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Virgin Mobile's pre-paid MIFI spotted, purchased, unboxed, and photographed
Sure, Virgin Mobile's MIFI isn't due out until Monday -- but that hasn't stopped one lucky shopper from finding one on the shelves of his local Best Buy yesterday. The enigmatic reader (only identified by the initials "NS") even went so far as to include some unboxing pictures for our (and your) pleasure. Between this, and Sprint's recent Beyond Talk announcement, it looks like 2010 is shaping up to be a good year for pre-paid wireless. [Thanks, NS]
Virgin Mobile launching prepaid MiFi next week
The spotlight on Sprint's MiFi has definitely faded since the launch of the Overdrive and EVO 4G -- both of which can kick it into high 4G gear when in range -- but Sprint subsidiary Virgin Mobile is bringing Novatel's groundbreaking mobile hotspot back into the forefront by taking it to the prepaid world. What that means is that you'll be paying $149 for the MiFi itself -- contract free, naturally -- plus any of a number of prepaid data rates ranging from $10 for 100MB all the way up to $60 for 5GB. It's said to be launching next Monday online and in Best Buy and Radio Shack locations -- so if you're an occasional data user, this might be about the best option on the block.
Bell Novatel MiFi 2372 deemed unsafe for human use, recalled
We knew there had to be a catch with the Novatel MiFi 3G routers -- they were just too convenient. But, little did we know that catch involved danger to our health and wellbeing! Bell Mobility has been sending UPS couriers around (real people holding envelopes, not unicorns) to owners of the Novatel MiFi 2372, delivering dire-sounding letters (a copy can be found after the break) telling them to discontinue use of their routers due to faulty battery packs and, if that wasn't enough, they were all remotely deactivated yesterday morning. Owners are told to send their MiFis back to the company for replacement, a process said to take a whopping six to eight weeks. Novatel is sending U998 Turbo Sticks to those affected for use in the interim, but that doesn't do you much good if your device lacks USB ports, like our unfortunate tipster's iPad. We can understand the frustration of giving up your gadget for two months, the alternative doesn't sound too appealing either. Update: Kevin from Novatel dropped us a comment with the company's official statement. We have it after the break. Update 2: A Novatel rep would like us to clarify that the couriers in question are from UPS, and also come equipped with return envelopes for the affected 2372s. So, if anyone from FedEx tries to deliver any documentation about this situation, it's probably a trap. [Thanks, Justin]
Novatel NovaDrive cloud-based unlimited storage preview
Hold onto your hats, it seems Novatel, maker of some of the finest 3G / WiFi devices, has decided to stretch its legs from connectivity into the realm of data storage. Not only is the cloud-based storage accessible through their software for Windows or Apple, but the company's thoughtfully built a nice mobile site so your cellphone can get in on the fun. Other notables include the ability to mail files to your file server, easy online collaboration for a team, and you can even send folks links to files who don't have access to your server and track when and if they download it. NovaDrive also touts "unlimited" storage -- though, we'd bet they'll drop the fair use hammer quick if you go too wild -- for roughly $50 a year for the personal version and $150 for the team fileserver version. Not too shabby if online storage is your thing, and even if it isn't, Novadrive has a 30-day demo that won't cost you one red cent, so feel free to give it a whirl. %Gallery-89034%
Novatel prepping WiMAX-based MiFi, signs up for Qualcomm's Wearable Mobile Device modules
We haven't been shy about expressing our undying love for the MiFi, and now Novatel is playing catchup with the Sierra Wireless-built Sprint Overdrive and bringing WiMAX into the fold. Novatel has completed and tested a WiMAX MiFi prototype, achieving 18Mbps throughput in testing. The unit relies on a Beceem WiMAX chip and has 30Mbps down / 10Mbps up theoretical speeds. No word on when the 4G MiFi might actually hit the market, but Novatel can't be content for long to let Sierra eat that ever-widening WiMAX lunch all by itself. Meanwhile, Novatel has also picked up Qualcomm's Wearable Mobile Device modules for an as-yet undefined purpose. The units integrate a radio (CDMA 1x or EV-DO), Bluetooth, GPS, an accelerometer, and USB 2.0 plug. We don't know what sort of shenanigans Novatel will get up to with such integration at its disposal, but we're sure we'd love to find out.
Novatel shows off next-gen GPS-enabled MiFi, integrated 'apps' (video)
If you haven't freaked out and given up on MiFi after they were shown to be, well, a little bit vulnerable, good for you, because there's good things in store. Novatel is working on a new revision of its routers with integrated GPS, USB charging, and what's pledged to be better battery life. Perhaps most interesting among the revisions is firmware able to run Linux "apps" that display content within the MiFi's admin webpage. Current apps are things like data usage and weather but the possibilities are endless -- or slightly broader than weather and usage, at least. It's unclear which (if any) of the current MiFi models will be also be blessed with this firmware update and its resplendent selection of homebrew widgets, but we do know that the new MiFi model will be hitting carriers sometime toward the middle of 2010 and will be selling unlocked around the end of the year.
