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NTT DoCoMo announces 24 new mobile wonders (yes, really) to flood its network
So, Japan... want a new mobile device? How about 24? This grandiose announcement comes straight from NTT DoCoMo, which commonly lays its cards on the table for the delight of consumers. Among the selection you'll find eight new Gingerbread phones, six incredibly high-res shooters (ranging between 12.2 and 16.3 megapixels), eight waterproof handsets, and one embedded with Swarovski crystals. We're particularly thrilled to see the mighty Galaxy S II, 3D-capturing Aquos SH-12C, 700-nit Optimus Bright (contrastingly-named but nearly identical to the Optimus Black), ultra-slim MEDIAS WP N-06C, and mobile payment-enabled Xperia Acro. Oh, and don't forget about the LOOX F-07C -- a multi-talented handset that's running Symbian and Windows 7 Home Premium -- while two LTE-enabled WiFi routers are sneaking into DoCoMo's party, too. That's a lot to absorb, so check out the source for individual release timeframes, which begin now and continue through August -- or just check out the PR after the break.
LCD-equipped Cisco REN301 Residential Gateway stops by FCC, reveals all its dirty secrets
Ah, the all too familiar WiFi troubleshooting dance: the network goes down, you dig through the closet for an Ethernet cable, saunter over to the router, jack yourself in, type in the IP address, and start poking around at your settings. Cisco's REN301 Residential Gateway (a fancy way of saying "router"), which just passed through the FCC, could make things at least a little bit easier thanks to its built-in LCD screen and capacitive touch controls. Wave your hand over the display to bring it to life and you can check the status of your connections, modify some basic settings, and peruse a log of calls that have come in over the SIP VoIP phone jacks. The REN301, which has a single band 802.11b/g/n radio, can also turn USB drives and SD cards into NAS storage -- the company even throws in a 32GB card to get you started. We don't have a price or release date, but since it's been splayed open for federal regulators we probably won't have to wait long. There's a couple of pics of the router's UI after the break.
TRENDnet TEW-692GR 450Mbps concurrent dual band router, yet another first
We told you to keep an eye out for TRENDnet at CES this year, and guess what? They delivered. The kings of first-to-market WiFi devices will demo another first this week: the first 450Mbps concurrent dual band wireless router, or TEW-692GR. TRENDnet will be the first to tell you that their new router is the first to offer full 450Mbps on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands, simultaneously. As with the company's TEW-690AP, the TEW-692GR delivers a max theoretical throughput of 450Mbps, with three spatial streams per antenna, and can hit a whole gigabit via wired ethernet port. The TEW-692GR goes to market in April and will retail for about $250. If you want to be the first on your block to see the power router in action, check out the TRENDnet booth at CES.
Sprint ZTE Peel officially announced, adds a little 3G to your iPod touch
As expected, Sprint's just announced the ZTE Peel for the iPod touch will arrive on November 14th. The $79 slider case for Apple's media player features a built-in mobile WiFi hotspot, essentially turning your iPod into a bulky iPhone without a native phone or SMS app. Of course, you'll still be stuck paying Sprint for a $29/mo data plan, but you'll be able to connect up to two devices to the Peel's WiFi as well, so that's a plus. Another big plus: since the iPod thinks it's on WiFi, you'll be able to use FaceTime on the road -- something we've tried using a MiFi with pretty decent results. Of course, you'll be saddled with a big fat case around your oh-so-slim iPod, and we can't imagine why the Peel is limited to WEP when it comes to security, but we'll definitely applaud Sprint for attitude when it comes to iOS devices on its network-- now just kick out a 4G Peel and we'll be all set. PR after the break.
Atheros Hybrid system merges WiFi with powerline networking in one tidy bundle
Network routers are increasingly becoming our portals to the world, and the latest model from Atheros, the Hybrid Router, is making that doorway wider than ever. Naturally it supports 802.11 WiFi and Ethernet, just like any good bit of networking kit, but it also adds in HomePlug AV powerline networking. By just plugging the thing's AC adapter into the wall you're extending your network signal throughout your abode and, by plugging in one of the company's Ethernet or WiFi adapters, you can extend your access to places that even microwaves fear to tread. Atheros hasn't announced pricing for the Hybrid Router or either the wired or wireless powerline range extenders, but all are said to be shipping before the end of the year, so we'll all be finding out soon enough.
