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[Cisco unveils Linksys HomePlug AV Powerline solutions, converts outlets into network connection points]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/cisco-unveils-linksys-homeplug-av-powerline-solutions/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/cisco-unveils-linksys-homeplug-av-powerline-solutions/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/24/cisco-unveils-linksys-homeplug-av-powerline-solutions/#comments Cisco unveils Linksys HomePlug AV Powerline solutions, converts outlets into network connection points
Looking to boost network range in remote areas of your humble abode? Cisco is now offering an option that turns your electrical outlets into wired network connections with speeds up to 200Mbps. Each Linksys HomePlug AV Powerline option includes an Ethernet adapter that connects to your router and a second adapter for your wired devices elsewhere -- both of which are plugged into sockets of your choosing to get things started. The Powerline then uses your home's electrical wiring for the system, saving the headache of hiding cables for that home office. The company says that the kit will play nice with most household appliances and 1-port and 4-port adapters are available now for $100 each. Want to connect sans wires? A Powerline 1-port Wireless Extender is coming in March that will create a WiFi signal for the HomePlug system. Hopefully wandering peepers won't be able to monitor activity remotely. Fingers crossed.

Continue reading Cisco unveils Linksys HomePlug AV Powerline solutions, converts outlets into network connection points

Cisco unveils Linksys HomePlug AV Powerline solutions, converts outlets into network connection points originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>200Mbpsciscocisco homeplug av powerlineCiscoHomeplugAvPowerlineelectrical outletElectricalOutlethome networkHomeNetworkhomeplug av powerlinehomeplug powerlineHomeplugAvPowerlineHomeplugPowerlineinternetlinksyslinksys homeplug av powerlineLinksysHomeplugAvPowerlinenetwork adapterNetworkAdapternetworkingoutletPLEK400PLSK400wall socketWallSocketTue, 24 Jan 2012 20:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Researcher finds vulnerability in WPS protocol, looks for manufacturers to offer fix]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/researcher-finds-vulnerability-in-wps-protocol-looks-for-manufa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/researcher-finds-vulnerability-in-wps-protocol-looks-for-manufa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/researcher-finds-vulnerability-in-wps-protocol-looks-for-manufa/#comments On the plus side, your router's mostly secure. Security researcher Stefan Viehbock has just discovered a major security hole which allowed him to use a brute force technique to access a WPS PIN-protected network in about two hours. According to Viehbock, a design flaw allows the WPS protocol's 8-digit PIN security to fall dramatically as additional attempts are made. With each attempt, the router will send a message stating whether the first four digits are correct while the last digit of the key is used as a checksum and then given out by the router in negotiation. As a result, the 100,000,000 possibilities that the WPS should represent becomes roughly to 11,000.

The US-CERT has picked up on this and advised users to disable WPS on their routers. Viehbock, in turn, claims to have attempted to discuss the vulnerability with hardware vendors such as Buffalo, D-Link, Linksys, and Netgear, but says he has been roundly ignored and that no public acknowledgement of the issue has been released. As a possible final step, Viehbock has promised to release a brute force tool soon, thereby pushing the manufacturers to work to resolve the issue. In other news, that evil supercomputer from the movie War Games just got a few more digits of the nuclear launch codes -- maybe one of Stefan's pals can look into that one.

Researcher finds vulnerability in WPS protocol, looks for manufacturers to offer fix originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brute forceBruteForceBuffaloD-LinkLinksysNetgearPINPIN-protectedsecurityStefan ViehbockStefanViehbockUS-CERTWar GamesWarGamesWPSWPS protocolWpsProtocolWed, 28 Dec 2011 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco goes minimalistic with new Linksys E-Series routers and switches]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/cisco-goes-minimalistic-with-new-linksys-e-series-routers-and-sw/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/cisco-goes-minimalistic-with-new-linksys-e-series-routers-and-sw/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/cisco-goes-minimalistic-with-new-linksys-e-series-routers-and-sw/#comments If you dig the stylish look on the Linksys E4200 802.11n router but prefer something more wallet-friendly, then Cisco's latest range of home routers and switches will likely suit your taste. Gone are the curved grooves and blinking LEDs on the top, but these routers -- ranging from $59.99 to $159.99 -- still go about their usual wireless business at up to 300Mbps, with additional simultaneous dual-band support on the pricier E2500 and E3200. Like their predecessors, you'll also find a refreshed, feature-packed Cisco Connect software suite in the box, which promises to make installation and management a whole lot easier.

Also notable is the upcoming virtual USB feature that connects printers and storage devices to the network -- the E3200 and E4200 are expected to receive this update in the summer. As for the switches, you have a choice of three new models going from $29.99 for five 10/100Mbps ports, all the way up to $74.99 for eight gigabit connections. All these good-looking fellas are up for grabs starting today, and you can check out the spec sheets after the break for all the nitty-gritty.

Continue reading Cisco goes minimalistic with new Linksys E-Series routers and switches

Cisco goes minimalistic with new Linksys E-Series routers and switches originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscoCisco ConnectCisco Connect SoftwareCiscoConnectCiscoConnectSoftwaree1200e1500e2500e3200e4200LinksysnetworknetworkingrouterSE1500SE2500SE2800switchTue, 05 Apr 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco unveils Linksys E4200 dual-band router capable of speeds up to 450Mbps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/cisco-unveils-linksys-e4200-dual-band-router-capable-of-speeds-u/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/cisco-unveils-linksys-e4200-dual-band-router-capable-of-speeds-u/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/cisco-unveils-linksys-e4200-dual-band-router-capable-of-speeds-u/#comments Cisco has continued its push to make home entertainment wire-free with its latest E-Series wireless router, the Linksys E4200. Cisco's new dual-band 802.11n rig enters a high-end market segment currently occupied by the TRENDnet TEW-692GR. Both routers utilize a 3x3 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration for a max throughput of 450Mbps on the 5GHz band, and while the E4200 only reaches speeds of 300Mbps at 2.4 GHz (as compared to the TEW-692GRs 450Mbps) it should still be quite the video streaming powerhouse. As we've seen in previous Cisco offerings, the company's latest has USB connectivity and UPnP media server capabilities to add network storage and share all of your movies and music. Additionally, the E4200 packs technology similar to that seen in other routers, which allows users to prioritize bandwidth for movies, voice, or music. To keep everyone connected, it has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, six antennas, and several internal and external signal amplifiers to provide coverage for even the most palatial of estates. For those itching to pair a performance router with their new internet capable TV, the E4200 is priced at $179.99 and is currently available at Best Buy.

