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Wireless Xbox One controller adapter for Windows ships today
You won't have to wait much longer to use your Xbox One gamepad wirelessly with your PC. Microsoft announced today that its handy peripheral, revealed earlier this year, is now shipping to "most" retail stores around the world. If you're in the US, though, it looks like the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows will be available starting today for $25. There's also a bundle kitted with an Xbox One controller, which is $55 extra -- or $80 total, to be specific. The USB-powered add-on is going to be useful for Windows 10 users who want to use it to play PC games, as well as with Xbox One titles being streamed to a nearby desktop, laptop or hybrid tablet.
Lumera lets you post high-res snapshots on Instagram with one click
You are done (DONE!) taking selfies with a phone like some plebeian -- you only take DSLR selfies now, even though it's a pain transferring photos using a camera without built-in WiFi. A camera attachment called Lumera wants to solve that problem by giving you a way to upload high-res snapshots to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with a single click. To integrate the WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy device with a DSLR, you need to attach it via the tripod screw and plug it into the camera's mini-USB port. So long as you define the social networks of your choice on its accompanying app, you won't have to take out your phone to upload pics anymore. The app itself is pretty useful, though: it can stream whatever the camera's viewfinder is looking at, set timelapses and access the DSLR's settings remotely.
Microsoft discontinues its Surface wireless keyboard adapter
Remember the day Microsoft announced its new Surface tablets? Sure you do: there was all the usual pomp and circumstance, and even that keyboard cover that turned the Surface 2 into a portable DJ booth. One thing that may have flown under your radar, though, was the wireless keyboard adapter, a $60 cylinder-shaped thing that allowed users to control their Surface tablets from up to 30 feet away over Bluetooth (like you do with a 10.6-inch device?). In any case, it looks like the accessory never picked up much traction: Microsoft has discontinued the device, which is now showing up as "out of stock" on Microsoft's online store.
Amped Wireless' ACA1 802.11ac WiFi adapter launches July 22nd for $89.99 (video)
"It's not me, it's you," scolds the distant WiFi hotspot as your connection drops for the ninth time in an hour. As much as you may dream of buying a 20 meter Ethernet cable, Amped Wireless is determined to curtail that flirtation with its latest piece of 802.11ac hardware, the ACA1. The USB 3.0-powered unit clips to Windows and OS X machines, utilizing the company's long-range mojo to ensure that you'll be the envy of frustrated tweeters on the periphery of a public router. The gear arrives on July 22nd, but pre-orders begin today with $89.99 securing you a piece of the action -- and if the idea of that big Ethernet lead still appeals, we've got a video to convince you otherwise after the break.
TP-Link shows a fleet of beautiful network connectivity devices, we go hands-on
No matter how big or small your network related needs may be, TP-Link appears to be up to the task. The network equipment manufacturer has unleashed a horde of new gear at CES. First up to bat is the AC1750 dual band gigabit router, which features dual USB sharing ports and is capable of wireless speeds of up to 1,750Mbps. Set to release sometime in Q2, the AC1750 is also equipped with a built-in media server that allows users to stream and share media through a PC, PS3, or Xbox 360. Next on the company's list of new products is its Mini Pocket Router. While moonlighting as a USB charger, this pint-sized device allows users to exchange and share files connected to the same local network. Reaching speeds of up to 300Mbps, this little router that could is slated to go on sale in Q3.
Jawbone announces Icon HD headset with improved audio, 'Nerd' adapter for making PC-based VoIP calls
It's been the better part of a year since we've seen a new Jawbone headset, and in that time the outfit's clearly been focusing less on brainstorming cutesy names for its Bluetooth earpieces and more on tweaking the sound quality. The company just announced the Icon HD, whose wideband speaker is 25 percent larger than the original Icon's, and which lets you pause and play songs and podcasts by pressing a button on the headset. The real story, though, isn't the Icon HD, but The Nerd, a questionably named add-on that plugs into your computer's USB port, allowing the headset to field VoIP calls from PCs and Macs, in addition to ones coming through to your cellphone. The hook here -- aside from the added functionality -- is that it's a plug-n-play device that doesn't require any software installation. It's almost as if -- wait for it -- a nerd took the reins and set up wireless VoIP calling for you. The pair's on sale as a bundle for $139, and will hit brick-and-mortar stores soon. In other news, Jawbone's Companion for Android app, which displays headsets' battery life among other vitals, is now out of the testing phase and ready for general consumption. Full PR after the break.