Sony's 2010 ES line includes 3D and excludes online retailers; Android remote app on the way
Given the company's focus on 3D this year, it's not at all a surprise to see Sony's 2010 line of ES receivers (and lone Blu-ray player) touched up with a dash of 3D support and HDMI 1.4-compatible features, but it may be a shocker to see their sale restricted to "specialty AV retailers and custom installers." That means no Amazon.com or other online retailers, but wherever one finds the STR-DA5600ES, STRA-DA4600ES, and STR-DA 3600ES, they'll include IP, RS-232 and IR control support for easy home automation integration, iPhone remote control (Android -- and of course we'd expect Google TV -- version coming soon) as well as working as an Ethernet hub and DLNA streaming device. At the top of the line the STR-DA5600ES ships in September for $2,000 and is able to automatically calibrate audio for speaker types (like last year's), plus locations and angles, function as a DLNA Live Audio server itself and stream audio and video to other rooms via HDMI (six in, two out) or CAT5e. While the remaining models do a bit less, for a bit less when they all ship in August, the STR-DN2010 is a new model for 2010 at just $800. As for the Blu-ray player, the BDP-S1700ES ships with 3D movie play back, BRAVIA Internet video and Qriocity streaming WiFi and Gracenote database browser for $400 this August, check for a picture and specs on all after the break.
Vizio rolls out dual-band 'HD' router, trio of WiFi-equipped Blu-ray players
WiFi-equipped TVs may have been Vizio's big focus at CES earlier this year, but it's now expanding things to some other devices as well -- it's just announced a trio of WiFi-equipped Blu-ray players, and a dual-band 'HD" router to go along with them. That router, the XWR100, apparently earns the 'HD' designation by prioritizing HD media streamed to Vizio's VIA-enabled devices, like the company's three just-announced Blu-ray players. Those include the VBR210, VBR220 and VBR231, the latter of which is the first dual-band wireless Blu-ray player, and all of which include Vizio Internet Apps (or VIA) to stream content from Vudu, Netflix and other services. Look for the router (pictured after the break) to set you back $99.99 when it rolls out sometime in the third quarter, while the three Blu-ray players will be available this month and next for $189.99 and $199.99. Head on past the break for the full press release.
Apple confirms iPad issues with dual-band WiFi routers, offers fix (sort of)
Judging from our recent poll, a sizable number of folks have had problems with their iPad losing its WiFi connection, and Apple has now confirmed that such an issue does exist -- although it's not exactly saying there's any problems with the iPad itself. According to a new knowledge base article, the issue is known to occur with some third-party dual-band WiFI routers, and tends to happen if you're the same name for each network or different security settings for each network. To ensure your iPad automatically rejoins WiFi networks, Apple suggests (you guessed it) giving the networks different names, and making sure that they're using the same security settings. Of course, that doesn't explain why other devices are able to work just fine with said routers, but this looks to be the most we'll get out of Apple for the time being. P.S. At least some users have also reported some success in fixing the issue by simply turning up the brightness on their iPad (of all things), but Apple doesn't seem to be recommending that as a solution. [Thanks, David]
Franklin Wireless intros U600 WiMAX modem, R526 and R536 mobile routers
Franklin Wireless supplies modems (primarily of the CDMA variety) to a number of carriers across the Western Hemisphere, and they've introduced a handful of rather interesting new products in that vein here at CTIA this week. First up, the U600 is an EV-DO Rev. A / WiMAX hybrid USB modem with a 270-degree swiveling USB connector for those ridiculously hard-to-manage ports (ahem, Apple), integrated GPS, and zero-CD installation -- all pretty standard features these days, and we saw a Sprint-branded unit at Franklin's booth which leads us to believe we'll be seeing it at retail shortly. Much more interesting, though, was a pair of pocketable WiFi routers -- the R526 and R536 -- that support EV-DO and EV-DO / WiMAX, respectively. Most of the units were unbranded, but we did spy an R536 done up in snow white with a Clear logo slapped up top, so you can pretty much gather that this thing will