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Novatel MiFi 2 interface and housing refresh hands-on
With Bell Canada's announcement yesterday of MiFi 2's imminent launch in the great white north comes an update from Novatel for both the device's skin and radio. While we couldn't get any pictures of the updates to support LTE in Canada, we did capture a good pile of the tweaked housing and the skin updates in the touch UI. Physically the device remains exactly the same as far as its dimensions are concerned, though the metal trim has lightened up a wee bit and battery life is still a monstrous 11 hours or so on LTE. Launch price and an exact date aren't available yet form Bell but we expect those any time soon. Terrence O'Brien contributed to this report
MiFi Liberate review: does the world need a mobile hotspot with a touchscreen?
There are two factors that are of the utmost importance when it comes to choosing mobile hotspots: speed and battery life. Further down the list is portability, with hardware design ranking even lower. So the idea of a touchscreen MiFi struck us as a ridiculous luxury, the sort of thing we'd find in a SkyMall catalog. This is why we were intrigued by the MiFi Liberate, Novatel Wireless's first-ever 4G LTE MiFi with a built-in touchscreen. While it might seem like a gimmick, the interface does, in fact, provide quick access to vital stats like data usage. Novatel wasn't content to leave it at that, though: the Liberate has features we would never dream of adding to a MiFi, including media streaming, GPS and even a basic messaging app. Fortunately, the addition of such features don't inflate the price: it's available for $50 with a new two-year agreement with AT&T. How well does it all work? Join us after the break for our review.%Gallery-171089%
Novatel Wireless MiFi Liberate MiFi for AT&T hands-on
It's not too often that a mobile hotspot graces our home page, but this one is worth a mention. Novatel Wireless is launching the Liberate, a MiFi with a built-in touchscreen, on AT&T in the coming months, and we had the opportunity to play with the new device at MobileCon 2012. The hotspot, also known as the MiFi 5792, sports a 2.8-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 400 x 240 pixels, LTE, a microSD slot, DLNA streaming capabilities and a 2,900mAh battery that promises 11 hours of life between charges. While it seems pretty fancy for a MiFi, the touchscreen may be appealing to some. The hotspot runs on a proprietary build of Linux and offers a wide variety of options to choose from: connection details, data usage, a list of connected devices, settings, file sharing, media streaming, WiFi protected setup, messages, GPS and so on. Many of the activities (checking your use, which devices are connected and other settings) previously relegated to a proprietary URL can now be easily viewed directly on your MiFi without any hassle. Don't expect the quick and buttery-smooth response of a modern smartphone here, but since this is Novatel's inaugural attempt at a touchscreen device -- in addition to the fact that the display is of secondary importance on a MiFi -- we're willing to cut the company some slack. It handles the limited needs of most hotspot consumers without much concern.
Hands-on with Verizon Novatel MiFi 4620L Jetpack (video)
We just got hands-on with one of Verizon's JetPacks, the Novatel MiFi 4620L. At about the same size and thickness as previous endeavors, the quad-band 4G LTE unit boasts a gimmicky OLED display that apparently makes interfacing with the unit easier. We weren't convinced, but we did like its removable 1500mAh battery, which can be swapped for a more potent (but not included) 3000mAh unit. Its final party trick is the ability to relay location coordinates over WiFi to up to 10 devices (like say a tablet) that support GPS streaming. We couldn't get the Novatel rep on hand to confirm pricing or availability, but we got the sense this little guy will ship soon.
Novatel celebrates sale of 3 millionth MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot with an intelligent rager
Today marks a momentous occasion for Novatel Wireless, because shipments of its MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot have now surpassed the 3 million mark. The company confirmed the milestone in an announcement yesterday, and took a moment to look back on how far their router has come since it was first introduced in 2009. Since then, Novatel has launched its family of MiFi devices with 25 operators across the world and is looking to build upon its record. For now, though, just grab a bottle of bubbly and join the PR party, after the break.