Continue reading Cisco unveils Linksys E4200 dual-band router capable of speeds up to 450Mbps

Cisco unveils Linksys E4200 dual-band router capable of speeds up to 450Mbps originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 06:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cicso linksys e4200CicsoLinksysE4200CiscoCisco SystemsCiscoSystemsdual banddual band routerDualBandDualBandRoutere4200linksyslinksys e serieslinksys e4200LinksysE4200LinksysESeriesmedia routermedia servermedia streamerMediaRouterMediaServerMediaStreamerrouterwifiwirelesswireless nWireless N Storage Routerwireless routerWirelessNWirelessNStorageRouterWirelessRouterThu, 20 Jan 2011 06:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco responds, fixes Linksys Extenders for Media Center, certificate issue to blame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/cisco-responds-fixes-linksys-media-extenders-certificate-issue/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/cisco-responds-fixes-linksys-media-extenders-certificate-issue/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/10/cisco-responds-fixes-linksys-media-extenders-certificate-issue/#commentsCisco responds, fixes Linksys Media Extenders, certificate issue to blame Ever have a really bad day? You know, when you try to do a simple task like reboot a server and suddenly your whole week is shot? That, apparently, is what happened at Cisco HQ, with the result being the disabling of thousands of Linksys Extenders for Media Center, as we reported last week. Our request for info was finally channeled through to the right people and we have a response as to what happened:
Yes we did have to take the server down for maintenance and during the reboot realized we had an issue with a certificate server. All is fixed now and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused to our customers.
So, that missing IP should now be responding and hopefully your Extenders are working again. Also, it seems this was not part of a vast cable company conspiracy to keep you from watching downloaded versions of The Walking Dead and finding out how Rick got out of that tank. Now, as to why the thing needs to dial home in the first place, and when will that freshly certified server be put out to pasture for good, rest assured we're looking for answers.

Update: The word is that the Extenders are actually dialing home to see if new firmware is available, not to send reports on how many obnoxious Geico commercials you've skipped in the past 24 hours. Why does a failed firmware update check cause the boxes to be freak out like this? That we don't know, and we hope it's an issue conveniently addressed via that very same firmware update process, but we're also told that there are no plans to retire these boxes, so you just keep on streaming the good stream.

Cisco responds, fixes Linksys Extenders for Media Center, certificate issue to blame originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 07:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscodma 2200dma2100Dma2200linksyslinksys media extenderLinksysMediaExtendermedia extenderMediaExtenderWed, 10 Nov 2010 07:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys Media Extenders suddenly stop working, did Cisco pull the plug?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/linksys-media-extenders-suddenly-stop-working-did-cisco-pull-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/linksys-media-extenders-suddenly-stop-working-did-cisco-pull-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/linksys-media-extenders-suddenly-stop-working-did-cisco-pull-th/#commentsLinksys Media Extenders suddenly stop working, did Cisco pull the plug? It was the halcyon summer of 2009. The Hubble Space Telescope was fixed, Helio Castroneves won the Indy 500, Somali pirates were really doing their thing, and Linksys decided it was time to pull the plug on its DMA2100 and DMA2200 Media Center Extenders. Production was ceased and that was that... or so we thought. Now we're hearing dozens of reports that those extenders mysteriously stopped working over the past few days, and indeed a thread over at The Green Button is full of hundreds rightfully disgruntled users. Thanks to a lot of investigations by members it's been determined that the boxes are trying to dial home to an address that no longer exists. Naturally this is causing wild speculation about DRM checks and the boxes being remotely disabled, but for now there are some manual work-arounds, including configuring your router to explicitly block any traffic from the Extender or simply assign an invalid gateway. This seems to work for many, but not for all. We've reached out to get an official word from Cisco on what's up here, but until we hear back feel free to post your most alluring conspiracy theories in comments below.

Update: Still no official response from Cisco/Linksys, but Matt was kind enough to send us the official work-around that users who have reported the issue are told to use. We've included that for you below.

Update 2: Cisco responds!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Linksys Media Extenders suddenly stop working, did Cisco pull the plug?

Linksys Media Extenders suddenly stop working, did Cisco pull the plug? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscodma2100dma2200linksyslinksys by ciscoLinksysByCiscomedia center extenderMediaCenterExtenderSat, 06 Nov 2010 09:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Wireless-N shocker! Cisco announces E-Series line of home routers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/wireless-n-shocker-cisco-announces-e-series-line-of-home-router/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/wireless-n-shocker-cisco-announces-e-series-line-of-home-router/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/wireless-n-shocker-cisco-announces-e-series-line-of-home-router/#comments
If we know you, you're about ready to bathe your place of residence in some of those 802.11n waves you've been hearing so much about. Well, you're in luck -- the cats at Cisco have announces the Linksys E-Series line of routers for your home, flat, or small business. All of these bad boys feature the all new Cisco Connect software (with exhaustive parental control and a separate password-protected guest network). Priced between $80 and $180, select models include Gigabit Ethernet, UPnP AV Media Server, external storage via USB, Linux, and more. Available now at Amazon, Staples, and Linksys. For the whole sordid tale, peep the PR after the break.

Continue reading Wireless-N shocker! Cisco announces E-Series line of home routers

Wireless-N shocker! Cisco announces E-Series line of home routers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AE1000ciscoE1000E2000E2100LE3000linksysLinksys AE1000Linksys E1000Linksys E2000Linksys E2100LLinksys E3000LinksysAe1000LinksysE1000LinksysE2000LinksysE2100lLinksysE3000linuxroutershockerwifiwireless nWirelessNWed, 31 Mar 2010 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys router turned into smartphone-controlled doorman (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/linksys-router-turned-into-smartphone-controlled-doorman-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/linksys-router-turned-into-smartphone-controlled-doorman-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/25/linksys-router-turned-into-smartphone-controlled-doorman-video/#commentsLinksys router turned into smartphone-controlled doorman (video) Working for a large company comes with a lot of baggage, the least of which is an RFID security badge. For those small companies who can't afford such extravagantly wireless door key solutions there's another option: this DIY project completed by a team of developers at Sunlight Labs. It all centers around a Linksys WRT54GL, a Linux-based wireless router that, with a little firmware hackery and a bit of wiring, was tethered into the office's door release buzzer. The team then went about allowing SSH access to the router and created Android and iPhone apps that instantly connect to the device and open the door, authenticated by a PIN and a unique ID assigned to each device. Users can also deliver their PIN via SMS or a simple phone call to open the door. Elegant, impressive, open source, and one less thing to forget on a Monday morning when groggily heading to the office.

