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Apple tests UWB switch to keep the iPhone 11 from tracking your location
Apple has started testing the location toggle button it promised to iPhone 11 users. Late last year, security researcher Brian Krebs discovered that the iPhone 11 Pro constantly checks for your location even if you disable Location Services. Apple explained that it's because the new phones, including the non-pro iPhone 11, use an ultra wideband chip that still isn't universally approved. The devices need to perform regular location checks, so it can switch off the chip where it can't legally be used.
Apple tries for a patent on removable laptop touchscreens with wireless charging
We're all in favor of advancing the state of the art, but there are times when we suspect that research is more about "what if" explorations than anything else. Exhibit A: Apple's new patent application for a wireless display. The concept would let a touchscreen detach from its laptop base through a 60GHz ultrawideband format (such as WiGig) and keep its battery powered up through at least some form of wireless charging located in the laptop's hinge. It sounds viable when others have experimented with wireless displays before, but we'd note that both technical realities and corporate philosophies might stand in its way. Along with the usual challenges of battery life and wireless range, Apple has so far argued that touchscreen laptops are unwieldy and isn't exactly in a rush to supplement booming iPad sales -- even if granted, the patent may just be a matter of covering the bases rather than any kind of roadmap for a two-piece MacBook Pro. Still, we won't completely rule it out when many also thought Apple wouldn't make a phone.
Seed-sized A*STAR antenna could open the door to 20Gbps wireless
Antennas have often capped the potential speed of a wireless link -- the 450Mbps in modern 802.11n WiFi routers is directly linked to the use of a MIMO antenna array to catch signals more effectively, for example. That ceiling is about to get much higher, if A*STAR has anything to say about it. The use of a polymer filling for the gaps instead of air lets the Singapore agency create a 3D, cavity-backed silicon antenna that measures just 0.06 by 0.04 inches, roughly the size of a seed on your hamburger bun, even as it increases the breakneck pace. The new antenna generates a signal 30 times stronger than on-chip rivals at an ultrawideband-grade 135GHz, and musters a theoretical peak speed of 20Gbps -- enough that 802.11ac WiFi's 1.3Gbps drags its heels by comparison. Before we get ahead of ourselves on expecting instant file transfers at short distances, there's the small matter of getting a chip that can use all that bandwidth. Even the 7Gbps of WiGig wouldn't saturate the antenna, after all. Still, knowing that A*STAR sees "immense commercial potential" in its tiny device hints that wireless data might eventually blow past faster wired standards like Thunderbolt.
Fujitsu, NICT create indoor navigation for the blind using ultrawideband, Android phones, kind hearts
There's no shortage of navigation outdoors, and even a little bit of help indoors, but there's been precious little aid for the blind indoors -- leaving them little choice but to move cautiously or get outside help. Fujitsu and Japan's NICT have crafted a system that gives the sightless a greater level of autonomy inside through ultrawideband-based impulse radio. A grid of UWB radios positioned around a room gauge the distances between each other and transmit the data to a PC, which then talks to the traveler's Android phone. The device then gives spoken directions based on a 12-o'clock system and far subtler distances than GPS can manage: the positioning is accurate to within a foot. While the indoors navigation is only just getting a demo this week, it's already being refined to detect objects in the room as well as to help even the fully sighted. If Fujitsu and NICT have their way, buildings ranging from hospitals to malls will have their own turn-by-turn navigation. For some, the freedom of movement could be a life-changer.
Nintendo: two Wii U Gamepads will work on one system (update 2: but at a cost - and now with video)
Nintendo broke a few hearts when it initially said the Wii U would only support one of its unique Gamepads. Much to our delight, the company just said in its live keynote that the final console will support two. As such, it'll be possible to have truly equal two-player games instead of relegating a friend to the old-fashioned Wii remote and Nunchuk. Of course, how much that extra Gamepad will cost we have yet to know -- along with whether or not it'll be possible to have strictly Gamepad-to-Gamepad titles that skip the TV entirely. We expect to find out soon. Update: In a follow-up, Nintendo Japan has posted on Twitter that there's a price to pay if two Gamepads are active. Frame rates drop to about 30 fps if two are active; any games that really want that extra controller won't be quite as glass-smooth. On the upside, it's possible to switch one off with a smooth transition; there won't be a need for theatrics just to switch to a solo game. Update 2: Nintendo has put out a video tour of the Gamepad that you can check out after the break.
