pennsylvania
Latest
Wi-Fire extends wireless range to 1,000 feet
A new Pennsylvania-based startup, hField Technologies, has just gotten FCC approval for their new supercharged WiFi antenna, the Wi-Fire. The USB antenna boosts reception of faint WiFi signals, extending the range of existing networks up to 1,000 feet. hField's founders, recent Lehigh University graduates, had originally built the product for a student entrepeneurial challenge, and won first place, including the prize of $2,500. Earlier this summer, hField also recieved $25,000 of funding from a state-funded development organization, and the rest, as they say, is history (waiting to happen). The Wi-Fire is now on sale through hField directly for $150, though unfortunately without Mac support for now, it seems -- although if you have a Windows computer, it's guaranteed to put as big of a smile on your face as this girl's, though not nearly as big as these dudes'.
Verizon FiOS trying to change cable franchising in Pennsylvania
Currently in Pennsylvania, cable franchising involves negotiating a deal with each of the 2,565 municipalities individually. For Verizon, who has laid fiber in about 1,600 of these, getting deals done is a long, slow process making it nearly impossible to quickly move in on their cable competitors. Verizon hasn't actually started offering its FiOS TV service and the included two-dozen or so HDTV channels in Pennsylvania but when they do, they'd like to negotiate one deal for the whole state all at once. That's the idea of a bill submitted by State Senators Dominic Pileggi and Anthony Williams, proposing the creation of a single state-administered uniform agreement for anyone offering video services. The President of Verizon Pennsylvania stated their network could carry everything the cable companies have and up to 220 high definition channels at the same time, while cable in the area is limited to only twelve. Of course we're still -- anxiously -- waiting for there to be 220 HDTV channels but you get the point.Naturally, the resident cable companies sort of like the system the way it is, arguing that change will take power away from local communities, give Verizon an unfair advantage and don't see change as necessary. Any HD Beat Pennsylvania readers plan on stopping by Penn State's Delco campus August 8th and pleading for 220 HDTV channels giving the legislature a piece of their mind?
New PA and Cali Apple Stores: Your reports
Earlier today, Apple opened two new retail stores, one in Pennsylvania and one in sunny California. As usual, we asked any TUAW operatives who may have attended the openings to share their reports and/or pictures. So, did you make it out to the events this weekend? Let us know in the comments. Here's hoping you scored a T-shirt.
Apple Stores set to open in PA, CA
Apple has announced the grand opening of two new retail stores for this weekend. The first is Apple Store Simi Valley, which is located at 1555 Simi Town Center Way Space #535, near the Center Court next to Eddie Bauer. You can find complete travel directions here.The second is Apple Store Suburban Square in Ardmore, Pa which Scott posted about earlier. This store can be found at 61 St. James Place in Ardmore, next to Wachovia Bank, just off Montgomery Avenue. Both stores will open this Saturday, May 13th at 9:00 AM.As usual, the first 1000 visitors to each location will be rewarded with commemorative t-shirts. Visitors can also enter to win the "Grand Opening Sweepstakes," which will award one winner with an iMac, an iPod nano, a Canon digital camera, a Sony Handycam CCD-TRV138, and an HP inkjet printer.If you're going to attend either of these openings, please send us links to your photos and reports! Good luck and have fun.
