Sep/090
Nintendo to Release Wireless Bridge for the Wii
Nintendo has struck gold with its little Wii console. Although the device is years behind when it comes to performance and graphics, it still beats the heck out of the Xbox 360 and PS3. And while Microsoft is still successful with the 360, Sony is quite sad with its own poor strategic decisions regarding the PS3’s price to features ratio.
In the mean time, Nintendo is celebrating by never dropping the price on the Wii and releasing simple, yet playful accessories for their motion-based gaming system. Recently, the company has announced a future device called the Nintendo WiFi Network Adapter. Most of you might think “hey, wait a minute, doesn’t my Wii already have integrated WiFi?”. Sure it does, I’ve been using WiFi on Wii for a long time. So, what exactly is Nintendo cooking in its backyard?
Well, as opposed to the Xbox 360 WiFi Adapter, this isn’t actually a WiFi card for the Wii, but more like a Wireless router. It is meant to provide a WiFi Internet connection for your gaming console. The manufacturer states that the device can either be used as a router, or it can be set to become a bridge for an already installed router. Obviously the device also works with the Nintendo DS. Actually, if things are as the company states, the adapter could pretty well provide wireless connectivity for any WiFi capable device.
Unfortunately, this product will only be released in Japan at first (Nintendo says September 18), but European and US users have high hopes that this adapter will make it to their home markets not to long after the initial launch. Pricing will be of around $53, which makes me think the router in it won’t really provide users with any advanced configuration options (if any at all).
Aug/090
Wireless Matrix Intros the Communicator 1000
The cheapest way to get online using your mobile phone (or PDA, laptop or any other mobile device) is without a doubt going out and hunting for unprotected Wi-Fi hotspots. You know, those places that offer free wireless connectivity because someone forgot to password protect his or her shared wireless connection. Well, Wireless Matrix has just released its integrated 3G cellular, GPS and wireless LAN platform, the Communicator 1000, especially designed for the need of mobile connectivity.
Say you own a mobile company and usually send your field operators all around town in order to take care of customer requests. They will definitely require “on the spot” connectivity in order to get the necessary information so as to solve the problem. Well, if they have the Communicator 1000 installed on their vehicle, that will surely not be a problem.
“The Communicator 1000 is a powerful platform for fleet operators seeking the highest value from their vehicles and technicians,” said J. Richard Carlson, president and CEO of Wireless Matrix. “The added ability to refresh the Communicator 1000 with emerging technologies makes it the superior choice for companies that want a future-proof solution for managing their service chain.”
The C1000 is field upgradeable and expandable and its firmware updates itself automatically. It comes with a lot of extra modules, Wireless Matrix’s FleetOutlook for real-time vehicle management and the TechConnect two-way messaging and navigation module. The Communicator 1000 supports communications between 802.11G and 4G technologies such as LTE and WiMAX and it is certified for Verizon Wireless EvDO Rev-A and AT&T’s HSUPA networks.
The super sensitive 50-channel GPS receiver offers accurate vehicle tracking and positioning. It is definitely a great device for technicians. No pricing has been released, though it is no surprise if we are to take into account the fact that the C1000 is not exactly aimed at the usual consumer.
Aug/090
Verizon Wireless Intros AD3700 Global Mobile USB Modem
If you live in the UK but also need to travel everywhere around the world, you might want to have a Mobile Broadband USB modem that not only connects to local networks but features global connectivity as well. This is where the AD3700 comes in. The AD3700 Mobile Broadband USB modem is Verizon Wireless’ response to people who need to be connected no matter where they are in the world. Let us take a look at this interesting gadget, shall we?
Well, the AD3700 can connect to more than 175 destinations such as EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution), HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) and even UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). Basically, wherever you may be, you will be connected no matter what network resides there.
All that users need is to activate the global feature on their Verizon Wireless account and they will be automatically forwarded to the fastest network available in order to receive the fastest Internet speed that is possible on that network. The device features the VZAccess Manager software that installs automatically and allows for easy management of connectivity, swivel hinge USB, is windows Vista/XP/2000 (who uses 2000 anymore?) compatible and weighs around 1.6 ounces.
With a two-year customer agreement on a Mobile Broadband plan, you’ll be paying 79.99 USD after a 50USD mail-in rebate. Pretty interesting stuff, don’t you think? Though I have to admit I would be more curious as to how much connecting from a different part of the world is going to cost. I mean, who wants to end up like someone I read about who paid a huge bundle of cash because he downloaded a movie in Mexico?