Continue reading Linksys router turned into smartphone-controlled doorman (video)

Linksys router turned into smartphone-controlled doorman (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddiydoor lockDoorLockgoogle androidGoogleAndroidiphonelinksyslinksys WRT54GLLinksysWrt54gllinuxrfidroutersmartphonesshsunlight labsSunlightLabsWRT54GLThu, 25 Feb 2010 09:21:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY Lego router the perfect compliment to your Bristle Blocks firewall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/diy-lego-router-the-perfect-compliment-to-your-bristle-blocks-fi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/diy-lego-router-the-perfect-compliment-to-your-bristle-blocks-fi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/diy-lego-router-the-perfect-compliment-to-your-bristle-blocks-fi/#comments
Is there anything you can't do with Lego brand toy building bricks? Probably -- but we're not here to dwell on the negative. In this space, we've seen everything from a USB charger to a 3D scanner built with the things, but if you still haven't had your fix, Luke Anderson (the Lego computer guy) has full on, step-by-step instructions for building an enclosure for your Linksys WRT54GL router. It's stackable, all the buttons, LEDs, and ports are accounted for, and your young child can break a small piece off and choke on it. In other words, it combines the functionality of a router with the charm of your favorite toy! Ready to dive in? We thought so... hit the source link to get started.

DIY Lego router the perfect compliment to your Bristle Blocks firewall originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diylegolego routerLegoRouterlinksysluke andersonLukeAndersonmodroutertoywrt54GLMon, 18 Jan 2010 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[MacBook inhabits a Linksys router after ill-advised casemod]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/09/macbook-inhabits-a-linksys-router-after-ill-advised-casemod/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/09/macbook-inhabits-a-linksys-router-after-ill-advised-casemod/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/09/macbook-inhabits-a-linksys-router-after-ill-advised-casemod/#commentsApple products are known far and wide for their design. Linksys products, on the other hand, are not. That's why this latest laptop mod strikes us as a little odd. When a technically-proficient gentleman named Tyler wanted to get his hands on "a working, genuine" Mac as cheaply as possible, he did what any self-respecting (and frugal) geek would do: he scrounged New Egg and eBay for MacBook parts. Why he would then turn around and cram 'em into an old router is, quite frankly, beyond us. Had he asked, we would have suggested something a bit more classy: perhaps a flashing pyramid? Why not a Timex Sinclair ZX81? Or maybe even a toaster? That said, this achievement -- while puzzling -- certainly seems to have been pulled off with not a little technical skill. If you're curious to see how it all went down (including copious step-by-step pics) hit the source link. And prepare to scratch your head in wonderment.

MacBook inhabits a Linksys router after ill-advised casemod originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casemodlinksysmacmacbookrouterWed, 09 Dec 2009 00:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys announces WRT160NL Linux-powered media sharing router]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/linksys-announces-wrt160nl-linux-powered-media-sharing-router/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/linksys-announces-wrt160nl-linux-powered-media-sharing-router/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/linksys-announces-wrt160nl-linux-powered-media-sharing-router/#comments
Do you have some media to share with yourself (or with those in close vicinity)? The Linksys Wireless N Storage Router is a sleek and sexy refresh of the tried and true Wireless G, throwing in external R-SMA antenna connectors, USB connectivity (for your fave external drive) and an integrated media server. This bad boy can stream to PCs or UPnP AV digital media adapters, and it supports FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS file systems in both read and write mode. Available now for $109.99.

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Linksys announces WRT160NL Linux-powered media sharing router originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ciscolinksyslinksys wireless n storage routerlinksys wrt160nlLinksysWirelessNStorageRouterLinksysWrt160nlmedia routermedia serverMediaRouterMediaServernetworkingrouterWireless N Storage RouterWirelessNStorageRouterWRT160NLTue, 23 Jun 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys has no plans to add H.264 support to discontinued Extenders]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/20/linksys-has-no-plans-to-add-h-264-support-to-discontinued-extend/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/20/linksys-has-no-plans-to-add-h-264-support-to-discontinued-extend/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/20/linksys-has-no-plans-to-add-h-264-support-to-discontinued-extend/#commentsDMA2100
As soon as we heard the official word that Linksys had discontinued the DMA2100 and DMA2200 Extenders for Media Center, we though to ourselves, there goes any hope of a firmware update. But just to be sure we sent a quick email to see if there was any chance H.264 support would be added. As you might expect, when we asked if Linksys would release an update, the answer was "no they will not." Depending on where you live and what provider you have, this could be a big deal. Currently in the UK, no H.264 means no BBC HD, but eventually here in the US it will means no hope of HD from DISH Network or DirecTV. This also excludes those who want to use a Hauppauge HD PVR as well as anyone who has an HD camcorder that uses the codec. We have to say we're very disappointed with the support level from Linksys, even if it is an end-of-life product. We suppose it could be argued that we shouldn't expect new features on a dead product, but I doubt many who need H.264 would agree that this is anything but an update that ensures the device continues to perform its initially intended task.

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Linksys has no plans to add H.264 support to discontinued Extenders originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCCiscoDMA2100DMA2200ExtendersExtenders for Media CenterExtendersForMediaCenterhdLinksysmedia CenterMediaCenterVMCWindows media CenterWindowsMediaCenterWMCWed, 20 May 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys discontinues Media Center Extenders, hardly anyone notices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/linksys-discontinues-media-center-extenders-hardly-anyone-notic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/linksys-discontinues-media-center-extenders-hardly-anyone-notic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/linksys-discontinues-media-center-extenders-hardly-anyone-notic/#comments
Media Center Extenders -- remember those? Yeah, those things were all the rage at CEDIA 2008, and right around four hours after the show closed up, you and the whole world forgot about 'em. Honestly, the concept and execution was flawed from the start. These standalone boxes provided exactly what media loving consumers didn't want: yet another set-top-box crowding their space. Furthermore, most were priced at or above the cost of an Xbox 360, which -- lo and behold -- could be used as an MCE as well as a darn good gaming console. See the holes in this plan yet? Furthermore, most of 'em, particularly those that relied on WiFi, were utterly unreliable and offered disappointing streams. High prices plus lackluster results yields low demand, who woulda thunk it?

Essentially, manufacturers were hoping that those with loads of media on Windows-based PCs would jump at the chance to get all of that material on their HDTV with the addition of one little box. And in theory, at least, that does sound somewhat attractive. Unfortunately, only a few of these were announced in Denver, and almost all of them suffered from inexcusable delays. By the time they hit the market, all of the buzz generated at the trade show was extinguished, and early reviews were less than positive. It didn't take long to see prices begin to plummet, all while fence sitting companies realized that avoiding this niche would likely be most beneficial to their longevity.

Today, we're seeing Linksys' DMA2100 and DMA2200 listed as "Discontinued" at a number of legitimate e-tailers, and while D-Link's DSM-750 and HP's MediaSmart Connect seem to be hanging around at near-full price, we can't say the same for Samsung's discounted MediaLive Digital Media Adapter. Heck, Niveus Media doesn't even list its Media Center Extender - EDGE as a product on its website anymore. It shouldn't be any real shock that hardly any other companies have jumped in since these first few, and we're having serious doubts about the future of the dedicated MCE. Are you getting the same vibes? Do you think these things could thrive at the right price? Let us know in the poll and comments below!