Novatel's MiFi devices shown to be incredibly useful, easily hacked (video)
We've personally experienced the joys of portable wireless routers like Novatel's MiFi, little things that do the 3G talkin' for you, but from what we're seeing here current users may be about to experience something altogether different: fear. A hack that is both very nasty and easy to execute has been shown which would, most troublingly, allow a malicious page to modify the MiFi settings on behalf of the user, possibly disabling security or even locking out the owner of the router, as shown in a quick demonstration video after the break. A factory reset fixes it all, of course, but doesn't do anything to alleviate the apparently shoddy security mechanisms at play here. Time for another firmware update, perhaps? 1/19/2010 Update: We've received a note from a Novatel representative indicating that the CGI parameters the device uses for configuration were designed to be "intentionally programmable" to ease remote setup. The statement also clarifies that a user's data will not be exposed via this hack, and that the company is working on a patch. The full statement after the break if you're inclined to read it.
Bell announces HSPA+ Turbo Stick, MiFi for shiny new network
What good is a brand new 21Mbps beast of a network without some hardcore data devices ready to take advantage of it? Not much good at all, which is why Canada's Bell Mobility is Johnny-on-the-spot this week with a couple hardware announcements. First up, there'll be an aptly named HSPA+ Turbo Stick, which -- you guessed it -- is a USB stick capable of blazing along at HSPA+ speeds. Next up, lucky customers will be getting the MiFi 2372 from Novatel, the North American 3G version that we'd all love for AT&T to launch at some point. Both devices will be swinging by in November, just in time to christen the brand new towers on a high note.
Novatel announces new phase of MiFi Developer Program, Eye-Fi gets a mention
We already know that you love your MiFi -- after all, who wouldn't be into a mobile hotspot that can easily slide into your rear pocket? But are you ready to adore it even more? Novatel Wireless has just announced the second phase of its MiFi Developer Program, which seeks to bring all sorts of apps and added functionality to an already heralded device. As the story goes, the dev program provides a set of APIs and tech support to those interested in expanding the abilities of the MiFi, and while the possibilities are obviously limitless (or close to it), we're already hearing of a Nomadesk inclusion that will provide a web UI to access cloud storage when online via the MiFi. Then there's also the Eye-Fi mention, which seems to let you upload photos from your SD card to your hotspot even when a 3G tower is nowhere to be found; once the MiFi gets back in range, it handles the uploading from there. Strangely, we're seeing reports that all this fanciness won't work with Sprint or Verizon's MiFi, though Novatel's own release says nothing of the sort. Whatever the case, guard your heart here just in case the allegations are true.[Via jkOnTheRun]
Novatel Wireless launches MiFi 2372 with North American-loving, 3G WiFi goodness
Novatel's just announced its North American-friendly MiFi 2372 router with GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA. The Mifi 2372 will offer 7.2Mbps HSDPA sharing for up to five connections via WiFi. If you recall, the European, 900/1900/2100MHz version launched back in June, so we're happy to see it make its way to our shores at long last. The 2372 also boasts a GPS receiver and microSD card slot, and while there's no word on pricing or definite date of availability, we can assume it'll be offered on subsidy from AT&T and Rogers, and we hope that happens soon. The full PR is after the break.
Verizon's two-way PC770 data card lands this Sunday
If you're the indecisive type, Verizon's newest data card is right up your alley, because you've got two different form factors at your disposal: ExpressCard/34 and PC Card. The modem -- which hails from MiFi maker Novatel -- has both PC and Mac compatibility out of the box, rocks EV-DO Rev. A (it fricking better), and most notably, includes a PC Card adapter so you can continue to provide your thirty-year-old 486-powered Toshiba Satellite with 3G on the road. It'll be available this Sunday for $99.99 on contract after rebates.
New Cradlepoint firmware turns MiFi into -- wait for it -- a 3G WiFi router
You might imagine that Cradlepoint's feeling a bit of heat since Novatel released its fantastic MiFi series, since the whole idea behind Cradlepoint's gear is to turn 3G modems into WiFi access points. It's cool, though, Cradlepoint managed to find a tricky angle: you can't charge the MiFi, use it as a USB modem, and have WiFi enabled at the same time! We still think we'd stare, point, and laugh if we were walking through an airport and saw some dude with these two cute little boxes tethered to one another, but we've got to admit that this is a pretty big Achilles' heel that Cradlepoint's managed to solve here; all it takes is a firmware update for your Cradlepoint, and voilà, you've now got MiFi compatibility.
Engadget's recession antidote: win a Novatel Ovation MC990D USB modem!
This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff or companies stop sending things. Today we've got a Novatel Ovation MC990D HSPA USB modem on offer. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Hooray for free stuff!Big thanks to Novatel Wireless for providing the gear!The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Novatel Ovation MC990D. Approximate retail value is $299.99. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. Entries can be submitted until Monday, July 6th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
How would you change Novatel's MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router?
