rangeextender
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Linksys has a new tri-band range extender to eliminate WiFi dead spots
If you're not shopping for a new router but still need something to cover far-flung areas of your home (have you tried aluminum foil yet? Seriously.) check out the latest hardware from Linksys. This "Max-Stream Tri-Band AC3000 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE9000)" brings all the bells and whistles needed to keep things running smoothly, even with multiple devices.
BMW’s i3 is a long-range concept car you can actually buy
Electric cars are the future. Sadly, the future mostly resembles the past when it comes to car designs. Sure, early cars like the Honda Insight and the GM EV1 at least tried to look sleek -- even if it was for the benefit of aerodynamics. There is one company that's decided to release EV vehicles that look like the future though. Or at least TRON's version of it: BMW.
Netgear's new 802.11ac WiFi range extenders laugh at walls, distances
The 802.11ac WiFi standard is a spring chicken no longer, making us curious as to why there's a lack of range extenders supporting it -- barring Amped Wireless' efforts, of course. Looking to capitalize on the situation, Netgear's launching a pair of such extenders at CES, starting with the AC750 (aka the EX6100). This wall-plug model bounces up to 750 Mbps of dual-band WiFi to underserved areas, as well as playing host to one Ethernet port. The beefier AC1200 (aka EX6200) looks more like a router and packs five Ethernet ports, one USB 3.0 port, beamforming capabilities and can deliver up to 1,200 Mbps. Both are available now for $90 and $130, respectively, putting Amped Wireless' $200 option into fairly uncompetitive territory.
Review: Amped Wireless REC10 600mW Compact Wi-Fi Range Extender
Everybody has them -- those pesky dead zones in the house or office where the Wi-Fi signal is weak or nonexistent. Apple designed the AirPort Express as a handy little plug-n-play network extender, but a good number of people find it to be problematic both in setup and in operation. TUAW recently received a compact Wi-Fi Range Extender from Amped Wireless -- the REC10 (US$79.99) -- and ran it through some tests to see how easy it was to set up and also how well it worked. Design One of the nice things about Apple's AirPort Express is how small it is; the old version that plugged directly into a wall socket was particularly useful, and I'm not exactly sure why Apple chose to go with the current white "Apple TV clone" form factor. The REC10 plugs right into a wall socket and takes up very little space. It's about 4 x 2.5 x 1.25 inches is size, and weighs just 3.7 ounces. The way the REC10 works is to expand the range of your 802.11 b/g/n network by repeating the signal from your primary router. The device has two 600 mW amplifiers inside connected to a high gain 2 dBi antenna to extend your Wi-Fi signal up to 6,500 square feet. Setup of the REC10 is incredibly easy; it's just plugged into a wall socket and accessed on its own initial "Amped_REC10" Wi-Fi network. Switch your iOS device or Mac to that network and then point a browser to a special setup page address, and you're led through the process of renaming the network and adding a security key. What's nice is that the setup clones your existing SSID and security key if you wish, making setup even faster. The new SSID is given an "_RE" suffix to contrast it from your primary network. Functionality The primary criteria I used to judge the functionality of the Amped Wireless REC10 were range and speed of the network. The perfect range extender would provide vastly more coverage and bring those dead areas to life, while retaining the speed of the primary network. What I found in my tests was that range was increased a bit, but that speed was reduced somewhat as well. To test the network range, I first walked in different directions in the front and rear of my house with my iPad mini until I lost the signal from the primary network. I then repeated the test while connected to the extended network. In both cases, the distances were measured with a tape measure to give me an approximate range figure. Now there are a lot of variables that are going to determine the range of a Wi-Fi router or extender, like the materials that the signal has to pass through and where the extender is set physically in reference to the primary router. Amped Wireless suggests placing the extender in a location where it has a signal strength -- displayed by the setup web page -- greater than 70 percent. The test unit was placed where it had a constant signal strength of 79 percent. Looking at the Wi-Fi signal strength indicator on my iPad mini, it was apparent that the extender was doing its job as the strength went from two bars to full bars in my office when I moved the device to the extended network. My outside measurements showed that I could walk about 10 feet further in any direction around my house and still have a Wi-Fi connection on