[Via GeekTonic]

Update: Turns out HP is axing its MediaSmart HDTV / Connect lines as well. It's full statement sent to us is after the break.

View Poll

Continue reading Linksys discontinues Media Center Extenders, hardly anyone notices

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Linksys discontinues Media Center Extenders, hardly anyone notices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deaddiscontinuediscontinuedDMA 2100Dma2100extenderextendershd streamhd streamingHdStreamHdStreaminghdtvkillkilledLinksysMCEmedia center extendermedia streamermedia streamingMediaCenterExtenderMediaStreamerMediaStreamingpollstreamstreamingMon, 18 May 2009 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys discontinues Media Center Extenders, hardly anyone notices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/linksys-discontinues-media-center-extenders-hardly-anyone-notic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/linksys-discontinues-media-center-extenders-hardly-anyone-notic/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/18/linksys-discontinues-media-center-extenders-hardly-anyone-notic/#comments Media Center Extenders -- remember those? Yeah, those things were all the rage at CEDIA 2008, and right around four hours after the show closed up, you and the whole world forgot about 'em. Honestly, the concept and execution was flawed from the start. These standalone boxes provided exactly what media loving consumers didn't want: yet another set-top-box crowding their space. Furthermore, most were priced at or above the cost of an Xbox 360, which -- lo and behold -- could be used as an MCE as well as a darn good gaming console. See the holes in this plan yet? Furthermore, most of 'em, particularly those that relied on WiFi, were utterly unreliable and offered disappointing streams. High prices plus lackluster results yields low demand, who woulda thunk it?

Essentially, manufacturers were hoping that those with loads of media on Windows-based PCs would jump at the chance to get all of that material on their HDTV with the addition of one little box. And in theory, at least, that does sound somewhat attractive. Unfortunately, only a few of these were announced in Denver, and almost all of them suffered from inexcusable delays. By the time they hit the market, all of the buzz generated at the trade show was extinguished, and early reviews were less than positive. It didn't take long to see prices begin to plummet, all while fence sitting companies realized that avoiding this niche would likely be most beneficial to their longevity.

Today, we're seeing Linksys' DMA2100 and DMA2200 listed as "Discontinued" at a number of legitimate e-tailers, and while D-Link's DSM-750 and HP's MediaSmart Connect seem to be hanging around at near-full price, we can't say the same for Samsung's discounted MediaLive Digital Media Adapter. Heck, Niveus Media doesn't even list its Media Center Extender - EDGE as a product on its website anymore. It shouldn't be any real shock that hardly any other companies have jumped in since these first few, and we're having serious doubts about the future of the dedicated MCE. Are you getting the same vibes? Do you think these things could thrive at the right price? Let us know in the poll and comments below!

[Via GeekTonic]

Update: Turns out HP is axing its MediaSmart HDTV / Connect lines as well. It's full statement sent to us is after the break.

View Poll

Continue reading Linksys discontinues Media Center Extenders, hardly anyone notices

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Linksys discontinues Media Center Extenders, hardly anyone notices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 May 2009 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deaddiscontinuediscontinuedDMA 2100Dma2100extenderextendershdhd streamhd streamingHdStreamHdStreamingkillkilledLinksysMCEmedia center extendermedia streamermedia streamingMediaCenterExtenderMediaStreamerMediaStreamingother hardwareotherhardwarepollstreamstreamingMon, 18 May 2009 09:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys discontinues its Extenders for Media Center]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/16/linksys-discontinues-its-extenders-for-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/16/linksys-discontinues-its-extenders-for-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/16/linksys-discontinues-its-extenders-for-media-center/#comments
Extenders for Media Center held so much promise only a year ago, but now with one of our favorite Extenders being discontinued it makes us pause and wonder about the future of the model. A small, low powered STB connected to the TV doing all the heavy lifting for our HTPC makes perfect sense as a concept, but in reality when you consider the price vs the feature set, it just doesn't add up. The economic reality is that an Xbox 360 does more for about the same amount of money, so the small footprint and low power usage just wasn't enough to sway consumers to the Linksys extenders. Looking forward we don't know what to expect, with a premier Media Center partner like Niveus publicly stating that it's new Zone product was created because customers didn't accept the limitations of an extender, it really makes us wonder. We still think the extender model has its place, but it seems now that it only makes sense as a feature of another product instead of standing on its own. So in other words, we still have our hopes up for a Blu-ray player with a built in Extender for Media Center, but in the meantime we'll be picking up a couple more DMA2100s before its too late.

[Via GeekTonic]

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Linksys discontinues its Extenders for Media Center originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 May 2009 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7MCDMA2100DMS200extenders for windows media centerExtendersForWindowsMediaCenterhdLinksysMedia CenterMediaCenterVMCWindows Media CenterWindowsMediaCenterWMCSat, 16 May 2009 21:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco signs on to provide infrastructure, build Linksys WiMAX routers for Clearwire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/cisco-signs-on-to-provide-infrastructure-build-linksys-wimax-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/cisco-signs-on-to-provide-infrastructure-build-linksys-wimax-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/cisco-signs-on-to-provide-infrastructure-build-linksys-wimax-ro/#comments
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.

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Cisco signs on to provide infrastructure, build Linksys WiMAX routers for Clearwire originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 May 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbroadbandciscoclearwireInfrastructureinternetlinksysmobilemobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetnetworkingothersperipheralsrouterwimaxWLANThu, 14 May 2009 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco signs on to provide infrastructure, build Linksys WiMAX routers for Clearwire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/cisco-signs-on-to-provide-infrastructure-build-linksys-wimax-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/cisco-signs-on-to-provide-infrastructure-build-linksys-wimax-ro/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/14/cisco-signs-on-to-provide-infrastructure-build-linksys-wimax-ro/#comments
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.

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Cisco signs on to provide infrastructure, build Linksys WiMAX routers for Clearwire originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 May 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbroadbandciscoclearwireInfrastructureinternetlinksysmobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetnetworkingrouterwimaxWLANThu, 14 May 2009 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys DMA2200 Media Extender plummets from $350 to $95]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/linksys-dma2200-media-extender-plummets-from-350-to-95/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/linksys-dma2200-media-extender-plummets-from-350-to-95/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/27/linksys-dma2200-media-extender-plummets-from-350-to-95/#comments
It was only a matter of time, really. Remember when Media Center Extenders were all the rage (yeah, for around ten minutes) at CEDIA 2007? Remember how everyone balked at paying $350 for one when you could just buy an Xbox 360 for the same amount and get two things in one? Apparently those "everyones" were right, as Linksys' slow-selling DMA2200 Media Extender has sunk from $349.99 on day one to $94.99 today at NewEgg. Quite honestly, this thing looks about 8.98 times sexier with its slim new sticker -- anyone thinking of getting into Extenders now that the barrier to entry is all but gone?

