AirCard
Latest
Qualcomm bolsters AllJoyn functionality, demos LTE carrier aggregation with 150Mbps peak transfers
Peak transfers of 150Mbps, you say? We're listening. Here at Mobile World Congress, Qualcomm's newest Gobi chipsets (the MDM9225 and MDM9625) are the first to support LTE carrier aggregation and LTE Category 4 with peak data rates of up to 150Mbps. The reveal marks the introduction of the outfit's third-generation 4G LTE embedded chip, and if all goes well, we should see the hardware slipping into phones, tablets and potentially laptops in the second half of 2013. To make it all seem more realistic, it partnered with Sierra Wireless and Ericsson here in Barcelona in order to prove the figures. For those unaware, LTE carrier aggregation combines radio channels within and across bands to increase user data rates and reduce latency -- in other words, it allows LTE to be even faster. In related news, Qually also announced that it'll be extending the AllJoyn software development project with "new core interoperable services." As of now, we're simply told that the new services will be available on devices with different operating systems and from different vendors, theoretically enabling an "Internet of Everything" by the time they're upstreamed into the AllJoyn open source project by May 2013. We'll be swinging by the company's booth to see what exactly there is to visualize -- for now, feel free to pursue the press releases linked below.
Fido switches on LTE, gives Canadians a taste of slightly more budget-minded 4G
Canadians have had fairly limited options for LTE-based 4G if they didn't want to turn to the three main carrier brands: they could go to a Bell-owned Virgin Mobile, and that's it. While there isn't a truly independent LTE carrier yet, Rogers' lower-cost Fido label has just taken its promised LTE access live to at least offer some competition among the smaller names in the field. Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, St. John's, Toronto and Vancouver can immediately hop on the network at speeds of up to 100Mbps. Bring-your-own-device users don't have to pay a premium to get the faster speeds, although there's currently little choice in hardware if you want to buy straight from the source: the lone LTE device on offer is Sierra Wireless' AirCard 763S hotspot, which costs $50 on a two-year contract. The flexible rate data-only plan also isn't the greatest deal, starting at $22 for a gone-in-five-minutes 100MB per month to $92 for 9GB. All the same, light data users in the True North will be glad to know they don't have to be relegated to 3G to save a few dollars.
Sierra Wireless introduces 76x range of AirCard 4G Mobile Hotspots
Sierra Wireless just announced a new 76xS range of AirCard mobile hotspots. Thanks to expanded frequency band support (LTE 1800/2100/2600 MHz, HSPA+ 850/900/2100 MHz and 800/900/2100), the new cards will be compatible with more international markets, and are set to launch in the US, Australia, Asia and Europe over the coming months. There's support for up to ten WiFi devices, and a 2,000 mAh battery -- which Sierra claims brings a 30 percent boost in life -- upgradeable to an even juicier 3,600 mAh option via an additional accessory purchase. The user interface also got a revamp, with an extra button to improve navigation and more information on the device itself, meaning less need to access the web interface. Availability will depend on carrier networks, but is expected to be in the next few months. In the meantime, hit the PR after the break if you want to know more.
Rogers launches LTE Rocket USB dongle and mobile hotspot, revamps 4G pricing
Hold on to your campaign hats people, Rogers has some blazingly fast new LTE devices for your consideration: the AirCard 330U LTE Rocket and AirCard 763S LTE mobile hotspot. Both Sierra Wireless 4G cards support the 1700MHz, 2100MHz and 2600MHz bands for theoretical peak downloads of 100Mbps, while real-world speeds will hover closer to 40Mbps. The latest dongle and hotspot for Rogers are the first to work on all three of its bands, and claim to be the fastest such devices in the land. The carrier is also extending its HSPA+ pricing scheme to its LTE network, meaning Flex Rate plans for the LTE Rocket stick and hotspot start at $22.93 per month, while tablets will be able to hop on the LTE bandwagon for just $7.93. Check out the PR after the break.
