy in and of itself, but what about that dusty grey printer that stays shoved beside your desk? In an admittedly impressive feat of determination, a certain modder took a screwdriver, cutting utensil, and a few dollars worth of FON routers to the inside of a printer's case, and the result is a lesson in utility to say the least. By shoving one of those inexpensive FON routers inside the case, and relying on DD-WRT to open up the appropriate channels, he was able to convert a HP LaserJet 5 into a wireless printer and WiFi hotspot, all without making a scene. Still, the idea of turning your tethered printer into one that accepts incoming jobs wirelessly is no easy task, and judging by the laundry list of duties required to pull this all together, we wouldn't recommend giving this a go without hordes of spare time on your hands. That being said, those still interested should be delighted that a step-by-step guide (with pictures, no less) has been made available for the brave and talented, so be sure to hit the read link and start digesting.

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FON router used in DIY wireless network printer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DD-WRTdiyfonfonerahacknetwork printerNetworkPrinterprintprinterrouterwireless network printerwireless printerWirelessNetworkPrinterWirelessPrinterFri, 27 Apr 2007 08:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Turn your OS X and Linux-based machine into a FON Spot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/turn-your-os-x-and-linux-based-machine-into-a-fon-spot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/turn-your-os-x-and-linux-based-machine-into-a-fon-spot/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/26/turn-your-os-x-and-linux-based-machine-into-a-fon-spot/#comments
Not one to dwell too heavily on the past, FON is apparently already moving beyond its newfangled partnership with Time Warner, and has now caved to giving Mac and Linux users the ability to get in on the action. The latest FON Spot software now appears in a beta form for OS X and Linux (preferably Ubuntu) users, allowing Ethernet-connected machines to share excess bandwidth with others via WiFi. Notably, it's even supposed to work if connected via 3G, but we can't imagine your carrier being all too pleased with such a scheme. Per usual, the company warns of its beta nature and insinuates that problems could arise, but if you're still not deterred, be sure to hit the read link and get your respective download on.

[Via GigaOM]

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Turn your OS X and Linux-based machine into a FON Spot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadownloadfonfonspotinternetlinuxmacos xOsXsoftwareubuntuwifiwifi sharingWifiSharingThu, 26 Apr 2007 00:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner partners with FON, customers to get free WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/23/time-warner-partners-with-fon-customers-to-get-free-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/23/time-warner-partners-with-fon-customers-to-get-free-wifi/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/23/time-warner-partners-with-fon-customers-to-get-free-wifi/#commentsJust like it has in so many other instances, Fon has coaxed yet another company into signing the line, and this time it's Time Warner (parent company of AOL, which owns Engadget) taking the bait. While the two firms had been in talks for some time regarding a potential partnership, today the duo made things official by announcing that "Time Warner Cable subscribers could become Fon community members and create Fon access points via their home or business broadband connection." Additionally, "the same subscribers would enjoy free WiFi access around the world, wherever Fon has partner ISPs," but the bulk of said partners sadly aren't found on American soil. Still, you won't find us bickering about free internet access, but for those anxious to hear details about this endeavor, it sounds like they'll be testing your patience; there was no word as to how soon TWC customers would be able to join the Fon bonanza, but we're sure that bombarding your local office with these inquiries could get the ball rolling.

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Time Warner partners with FON, customers to get free WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecarrierfonFonerosfree wifiFreeWifiprovidertime warnerTimeWarnertwcwifiwifi networkWifiNetworkMon, 23 Apr 2007 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint loses $20 billion government contract to rivals]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/sprint-loses-20-billion-government-contract-to-rivals/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/sprint-loses-20-billion-government-contract-to-rivals/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/sprint-loses-20-billion-government-contract-to-rivals/#commentsThe US government and Sprint Nextel have hung up their respective gloves and Sprint has claimed a big loss, as the government has apparently kicked Sprint's telecom-providing butt out the door. Sprint, which has provided various telecom services for the feds for 18 years, was displaced by AT&T, Verizon Business and Qwest as part of the largest telecom contract ever cobbled together by the government. The newly-coined "Networx Universal" contract has a period of 10 years and makes provisions for wireless voice, video and data services to 135 federal agency across 191 countries. That's what we call a contract, and a stout one at that. Until then, Sprint may still be in the running for another contract for providing secure, IP and managed network services to the U.S. Government. That contract will be awarded in May, but in the meantime, losing $20B has gotta sting.

