tri-band
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Linksys has a new tri-band range extender to eliminate WiFi dead spots
If you're not shopping for a new router but still need something to cover far-flung areas of your home (have you tried aluminum foil yet? Seriously.) check out the latest hardware from Linksys. This "Max-Stream Tri-Band AC3000 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE9000)" brings all the bells and whistles needed to keep things running smoothly, even with multiple devices.
Select Ting customers can now enjoy Sprint's Spark LTE
Wireless service provider Ting is launching four devices that support Sprint's Spark enhanced LTE service. Ting, an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that runs on Sprint's nationwide network, will offer Spark support for the LG G2, Samsung Galaxy Mega and Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, along with the Netgear ZING mobile hotspot. As of now, the Mega and mini are available, with the G2 coming soon. According to the company, it's the first MVNO to offer devices compatible with the Spark network. Sprint's tri-band Spark LTE is currently available for carrier customers using the LG G2, Galaxy Mega or Galaxy S 4 mini (see a pattern here?) -- provided they're in one of a few select markets including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.
Sprint announces three tri-band LTE devices landing this summer (hands-on)
If your city is one of the many that's part of Sprints ongoing LTE rollout (or will be soon), then the network's just announced three tri-band mobile broadband devices for your consideration. The hope, it seems, is that as different parts of Sprint's LTE spectrum become available (including spectrum from Clearwire), coverage and network performance of the devices will improve. The hardware offerings are Novatel's MiFi 500 LTE, the Netgear Zing Mobile Hotspot and 341U USB dongle, and are slated to be available by summer. No confirmed availability dates or prices just yet. Sprint also hints at tri-band LTE phones from Samsung and LG to follow. In the meantime, however, you'd better get set up with your Data Link and Static IP. Update: We had a brief run-in with the three new broadband devices and without being able to field test at blazing LTE speeds we can only offer up impressions of their design. In short? They're all essentially what we've seen before with the MiFi's shape being our favorite because of its smaller but taller -- and ultimately more pocketable -- footprint. Gallery is just below. %Gallery-188998% Brad Molen and Sean Cooper contributed to this report.
Sony Ericsson unveils Live with Walkman handset for music-loving Android users
Four months after unveiling the relatively bare bones W8, Sony Ericsson has now taken the wraps off yet another Walkman phone, known as the Live with Walkman. Powered by a 1GHz processor, this Android handset features a 3.2 inch, capacitive touchscreen (with somewhat disappointing HVGA resolution), a five megapixel AF shooter with 8x digital zoom, and a front-facing VGA camera capable of capturing HD video in 720p. The petite, Gingerbread-equipped device also packs a lackluster 320MB of RAM, provides up to 32GB of microSD storage, and offers either tri-band 3G support (HSPA+) at 850, 1900 and 2100MHZ, or dual-band 3G at 900 and 2100MHz, depending on the model. And, as you'd expect, Sony Ericsson has placed a special emphasis on the music phone's media capabilities, beefing it up with enhanced audio and Qriocity integration. The specs may not sound earth shattering, but we'll wait until we get pricing information before casting judgment. The Live with Walkman is slated to hit "selected markets" by Q4 of this year, but you can find more information in the full PR, after the break.
Sharp Aquos Phone SHI12 visits the FCC, flaunts its 3D camera in drawings
It's rare that we see Sharp's Aquos phones here in the US, but one model, at least, could be making the long journey stateside. A handset dubbed the CMDA SHI12 just cleared the FCC, and after comparing the drawings in the report to shots of devices already on the market, we're pretty sure it's the IS12SH that Sharp announced for Japan a few weeks back. Though the report is typically terse when it comes to specs, it does confirm that the phone has an 8 megapixel 3D rear-facing camera, Bluetooth, FeliCa, GPS, and tri-band CDMA (B0 / B3 / B6) connectivity. And though it's not in the filing, if this is indeed the IS12SH, then it also has a 4.2-inch qHD display and runs Android 2.3 (or so we'd hope, anyway). Of course, an FCC filing doesn't mean this will ever reach a carrier or go on sale in the US, period. But in case it does, don't say we didn't give you a heads up.