T-rays produce 3Gbps short-range wireless, make WiFi pout in the corner
The last time we saw T-rays, they were busy scanning bodies for tumors and security threats. Six researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology are now aiming the terahertz-level frequencies at a less organic target: fast wireless. Running at 542GHz, a rate that makes 60GHz ultra wideband look pokey, the scientists are sending data through the ether at about 3Gbps. The speed isn't as fast as the 7Gbps peak of WiGig, and the bandwidth runs dry at just 33 feet away, but it comes out of a resonant tunneling diode measuring 0.04 square inches -- definitely small enough to fit into a smartphone. The speed could magnify using higher frequencies and power levels, too, with 100Gbps being the dream. Knowing that it can take years for academic papers to translate to real products, we're not holding our breath for T-ray routers anytime soon. Still, the technology could make wideband a realistic option for handhelds and put the mere 1.3Gbps of 802.11ac WiFi to shame. [Thanks, Andrew. Image credit: Deborah Miller and Warren Scott, Connexions]
Ultrawideband tech could connect your body to doctors, bring Tricorders to the mainstream
The academic paper 'Experimental Characterization of a UWB Channel for Body Area Networks' won't reshape your mental state, but that's because academic papers are rarely titled 'OMG. Tricorders!'. A team of scientists at Oregon State University have examined ultrawideband tech to see if it's capable of transmitting the enormous load of data required to monitor a human body. Imagine it; your heart rate is monitored on your watch, smart bandages examine your blood insulin levels and feedback-pants measure your muscle responses, all viewed online by a doctor. Sadly you can't rush to your nearest hospital and demand to be wired with some X Prize - winning kit -- there's a couple of hurdles to overcome before you can more efficiently post your bodily functions to Twitter. Transmission had to be line-of-sight and the energy needs are too vast for a handheld device. Still, given how sophisticated the network technology will be when it's perfected, don't be surprised if civilization grinds to a halt when Quake is ported to your temporal lobe.
Spectec CameraJet system promises to bring UWB connectivity to your camera
Not satisfied with an Eye-Fi card to add some wireless connectivity to your digital camera? Then it looks like you'll soon have another option courtesy of Alereon and Spectec -- they've just announced their Spectec CameraJet system, which consists of a Wi-Jet SD card and Wi-Jet USB dongle that combine to deliver a "faster than wire" Ultra Wideband (or UWB) connection suitable for both transferring files or streaming video. Unfortunately, there's no indication of pricing or an exact release date just yet, but Alereon and Spectec say the system is expected to go into production in February. Full press release is after the break.
Samsung's new Wireless USB chipset enables HD streaming with less power
It's a beautiful combination, really -- lower power consumption, and support for high bandwidth applications. That marriage is evident in Samsung's newest Wireless USB chipset, which was built around Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology and designed to enable high-def streaming between a mobile host device and a tethered device for viewing. According to Sammy, the two-chip solution will be aimed at cameras, camcorders, TVs, PCs, tablets, beam projectors, portable HDDs, Blu-ray players and handsets, and given that it can handle a theoretical high of 480Mbps with an average power consumption of less than 300mW, even the weakest smartphone battery should be able to stream at least a single episode of Family Guy to the tele. Mum's the word on who all will be lining up to adopt this stuff, but since it's slated to hit mass production in Q4, we'd say those details should be worked out right around CES 2011.