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Sprint loses $20 billion government contract to rivals originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atandtattFONmobileQwestSprintSprint government contractSprint NextelSprintGovernmentContractSprintNextelverizon wirelessverizonwirelessFri, 30 Mar 2007 14:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Fon wants you to help steal business from Starbucks and T-Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/21/fon-wants-you-to-help-steal-business-from-starbucks-and-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/21/fon-wants-you-to-help-steal-business-from-starbucks-and-t-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/21/fon-wants-you-to-help-steal-business-from-starbucks-and-t-mobile/#comments
 Oh tricky, sneaky Fon. Fresh off their 10,000 Fonero giveaway, they're stepping up the ante with how they give away their loss-leader routers. Their newest campaign is sure to strike a chord with armchair entrepreneurs and Adbusters fans alike: if you live within the immediate vicinity of a Starbucks (read: WiFi range), Fon would like to send you one of their Foneros. Why? Because, if you recall, when you allow users to connect with your internet connection over your Fonero, Fon splits the profit with you -- $1 for every user (who pays $2 to use your connection). So for every $10 T-Mobile / Starbucks WiFi user you swipe, Fon gives you a buck; now, granted this still isn't a scheme for those paranoid about home network security, bandwidth usage, or nefarious hax0rs type with a spoofed MAC and a keen eye for easy hotspot access, but who knows, for those near Starbucks (yes, they'll be checking against known locations) it might even be worth it to buy a budget DSL line just to profit with Fon.

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Fon wants you to help steal business from Starbucks and T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonstarbuckst-mobileWed, 21 Feb 2007 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia and Qualcomm ready to play nice because of WiMax?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/20/nokia-and-qualcomm-ready-to-play-nice-because-of-wimax/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/20/nokia-and-qualcomm-ready-to-play-nice-because-of-wimax/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/20/nokia-and-qualcomm-ready-to-play-nice-because-of-wimax/#commentsQualcomm and Nokia, the two heavyweight fighters in a long and drawn out nasty battle over intellectual property rights are possibly burying the hatchet (just not in each other's backs.) Both companies are having a press conference along with Sprint Nextel a week from tomorrow (Feb. 28). Now, when you get Qualcomm and Sprint Nextel together, nothing seems out of place. Inject Nokia in there and there is something afoot -- but what? With Sprint Nextel committed to WiMax for its 4G plans and Nokia shaking hands with Sprint Nextel on that turf, maybe Nokia and Qualcomm are close to shaking hands in some form after years of issues that left Nokia holding an expensive but worthless 1xRTT bag of, well, nothing. Maybe WiMax will be the glue that reseals that relationship.

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Nokia and Qualcomm ready to play nice because of WiMax? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3GcdmaCDMA patentsCdmaPatentsev doevdoFONmobileNOKNokiaNokia QualcommNokiaQualcommQCOMQualcommsprintSprint 4GSprint NextelSprint Nextel WiMaxSprint4gSprintNextelSprintNextelWimaxWiMaxTue, 20 Feb 2007 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[BT Group chatting up FON for partnership]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/15/bt-group-chatting-up-fon-for-partnership/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/15/bt-group-chatting-up-fon-for-partnership/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/15/bt-group-chatting-up-fon-for-partnership/#comments
Good news all 'round for BT Fusion, BT Broadband and FON lovers of the UK: BT Group is reportedly in talks with FON for a hefty partnership that extends the services of both companies extensively. In exchange for allowing BT Fusion users to replace those pricey Vodafone minutes on their phones with free FON WiFi UMA lovin', BT will officially give its blessing to users sharing their BT bandwidth over FON -- ISPs usually frown on the practice -- and even go so far as to push a FON firmware upgrade to its own users' broadband routers. Subscribers can opt out, but we're sure plenty of users will bite at the chance, since signing up for FON not only gives you profit sharing from people who pay to use your access point, but also gives you free WiFi access to other FON routers. With the 10,000 FON users already in Britain, the country could become one of the top spots for free-ish WiFi, and might give BT one of the best UMA services around, but neither company is talking about the deal just yet, so we'll wait for everything to be legit before we do our little "free WiFi party" dance.

[Via WNN; thanks R Gomez]

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BT Group chatting up FON for partnership originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>broadbandbtbt broadbandbt fusionbt groupBtBroadbandBtFusionBtGroupfonukumawifiThu, 15 Feb 2007 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype launches SMC Wi-Fi Phone Package]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/15/skype-launches-smc-wi-fi-phone-package-includes-la-fonera-and-h/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/15/skype-launches-smc-wi-fi-phone-package-includes-la-fonera-and-h/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/15/skype-launches-smc-wi-fi-phone-package-includes-la-fonera-and-h/#commentsWhile neither of these products are all that new, Skype and Fon hope that when their powers combine, it'll make them more powerful than Optimus Prime. Skype's just announced its "SMC Wi-Fi Phone Package" that merges the SMC WSKP100 handset, Fon's La Fonera router, 500 SkypeOut minutes, and a full year of Skype voicemail, all for $160. That's pretty much a steal right there, given that when sold separately the handset alone would set you back $200. Of course, as of this writing, Skype's site says that the package is out of stock, so maybe if you really want all those items soonish, you might have better luck assembling the pieces on your own. But that sorta defeats the point of the package, now doesn't it?