Qualcomm unleashes tri-band WiFi and new mobile wireless chipset
Qualcomm might be all juiced up about getting its Snapdragon processor in 250 upcoming devices, but that doesn't mean the company has forgotten its wireless roots. The San Diego-based chip maker announced that its partnership with Wilocity has finally bore fruit in the form of the AR9004TB chipset. This tri-band wireless setup adds 60GHz WiGig to the usual 2.4 and 5GHz dual-band 802.11n formula for "multi-gigabit in-room performance." Though far from finalized, the 802.11ad standard being pushed by the WiGig alliance should be able to hit speeds of 5Gbps -- more than enough to blast several HD video streams around your home. It also packs Bluetooth 4.0 for your less bandwidth intensive (and more battery sensitive) computing needs. Going smaller scale, Qualcomm also unveiled the WCN3660, a wireless chipset to complement its Snapdragon CPU in smartphones and tablets. Inside this sliver of silicon is a dual-band Wi-Fi radio, Bluetooth 4.0, and an FM radio. It also supports Wi-Fi Display (not to be confused with WiDi) for beaming video to a WiFi-enabled TV or monitor. Head on after the break for more PR than you can shake an antenna at.
Sprint talks seriously about LTE, suggests it could complement WiMAX
We've already heard Sprint do some talking about LTE at Mobile World Congress this week, but the company's Senior Vice President of Networks, Bob Azzi, has now gone even further in an interview with PC World, where he seems to have suggested that a switch to LTE is all but inevitable. In fact, Azzi is reported to have said that "with the spectrum holdings we have, WiMAX is not an option," and he further went on to note that even with Sprint's majority stake in Clearwire, it still only has "indirect ownership" of Clearwire's spectrum holdings. So what's it going to do? Azzi suggested that an LTE network which complements its current WiMAX network might be the answer, and he even suggested that we could see tri-band LTE phones with a WiMAX radio "velcroed on." He did, of course, point out that no decision has been made just yet, simply stating that "the question is how to keep growing," and that "it's about having a plan."
Atheros and Wilocity embrace 'tri-band' wireless wares, 60GHz wireless PCIe
The amount of dual-band products (you know, those that support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands) is slowly growing, but already a pair of companies are thinking about the next big thing: tri-band. Atheros and Wilocity have both been eying that 60GHz stuff that the WiGig Alliance is pushing around these days, and now they're announcing a collaboration to "build tri-band wireless solutions that combine the ubiquity and coverage of WiFi with the multi-gigabit performance of the Wireless Gigabit Alliance's 60GHz technology." The new gear would enable all sorts of backwards compatibility, and while there aren't too many details being shared just yet on exactly what kind of kit is in the pipeline, we do know of one particular tidbit. That tidbit, of course, is wireless PCI Express, or wPCIe. Developed by Wilocity, this black magic would essentially enable PCIe devices to be docked outside of the desktop and have their signals beamed to a receiver card within the desktop. Think external graphics, storage arrays, etc., all sans cabling. It's being reported that wPCIe can push data at up to 5Gbps, and if all goes to plan, the spec should scale easily to 7Gbps. Be sure to give the links below a visit for a deeper dive, and get ready to give that SFF machine you've often overlooked... well, another look.