[Via Slashgear]

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Linksys DMA2200 Media Extender plummets from $350 to $95 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DMADMA-2200DMA2200extenderextendershdLinksysmedia adapterMedia Center ExtenderMedia Center ExtendersMedia ExtenderMediaAdapterMediaCenterExtenderMediaCenterExtendersMediaExtenderothersprice dropPriceDropFri, 27 Mar 2009 13:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco Media Hub reviewed, punched like a baby]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/26/cisco-media-hub-reviewed-hated/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/26/cisco-media-hub-reviewed-hated/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/26/cisco-media-hub-reviewed-hated/#comments
Cisco's been trying to make themselves comfortable in our living rooms over the last few years with variable success. For Cisco, the more audio, home spun video, TV, and just plain data they can entice you to push around your house, and The Net in general, translates to warm willowy cash riding an OSPF packet direct into Cisco's pocket. Now we've got a review from HotHardware of Cisco's latest, the Linksys Media Hub Network Attached Storage device. Unfortunately for Cisco, the review politely ripped the Media Hub to shreds. It's most compelling feature -- the intuitive, built-in, Internet accessible Media Browser -- would "lose" media and "frequently" degrade performance during database rebuilds that kicked off throughout the day. Issues that could be solved via firmware update -- someday... probably. The price is also set too high compared to other NAS devices in the same capacity range. For about the same dough, you can get the Business Edition of the 2TB Maxtor Central Axis NAS preferred by HH. Fortunately for you, you've seen the review prior to handing Cisco your $350. You did wait for the review, right?

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Cisco Media Hub reviewed, punched like a baby originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscolinksysmedia hubmedia hub nasMediaHubMediaHubNasreviewThu, 26 Mar 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys by Cisco PLTK300 Powerline kit is pretty, sluggish]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/21/linksys-by-cisco-pltk300-powerline-kit-is-pretty-sluggish/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/21/linksys-by-cisco-pltk300-powerline-kit-is-pretty-sluggish/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/21/linksys-by-cisco-pltk300-powerline-kit-is-pretty-sluggish/#comments
And to think, this here box had so much promise. At first glance, it's easy to fall head over heels with the PLTK300 Powerline box. After all, it features a four-port adapter that easily manages game consoles, Blu-ray players, AV receivers, etc., and passes those signals along your home network via power wiring. The rub? It's based on the older 85Mbps standard and not the fresher, speedier 200Mbps protocol. In other words, you may see dropped frames and the like if trying to push too much HD through here at once. Ah well, at least that news makes the Asia-only availability that much easier to live with.

Update: So, these seem to be shipping now in the US. Huzzah! [Thanks, Dave!]

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Linksys by Cisco PLTK300 Powerline kit is pretty, sluggish originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscoeithernethdhome networkingHomeNetworkinglinksyslinksys by ciscoLinksysByCisconetworkingother hardwareotherhardwareothersPLTK300powerlineSat, 21 Mar 2009 08:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys Wireless Home Audio and Media Hub NAS hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-wireless-home-audio-and-media-hub-nas-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-wireless-home-audio-and-media-hub-nas-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-wireless-home-audio-and-media-hub-nas-hands-on/#comments
We just snuck a quick look at the new Linksys home media gear, the Wireless Home Audio system and Media Hub NAS, and it's pretty much what you'd expect. For all of Cisco's talk of platform and back-end and consumer love, the end product is actually pretty humdrum. We can't speak to the actual setup and content integration -- which will naturally be Cisco's strong suit -- but the actual hardware doesn't seem to scream consumer love. The interface on the Touchscreen Remote is pretty slow and a far cry from the polish of the Sonos system -- the unit's natural competitor -- especially compared to the iPod touch control App, and everything looks and feels bulky and gray. We do have to hand it to Cisco for working in the iPod dock, a CD player, iTunes server and Rhapsody all into one cohesive centrally-controlled system, but we'll see how much traction this gathers in the market... Cisco's talking like a uniter, but right now this just looks like more fragmentation.

Gallery: Linksys Wireless Home Audio and Media Hub NAS hands-on

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Linksys Wireless Home Audio and Media Hub NAS hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces2009ciscofeaturedfeatureshands-onlinksysmedia hub nasMediaHubNasportable audioportableaudiowireless home audioWirelessHomeAudioWed, 07 Jan 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Live from the Cisco CES press conference]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/live-from-the-cisco-ces-press-conference/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/live-from-the-cisco-ces-press-conference/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/live-from-the-cisco-ces-press-conference/#comments
12:56PM PT We're here, and there's some seriously smooth jams playing. We don't mind telling you that this is the smoothest press event we've been to, hands down. Someone call a doctor, we're having a relax attack.

Continue reading Live from the Cisco CES press conference

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Live from the Cisco CES press conference originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2009Ces2009ciscofeaturedfeatureslinksyslivelive bloggingliveblogLiveBloggingWireless home audio systemWirelessHomeAudioSystemWed, 07 Jan 2009 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-by-cisco-wireless-home-audio-system-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-by-cisco-wireless-home-audio-system-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-by-cisco-wireless-home-audio-system-unveiled/#comments
We knew that Cisco would be invading the home audio space in '09, but we didn't know it'd be so quickly (and under the Linksys name). Here at CES, the outfit has unveiled the admittedly complex Wireless Home Audio system, which utilizes Ethernet / 802.11n / DLNA in order to stream audio over multiple zones throughout the home. The kit is actually comprised of some very specific components, so let's not waste any time, eh? There's the Conductor DMC350 Wireless-N Digital Music Center, Director DMC250 Wireless-N Music Player with Integrated Amplifier, Player DMP100 Wireless-N Music Extender, Stereo Speaker Kit DSPK50, DMWR1000 Wireless-N Touchscreen Remote, iPod docking station and the DMRIR500 IR Remote. For details on the specific kits, which should go on sale this quarter for $300 and way up, give the read link a peek.

Gallery: Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled

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Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocesces 2009Ces2009ces2009breakingciscoDMC250DMC350DMP100DMRIR500DMWR1000DSPK50executive kitExecutiveKitlinksysMCCI40NASPremier KitPremierKittrio kitTrioKitwhawhole home audiowhole-home audioWhole-homeAudioWholeHomeAudioWireless Home AudioWirelessHomeAudioWed, 07 Jan 2009 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-by-cisco-wireless-home-audio-system-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-by-cisco-wireless-home-audio-system-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/linksys-by-cisco-wireless-home-audio-system-unveiled/#comments
We knew that Cisco would be invading the home audio space in '09, but we didn't know it'd be so quickly (and under the Linksys name). Here at CES, the outfit has unveiled the admittedly complex Wireless Home Audio system, which utilizes Ethernet / 802.11n / DLNA in order to stream audio over multiple zones throughout the home. The kit is actually comprised of some very specific components, so let's not waste any time, eh? There's the Conductor DMC350 Wireless-N Digital Music Center, Director DMC250 Wireless-N Music Player with Integrated Amplifier, Player DMP100 Wireless-N Music Extender, Stereo Speaker Kit DSPK50, DMWR1000 Wireless-N Touchscreen Remote, iPod docking station and the DMRIR500 IR Remote. For details on the specific kits, which should go on sale this quarter for $300 and way up, give the read link a peek.