the extended network in comparison with the primary network. That 10 feet doesn't sound like much, but it means that every piece of my little suburban lot is now covered with a Wi-Fi signal strong enough to provide me with the ability to surf the Web from anywhere on the property. Previously, there were zones that were completely dead. My next tests dealt with speed. I used a known location -- my desk in my office -- and ran the SpeedTest.net speed test while connected to both networks. Initially, my test results were a bit of a shock. For the primary network, I was getting an average 34.3 Mbps download speed and about 6.2 Mbps upload speed. On the extended network generated by the REC10, that download speed dropped by about half down to 15.9 Mbps and uploads remained identical at 6.2 Mbps. I contacted Amped Wireless tech support to see if there was any way to tweak the device to get those speeds back to a more normal range. The quick response was that I should change the channel width on the extender from 20 MHz to 40 MHz and then reboot the device. When I did that, I was unable to connect to the network at all. Fortunately, when I changed the control sideband setting to Lower from Upper, the device once again accepted my connection. After making this change, the download speed was much better, averaging about 25.8 Mbps. Upload speed, however, took a turn for the worse with speeds only averaging about 4.0 Mbps. So, given that the range was only extended by about 10 feet and speeds were somewhat less than what was available on the primary network, would the REC10 be a good investment for the average Mac user? As with so many things in the computing world, it depends. If you have a room or area inside or outside your home that is one of those inexplicable dead spots, and you'be been dying to have Wi-Fi service in that spot, then you'll probably be happy with the REC10 provided that you're willing to spend some time looking for the perfect spot to plug it in. After all, having Wi-Fi in that location -- even slower Wi-Fi -- is better than not having Wi-Fi or having to use cellular data minutes to work or play in your own home. It all comes down to setting your expectations ahead of time. Don't expect that by purchasing an Amped Wireless REC10 that you'll be able to stay connected to your Wi-Fi network a mile away -- it's not going to happen. And even if your expectations are more conservative, like just being able to cover all of the dead spots in your home, be aware that your download and upload speeds might not be as fast as you like. One more negative point about the REC10; it comes with Windows and Android Wi-Fi analytics tools for finding good spots to install the device or test signal strength. It does not come with the equivalent software for Mac OS X and iOS. Finally, the words "Amped Wireless" light up on the front of the device to indicate that the device is in operation. While I didn't find the white light to be annoying, some people might -- and there's no setting for turning it off. Amped Wireless does make other models of Wi-Fi range extenders that offer additional coverage and power, so if the compact REC10 doesn't do the job for you, the company has other equipment that might. Conclusion If you're looking for a range extender that is relatively expensive, easy to set up, and that works with just about any existing Wi-Fi network, then the Amped Wireless REC10 is probably for you as long as you're aware that it's not going to perform miracles. Pros Small profile allows installation just about anywhere Easy and fast setup Provides coverage for areas that may have weak or nonexistent Wi-Fi coverage with a single primary Wi-Fi router Web-based setup and configuration tool is fast and well-designed Amped Wireless provides a 30 day return policy Cons No Mac OS X or iOS Wi-Fi analytics tool Although signal strength is increased in formerly weak signal areas, you may not see full speed in those areas Depending on placement of the REC10 and the design and construction of your home, you may not see a markedly large increase in the Wi-Fi coverage footprint No way to turn off glowing white status light Who is it for? Any person with reasonable expectations who just needs better coverage in his or her home or office
D-Link's diminutive DAP-1320 wireless range extender arrives, looks to enhance your home network for $50
Looking to beef up that home network ahead of all of those holiday gadgets arriving? If so D-Link is looking to oblige with its ultra-compact DAP-1320 wireless range extender. The unit features push-button connectivity for easy setup, wireless N technology and multiple antennas that keep the speed and range of its 2.4GHz WiFi signals as robust as possible -- up to 300Mbps, of course. Alongside WPA and WPA2 security options, the DAP-1320 will work just fine with any wireless router brand that you may already have installed in your flat. If this all sounds fine and dandy, you can snag one of your own for $49.99 via the first source link below.
