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Safari 4 released today, offering 'unparalled speed'

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jun 8th 2009 at 12:32PM

Among the torrent of news is the announcement that Safari 4 ships today, boasting "unparalleled speed," especially when compared to IE8 (this is Apple talking, not us). Included in the new browser is a full history search, featuring a cover flow view of the user's browsing history (as well as a full spotlight search). And it looks like they've thought a lot about the browser when building the new OS -- In Snow Leopard, Safari runs as a 64-bit application, "boosting performance by up to 50 percent." Also in SL, Safari plug-ins run as separate processes. When a plug-in crashes, the browser remains intact, meaning you can just reload the page, not the browser itself. Available today (as in, right now) for Leopard, Tiger, and -- of course -- Windows.

Gallery: Safari 4 press shots

Continue reading Safari 4 released today, offering 'unparalled speed'

Video: Wi-SKY promises in-flight 45Mbps downloads, does nothing for your troubled conscience

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jun 4th 2009 at 4:46PM

So, we know you're as giddy as a child on Christmas morn' every time one of your flights turns out to have WiFi. But what if we told you that those puny 900+kbps transfers could soon be dwarfed by download rates as high as 45Mbps? This is Wi-SKY's claim, made during a presentation at the Immarsat Aeronautical Conference. According to Electronista, the technology relies on a series of radio towers that are each capable of broadcasting a distance of up to 54 miles. The company has yet to announce any airline partnerships or a timeline for deployment, so don't expect to do any bandwidth-intensive tech blogging from the skies over Laramie any time soon. But we do have an octane-fueled, high-adrenaline video for you. Peep it after the break.

Continue reading Video: Wi-SKY promises in-flight 45Mbps downloads, does nothing for your troubled conscience

Broadcom InConcert module brings Bluetooth 3.0 and WiFi to smaller devices

by Darren Murph posted Jun 3rd 2009 at 8:02PM

We can't say for sure, but we've all ideas that Broadcom has spent the majority of the past month just rolling in dough that's being begrudgingly transferred in from Qualcomm. During the downtime from that, however, it apparently whipped up three new Bluetooth 3.0 + WiFi modules designed to bring both connectivity options to netbooks and UMPCs that would otherwise go without. Said cards arrive in half mini-card form, which ought to slide into places where only one or the other used to fit. We're told that the company is now sampling these very chips, with volume production expected to begin in Q3 2009.

Motorola debuts world's first retail DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems

by Darren Murph posted Jun 2nd 2009 at 11:03PM

You'll still need the love and support of your dear cable provider, but if you're within range of DOCSIS 3.0 service, you can bypass at least one aspect of dealing with your local ~~monopoly~~ ISP. Starting this week, Motorola is launching the planet's first retail DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems, which enable speeds up to four times faster than DOCSIS 2.0. The SURFboard SB6120 DOCSIS 3.0 eXtreme cable modem will soon be cluttering up shelves at Fry's Electronics, presumably just beside the incredibly deceiving Monster Cable demonstration area. There's no word on price just yet, but don't expect such a luxury item to run you cheap, okay?

Ask Engadget: What's the best dual-band router?

by Darren Murph posted May 28th 2009 at 11:56PM

C'mon, admit it. Seeing Ask Engadget is your favorite thing of the week, as it definitely marks the unofficial start of the weekend. Before you break out the Dos Equis and engage in copious amounts of "chilaxing," why not give this question a serious look (and an even more serious answer)?

"I recently came across the article of "How-to: set up dual-band WiFi." I have been thinking about upgrading my wireless network in order to wirelessly stream video and data from my desktop to my media extenders around the home. What would be a good simultaneous dual-band router? I have Windows Vista on a Dell Inspiron 530 and other laptops running Windows XP, Vista, etc. I also have media extenders like the Linksys DMA 2200 and PS3. If possible, I would like to stay under $150."

We're certain Pradeep's not the only one looking to do the dual-band thing, and we know quite a few of your are already rocking such a setup. If so, what kind of kit are you using to make it all happen? Don't stay quiet, ya heard?