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Linksys by Cisco Wireless Home Audio system unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocesces 2009Ces2009ciscoDMC250DMC350DMP100DMRIR500DMWR1000DSPK50executive kitExecutiveKithdlinksysMCCI40NASother hardwareotherhardwareothersPremier KitPremierKittrio kitTrioKitwhawhole home audiowhole-home audioWhole-homeAudioWholeHomeAudioWireless Home AudioWirelessHomeAudioWed, 07 Jan 2009 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[A tale of two Pico-ITX mods]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/a-tale-of-two-pico-itx-mods/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/a-tale-of-two-pico-itx-mods/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/a-tale-of-two-pico-itx-mods/#comments
As William Gibson once wrote, "the street finds its own uses for things." Of course, the future he envisioned was populated by cut-throat characters with names like Dex Cowb0t, mercenary-types who made their money the only way they knew how: with custom cyberspace decks, hopped up on designer drugs like "splurge" and "spazz." What he never understood was that the only true measure of a technology is its ability to aid a bored populace in its pursuit of nostalgia and novelty. And by these standards, the Pico-ITX board might be one of the most important technological breakthroughs of its time (roughly 2007-2010 CE). Where would the hackers and case modders of our humble era be if it weren't for this guy? They wouldn't be shoving PCs into old Game Boy cases, that's for sure. Case in point: the Linksys Bt320g seedbox project places VIA's EPIA PX10000G mobo and a 320GB HDD in an old Linksys shell (and a 400GB HDD in a second router). The man responsible doesn't say whether or not this one was intended to thwart they copyright police in the event of a search and seizure, but on the other hand we're assuming that he isn't going to be seeding OpenOffice on the thing either. If retro computing's your bag, we've found a Timex Sinclair ZX81 case mod that should bring you considerable joy. Unfortunately the membrane keyboard's been disabled, but if you don't mind using a USB keyboard with a machine that originally sported 1KB RAM (at a whopping 3.25MHz), you might want to hit the read link and see how it's done.

Read - Linksys BT320G case mod
Read - Sinclair ZX81 turned into PC

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A tale of two Pico-ITX mods originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bt320gcase modCaseModdex cowb0tDexCowb0tepiaepia pico-itxEPIA PX10000GEpiaPico-itxEpiaPx10000ghacklinksysmodpico-itxroutersinclairsinclair zx81SinclairZx81timexviawilliam gibsonWilliamGibsonzx81Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Engadget: What's the most reliable wireless router?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/23/ask-engadget-whats-the-most-reliable-wireless-router/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/23/ask-engadget-whats-the-most-reliable-wireless-router/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/23/ask-engadget-whats-the-most-reliable-wireless-router/#commentsThe latest question to fly into our Ask Engadget mailbox (which is ask at engadget dawt com, for those unaware) concerns wireless routers. But not just any wireless router. We're talking wireless routers that offer up rock solid reliability day after day, transfer after transfer.

"What is the best wireless router in terms of reliability? I know that question has been covered before, but most people just answer with whatever router they own. I've had issues with routers. Gone through three Netgears and a Linksys that after a certain amount of time cease to hold a decent connection. I'm wondering if people know of a solid router that might be a little less mainstream."

Who better to ask about the underground WiFi router scene than Engadget readers, right? Help this poor fellow out -- one more dropped connection whilst racking up frags and he's going to have a catastrophic meltdown.

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Ask Engadget: What's the most reliable wireless router? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askask engadgetAskEngadgetfeatureslinksysnetgearrouterwifiwireless routerWirelessRouterwlanThu, 23 Oct 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys announces WRT610N simultaneous dual-N band router]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/03/linksys-announces-wrt610n-simultaneous-dual-n-band-router/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/03/linksys-announces-wrt610n-simultaneous-dual-n-band-router/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/03/linksys-announces-wrt610n-simultaneous-dual-n-band-router/#comments
Linksys, er, sorry, that's Linksys by Cisco, is announcing the WRT610N this morning, a new simultaneous dual-N band router that enables it to use 802.11n WiFi on both 5 and 2.4GHz at the same time. This means, of course, that your higher throughput, shorter-distance devices can get the highest-speed 802.11n access at the same time as the rest of your devices can get the usual, more compatible 2.4GHz access they look for. It's on sale now for $200.

Gallery: Linksys announces WRT610N simultaneous dual-N band router

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Linksys announces WRT610N simultaneous dual-N band router originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>802.11nbreaking newsBreakingNewsciscolinksysWRT610NThu, 03 Jul 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with T-Mobile @Home]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/hands-on-with-t-mobile-home/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/hands-on-with-t-mobile-home/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/hands-on-with-t-mobile-home/#comments
We've been tooling around with T-Mobile's just-launched @Home service for a little while now; frankly, there's not much to write about, but in the case of a product like @Home, that's a very good thing. In order to be successful, the whole setup has to be drop-dead simple -- bear in mind that the carrier is targeting folks stubbornly refusing to give up their landlines here -- and it absolutely was. We'll be upfront, we cheated a bit by simply hot-wiring the HiPort router into our existing router, but it worked like a champ nonetheless with the blue phone service status light coming on about 90 seconds after we plugged it in. Customers choosing to play it straight and replace their existing router (or those who are buying a router for the very first time) are greeted with a fold-out poster explaining the step-by-step process to get the ball rolling in plain English.

Sound quality was excellent, caller ID worked, and the voicemail system was up and running right away; if you've got messages, a blue light flashes on the router itself. No status symbol appeared on the handsets themselves to indicate that a voicemail was waiting, though, which kind of sucks considering that your router isn't likely to be positioned somewhere you can readily see it; the only saving grace is that you get the stuttering dialtone when you pick up the line.

Overall, for $10 on top of your bill, this seems like a total no-brainer for any T-Mobile customer with a landline, especially since you can port your number -- and the VTech handset isn't a bad little cordless, either.

Update: Folks have been pointing out that the voicemail button on the phone should light up when you have messages, but for us, it wasn't -- we checked it thrice. Just a word of warning!

