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Comcast buys 'smart internet' startup to build better routers
Last year, Skydog was an interesting Kickstarter project promising a cloud-based router built to give better individual control over your connected devices through its mobile app. Now, TechCrunch reveals its parent company PowerCloud Systems has been acquired by Comcast as a part of its quest to provide "smart internet." Comcast's Tyson Marian tells VentureBeat that the kind of tech this could lead to includes "smart internet" modem/router combos that track and manage the devices on your network. That way they can be set up to connect directly or have access walled off from the rest of the network for security, all controlled through a simple app. This is the kind of network management that's already possible, but the point here is to make it easy enough for anyone to use (that Comcast could use it to tier pricing based on what kind of devices you're using or how many also comes to mind.) Existing Skydog customers can expect their devices to keep operating for their 3-year service subscription, but there is "currently no commitment of service" beyond that.
The Daily Roundup for 04.09.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Insert Coin: Skydog brings cloud-based networking to the home
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. It's safe to say that most people's idea of home networking involves the following steps: buy a wireless router, set it up with an SSID and a password, and then never ever think about it again as long as the WiFi keeps working. But if you're one of a dedicated few who want deeper IT admin-level control over your family's internet usage, then a new Kickstarter campaign from PowerCloud Systems just might be right up your alley. The product is called Skydog, and while you do get a slim and compact dual-band 802.11n five-port Gigabit router out of it, Skydog is really more about the cloud-based platform than the physical hardware. Customers are able to visually survey who and what device is on their home network, manage permissions based on that information, allocate bandwidth priority, troubleshoot network issues with ease and more. PowerCloud Systems is no stranger to cloud-managed networking -- it's been providing just such a solution to enterprises such as hotels, schools, multi-dwelling units and retail chains ever since 2008 when it was spun out of Xerox PARC. In order to bring that level of sophistication to the home audience, however, the company needed consumer-facing software to simplify the process for the masses, and that's exactly what it has tried to do with Skydog. After the break, we offer a tour of the service and interview the people behind it to see just why they're seeking funding via Kickstarter.