Firms like Cradlepoint have been dishing out generic portable hotspots for years now, but it wasn't until recently that US consumers had a carrier-branded option for creating their own WiFi zone via EV-DO. Novatel's shockingly diminutive MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router has officially arrived on both Sprint and Verizon Wireless, and while GSM followers have been unfortunately left out for the moment, we're still eager to hear how early CDMA adopters are faring. Are you pleased with the convenience factor here? Have you had any odd and unexpected connection issues? Are you kosher with that 5GB limit on monthly throughput? Let us know if you think this thing's worth its asking price, and if not, what would make it so. And... go!
Verizon rolls out global laptop data with USB1000 stick
The promise of global data is finally becoming a reality for modem users on Verizon today with the release of its Novatel-sourced USB1000, a USB stick (hence the "USB" in the name, we're willing to bet) that features EV-DO Rev. A for domestic use plus triband HSPA when you're roaming around the globe. The stick itself runs $149.99 on contract after a $50 rebate, while monthly global data plans run from $129.99 for 100MB of data in 31 countries to $219.99 for 200MB; both plans include 5GB for use in the US and Canada. It'll be available online starting tomorrow.[Via Phone Scoop]
Video: Novatel Wireless' GSM MiFi 2352 launches on Telefonica Espana
Remember that Novatel MiFi 2352 we got our hands on a few months back? Well, it looks like it got a little makeover just in time for yesterday's launch on Telefonica Espana. While we're digging the look of the thing, it's what's going on under the hood that really piqued our interest: Adding to the usual WiFi connectivity and encryption, this guy sports two processors, a separate Linux OS and additional flash RAM for hosting and running third party apps accessible to its WiFi clients. If anything, this suggests that Novatel has "big plans for the platform," as SlashGear notes. While available apps are currently limited to Alcatel-Lucent's Nonstop Laptop Guardian (a user admin package for enterprise users) we're looking forward to seeing what the company and its partners cook up in the future. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's commence with the unboxing. Shall we? Video's after the break.
Novatel's MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router comes to Sprint
What one CDMA carrier can do, another can do better, right? Eh, not quite, but they can stare each other down holding the exact same weapon, just daring each other to make the next move. Just a week after Verizon Wireless launched the MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router, Sprint has decided to offer up the exact same product for use on its network. The battery-powered box, engineered by Novatel Wireless, enables users to connect up to five WiFi-enabled devices to Sprint's EV-DO Rev. A network, and it'll be marketed in stores as the Sprint Mobile Hotspot. According to the carrier, its unit will be the first in the US to support MiFi's GPS capabilities, allowing users to take advantage of select location and mapping applications. It should be noted, however, that Sprint's service plans differ quite significantly from those offered up by VZW. The up front cost is the same at $99 after a $50 mail-in rebate (on a two-year agreement), though the only two options for getting it connected are as follows: $59.99 per month mobile broadband only plan (excluding taxes and surcharges) $149.99 per month Simply Everything Plan + Mobile Broadband (phone plus device connectivity -- excluding taxes and surcharges) Both plans include up to 5 GB per month and 5 cents per megabyte overage for the MiFi 2200. [Ugh, disgusting.] Available in early June. [Via phoneArena]
Verizon MiFi 2200 review
We've been following Novatel's MiFi with bated breath since its December announcement, and the totally pocketable 3G / WiFi router has finally graced a US carrier. Though it'll ultimately come in a variety of physical designs, bands, and radio technologies for different carriers and parts of the world, the MiFi 2200 for Verizon naturally packs CDMA with EV-DO Rev. A, which means uplink speeds should be reasonably speedy to go along with your 1Mbps-plus downloads. Obviously, the concept of a credit card-shaped object connecting up to five WiFi-enabled devices to high-speed internet from wherever the road takes you is an incredibly intoxicating one -- but does the MiFi 2200 deliver? Let's have a look.
Verizon debuts MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router
It was hardly a secret 'round these parts, but Verizon Wireless is finally ready to confess to that MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot we've heard so much about. Like the Novatel unit it's based on, the device harbors 802.11b/g and EV-DO Rev. A radios, and can share a 3G Verizon connection with up to five different WiFi devices simultaneously. Battery life is pegged at four hours of active use, and 40 hours of standby on a single charge. Data plans include a $40 monthly subscription for 250MB and 10 cents per MB overages, or $60 for 5GB and half the overages price. If you want to forgo the subscription and pay full-price for the MiFi, you can pick up a 24 hour "DayPass" for $15 -- any way you slice it, you'll be paying good money for the privilege of using the thing. The MiFi 2200 itself hits stores May 17th, and will run you $100 after a $50 rebate.
Novatel MiFi to hit Verizon soon for $99.99?
Novatel's sleek little MiFi is undeniably one of the coolest mobile routers ever to hit the market, and something tells us it's going to sell pretty well -- but naturally, it's got to... you know, go on sale first before that can happen. We don't have an exact date, but our tipster believes it could happen shortly after the 10th of this month -- possibly around the same time of the Samsung Alias 2 launch which is slated for the 11th. What we know with more certainty, though, is the price: $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. That's less than we would've guessed, and we're thinking it could be a real sweet spot for this type of device; now, let's just get those nasty 5GB caps abolished and we'll be ready to rock and roll. [Image via PhoneArena]