Rogers' first LTE network is live in Ottawa, aims to become fastest in North America
Good news for those of you waiting for Rogers' first LTE network launch in Ottawa, Canada: it happened. Ottawa's LTE debut now puts Rogers firmly at the top of the heap amongst its chief rivals Bell and Telus -- at least where speed is concerned. To start, the only device on offer is the Sierra Wireless AirCard 313U, which retails at $79.99 on a three-year deal or $169.99 completely off-contract. As you're likely aware, LTE is all about the speed, and with that speed comes the potential for cost as this network will see you burning through a gigabyte of data in mere minutes. To help balance that out, Rogers has also introduced a new tiered LTE Flex Rate Plan with prices starting at $45 for 1.5GB to $90 for 9GB -- with every GB thereafter deftly removing another $10 from your billfold. To help the addiction really settle in, the carrier has wisely made the first two months of service free with overage costs also getting the boot. Of course, this all sounds like a recipe for a challenge, so we've arranged to get our hands on one these devices for some first impressions on speed and quality and then begin a two month odyssey of its LTE network -- and fair use policy -- abuse.
Sierra Wireless intros dual-carrier HSPA+ / LTE AirCard 753S and 754S, with 319U and 320U in tow
Thanks to Verizon's blowout at CES, we've already been treated to a couple of LTE-friendly mobile hotspots from the likes of Samsung and Novatel Wireless, but Sierra Wireless is joining the crowd here at Mobile World Congress. The outfit has just revealed its two newest mobile hotpots, the AirCard 754S and 753S. The former supports dual-carrier LTE, while the latter handles dual-carrier HSPA+, enabling up to five WiFi devices to surf on either of the fastest two mobile superhighways. We're told that the 753S can hit downlink rates as high as 42Mbps (and upload rates near 5.76Mbps) on a DC-HSPA+ network, while the 754S can reach 100Mbps (down) / 50Mbps (up) while operating on an LTE network. Both of these are right around the size of a deck of cards, and no software installation is required to get 'em working. There's also an integrated LCD that provides a look at WiFi access information, battery life, network signal strength, and the number of devices connected, with audible alerts and a web admin interface available as well. The duo is expected to ship at some point during 2011's second quarter, but there's no news yet on which (if any) carriers will be picking them up. Moving right along, Canada's own Telus will be offering yet another new one from Sierra Wireless this March: the AirCard 319U USB modem, a device we recently spotted in the FCC's database. This one promises download speeds of up to 42Mbps and upload speeds approaching 5.76Mbps, with a swiveling design that allows the body of the modem to be tucked up against the side of the notebook and protects it from being damaged by accidental bumps. The LTE-friendly AirCard 320U is the USB version of the 754S hotspot shown above, with an articulating and pivoting hinge that works with the widest possible variety of USB port placements, and if all goes well, it'll ship during Q2 2011 for an undisclosed rate. Sierra plans on having Mac and PC support for the whole lot, and we'll be digging for details surrounding price and availability. %Gallery-116575%
Verizon launching LTE on December 5th, two transforming 4G USB modems hitch a wild ride
Sure, Verizon's holding a press conference tomorrow, but unless they've got a secret LTE smartphone or tablet (we can only hope) we've got a fairly good idea what the company will say. We're hearing Verizon will flip the switch on its LTE network on December 5th, unveil a pair of hot new USB modems to take advantage of those supposedly stellar speeds, and launch the SIM cards required to make LTE function in the first place. The gadgets include the LG VL600 thumbstick we've seen before, but also this marvelous-looking Pantech UML290 key, which has not only a slick swiveling case but also a dual-jointed USB port beneath. We doubt we're going to have any trouble getting this one plugged into even the slimmest of port-abhorring slimline computing machines. See where one of the SIM cards goes in the gallery below. Update: The populace has spoken, and "sexy" is no more. Shall we call them "transforming" modems, then? They most certainly are. %Gallery-108552% [Thanks, Anonymous and JT]
Sierra Wireless AirCard 890 does 7.2Mbps on AT&T, slides into PC Card or ExpressCard slots
Talk about being flexible. Sierra Wireless' newest 7.2Mbps-capable AirCard (the 890, if you're curious) obviously isn't content with fitting into just one slot. Rather than forcing users to choose between compatibility with PCMCIA (PC Card) or ExpressCard, this particular WWAN card actually fits into both... but not at the same time, naturally. It's the first DataConnect card on AT&T's network to boast a 2-in-1 form factor, and moreover, it touts integrated GPS functionality for use with location-based services. 'Course, you won't be using one of these with your shiny new 15-inch MacBook Pro (smart move on that SD-for-ExpressCard swap, Steve-o), but everyone else can procure one starting May 5th for $49.99 after mail-in rebate and a new two-year DataConnect contract of at least $35 a month.