Amped Wireless' UA600EX adapter quadruples your laptop's WiFi range when you're on a boat
For every gadget you can use on land, there has to be one you can use at sea, right? Just in time for yachting season, Amped Wireless released the weatherproof UA600EX High Power Wireless-N 600mW Pro USB Adapter, which promises to extend your notebook's WiFi range in areas where there are no hotspots to be mooched. That sounds ideal for boating, but thanks to some flexible mounting options and one heavy-duty 26.5-foot cable, it should also come in handy everywhere from offices to RVs. The single-band UA600EX runs on the 2.4GHz spectrum, and although the company stops short of saying just how many feet of leeway you can expect, it does claim to quadruple your computer's range -- whatever that happens to be. If you have a hankering to watch Deadliest Catch on your next fishing trip, you can nab one of these bad boys at the source link for a cool $110.
Logitech intros $30 Wireless Speaker Adapter for WiDi-enabled laptops
A WiDi adapter, but only for music? It's true. Up until now, Intel's Wireless Display technology has been marketed as a means for transmitting video wirelessly from a PC to an HDTV, but apparently it's good for audio, too. Logitech has chosen CES 2011 to launch the box you see above, the Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops. The idea is fairly simple: place the box near your sound system, and connect it up via a 3.5mm auxiliary jack or using standard analog RCA jacks. From there, you can launch the WiDi software on your laptop, nail the 'Connect' button and watch as your PC pairs up with your speakers. If you aren't equipped to handle WiDi, there's a similar box, but for Bluetooth. Both are expected to ship in the US and Europe this May for $29.99 apiece.
Pogoplug adds printing support, wireless adapter and Biz start shipping
Neat little update for Pogoplug owners today: the latest firmware update adds printing support, allowing iPhones, Android devices, and anything else that can hit the diminutive home server's web interface to print files. Any HP or Epson printer from 2005 or later is supported over USB -- network printers just need to be on the same network -- and the firmware is rolling out now. Pogoplug is also shipping that 802.11 b/g/n wireless adapter it announced earlier this month today, as well as the more enterprise-focused Pogoplug Biz. We're also told the new firmware will enable some other features, but there's no breakdown yet -- we'll let you know when we find out. PR after the break.
Buffalo launches trio of affordable Wireless-N devices able to get just about anything online
Is your wireless adapter pumping out signals using a letter designation lower than N? If so, think of all that delicious speed you're missing. Buffalo is here to give you a taste with three new Wireless-N devices, priced such that they'll fit into most budgets. First up is a fairly standard router, the WCR-GN, sporting 802.11n WiFi and four Ethernet ports in a cool white design for a mere $40. Then there's the WLAE-AG300N, a dual-port access point designed for making a pair of wired game consoles or the like wireless. That is a little more pricey, at $80, but the final product, the smallest of the bunch, brings us back down to $40. It's the WLI-UC-GNM, a USB 2.0 802.11n adapter that is barely bigger than the port it fits in, poking out just far enough for you to pull the thing back out again. All three are pictured in the gallery below, and all three should be shipping soon. %Gallery-99143%
GameStop listing points to November 3rd launch, $100 price for 802.11n Xbox 360 adapter
We already had some indication that Microsoft's new Wireless N adapter for the Xbox 360 would pack the same $100 MSRP as its predecessor, but it looks like a new GameStop listing has now all but confirmed it, and the other big remaining detail: a release date. Unless someone seriously got their wires crossed, it looks like the adapter will start shipping on November 3rd, which we presume is also the date that the MSRP of the previous generation WiFi adapter will officially drop (to $80, last we heard), 'cause GameStop sure isn't going to be moving many of them at the $100 it's asking right now.[Via Joystiq]
Motorola's USBw 200 WiMAX adapter takes less power, packs more drivers