Gallery: Hands-on with T-Mobile @Home

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Hands-on with T-Mobile @Home originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at homeAtHomefeatureshands onhands-onHandsOnhiportlinksysmobilet mobilet-mobiletmobilevtechWed, 25 Jun 2008 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile @Home gets friendly with your home phone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/t-mobile-home-gets-friendly-with-your-home-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/t-mobile-home-gets-friendly-with-your-home-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/t-mobile-home-gets-friendly-with-your-home-phone/#comments
Still really attached to that landline phone? Seriously? That's cool, we still love you, and T-Mobile still wants your business. Following a few months of trials, the T-Mobile HotSpot @Home Talk Forever service has mercifully morphed into the simpler "T-Mobile @Home," featuring a Linksys-sourced router that plugs into a broadband connection and allows any plain ol' telephone -- you know, the plug-in kind -- to take advantage of unlimited nationwide calling for $10 a month on top of your regular T-Mobile bill. The so-called "HiPort" router runs $49.99 on a two-year contract, and if you're in the market for a fancy new cordless, they'll sell you a two-handset VTech DECT system for $59.99. No worries when you're ready to hop back into the 21st century, either; the system will happily work with T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home WiFi cellphones, too. Look for the whole shebang to go on sale July 2.

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T-Mobile @Home gets friendly with your home phone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at homeAtHomebreaking newsBreakingNewsdectlinksyst-mobilevtechWed, 25 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile @Home gets friendly with your home phone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/t-mobile-home-gets-friendly-with-your-home-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/t-mobile-home-gets-friendly-with-your-home-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/25/t-mobile-home-gets-friendly-with-your-home-phone/#comments
Still really attached to that landline phone? Seriously? That's cool, we still love you, and T-Mobile still wants your business. Following a few months of trials, the T-Mobile HotSpot @Home Talk Forever service has mercifully morphed into the simpler "T-Mobile @Home," featuring a Linksys-sourced router that plugs into a broadband connection and allows any plain ol' telephone -- you know, the plug-in kind -- to take advantage of unlimited nationwide calling for $10 a month on top of your regular T-Mobile bill. The so-called "HiPort" router runs $49.99 on a two-year contract, and if you're in the market for a fancy new cordless, they'll sell you a two-handset VTech DECT system for $59.99. No worries when you're ready to hop back into the 21st century, either; the system will happily work with T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home WiFi cellphones, too. Look for the whole shebang to go on sale July 2.

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T-Mobile @Home gets friendly with your home phone originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at homeAtHomebreaking newsBreakingNewsdectlinksysmobilet mobilet-mobiletmobilevtechWed, 25 Jun 2008 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Media Center Extender shootout commences at Engadget HD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/media-center-extender-shootout-commences-at-engadget-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/media-center-extender-shootout-commences-at-engadget-hd/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/media-center-extender-shootout-commences-at-engadget-hd/#comments
Here it is folks, the matchup you have (or haven't, that's cool) been waiting for: Microsoft's Xbox 360, Linksys' DMA2100 and D-Link's DSM-750 have been pit against one another and put to the test in order to find the champion of Media Center Extending. Here's a hint -- the race is a lot tighter than you probably think. Check out the full rundown (video included) over on Engadget HD.

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Media Center Extender shootout commences at Engadget HD originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>D-LinkDMA2100DSM-750hdtvLinksysMedia CenterMediaCentervistaVista Media CenterVistaMediaCenterVMCwindowsXbox 360xbox360Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[The Media Center Extender shootout]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/the-media-center-extender-shootout/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/the-media-center-extender-shootout/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/19/the-media-center-extender-shootout/#comments
Vista Media Center really sets itself apart from any other DVR solution out there, and the single greatest advantage Vista Media Center (VMC) has over the other options -- like the TiVo HD -- is the ability to have multiple Media Center Extenders. There really isn't any better way out there that will allow you to watch premium HD cable in every room of your house while at the same time centralizing all your media in one place. When VMC first hit the streets, there was only one HD extender: the Xbox 360. But the problem, of course, is that the Xbox is noisy and will always be a gaming console first and a Media Center Extender second. Well, things have really heated up in the extender market recently when both Linksys and D-Link released Media Center Extenders and HP upgraded its MediaSmart HDTVs.

Gallery: Vista Media Center Extenders

The extendersSide viewThe 360 and Media Center RemoteLinksys DMA2100 w/ remote

Continue reading The Media Center Extender shootout

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The Media Center Extender shootout originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>D-LinkDMA2100DSM-750featureshdLinksysMedia CenterMediaCenterothersVista Media CenterVistaMediaCenterVMCXbox 360Xbox360Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Screen Grabs: giant Linksys WiFi router is The Internet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/17/screen-grabs-giant-linksys-wifi-router-is-the-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/17/screen-grabs-giant-linksys-wifi-router-is-the-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/17/screen-grabs-giant-linksys-wifi-router-is-the-internet/#commentsScreen grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dt com.


Complete internet downtime is no laughing matter, but more frightening still is the prospect that the world's data flow is completely beheld to a giant, taciturn Linksys WiFi router. South Park clip embedded after the break -- we're still trying to decide whether this trumps the Aqua Teen episode where they meet the Wwwyzzerdd, freakish master of the internet.

Continue reading Screen Grabs: giant Linksys WiFi router is The Internet

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Screen Grabs: giant Linksys WiFi router is The Internet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresinternetlinksysscreen grabsScreenGrabsThu, 17 Apr 2008 23:18:00 EST<![CDATA[The Linksys DMA2200 HD Media Center Extender gets reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/the-linksys-dma2200-hd-media-center-extender-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/the-linksys-dma2200-hd-media-center-extender-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/29/the-linksys-dma2200-hd-media-center-extender-gets-reviewed/#commentsLinksys DMA2200
The idea of having a centralized DVR with a bunch of tuners and other HD content stored on a hard disc and then streaming it around the house in HD, is pretty fantastic. Up until now the Xbox360 has been pretty much the only option for Windows Media Center fans who want to stream HD cable -- and soon DirecTV -- around the house, but as great of a box as it is, it isn't perfect. Our biggest complaint is the noise and the size, and if those are important to you as well, then you may want to check out Chris Laniers's review of the Linksys DMA2200. Overall Chris seemed to like the little guy, but considering it sells for almost the same price as the Xbox360 core system and does less, we'd suspect the only reason to go for the Linksys is because it is smaller and most importantly, it's silent.

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The Linksys DMA2200 HD Media Center Extender gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DMA2200hdLinksysMedia CenterothersFri, 29 Feb 2008 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys intros Wireless-G Internet Home Monitoring Camera WVC54GC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/linksys-intros-wireless-g-internet-home-monitoring-camera-wvc54g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/linksys-intros-wireless-g-internet-home-monitoring-camera-wvc54g/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/linksys-intros-wireless-g-internet-home-monitoring-camera-wvc54g/#comments
We're going to give Linksys a free pass on this ridiculous naming scheme just because we're actually happy to see a bigger name bringing a consumer-friendly wireless security camera to market for a reasonable price. The Linksys Wireless-G Internet Home Monitoring Camera WVC54GC is pretty straightforward for a networked camera, sporting 802.11g and 10/100 Ethernet connections, and VGA video recorded to a MPEG-4 or Motion JPEG codec. The camera can be limited to local network video streaming or opened up to the internets either publicly or privately. There's also a Security Mode setting that can send video snippets via email if the camera detects motion in its field of view. You can then remotely log on to the stream and set the video to record to a local hard drive or on a predetermined schedule. The camera is available now for a mere $120.