Altek crams a dozen megapixels of wishful thinking into T8680 cameraphone
There once was a time when a 12 megapixel cameraphone would have been laughed at, and, though many are still smirking (guilty), they're now a reality -- a reality that Altek wants desperately to be a part of with its T8680 handset. Its face looks rather like a PMP with a 3-inch WQVGA LCD, but on the back is the standard sort of 3x pop-out zoom that you'd expect on a compact shooter, sitting next to a tiny xenon flash. It'll capture unnecessarily high resolution images while being crippled to VGA video, play back MP3 and AAC files, and tune into the Weekly Top 40 over FM. Yes, it'll even make calls, but with only tri-band GSM/EDGE support don't expect to e-mail those gigantic pictures directly from the phone. The T8680 is expected to hit Chinese retailers in about a month for 3000 yuan (about $440), and probably won't be making much of an appearance elsewhere. [Via GSM Arena]
Samsung intros colorful Tobi S3030, unashamedly markets it to tweens
No one can get on Samsung's case for being bashful with its marketing, as the Tobi S3030 is being aimed squarely at "pre-teens, young adults, and anyone who desires to experience fun and safety features from their mobile phones." In other words, the Tobi won't do anything spectacular, but it is offered up in a variety (six, to be exact) of lovable hues and includes a gaggle of safety features including SOS Call, SOS Message and Fake Call (saywha?). Furthermore, you'll be thrilled to know that it's built with recyclable and biodegradable plastic so the environment won't suffer when you chunk this thing in a few weeks. Oh, and if you're looking for specs, try this: 1.9-inch display, 1.3-megapixel camera, tri-band GSM connectivity, Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, 15MB of internal memory and a microSD card slot. Look for this one in the UK / Italy this month with other European nations / China to follow suit shortly.[Via Engadget Poland]
Philips Xenium 9@9k offers up two months of standby time
We're still not entirely clear if Philips' Xenium 9@9k, you know, actually exists, but according to iDNES, this handset can last a whopping two months without needing a recharge. Granted, the Xenium line has traditionally boasted impressive battery life, but this particular iteration will purportedly last up to 1,440-hours in standby and 17-hours while yapping. Additionally, the tri-band GSM mobile sports an FM tuner, Bluetooth, a VGA camera and a microSD expansion slot. Beyond that, everything else gets lost in translation, but here's to hoping a few more manufacturers step up their game in the longevity department.[Via UnwiredView]
Samsung's SGH-P520 gets photographed
Shortly after learning that Samsung's touchscreen-based SGH-P520 was slightly more than a figment of our imagination, a foreign site has seemingly sat down with oodles of time and snapped more images than you're likely to look at. Still, this oh-so-thin mobile has the sex appeal nailed down solid, so be sure and take a closer look at all the curves awaiting you after the break.[Via Slashphone]
Sony Ericsson's M610i Lizy snapped in the wild
While we much prefer the looks of a recent Sony Ericsson concept over this here handset, we're sure the M610i Lizy will excite its fair share of owners, regardless. The stubby candybar-styled handset looks to sport a prominent touchscreen and a keypad that reeks of 1999, but we did hear that this device would indeed be a tri-band GSM member, and would include Bluetooth, WiFi, FM radio, an integrated camera and a Memory Stick Micro card slot. 'Course, we're all still waiting on something official, but hopefully it'll get somewhat of a facial rework before vying for our attention at the mobile store.
LG offers bargain Chocolate: the KG280
It'd surely be nice if we could all find ourselves with the disposable income necessary to snag the KE800, but even LG realizes that not everyone can afford that 80-percent cocoa. Thankfully, the firm looks to be readying a cheaper less expensive version of its Platinum offering, and it shall be dubbed the KG280. Reportedly, the styling will be dumbed down a bit, the external screen will be smaller, and it'll only boast about three hours of talk time, but you can still chat it up with the tri-band connectivity and sync with your devices via USB / Bluetooth. Nothing official with regard to price just yet, but coming in about half as pricey as its flagship sibling wouldn't be too tough to swallow.[Via Slashphone]
LG's dual-screen KP202 clamshell ready for UK
LG's looking to add a dash of style to the lower-end UK market with its KP202, which boasts a clean, sleek exterior and twin LCDs to keep your eyes occupied. Specs wise, you'll find a built-in VGA camera with white balance and contrast adjustments, a 160 x 128 resolution internal screen and a 96 x 94 pixel external display, tri-band (900 / 1800 / 1900) GSM support, an internal antenna, and the always handy flight mode so you can still play those integrated Java games 'til your heart's content whilst on the plane. Additionally, it supports polyphonic ringtones, comes in at just 87- x 45- x 19.8-millimeters, weighs 78-grams, and can last up to 200 hours in standby mode. No word on price just yet, but it will reportedly be showing up in UK stores quite soon.[Via TechDigest]