If you're inhabiting one of the few but increasingly common localities with WiMAX internets beaming through the airwaves, you're probably looking for the least bulky and most efficient way to get connected. Motorola's latest doesn't look particularly more svelte than its previous USBw 100, but the USBw 200 is more efficient, requiring less than 1.5 watts of power despite the new "power boost" mode to connect more quickly to networks. Like its predecessor, it supports 2.3, 2.5, and 3.5GHz bands, and now includes Windows XP and Vista drivers on the device itself, so no pesky installation CD is required. No word on pricing or availability, but those figures will be largely be left to the discretion of wireless providers anyhow.[Via jkOnTheRun]
Audioengine puts wires out of work with AW2 wireless iPod adapter
Earlier this year, Audioengine rolled out the practically universal AW1 wireless audio adapter, and we certainly enjoyed our time with it. Now, the outfit is making the anticipated leap to iPod-dom with the sequentially named AW2. Put simply, the kit contains two main pieces: a transmitter that plugs easily into your dock-connecting 'Pod and a USB-based receiver with a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack. The system operates on the WiFi frequency band and promises no dropouts, static or interference from CB radios whizzing by your domicile. We should mention, however, that you'll pay quite dearly for the privilege of beaming your tunes sans cables, though it's available now for those who don't mind at $169.[Via GadgetReview]
Netgear's WNDA3100 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB adapter spotted in FCC
Nothing too earth-shattering here, but it seems that those in the market for a dual band Wireless-N USB adapter could benefit from holding off just a wee bit longer. Netgear's forthcoming WNDA3100 has found its way into the FCC's doors, and while it doesn't look to speak with aliens or any other fancy stuff, it does support WEP and WPA / WPA2. Way too excited about this thing? Hit up the read link for test photos and a preliminary user's manual -- that ought to quell your inexplicable curiosity, right?
How to use your laptop as a free Xbox / Xbox 360 wireless adapter
Microsoft apparently still hasn't gotten the memo that charging $100 for its proprietary USB wireless adapter -- not to mention leaving WiFi out of the 360 in the first place -- is basically a criminal act upon the gaming populace. Walamoonbeam's Instructable on how to share internet with your Xbox from your WiFi-connected laptop over Ethernet won't blow any minds, but if you're having trouble figuring out how to get all those intertubes from the office to your gaming den, this guide should get you on the right path.
$10 gift card with purchase of wireless adapter
Our inbox just got spammed with a new Xbox 360 wireless networking adapter deal, so we feel obligated to share the news. From now until July 7th, Best Buy is offering a free $10 gift card with the purchase of a wireless adapter. This deal is valid online or in-store by printing off this coupon (pdf link). We know that this offer isn't the greatest deal ever, but for those of you who will be purchasing one soon why not get a free $10 gift card out of the deal. And while you're at it, watch Chuck and Cindi ... those kids are a riot!
Wireless 360 receiver for your PC
IGN got their hands on the upcoming Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver that allows one to use all their 360 wireless peripherals on their PC. When hooked to a PC via USB, this little dongle will allow up to four 360 controllers and four headsets to connect to a PC and will natively support all other wireless devices including the new Wireless Racing Wheel. The good news is that IGN actually enjoys the device and gives it praise for being so simple and just working. I'm more of a fan of the price ... $19.99 for wireless connectivity to a PC, not to shabby indeed.
Fujifilm S9600 wireless adapter shown at Photokina
Not to keep harping on Fujifilm's newly-unveiled, fixed-zoom S9600 camera, but the company has apparently busted out a less-than-glamorous wireless attachment for the highly-touted prosumer model. While we knew the 10.7x zoom, 9 megapixel sensor, and tiltable LCD were on the docket, wireless transfers is definitely a new addition. Spotting WiFi on cameras isn't too uncommon (heck, we're even giving one away), but we've yet to see a dedicated wireless adapter for a camera of this stature. Reportedly, the demo was set up to photograph onlookers, and then pass the snapshot along (sans wires, of course) to a WiFi-enabled printer sitting nearby. Unfortunately, details concerning model numbers, pricing, or if this add-on will ever surface outside of the Photokina confines remains to be seen -- but honestly, we hope the final design (should there be one at all) trims down a bit, as the current build sure looks to add a good deal of heft for just cutting the proverbial cord.[Via Daily Wireless]