AT&T announces 7.2Mbps HSPA rollout plans

by Paul Miller posted May 27th 2009 at 10:57AM

We knew AT&T had an HSPA upgrade in the works, and now the company has announced its plans, with initial rollout beginning later this year and reaching completion in 2011. That will overlap only slightly with LTE, which AT&T plans to put into trials in 2010 and start melting our faces in 2011. The HSPA upgrade takes the network from 3.6Mbps to 7.2Mbps in theoretical speed, and AT&T also plans to nearly double the amount of wireless spectrum it dedicates to 3G in metropolitan areas -- which should come as a relief to city dwellers who haven't managed more than a couple minutes of sustained conversation since mid-2008. To support the increased bandwidth of HSPA, AT&T also plans on adding thousands of new cell site backhaul connections, while also rolling out 3G service to 20 new metro areas and deploying 2,100 new cell sites in total. HSPA-sporting mobile data cards and smartphones will be available "later this year."

Engadget Labs: The best mobile data carrier in America

by Darren Murph posted May 26th 2009 at 4:41PM

When T-Mobile finally decided to join the 3G data card bandwagon earlier this year, we figured it prudent to grab a few sticks from the likes of T-Mob, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and AT&T in order to see which carrier provides the most bang for the buck in the mobile data arena. And trust us, it's about more than just uplink and downlink rates in 2G / 3G regions these days -- it's about figuring out which operator provides the coverage you need at the price you can afford, all while dodging those precarious overage charges and finding yourself out of luck when traveling overseas. Join us after the break as we delve into the deep, murky realm that is mobile broadband, and prepare to have your every preconceived notion about this stuff utterly destroyed.

Gallery: Mobile Data Card Shootout

Continue reading Engadget Labs: The best mobile data carrier in America

North Korea to allow limited access to "the internet" on cellphones

by Laura June posted May 23rd 2009 at 2:24AM

Looks like North Korea -- a place not known for its liberal attitudes toward communication of information -- may slowly be taking another baby step toward the 21st century. The country, which only began allowing limited access to cell phones last December, has announced that now, limited access to the internet will be available on mobiles as well. Apparently about 20,000 of North Korea's estimated 23 million citizens now have cell phones, and though there is scant detail about what the internet access will constitute, an estimated 400 million dollars was spent to construct the 3G network in the country. So while there's no real bright side to the story, at least those lucky few who can look at Kim Jong Il's official website will have a decent connection.

Virgin America lights up entire fleet with in-flight WiFi

by Darren Murph posted May 20th 2009 at 5:46PM

Hold up AirTran -- not so fast with those wild claims of in-flight WiFi superiority. If you'll recall, the aforesaid airline proclaimed that it would soon be the first to have its entire fleet doused with Gogo, but it looks like Virgin America has swept in to claim that title. We should point out just how unfair the challenge is, though: VA has 28 planes as of today, whereas AirTran has 136. At any rate, we're still thrilled to see airlines duking it out in order to get more WiFi to more fliers, and we fully anticipate that every new aircraft added to Virgin America's fleet will be lit from day one. Now, if only they'd allow Skype functionality for more than just an Oprah demonstration, we'd really be playing with fire.

[Via Gadling]

Verizon Wireless to light up LTE in 20 to 30 markets in 2H 2010

by Darren Murph posted May 15th 2009 at 10:13AM

Looking for some LTE news that's harder than those wishy-washy vibes you've been getting thus far? Listen up. On a recent conference call, Verizon Wireless President and CEO Lowell McAdam (shown) stated that its LTE network would launch commercially in around 20 to 30 US markets during "the second half of 2010." He continued by noting that a "nationwide buildout would be complete in late 2013 to early 2014," but failed to elaborate on the whens, whos and whys in between. For those locked into the 4G movement, you'll notice that these dates are slightly different than ones tossed out in April by the outfit's CFO, which leads us to believe that we could hear something else in just a few month's time if things don't go perfectly to plan. At any rate, McAdam did confirm that a tiny group of VZW testers would have access to 4G this year, with one "pre-commercial" network per US coast being activated during 2009. Bring on the bytes, baby.

[Via phoneArena]

Cisco signs on to provide infrastructure, build Linksys WiMAX routers for Clearwire

by Darren Murph posted May 14th 2009 at 8:41AM

Clearwire may not be as ubiquitous as you'd like it to be, but it's taking a huge step forward in hopes of wildly expanding by linking up with Cisco. In essence, the two have joined hands in order to "enhance and expand CLEAR 4G mobile WiMAX services throughout the United States," with Cisco providing the core infrastructure and Clearwire providing the guidance. Potentially more interesting is the notion that Cisco's Linksys brand will soon be delivering "new mobile WiMAX devices," such as routers that will presumably tune to WiFi and WiMAX waves. Specific product details are sorely absent, though Clearwire does reiterate that it's hoping to have WiMAX service to more than 80 markets across the US by the end of next year.