Sierra Wireless pledges undying affection, support for Windows 7 Device Stage
Yes, we know you haven't exactly been champing at the bit to make use of Windows 7's Device Stage, but that might just be because you haven't had an opportunity, as manufacturers have to proactively register their hardware to let you make use of the streamlined device management service. Thankfully for mobile broadband users, Sierra Wireless has just volunteered. Starting today, all Sierra Wireless AirCards will automatically integrate with Windows 7 to allow you one-touch access to connectivity, support and firmware updates -- with the tradeoff that it also provides carriers a branded spot on your computer that "can be remotely updated to support marketing campaigns." We're not terribly worried about Verizon and kin selling us new phones, to be sure, but we're always a wee bit cautious of providing another back door into our road warrior lives.
Next-gen Ford Sync adding WiFi hotspot capabilities, you provide the 3G modem
Sure, you could go the easy route and pick up a MiFi, but if you're serious about your on-the-road wireless broadband, you should probably buy an entire car. Ford's next generation of Sync systems will have built-in WiFi and the capability of sharing a 3G connection with the car's driver-defined white list of approved devices. It's a bring-your-own-3G-card affair (you jack into the Sync's USB plug), and sounds like a nice way for Ford to get you to pay for a 3G connection that could theoretically fuel some of those upcoming Sync apps. The second generation of Sync is due to launch next year, and we should be seeing plenty of it at CES in January: Ford's CEO has the opening keynote.
Sierra Wireless' dual form factor AirCard 504 for AT&T gets FCC'd
ExpressCard and PC Card slots both seem in danger of going the way of the dodo right now, but they're not dead yet -- far from it -- which means that carriers still have a vested interest in making sure there are data cards ready to suck $60 out of your wallet in exchange for 5GB of 3G data. So far, AT&T's only been selling a USB modem that's capable of taking advantage of its newly-christened 7.2Mbps markets, which means they've got to get a move on with those other form factors -- and by all accounts, it seems that's where this AirCard 504 comes into play. Rumored previously as the "Triple Lindy," this bad boy should come bundled with a PC Card adapter (just like its AirCard 503 cousin) and feature support up to full 21Mbps HSPA+, although the best you'll likely ever get out of it connected to an AT&T cell is 7.2. We don't have intel on a release date right now, but we imagine they're itching to get this one out there -- the carrier doesn't offer any ExpressCard option at the moment, amazingly.
Sierra Wireless adds 2-in-1 HSPA+ AirCards to a lineup already fraught with action and danger
Sierra Wireless has just announced five new AirCard data cards and USB modems, including devices supporting HSPA+ frequencies. The AirCard 503, AirCard USB 308, and AirCard USB 309 all support peak download speeds of 21Mbps, with the former being a 2-in-1 PC card / ExpressCard device and the latter two being basically the same USB modem (except the first one supports 850MHz, 1900MHz, and 2100MHz frequencies, while AirCard USB 309 limits you to 900MHz and 2100MHz bands). If the raw excitement and glamor of HSPA+ speeds are more than you (or your budget) can handle, the company is also introducing a couple plain ol' HSPA cards with respectable peak downloads of 7.2Mbps and peak uploads of 5.76Mbps. The AirCard USB 301 supports 850MHz and 2100 MHz bands, while the AirCard USB 302 does its thing in the 900MHz and 2100MHz range. Scheduled to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of this year for prices to be announced. PR after the break.
Sprint debuts 2-in-1 AirCard 402 mobile broadband card
It's not exactly for everybody, but we have a sneaking suspicion that Sprint's new Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 mobile broadband card -- first spotted last month -- will make at least a few multiple laptop owners out there very, very happy. As you can see above, this one can function happily as an ExpressCard one moment and a PC Card the next, with each providing the same dual-band CDMA connectivity and support for EV-DO 1xRTT, Rev. 0, and Rev. A, along with all the other standard features and software you'd expect from a mobile broadband card. Perhaps the best news, however, is the price, which at $99.99 (after $180 instant savings and a $50 mail-in rebate), is pretty much in line with Sprint's other plan old ExpressCard options.
Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 plays PC Card and ExpressCard roles
We can't say there are an awful lot of folks out there looking for a single mobile broadband card that'll play nice in both PC Card and ExpressCard slots, but for that niche that's intently paying attention, have a look at this. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 402 is the company's first to offer such 2-in-1 functionality, and it's designed to operate on EV-DO Rev. A networks handling speeds of up to 3.1Mbps (downlink) / 1.8Mbps (uplink). Users can also bank on the company's TRU-Locate GPS service to "quickly and accurately establish location for local searches and navigation." There's no mention of a price or release date, but it should be on hand for us to peer at during CTIA this week. [Via ExpressCard-Info]
Sierra Wireless intros 'ruggedified' AirCard 501 and 502 modems
Sierra Wireless has just announced two new ExpressCard modems for HSUPA wireless users. Sporting download speeds up tp 7.2Mbps and upload speeds up to 5.76Mbps, the AirCard 501 supports 850 / 1900 / 2100 MHz bands, while the AirCard 502 covers 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz. Both are backward compatible with UMTS, EDGE and GSM networks world 'round, and they're being touted as "durable," meaning there are no little antennas or plastic pieces to break on you. That last part should be good news to all of you post-apocalyptic Road Warriors out there (or not -- they're still just regular ExpressCards, as far as we can tell). The AirCard 501 is slated for release later this month, while those of you interested in the AirCard 502 will have to wait until the first part of 2009. [Via Slash Phone]
MacBook Air hacked with internal EV-DO -- finally lives up to its name
One of the most surprising things about the launch of an ultra-portable laptop dubbed "Air" by Apple wasn't its thinness but the lack of an embedded WWAN radio. No more, at least if you're not intimidated by smoldering solder and warranty violations. Jordan Bunnell has posted a step-by-step of his success at integrating a Verizon USB727 Aircard into the MacBook Air chassis thanks to the MBA's previously unused USB controllers discovered on the system board. While the EVDO signal (and speed) has appreciably degraded from its externally attached origins, Jordan is still pulling 1,400 to 1,700kbps downloads and 380kbps uploads -- something which might be improved with antenna tweaks. Regardless, those speeds are significantly faster than the 0kbps stock MBA owners experience.[Thanks, Tom]
AT&T starts shipping HSUPA cards
We'd heard it was coming, and now it's here -- AT&T's HSUPA network is now accessible to consumers who pony up for a Sierra AirCard 881 LaptopConnect card. The PC Card still supports HSDPA download speeds of 600 to 1400Kbps, but the upgrade to HSUPA means users can pump bits back up the tubes at 500 to 800Kbps as well. Customers will be able to score a free AirCard with a two-year data plan of $60 a month or higher until November 3 -- which is a shame for anyone outside New York, since HSUPA won't roll out to AT&T's other "select markets" until "later this fall."
Sierra Wireless intros AirCard 880U / 881U USB modems
Hot on the heels of the AirCard 595U, Sierra Wireless is expanding its HSUPA offerings with a new duo of USB modems. The AirCard 880U and 881U both connect to your Windows or OS X-based computer via USB, sport the company's TRU design features, and offer up a "theoretical maximum [upload] speed of 2Mbps," while downlink speeds tout a "theoretical maximum of 7.2Mbps." Additionally, in areas where HSUPA networks aren't available, both modems are "fully compatible with HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS, and GSM network technologies on all frequencies currently used worldwide." The 880U is said to be "optimized for Europe and Asia, while the AirCard 881U is optimized for North America," and both units are slated to ship out next month.[Via Macworld]
Verizon intros Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U EV-DO Rev A USB modem
BroadbandAccess customers, meet Sierra Wireless' AirCard 595U EV-DO Rev A USB modem, which is (almost) finally available to you through Verizon Wireless. Designed for use with your USB port, this EV-DO Rev A modem can also be connected through the included docking cradle, and even comes bundled with VZAccess Manager software. Additionally, the device boasts an internal, removable battery to "ensure there is always enough power support to handle peak or fringe area transmission requirements," and should be available for those interested on August 30th for $179.99 -- after you mail back a pesky rebate and sign your name to a two-year agreement, that is.
Sierra Wireless AirCard 597E ExpressCard to hit Sprint
Although Sierra Wireless launched its AirCard 597E EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard last summer, the device is finally making the leap to Sprint-Nextel's Mobile Broadband Network. Aside from the aesthetics, just a few alterations have been made under the hood, but we know you're most interested in how it allows Sprint customers to hop on the 3G highway with their ExpressCard-equipped lappie (or desktop). Of note, this rendition does manage to add assisted GPS (A-GPS) capabilities which "plots your current location on a map and then searches for nearby points of interest," a "high-performance (albeit beefy) integrated antenna to improve signal capture and data speed," and the new 65-nanometer MSM6800A chipset from QUALCOMM. Reportedly, Sprint will be demonstrating the card at this week's Interop expo in Las Vegas, and while pricing details were left out for the moment, the card should slip into retail channels next month.