4G netbook onslaught imminent as Verizon clears Novatel LTE radio to run on its network
Xoom owners might still be waiting for an LTE upgrade, but it does look like 4G netbooks and tablets could be hitting Verizon's network pretty soon. The carrier, known for its stringent testing standards, has cleared Novatel Wireless' E362 module to run on its network, paving the way for devices with embedded 4G radios. In addition to LTE, the module is compatible with CDMA and HSPA+ / UMTS technology -- a safety net for people outside the 55 markets (soon to be 147) where Verizon is serving up 4G service. Okay, so with no word on pricing or product launches, an onslaught isn't exactly imminent, but when it happens we'll try not to say "told you so."
Novatel Wireless 4G MiFi LTE and WiMAX hands-on
Novatel Wireless just keeps pumping out the MiFis, and this year's CES offerings didn't disappoint with both a WiMAX and an LTE version on offer. So first up is the Sprint WiMAX version of the MiFi that replaces the previous MiFi 2200 with a tenfold increase in speed -- of course there is an asterisk next to that figure -- an external electronic ink display for signal strength, battery, and number of connected devices, and the balance of the features pretty much jibe with what we've already seen in the past. Verizon's 4510L LTE MiFi -- the faster and larger of the two -- packs the same e-ink display tech, LTE download speeds between 5 and 12 Mbps, and upload rates from 2 to 5 Mbps. No mention of battery life on either of these capable little toys, but if we had to guess we'd recommend you drag along a charger wherever your roaming may take you. %Gallery-113304%
Verizon's 4G LTE line: Samsung and Novatel MiFi, 4G Galaxy Tab, netbooks (hands-on)
The LG Revolution, HTC Thunderbolt and Samsung's SCH-i520 were the obvious stars of Verizon's 4G LTE presser today, but a truckload of lesser devices are sure to delight end users when they ship later in the year. 4G mobile hotspots were on hand from both Novatel Wireless and Samsung (with the former working on both 3G and 4G networks), as were a pair of netbooks from HP and the LTE-enabled (and Hummingbird-powered) Galaxy Tab. The MiFi devices were decidedly thicker than our existing MiFi 2200 (shown left, above), but it's a price we'd be willing to pay for the ability to surf on both of VZW's networks. Gallery's below for those seeking a closer look, and you should expect the whole lot to hit your local VZW store between March and July. Myriam Joire contributed to this report. %Gallery-113097%
Sprint trots out HTC EVO Shift 4G and new 3G / 4G MiFi from Novatel
It's been leaked all over the place, but Sprint has just confirmed its second EVO: the EVO Shift 4G. The big new addition is obviously the slide-out keyboard, but otherwise, while specs are solid, there's nothing as revolutionary as the original EVO. The Shift has a 3.6-inch 800 x 480 LCD, Android 2.2 (with HTC Sense), and the same great 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7630 processor that's in the G2 and myTouch 4G. Naturally there's WiMAX 4g, in addition to EVDO Rev A., and HTC hopes to keep those radios alive with a 1500mAh battery. There's a 5 megapixel camera around back, capable of 720p video, but oddly no front-facing camera -- something we assumed was part of the definition of EVO. The phone will be available on the 9th for $150. Meanwhile, Novatel Wireless is cooking up its own WiMAX goodness, putting 3G and 4G in a brand new MiFi device, the MiFi 3G / 4G Mobile Hotspot. It includes a display for tracking status of the device, unlike Novatel's 3G MiFis, claims 4 hours of active use and 60 hours of standby, and can share storage from its microSD slot with connected devices. It should be out on February 27th for $50 with a two-year contract. %Gallery-112467%
Sprint's 3G / 4G MiFi 4082 revealed?
Wasn't long ago that we found hard evidence of a WiMAX-capable MiFi from Novatel in the FCC -- and now, we might have the first press shot of it. Of course, press shots are always prettier than the actual devices, but even if you beat this image with the ugly stick for a minute or two, we're pretty sure it'd still be a good deal more handsome than the first-gen 3G MiFi that Sprint, Verizon, and others are using currently. No word on when this might launch, but with FCC certification under its belt, it's plausible that we'll see it next week at CES -- probably without the tipster's own professionally-Photoshopped status light below the battery indicator, we'd bet. [Thanks, r0fl]
AT&T starts selling Novatel MiFi at long last: November 21st for $50
AT&T's finally taking a cue from its mobile hotspot-equipped archrivals at Verizon and Sprint, launching a branded version of Novatel Wireless' MiFi 2372 this Sunday, November 21st, for $49.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate. The device is a little more advanced that the one you're used to using on American CDMA networks, featuring an integrated microSD slot that can be shared among connected devices and support for built-in, browser-based widgets that can take advantage of the unit's AGPS for providing weather, local search, and so on. The unit tops out at 7.2Mbps on the downlink, which you'll be able to enjoy via AT&T's standard array of DataConnect plans: $35 a month for 200MB or $60 a month for 5GB, plus contract-free plans ranging from 100MB to 1GB.