Alcatel's OT-C825 GSM slider doubles as PC webcam
Alcatel's latest slider is adding a hint of style and utility to what would be a relatively ho hum mobile otherwise, as the chrome and faux leather motif aren't half bad additions to catch a few eyes. The "smokey brown" handset sports a 220 x 176 resolution screen, weighs just under 100-grams, supports MP3 and AAC ringtones, and packs a microSD slot to complement the paltry 10MB of internal storage space. Additionally, you'll find an integrated music player, 1.3-megapixel camera, video recording capability, Bluetooth, and moreover, it should last you right around six hours if you're on the horn incessantly. Interestingly, the device can also be attached to a PC and turned into a webcam for video chats, and while there's no word yet of a US release, it will reportedly hit the European market sometime this summer.[Via Electronista]
Sony Ericsson K550, the baby Cyber-shot reviewed
The friends at GSM Arena has slapped up a very nice review of the baby Cyber-shot – the K550. This relatively small, 14 mm thick quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE device (850, 900, 1800, 1900), packs most of the goodies that we have come to expect from the Sony Ericsson team. Included is a 2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth for handsfree goodness, M2 slot to augment the system memory -- a 512 MB card is included, and even an RDS-enabled FM radio. What this handset does lack, however, is 850 MHz support, and sadly this is a bit of a bust for the NA market. Considering this is a low to mid range device, it has to have some shortcomings; including a lower-than-we-would-like-it resolution screen, the keys appear as if a heavy text messaging session might make your fingertips bleed, and the word is the camera quality is sub-par for a Cyber-shot branded phone. On the plus side, if the price is right, the great feature set will likely outweigh the negatives mentioned above. It does seem Sony Ericsson is starting to suffer from 'Nokia-itis': new handsets galore – but we are beginning to see a fair bit of rehash. Edit: As astude reader johnnie points out - this device supports 850 MHz which of course makes it a quad band device.
Neo intros diminutive 808i handset for Middle East / Europe
There's no shortage of wee sized mobiles out there to test the longevity of our poor eyes, but the "UK- and Dubai-based" startup, dubbed Neo, is adding yet another option to the mix. While we admire the shiny Photoshop job seen above, the company has reportedly assured us all that the miniscule 808i will see the light of day in "March 2007." Admittedly, the specs aren't too far-fetched (unlike some yet-to-be-produced handsets out there), as it touts tri-band compatibility, a color LCD, Bluetooth, 1.3-megapixel camera, MP3 / MP4 playback, 128MB of flash memory, and a microSD slot. At a glance, the nifty bar atop the mobile bears resemblance to some of Sony Ericsson's offerings, but the 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.3-centimeter enclosure and 90-gram weight sure stands out. If all goes "as planned," the 808i should hit the Middle East just a few months into 2007, with Europe getting it soon after.[Via RegHardware]
Samsung's SGH-E890 candybar ready for touching
We sniffed out Samsung's SGH-E890 through an FCC filing awhile back, but now it's ready to rock (and be touched) in the Singapore market. While Samsung has blessed us with touchscreen offerings before, this candybar-inspired rendition touts tri-band operation, GRPS / EDGE, a 2.3-inch QVGA color screen, 1.3-megapixel camera, video recording / messaging, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, USB, voice recording, speakerphone, and even TV output. It also doubles as a music player, supporting MP3, AAC, and WMA, and includes 54MB of internet memory, a microSD slot, and even PictBridge compatibility. The Li-ion cell will reportedly last through 230 minutes of talk time and "up to 350 hours" in standby mode, and can be snagged now in Singapore for 568SGD ($368) sans contract, or 468SGD ($304) with a two-year plan.
Samsung's slim t509 gets priced at $50 on T-Mobile
If you're looking for a slim candybar-style handset with decent data capabilities, you should definitely take a gander at T-Mobile's Samsung t509, which just got priced at merely fifty bucks after rebates, discounts, and such. You'll probably recall that the ~0.4-inch thick t509 is a tri-band model that also features Bluetooth and a camera with 4x zoom (whose resolution is still unspecified, which almost certainly means VGA). This model gets its Internet on through T-Mobile's EDGE network, and also sports such amenities as a speakerphone, pre-loaded IM clients, and some kind of ringtones that must be good because their names are trademarked.[Thanks, Chris C.]