be filling a glaring hole in Clear's lineup (right now, the best you can do is a USB modem plus the Clear Spot, which is basically a branded Cradlepoint). What intrigued us about the R536 the most was the fact that it's got the functionality of an Overdrive packed into a smaller, more MiFi-esque form factor without any of the Overdrive's bells and whistles, so it'll be a great alternative as long as it performs well and has enough juice to last a couple hours off the power grid; the 3G-only R526, meanwhile, had an Ethernet jack stuck on the side, which is kind of cool in the rare event that you need to connect a WiFi-less device and you don't want to go through the hassle of installing a new driver. The R526 launches in April (with what carrier, we're not sure) -- as does the U600 -- while the R536 should start to trickle out in May. %Gallery-88966%
Fonera SIMPL aims to ease 3G overload, give smartphones a better way to upload
If you've never heard of Fon, its mission is pretty simple: to equip the world with Fonera routers, and thus blanket the planet in WiFi that no one is scared to share. Over at Mobile World Congress this week, the company unveiled a new device that exploits the impending bandwidth crisis that operators all over the globe are attempting to deal with. The all-new SIMPL is a palm-sized router that has just two Ethernet ports and could be doled out by carriers in order to provide a city-wide WiFi network that can be accessed by any WiFi-enabled phone, thereby easing the demand on its 3G network. Equipped with 802.11n, a faster CPU than the Fonera 2.0 and a shiny white shell, we're told that an order has already been placed by an undisclosed customer for 400,000 of 'em, though it's unclear when these will be made available to the general public and for how much. Hop on past the break for a five minute showcase video.
Battery-powered Wi-Reach Classic turns any USB 3G / 4G modem into portable WiFi hotspot
Mobile broadband routers certainly aren't new, but Connect One's take on the whole thing just might be our favorite (yeah, even more than Cradlepoint's offerings). Of course, we'd pick up a MiFi of some sort if we were buying into the space today, but for those still under contract with a USB WWAN stick, the Wi-Reach classic adds a whole new level of utility. Put simply, this minuscule device boasts its own battery and a sole USB socket, which is used to connect with whatever 3G (and after a future firmware update, WiMAX / LTE) USB card that you slap in there. Once in place, you're now in possession of a mobile WiFi hotspot which can be shared with up to ten WiFi-enabled devices. We're told that the device can last for up to five hours on a full charge, and it can even be re-energized via USB. Interested? Prove it. It's up for order right now for $99.
D-Link's adorable myPocket 3G router gets FCC approval
Announced last month, D-Link is entering the mobile 3G router space with a suspiciously MiFi-esque product dubbed "myPocket" that pushes up to 7.2Mbps worth of HSPA over a portable WiFi cloud. The device -- model number DIR-457 -- has just been blessed with FCC approval today, which is a particularly good thing considering that it offers North American 3G compatibility on the 850 and 1900MHz bands. D-Link is no stranger to the 3G router market -- it's been making them for several years, actually, but this would be the first model that looks pocketable (hence the name, we suppose). It's not shipping Stateside just yet, but between this and Novatel's offerings, AT&T's got to make a move at some point.
Qisda-sourced 'multimedia router' hits the FCC
Ever wish your wireless router was more than just a router? So have the folks at Qisda, apparently, who have come up with this wild concoction of a device that certainly does many things and may or may not actually do any of them well. Sort of like a less huggable, less rollable mash-up of a Chumby and a Rolly, this touchscreen-equipped, speaker-packing "router" will let you view YouTube vidoes, tune into internet radio stations (or FM radio, for that matter), access media stored on its internal memory (but not your local network, it seems), and even double as a clock radio, to name a few features. Oh, and as a router it'll do 802.11n, but packs just one spare Ethernet port. Of course, all of this news comes to us courtesy of the FCC, which means there's no details on things like price or availability, but there are plenty of less than flattering pics, dissection photos, and test reports. Hit up the link below to dive in.