ASUS EeeKeyboard up for pre-order, priced at $599 in the States
Jumpin' Jehosaphat! After well over a year of false starts, delays, teases and purported prices, ASUS' PC-in-a-keyboard is just about ready to ship to eager Americans. If you'll recall, we heard a few weeks back that late April would finally bring about Stateside shipments of the EeeKeyboard, and amazingly, the price seems to have remained constant with what we heard back in January. A fresh product listing over at Amazon shows off a $599 asking price, and as for specs, we're told that it'll roll with a 1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of DDR2 memory, Windows XP Home, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a gigabit Ethernet jack, Bluetooth 2.1, a 16GB SSD, HDMI out, integrated UWB receiver, a trio of USB 2.0 sockets and a 5-inch LED-backlit, multitouch display with an 800 x 480 resolution.Mum's the word on a definite ship date, but hit up the source link to secure your place in line.
Hanshin Icreon HUWB-3000Kit connects your PC to TV sans wires
Not that we haven't seen UWB-based options before that connect your PC to TV without any cabling in between, but we've yet to actually come across one that we can love wholeheartedly. Hanshin just might have the first, as its Icreon HUWB-3000Kit supports both video and audio transmissions. Setup is rather simple: simply plug the USB dongle into your laptop or desktop, and connect the transceiver box via HDMI to your HDTV. Utilizing an ultra-wideband connection, it'll pipe audio and video wirelessly to your set, with support for 1080p resolutions to boot. There's no Mac support just yet, and a price has yet to be disclosed -- but hey, it's coming, and that's good enough. Er... we'll just keep telling ourselves that.
Sony releases TransferJet wireless Memory Stick in Japan, taking pre-orders in the US
Oh Sony, you just like to tease us, don't you? Two weeks after a brief mention at CES, Japan's been given the introductory taste of this tech giant's first ever TransferJet wireless Memory Stick. Meanwhile, Sony Style US has quietly added the same card for pre-order at $99.99 and cites February 8th as the possible launch date -- a slight delay from Sony's promised January launch. If the party's big enough, this TransferJet close-proximity radio technology could signal the death of cables and bulky card readers, but you'll still need compatible devices to work that magic on this memory stick. Sony will sure need more than just a few cameras to get us to make-dot-believe in this new ecosystem.
Video: ASUS Eee Keyboard running Moblin
Among the approximately two gazillion other things we saw at Computex this year, ASUS has demoed one of its Eee Keyboard PCs running Moblin. Currently just a prototype, it's unclear whether or not this guy sports different hardware than the device we've been seeing (we're guessing not), or whether this will become available when the XP version does sometime this month. That said, we're hoping that you can sleep better at night knowing that such a beast exists. We sure can. Video after the break. [Via SlashGear]
ASUS Eee Keyboard to launch by end of June
The dream of owning a keyboard embedded with a full-blown PC running XP on an Atom N270 processor and 5-inch, 800 x 480 pixel touchscreen display/trackpad is nearly upon us. A dream, quite honestly, nobody had prior to seeing the reveal of the 2-pound Eee Keyboard prototype at CES in January. Engadget Chinese has it on authority that this oddball all-in-one will ship in June with specs that should include a 32GB SSD, 802.11n, Bluetooth, HDMI-out, stereo speakers and mic as we saw during our hands-on with the Eee Keyboard back in March. With any luck, ASUS will also be embedding some form of ultra-wideband HDMI as promised in January alongside one of those UWB monitor prototypes they had on display at CeBIT. One thing's for sure: all will be revealed at Computex in Taipei in just a few weeks. Can you wait?
Leyio's UWB-touting personal sharing device unboxed, handled on video
We first caught a glimpse of Leyio's Ultra-wideband-pushing personal sharing device back in January, and while UWB is still teetering near mostly dead and slightly alive, Le Journal du Geek has acquired a pair for some fun unboxing action and video hands-on accompanied by lovely French narrative. The reviewer predicts most people will be discouraged by the 179 euro (US $233) price tag, and with wireless filesharing here limited pretty much to just other Leyios at the moment, we can't say we disagree. Check out the video for yourself after the break -- if you're not a native French speaker or your babel fish is on the fritz, you should still be able to figure out what's going on.