BMW unveils new i3 and revamped i8 concepts, we await our automotive future (video)
BMW's been teasing us with its vision for electric motoroing for years, and today, folks, the trend continues. The German automaker has unveiled two concepts from its upcoming i sub-brand: the city-dwelling i3 and a rehashed version of its i8. This is the first time we've officially seen the smaller of the two, as the car formerly known as the Megacity had only been spied in an official render and during routine testing at the arctic circle. It'll haul four peeps with its 150km range (around 100 miles) and accelerate from 0-60mph in around 8 seconds. As for those with range anxiety, the German company will soothe such fears with an optional range-extending motor dubbed "REx." Either variant could land in your garage in 2013, where you'll be able top them up in 6 hours with a standard socket, or up to eighty percent in an hour if you're rocking a spiffy high capacity charger. The i8, which you'll recall for its radical aerodynamic design and hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain, has received a bevy of aerodynamic tweaks and junked its oil burner, opting for a gasoline one instead. Engine swap aside, the sporty coupé apparently drinks only 2.7 liters per 100km -- 87 mpg (!) for yanks -- which is unreal in a car that'll accelerate to 62mph in 4.6 seconds. Sound too good to be true? We'll have to wait until 2014 to see if München can make good on those promises, but in the meantime feel free to peruse the galleries, videos, and PR after the break. %Gallery-129536%
BMW puts a range-extending ICE in its Megacity EV, provides tonic for your range anxiety
When we first left the safe confines of our parents' home, many of us experienced separation anxiety. As we grow older, we suffer from disconnection anxiety -- and no, iPhone owners, that doesn't refer to your fear of dropped calls. Now, BMW is combating our range anxiety, or fear of being stranded when your car's batteries run out of juice, by putting an internal combustion range extender in its Megacity EV. BMW is taking a page out of the Chevy Volt's playbook by placing a small ICE in its EV that doubles the range of the vehicle from 50 to 100 miles -- all in an effort to assuage the (irrational?) fears of its potential US customers. The gasoline generator will be an option for those who wish to venture beyond the city limits, so if you want to keep it totally green you can still do so. Our Bavarian friends won't be bringing the Megacity to market until 2013, so that should give you enough time to decide if you want to hasten the death of the ICE or prolong its life a bit longer.
Ubiquisys unveils Attocell: personal femtocell designed to work internationally, make dreams come true
It's definitely one of the first things we thought of trying with AT&T's 3G MicroCell back in 2009, but our dreams were quickly dashed after finding that said device was hard-wired to only operate when receiving a GPS lock within the United States of America. Thankfully, it looks as if at least a few engineers at Ubiquisys are riding our same train of thought, and come Mobile World Congress, it'll be debuting the device of our dreams. The Attocell is described as a personal femtocell for use with 3G smartphones, and best of all, it's designed for use internationally. In essence, this would allow a smartphone from one country to use their international web connection to tunnel a cell call through -- presumably free of charge -- and definitely bypassing those nasty roaming fees that are incurred when ringing through an overseas cellular network. The company admits that it has been tested with the iPhone, BlackBerry handsets, a few Nokia phones and a gaggle of Android handsets, and we're guessing that Windows Phone 7 and webOS users won't have any issues, either. The idea is fairly simple: connect the Attocell to your laptop via USB, which provides power and an internet connection. From there, it'll analyze the IP address and radio environment to determine which country it is in, and sets its 3G radio power accordingly to below the licensed level. In some countries its range will be just five millimeters, in other countries, it could cover a whole room. For those in the former, you'll need to place your phone atop the dongle and use a Bluetooth headset to make a call, but hey, it's still better than paying AT&T two arms and the vast majority of a leg just to phone home from wherever you may be. Crazier still, Ubiquisys thinks that the device's low power output -- coupled with its ability to "continuously monitor its radio environment to ensure that there is zero impact on existing mobile networks" -- will make the Attocell exempt from regulatory controls and the requirement for type approval. Here's hoping it flies through just as the company hopes, and we'll be hitting the floor in Barcelona to pry out a price point, release date any carrier deals they've managed to land.