Novatel's MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router comes to Sprint

by Darren Murph posted May 13th 2009 at 1:09PM

What one CDMA carrier can do, another can do better, right? Eh, not quite, but they can stare each other down holding the exact same weapon, just daring each other to make the next move. Just a week after Verizon Wireless launched the MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router, Sprint has decided to offer up the exact same product for use on its network. The battery-powered box, engineered by Novatel Wireless, enables users to connect up to five WiFi-enabled devices to Sprint's EV-DO Rev. A network, and it'll be marketed in stores as the Sprint Mobile Hotspot. According to the carrier, its unit will be the first in the US to support MiFi's GPS capabilities, allowing users to take advantage of select location and mapping applications. It should be noted, however, that Sprint's service plans differ quite significantly from those offered up by VZW. The up front cost is the same at $99 after a $50 mail-in rebate (on a two-year agreement), though the only two options for getting it connected are as follows:

$59.99 per month mobile broadband only plan (excluding taxes and surcharges)
$149.99 per month Simply Everything Plan + Mobile Broadband (phone plus device connectivity -- excluding taxes and surcharges)
Both plans include up to 5 GB per month and 5 cents per megabyte overage for the MiFi 2200. [Ugh, disgusting.]
Available in early June.

[Via phoneArena]

Continue reading Novatel's MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router comes to Sprint

AirTran brings Gogo in-flight WiFi to every single flight

by Darren Murph posted May 12th 2009 at 12:22PM

Listen up, jet-setters -- AirTran Airways just got a lot more attractive. Starting this summer, this very airline will become the "world's first" (Virgin America will have its comparatively small fleet of 28 fully equipped by Memorial Day) to equip all of its aircraft with in-flight WiFi, and when we say "all," we mean "all." Much like the half dozen other Aircell airline partners, AirTran is also utilizing Gogo technology, but it's doing so across its entire fleet of Boeing 737 and 717 aircraft. If all goes to plan, all 136 AirTran planes will be broadband-enabled by "mid-summer," and as with other Gogo-equipped planes, patrons will be asked to pony up $12.95 for access on flights over three hours and $9.95 for jaunts that are three hours or less. Of note, "handheld devices" can hop online for just $7.95 regardless of flight length, though we get the idea that VoIP calling will still be disabled.

Proxicast's Cell-PAK: it's a portable 3G / WiFi hotspot, but rugged

by Darren Murph posted May 3rd 2009 at 7:57PM

If you've been toying with the idea of buying a bulletproof shell for your CradlePoint portable hotspot, we're guessing that Proxicast's Cell-PAK is an entirely better option. Said box, which is described as a rugged, self-powered 3G + WiFi wireless hotspot in a box, was designed to provide "mission-critical wireless communications" in the jungle, on the battlefield or in your backyard. Aside from having its very own battery pack for completely untethered access, the device comes encased in an impact and water-resistant MIL-spec rated chassis, and we're told that it can accept "any 3G modem from any cellular carrier worldwide." We're talking over a dozen hours of wireless access from anywhere that you can retrieve signal, and there's even an external high-gain antenna to help with that. Now, if only that $1,295 price weren't so gigantic...

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

Gallery: Proxicast's Cell-PAK: it's a portable 3G / WiFi hotspot, but rugged

Doomsday alert: internet to become an "unreliable toy" in 2012

by Darren Murph posted Apr 30th 2009 at 2:59PM

Okay, so first things first -- we all know the world's on track to end in 2012, so it's not like this really matters. But if, just if it manages to survive (à la Y2K), you can pretty much bank on a mass reversal of culture as we all push aside our netbooks and return to the playground. According to some "research" slated to be fully published "later this year," PCs and laptops are apt to "operate at a much reduced speed, rendering the internet an unreliable toy" from 2012 onward. The reason? Massive growth in internet demand, which is undoubtedly on pace to crush existing infrastructure that can't ever be improved upon by anyone, regardless of their market capitalization or determination to expand. It's noted that the internet itself will somehow survive, but that users will begin to see "brownouts," which are described as "a combination of temporary freezing and computers being reduced to a slow speed." Thank heavens for FinallyFast, right?

Psst... the solution to all of this is just past the break.

[Thanks, Colin]

Continue reading Doomsday alert: internet to become an "unreliable toy" in 2012