[Via eHomeUpgrade]

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Linksys intros Wireless-G Internet Home Monitoring Camera WVC54GC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces 2008Ces2008linksyswireless-g internet home monitoring cameraWireless-gInternetHomeMonitoringCamerawvc54gcWed, 09 Jan 2008 06:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with the DMA2100 and DMA2200 from Linksys]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/hands-on-with-the-dma2100-and-dma2200-from-linksys/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/hands-on-with-the-dma2100-and-dma2200-from-linksys/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/hands-on-with-the-dma2100-and-dma2200-from-linksys/#comments
What, haven't seen enough Media Center Extenders yet? We were hoping you'd say that, since we got some personal time with these Linksys DMA2100 and DMA2200 units. The DMA2200 sets itself apart with a DVD player, but really not a lot to say about these two. Pardon the dust.

Gallery: Hands-on with the DMA2100 and DMA2200 from Linksys

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Hands-on with the DMA2100 and DMA2200 from Linksys originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces 2008Ces2008dma2100dma2200featureshands-onlinksysmedia center extenderMediaCenterExtenderTue, 08 Jan 2008 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys gets pretty with draft 802.11n home networking gear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/linksys-gets-pretty-with-draft-802-11n-home-networking-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/linksys-gets-pretty-with-draft-802-11n-home-networking-gear/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/07/linksys-gets-pretty-with-draft-802-11n-home-networking-gear/#comments Linksys is keeping us busy with their new Ultra RangePlus family of home networking gear. Announced are the draft 802.11n Gigabit Router ($130 WRT310N, pictured), the draft-N Broadband Router ($100 WRT160N), and a trio of Dual-Band draft-N products including a USB Notebook Adapter ($80 WUSB600N), an ExpressCard Adapter ($80 WEC600N), and new Gaming Adapter ($90 WGA600N). The WRT310N and WRT160N both feature new un-Linksys designs with a dumbed-down, flash-based user interface and enhanced RangePlus internal antenna to keep the clutter down. The dual-band gear split the load between 5GHz (HD streaming or gaming) and 2.4GHz (everything else). The WGA600N, WUSB600N and WEC600N will be available soon, the others now.

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Linksys gets pretty with draft 802.11n home networking gear originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces 2008Ces2008ciscodraft nDraftNlinksysWEC600NWGA600Nwireless nWirelessNWRT160NWRT310NWUSB600NMon, 07 Jan 2008 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys ships the WRT600N router and WPC600N notebook adapter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/23/linksys-ships-the-wrt600n-router-and-wpc600n-notebook-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/23/linksys-ships-the-wrt600n-router-and-wpc600n-notebook-adapter/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/23/linksys-ships-the-wrt600n-router-and-wpc600n-notebook-adapter/#comments It's been almost a year since we first peeped the Linksys WRT600N, and although the company missed that estimated CES ship date, it's finally released the ominous-looking box for an MSRP of $279. As hinted by the model number, the router features 802.11n, but implements it simultaneously over both the 2.4 and 5GHz frequency bands, which should result in smoother connections for devices that support 5GHz. You're also looking at four Gigabit Ethernet ports, built-in FTP and UPnP A/V servers, and Storage Link, which lets you turn any USB storage device into a NAS. Linksys is also touting its Easy Link Advisor setup software, which we're certain most of you will never open. Connecting to this bad boy is the $99 WPC600N PC Card, which features the same Broadcom Intensi-Fi chipset as the 600N router. Both router and card should be in stores now, according to Linksys, with ExpressCard and USB adapters shipping in the first quarter of 2008.

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Linksys ships the WRT600N router and WPC600N notebook adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linksysnetwork adapterNetworkAdapterrouterstorage linkStorageLinkwcp 600nwcp-600nWcp600nwrt 600nwrt-600nWrt600nTue, 23 Oct 2007 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys' DMA2100 / DMA2200 Media Center Extenders get priced]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/linksys-dma2100-dma2200-media-center-extenders-get-priced/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/linksys-dma2100-dma2200-media-center-extenders-get-priced/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/linksys-dma2100-dma2200-media-center-extenders-get-priced/#comments
Remember those Linksys Media Center Extenders that popped up yesterday? Well, today the duo has officially been priced, but there's no good news for folks hoping for these two to undercut the other guys. Up first is the DMA2200, which will of course sport an integrated "upscaling DVD player" along with the obligatory dual-band Wireless N functionality, while the DMA2100 arrives in a smaller package (see it up close after the break) but keeps to the basics by omitting the optical drive. Both boxes are set to land this November, and while the DVD playin' DMA2200 will run you $349.99, you can save $50 by opting for the lesser-spec'd sibling.

Continue reading Linksys' DMA2100 / DMA2200 Media Center Extenders get priced

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Linksys' DMA2100 / DMA2200 Media Center Extenders get priced originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 07:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dma 2100dma 2200Dma2100Dma2200extenderhdtvlinksysmcemedia center extendermedia center extendersMediaCenterExtenderMediaCenterExtendersmicrosoftpricevistawindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterThu, 27 Sep 2007 07:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Linksys' DMA2100 / DMA2200 Media Center Extenders get priced]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/linksys-dma2100-dma2200-media-center-extenders-get-priced/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/linksys-dma2100-dma2200-media-center-extenders-get-priced/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/27/linksys-dma2100-dma2200-media-center-extenders-get-priced/#comments
Remember those Linksys Media Center Extenders that popped up yesterday? Well, today the duo has officially been priced, but there's no good news for folks hoping for these two to undercut the other guys. Up first is the DMA2200, which will of course sport an integrated "upscaling DVD player" along with the obligatory dual-band Wireless N functionality, while the DMA2100 arrives in a smaller package (see it up close after the break) but keeps to the basics by omitting the optical drive. Both boxes are set to land this November, and while the DVD playin' DMA2200 will run you $349.99, you can save $50 by opting for the lesser-spec'd sibling.

Continue reading Linksys' DMA2100 / DMA2200 Media Center Extenders get priced

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Linksys' DMA2100 / DMA2200 Media Center Extenders get priced originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 07:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dma 2100dma 2200Dma2100Dma2200extenderhdlinksysmcemedia center extendermedia center extendersMediaCenterExtenderMediaCenterExtendersmicrosoftotherspricevistawindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterThu, 27 Sep 2007 07:23:00 EST