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Skype launches SMC Wi-Fi Phone Package originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonhandsetla foneraLaFoneraskypesmc wi-fi phone packageSmcWi-fiPhonePackagewskp100Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:46:00 EST<![CDATA[FON announces Liberator, adds NAS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/06/fon-announces-liberator-adds-nas/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/06/fon-announces-liberator-adds-nas/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/06/fon-announces-liberator-adds-nas/#commentsRemember Fon, that new startup straight outta Spain? Yeah, the one that got funding from Google and Skype and then started selling subsidized Linksys routers? Well, Fon is doing all it can to bring more members into the fold, what with its giving away free routers in San Francisco not long ago and all. However, Fon's not quite done yet; according to our main man Mr. Malik, the one behind GigaOm, Fon has just acquired GSpace for an undisclosed sum. For those of you who aren't familiar with this Firefox extension, it turns those empty gigabytes on your Gmail account into online storage space with an FTP-like interface. GigaOm goes on to tell us that GSpace will be included in the new FON device, known as the FON Liberator and will be launched in February 2007. It's basically the same thing as the current FON router (pictured), except with the addition of a USB 2.0 port, allowing you turn your your thumb drive, iPod, or whatever other USB device into a NAS without much fuss. That's pretty FON-tastic, no?

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FON announces Liberator, adds NAS originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonfon liberatorFonLiberatorliberatoronlinestorageMon, 06 Nov 2006 08:54:00 EST<![CDATA[French ISP Free opens up subscribers' WiFi to each other, adds handsets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/17/french-isp-free-opens-up-subscribers-wifi-to-each-other-adds-h/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/17/french-isp-free-opens-up-subscribers-wifi-to-each-other-adds-h/http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/17/french-isp-free-opens-up-subscribers-wifi-to-each-other-adds-h/#comments In what appears to be a potentially disruptive move, French ISP Free has just opened up its network of 300,000 subscribers' WiFi networks across France to its subscribers. What does that mean? If you're a Free subscriber living in Paris, and you and you come across a Free WiFi network while in Lyon for the day on business, you can log in and use up to 64kbps of bandwidth no problem. All new Freebox HD subscribers will have this feature turned on by default, so we assume that also means you can turn it off if you're concerned about privacy. Now for those of you who might not be familiar with Free, it isn't just your garden-variety ISP, no sir. For €30 per month ($38), Free will give you a pair of boxes (known collectively as the Freebox) that comes with a DSL modem at 24Mbps, includes a digital TV receiver, 4-port switch / WiFi router with MIMO, built-in VoIP with free calls to 28 countries, and can stream TV to your computer and DVDs from your computer to your TV. Also, Free recently introduced two new handsets (pictured): its white model (WiFi-only) goes for €60 ($75), while the black model is WiFi and GSM and goes for €200 ($250). So to recap, let's say you want to roam around l'Hexagone with your laptop or your WiFi handset, and you're a Free subscriber, then you've now got one of (potentially) 300,000 locations around the country to choose from. Some industry watchers like Yannick Laclau are convinced that if companies like France Telecom or Telefonica (Spain's incumbent telco) or Verizon were to make a move à la Free, it would mean better and less expensive service for everyone, and also might wipe out FON in the process.

Read - GigaOm
Read - Yannick Laclau
Read - Net Economie

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French ISP Free opens up subscribers' WiFi to each other, adds handsets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonfrancefreefree.frgsmispwifiTue, 17 Oct 2006 23:04:00 EST<![CDATA[FON wooing "foneros" with $5 router]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/26/fon-wooing-foneros-with-5-router/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/26/fon-wooing-foneros-with-5-router/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/26/fon-wooing-foneros-with-5-router/#commentsRemember that FON service we brought to you a few months back, which aims to create a worldwide network of private hotspots wherein members can hop onto any other members' routers for free VoIP calling? Well after receiving a fresh infusion of cash from Google and Skype, the company is storming into the U.S. and Europe with a deal straight out of a domestic wireless carrier's playbook: give away or heavily subsidize the hardware in order to lock customers into long-term commitments. In this case, Fon is "selling" Linksys routers for $5-a-pop (or five Euros in Europe) in exchange for users agreeing to open up their network to other so-called "foneros" for 12 months, though by doing so, they are free to make calls from other members' hotspots during that period as well. As you'll recall, those folks unwilling to provide public access can still tap into other members' signal, but must pay $3-a-day for the privilege. The future of the company is no way assured, though, as this whole operation could go down in flames should Internet providers take FON to court for enabling their customers to share bandwidth; on the bright side, you'll only be out five bucks plus shipping and taxes if the business folds.

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FON wooing "foneros" with $5 router originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jun 2006 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fonfonerosgooglehotspotsinternet telephonyInternetTelephonylinksysnetworkingp2p voipP2pVoiprouterssharingskypevoipMon, 26 Jun 2006 10:12:00 EST