Netgear's Push2TV HD WiDi adapter launched with 1080p support, WiFi range extenders follow
If you've been scouring the world for an adapter to enable your Intel Wireless Display-enabled laptop to do more than just look pretty in the living room, Netgear's got a refreshed box that deserves your attention. The second generation Push2TV adapter has been unveiled today, with an "HD" suffix finding its way in. The revised box now supports 1080p and Blu-ray transmissions, marking a vast improvement compared to the version launched at last year's CES. The PTV2000 is (thankfully) compatible with both existing and future generation WiDi laptops, and the dual-band wireless connectivity ensures that things will hum along just fine over 5GHz when that 2.4GHz band gets too jammed. It's expected to ship later this month in the US for $119.99, with the rest of the world to get it by the end of Q1. In somewhat less exhilarating news, a trifecta of WiFi range extenders are also being revealed. The Universal WiFi Range Extender (WN3000RP; $99.99) touts a compact wall-plugged design, and a pair of powerline solutions should work well for those looking to make better use of their home's power cabling. The Internet Adapter for Home Theater - HD+3D (XAVB5004; $169.99) is hailed as the fastest powerline networking solution currently available on the market, while the Powerline AV 200 Nano Adapter Kit (XAVB2101; $139.99) is described as the world's smallest 200Mbps powerline AV adapter. Per usual, you can find the releases in full just below the break. %Gallery-112749%
Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter gets updated Mac software
We didn't run into too many problems with the existing Mac software for the Wi-Fire WiFi range extender in our brief time with the device, but it looks like hField Technologies has decided to make Mac users' lives a bit easier nonetheless, with it now releasing an updated version for OS X. Among other things, version 2.0 now finally includes an icon that sits in the menu bar for easy access, and fully revamped connection manager that sports a decidedly more Apple-like appearance. Unfortunately, you'll still have to wait a bit for an 802.11n upgrade, but the software update is at least free, and available to download right now.
BearExtender n3 grabs WiFi from afar
We've seen a few WiFi extenders in our day, but the BearExtender n3 has a few critical advantages over the rest: it's cheap, effective, and, uh, legal. The $45 external WiFi adapter for Macs was developed by Roland Saekow, a Berkeley grad who wanted access to the campus "Airbears" network from wherever he was -- and it seems to do the trick, as TUAW's informal testing revealed stronger signals and higher throughput when using the BearExtender over internal WiFI. Sure, it's a little bulky, but that just makes you look hardcore, right?
How would you change AT&T's 3G MicroCell?
We know, we know -- AT&T's 3G MicroCell isn't even out nationwide yet, but for those select markets that have access, we're hoping you'll chime in on the pros and cons as to enlighten the other folks before their time comes. By and large, the GSM femotocell works exactly like the Airave for Sprint, though this one does fully support 3G data as well as simultaneous voice and data usage. For those that have taken the plunge: are you satisfied with the value proposition? Is reception really any better? Have you ditched your landline yet? What would you change about the service or billing? Voice your opinion on the matter below, and remember, life doesn't present you with many chances such as this. Wouldn't want to waste it, now would we?
AT&T 3G MicroCell unboxing and impressions
We've already seen AT&T's 3G MicroCell picked up by a few desperate Charlotteans, but for those residing in North Carolina's only city to own a professional sports championship (sorry, Panthers), their time has finally come to secure what just might be the most anticipated femtocell debut in the states. You heard right -- Raleigh, NC has become AT&T's second test market for the device you're peering at above, and starting today, those in and around the Triangle can procure one from their local store. Needless to say, we jumped at the chance to give the unit a go, so feel free to hop on past the break if you're on the hunt for a few more impressions.%Gallery-74131%
AT&T's 3G MicroCell tested and reviewed by Charlottean: yes, it works
For those who missed the torrent of 3G MicroCell news yesterday, here's the long and short of it: the Cisco-built device is now on sale, but only in Charlotte, North Carolina. One fortunate Charlottean managed to scoop one up, but rather than keeping the experience to himself, he decided to bang out a full review for the rest of the world to see. By and large, Jason's experience with the femtocell mirrored our own with Sprint's AIRAVE. Installation and setup was a breeze, and once it was booted up and operational, it worked like a charm. Before picking this up, he was seeing one bar of EDGE (if he was lucky); afterwards, his entire house was blanketed with five bars of 3G. Not surprisingly, he noted that the before and after difference when fielding calls was "night and day," but he did take the opportunity to bark at the lofty $150 price tag. But hey, those desperate enough will cough up anything to actually use their phone, right?