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.
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]
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]
Verizon MiFi 2200 EV-DO hotspot leaks out, will sell like Canadian bananas
It's not quite as sexy as the brushed aluminum version we saw back in December, but these leaked images showing a Verizon-branded Novatel MiFi 2200 personal hotspot are certainly enough to get the blood pumping. If you don't recall the concept, the MiFi is a battery-powered EV-DO router the size of a credit card that can provide network access over WiFi for up to four hours on a charge. There's still a lot of details up in the air here, like how many devices can connect at once and the max data rate, but if this thing comes in anywhere close to its estimated $200 price tag we'd say a lot of those answers might not matter. Couple more pics at the read link.
Novatel Wireless' GSM MiFi 2352 premieres with Telefonica Espana
While lacking the decidedly stylin' brushed metal housing seen in its CDMA sibling, we're alright with the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2352, as it brings the GSM. Running a Linux-based OS, the MiFi can support up to five users connected within a 10 meter (roughly 30 feet) range using a SIM card from your provider (in this case, Telefonica Espana) to grab a data connection and share that over WiFi. Plans are afoot to add apps to the device adding functionality like email sync, VPN connectivity all stored on internal memory or through the up to 16GB of expanded microSD memory. While the PR we've seen doesn't give the nitty-gritty specs involved here, we'd go out on a limb and suggest that 3G has to be in there, and at a price point that'll make it attractive enough to pick up as a data only device. Oh, an hopefully some sort of access control can be arranged, as having the entire world near you stealing your internets would hurt.%Gallery-44790%
Novatel Wireless announces Ovation MC995D HSPA modem
The Novatel Wireless MC995D is blue, it swivels, offers 7.2 Mbps down and 5.76 Mbps upload speeds, yeah, sign us up. Novatel's Ovation MC995D USB modem launched today building on the goodies we've seen in the past, offering a speed boost, and switching out the standard design with some minor tweeks. Featuring support for up to 32GB of removable microSD memory, multiple frequency (sadly, no specifics here) HSPA / GPRS / EDGE connectivity, and built in installation software for Mac, Windows, and Linux. Look for it at a carrier near you sometime in Q2 of this year.
Switched On: MiFi pushes 3G past the router limits
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. In a commercial featuring 30 Rock actress and producer Tina Fey and director Martin Scorsese, the former Saturday Night Live head writer uses her credit card to gain entrance to an airline lounge. The notion of a faceless slice serving as an access pass would also apply to Novatel Wireless's MiFi, the simply named 3G personal hotspot that will support up to five users simultaneously connecting to a 3G network when it is offered through operators next year.MiFi is not the first product to enable a small group to bridge WiFi products to the wireless WAN. One early entrant, Junxion, was acquired by Novatel Wireless competitor Sierra Wireless. And Cradlepoint has created a battery-powered device sold at Best Buy that, like the Junxion device, relies on a laptop card to create its WAN connection. That's not true, though, of the MiFi, which integrates an HSPA or EVDO radio along with the battery that can provide over four hours of Internet access to devices such as a PC, iPod touch, Zune, Nintendo DS or Sony PSP. In fact, without apologies to Right Said Fred, the MiFi may be "too sexy for my LAN" -- particularly for a product that can work silently in a backpack as it serves its nodes. A thicker frame could provide all-day access, but perhaps such lengthy sessions will generally take place where there is access to an outlet; the device continues to perform normally if it is drawing juice from a PC's USB port. But the MiFi is not simply a dumb dispenser of digits.