UWB is dead! Long live... UWB!
Wait, let us get this straight. UWB is dead, but it's... not? According to a melancholy release issued today by the soon-to-shutter WiMedia Alliance, said entity has reached technology transfer arrangements to shuffle its ultra-wideband workings to groups within Bluetooth SIG and Wireless USB. After that process is complete, the WiMedia Alliance will -- in its words -- "cease operations." According to WiMedia president Stephen Wood, it has "reached a point in specification development and product availability where it is more efficient for the related industry groups to oversee future specification development in-house." It's tough to say whether this move will add yet another nail in ultra-wideband's coffin or act as the spark it has been longing for since its introduction, but we're cautiously hoping for the latter to prove true. Alright new management, time to see what you're made of!
ASUS shows off Wireless LCD prototype, "Green" monitors
ASUS news from CeBIT? Say it ain't so! Just hours after the company introduced two new "Green" LCDs, we stopped by to see what all the fuss was about. What we found were two rather vanilla looking LCDs (they're in the gallery below, we promise) sitting beside something entirely more interesting: a Wireless LCD prototype. An ASUS rep informed us that the model shown was utilizing the currently-in-limbo ultra-wideband (UWB) standard, and he affirmed that the monitor didn't have a model name nor an estimated ship date or price; it was simply on hand to prove that wireless LCDs were possible and that they're on the way. He noted that ASUS was looking into other wireless protocols -- namely wireless HD and WHDI -- and that it was "waiting things out" before making a final decision on what variation to use. Our take? We suspect it's both testing for best compatibility / range and waiting to see if UWB will remain viable in the coming months, which likely means no shipping product for quite some time. For what it's worth, the on-hand demo was stellar, with no visible lag, glitches or dropped frames to speak of.
Gefen ships UWB-based Wireless for HDMI Extender
So much for those UWB death knells, right? In all honesty, we highly doubt that Gefen and Staccato can save the flagging ultra-wideband format all by themselves, but given that Gefen had already come so far with this thing, there was really no point in canning it now. The UWB-based Wireless for HDMI Extender is finally shipping to those looking to extend HDMI signals over-the-air from up to 33 feet away. The box can also handle 5.1 channel surround sound, and setup is said to be a lesson in simplicity. Of course, at $999, you're going to have to detest those cables an awful lot, but hey, it's still better than waiting around for the Belkin FlyWire.
Staccato CEO says UWB still has more to give
Staccato Communications has been a big fan of this whole wireless USB thing for years now, and while it seems that most of the industry has presumed ultra-wideband as dead and gone, the aforesaid company is still firmly supportive. The company's CEO has issued an absurdly long letter in response to the death knell reports that flowed after UWB mainstay TZero decided to fold, and while we could go on and on about his deepest, darkest feelings on the matter, here's what really counts. The bigwig has suggested that UWB is still far from dead, and in fact, it's just now shaping up to grow. He promises that 2009 has big things in store for the format, and evidently, those "big things" will breath "new life" into the flagging protocol. We're still pretty skeptical that UWB will break out within the next 10 months or so, but we suppose we've seen crazier things come together.[Via Slashdot]
Leyio personal sharing device provides some UWB on the go
Ultra-wide band hasn't exactly taken off as quickly as some may have liked, but it looks like upstart Leyio is doing its best to push the technology into new, somewhat interesting directions, with its new device promising to let you easily share data wirelessly with others. The device itself, also dubbed Leyio, includes 16GB of memory, and can be paired with a regular USB stick to store some additional data, which can be shared with others at the "flick of a wrist" -- assuming they also have a Leyio, that is. You can apparently also get a little wireless action in at home with the included "Shuttle" dongle for your computer, and it boasts a built-in fingerprint scanner to make all that data flying around a tad more secure. No word on a price just yet, but Leyio says the official launch is on track for April of this year.[Via Pocket-lint]