ASUS's RT-N13U router wants to make your life as EZ as possible
This latest WiFi router from ASUS might not move the goalposts in terms of specs -- 802.11b/g/n wireless, one USB 2.0 and four LAN outputs -- but its big selling point, according to the company, is the management software contained within. The EZ UI is back again, along with EZ QoS, an app for prioritizing bandwidth, and EZ All-in-One Printer sharing, which lets you run a networked printer without the help of a server. Add that to the ability to download without a PC, but with some storage device, plugged in, and you've got a pretty well automated piece of kit. It's already available in Canada for 85 of their Dollars ($77), and we've even tracked down a praise-filled early review for your delectation. Have at it. [Via Far East Gizmos] Update: Our keen-eyed readers have spotted Newegg is now selling these routers in the US for $60 plus shipping (Thanks, Ghost_MH). Read - ASUS press release Read - Neoseeker review
ASUS rolls out RT-N16 wireless router
It's not a dual-band router, but it looks like ASUS has just about all the other bases covered with its new RT-N16 model. Apparently "engineered for the future" (too bad, present), this one naturally packs full 802.11n capabilities, along with a "powerful CPU" and 128MB of memory to help it eek out every last bit of bandwidth, and both four LAN ports and a pair of USB ports to accomodate your non-wireless devices. Otherwise, you can expect to get ASUS' own EZ UI, which promises quick and easy setups and customization, and all the the usual basic security measures you'd expect, including support for WPS. No word on a price just yet, but it looks like this one should be rolling out soon, if it hasn't hit stores already.
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.
New Airport Extreme and Time Capsule juggle two networks simultaneously
Apple's new Airport Extreme actually brings some fun stuff to the staid wireless router market, while a similarly refreshed Time Capsule does the same for NAS land. The power comes from its new dual-band WiFi radios, allowing them to work in 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands simultaneously, support up to 50 users simultaneously and even set up separate limited-access networks for guests. That $179 pricetag on the Airport Extreme doesn't get any easier to swallow, and neither do the $299 or $499 tags on the Time Capsule (500GB or 1TB, respectively) but at least you'll have the hippest and whitest 802.11n access point in your dorm.
T-Mobile launches Mobile Broadband Share Dock 3G WiFi router
3G WiFi routers aren't anything new at this point, but T-Mobile's new Mobile Broadband Share Dock is one of the slicker implementations we've seen from a carrier -- the unit consists of a USB HSDPA modem and a base which shares the connection over WiFi, which means you can unplug the modem and take your access on the road. As long as you don't need a persistent connection at home and can live with the bandwidth, that makes the £20 / month dock sound like a pretty good deal for someone who lives by themselves, since you'd avoid paying both mobile and fixed data fees -- too bad it's UK only for now. Should be out in the next couple of days, we're hearing.
Nintendo gets into the router game, plans to destroy competition by not really trying
Nintendo just announced a 5,800 Yen (about $54 US) WiFi router, built to take that pesky wired Ethernet internet and blast it across your home in a palatable WiFi fashion for use by your Wii or DS. Just like every other router ever. Only this one is cheap, cute and built by Nintendo, so watch out Linksys / Netgear / everybody. The "Nintendo WiFi Network Adapter," meant to supplement 2005's WiFi USB Connector, looks to be Japan-only at the moment, and is due for a September 18th release.[Thanks, Sanimir]
Moto to introduce NC800 EV-DO WiFi router?
Looks like Moto's jumping in the 3G WiFi router arena too soon enough, only their new NC800 isn't kind enough to the user to be carrier-independent and have a PC card slot for your choice of wireless broadband. No, the NC800 is straight up EV-DO Rel. 0, and comes also with your usual 802.11b/g, Ethernet ports, and firewall. Nothing special or out of the ordinary, in other words, but maybe if they get the price down to something reasonable they'll be able to snag a few customers.