Engadget German at IFA 2009: early morning roundup
Just in case you haven't heard, we're letting you in on a little secret here: Engadget German is the official blog of IFA 2009, so we figured we'd give you a small taste of what's going down in Deutschland in case you've yet to make it over. Our well-traveled compatriots have already dug up a few gems at the show, with the most notable being the Dension Wi Drive. Put simply, this system enables users with HDD-based entertainment systems in their vehicles to access files and playlists whilst at home. 'Course, it seems as if this would be all the more helpful done in reverse, but hey, you've got to start somewhere. There's also a few new headphones from the good folks at Sennheiser, and a new take on the old range booster from Wi-Ex. Have a look through the read links below, and just in case you're wondering -- yes, you can expect English translations directly on their site for the best IFA has to offer going forward.Read - Dension Wi DriveRead - New Sennheiser headphonesRead - Wi-Ex zBoostRead - Creative Inspire S2Read - New Audio-Technica earbudsRead - Alien-inspired Altec Lansing speakersRead - Hello Kitty YP-U5 audio player
Engadget Chinese gets hands-on with La Fontenna
Although we certainly wish it was our hands wrapped around FON's La Fontenna, we've been admittedly busy handling other matters over the weekend, so we're glad to see that our Chinese brethren were able to do the honors. The directional antenna looks to be a rather simplistic and unvaried device, as it simply replaces the stubby antenna on your La Fonera and instantly boosts your range (and popularity amongst other now-nearby users, we presume). During rather unscientific testing, the crew was able to notice a halfway decent increase in signal strength in a number of (marginally) faraway locales, and while recorded increases weren't anything to write home about, more connectivity is never a bad thing to have. So go on, give the read link a visit, and check out a few more unboxing shots during your stay.
Buffalo's USB WiFi adapter boosts range 210%
If your built-in WiFi antenna is less than phenomenal, or you're just looking to jack some WiFi from another country to avoid severe punishment, Buffalo's AirStation WLI-U2-SG54HP might be the answer. This USB 2.0 stick adapter operates like any vanilla 802.11b/g wireless LAN adornment, but ups the ante by suctioning to the rear of your display and reportedly boosting your reception capability by 210-percent. Granted, we're not sure where the firm is deriving this lofty figure, but it's probably safe to assume that strapping a relatively large antenna on the back of your lappie will persuade a few more far away signals to come your way than your factory-installed alternative. So if you're looking for a way to extend that range (legally), or just enjoy having a tethered weapon at your disposal at all times, Buffalo's WLI-U2-SG54HP can be snapped up next month for ¥3,700 ($31)[Via OhGizmo]
Actiontec unveils range-extending Wireless FMC Router for mobile / WiFi hybrid phones
For those of you who happen to be in the predicament of owning a svelte hybrid cellular / WiFi phone, yet can't get cellphone service back in the boondocks where you reside, Actiontec is kicking out a range-extending router to help you make and receive calls on your mobile handset via WiFi. Touted as a "world's first," the Wireless FMC Router acts a standard four-port 802.11b/g/n router, supports WPA2 / WEP, and comes with a rather robust firewall to keep your conversations guarded from snoopers. Additionally, it facilitates call switching between the mobile and home WiFi networks as users move in and out of the house, giving you the option to connect via your cellular network or over VoIP with the same handset and same number. Aside from acting as a "middleman between the broadband and cellular networks," it can connect / drop from the WiFi / mobile networks on-the-fly while conversing, and can purportedly support "all major carriers" as well. So if you're thinking of consolidating the amount of phone numbers attached to your name, and don't mind picking up a hybrid handset, this multifaceted router will be able to simplify your conversations for $179.99 when it lands in Q2.
AIRcable offers up 28-mile Bluetooth range extender
There's nothing quite like watching one manufacturer attempt to outdo another, only to watch them both fall short unsuspectingly when a third wheel steps in and ups the ante. While ZigBee and One-Net certainly have their applications, AIRcable is hoping to conquer their respective territories while adding an additional dash of wireless connectivity. Designed for "wireless sensor interface, mesh networking and data logging applications with an RS-232 port interface," the Industrial XR sports autonomous, programmable operation, a rugged outdoor enclosure, a Li-ion cell with solar panel recharger, real-time clock / temperature sensor, and a Bluetooth transmitter capable of broadcasting signals "150 meters" with the built-in 3dBi antenna. The real fun happens, however, when you strap in an (optional) 24dBi parabolic rod, which extends the range of this simplistic looking box to a whopping "28 miles." The company also notes that a cluster of units can be networked together to convey Bluetooth data logging information across a bevy of channels, all securely and automatically. So if you've got bigger jobs on the docket than simple in-home automation hookups, or just want to handle things from the next town over, you can pick up the Industrial XR now for $299.
