Engadget

Amped Wireless releases two new USB adapters to cure internet blackspots (video)

Daniel Cooper — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST

Is your computer positioned just that little bit too far away from your home router to get consistent internet access? Amped Wireless is here for you with a pair of USB adapters that promise you'll never have to tilt your machine to maintain signal again. The UA1000 pushes out 500mW of power over the 2.4GHz band, will clip to your laptop screen and, if you connect it to two USB ports instead of one it'll be even more powerful. Meanwhile, the UA2000 can switch between its high-range 2.4GHz and low-interference 5.0GHz radios to ensure the best reception in the darkest corners of your home or office. The former will set you back $80 while its dual-band cousin retails at $100 and you can pre-order both from today.

Continue reading Amped Wireless releases two new USB adapters to cure internet blackspots (video)

Amped Wireless releases two new USB adapters to cure internet blackspots (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman Android phone gets busted open by the FCC

Christopher Trout — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:07:00 EST

Somebody's not wasting anytime. Just last month we reported on the musically minded Android handset, and now what looks to be a decidedly darker version of Sony Ericsson's Live with Walkman has made its way through the FCC and come out the other end in pieces -- literally. Since the outfit didn't hold back much in its initial announcement, we won't be making any big discoveries here, but if you're into dismembered smartphones we've got a gallery of the shredded handset awaiting you below.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman FCC

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman Android phone gets busted open by the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear announces Universal Push2TV HD, dual-band WiFi adapter for Blu-ray players and TVs

Dana Wollman — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:13:00 EST

Not due for a laptop upgrade anytime soon? For those of you carrying on without Intel Wireless Display, Netgear just trotted out a so-called universal version of its Push2TV HD adapter that brings wireless media streaming to the masses. Like the WiDi-compatible version already on the market, it mirrors your Windows desktop on a TV or monitor, streaming DVDs, 1080p movies, photos, YouTube videos and other content. As with the WiDi model, the setup consists of a small box that connects to your TV via HDMI, though because the intended customer presumably lacks Wireless Display, it also comes with a thumb drive-sized USB adapter. Look for it in the US and Europe in late September for $129.99 -- a good thirty bucks more than what you'd pay for that WiDi model. Meanwhile, Netgear also announced an $80 dual-band, USB-powered WiFi adapter meant for TVs and Blu-ray players. Full PR for both products after the break.

Continue reading Netgear announces Universal Push2TV HD, dual-band WiFi adapter for Blu-ray players and TVs

Netgear announces Universal Push2TV HD, dual-band WiFi adapter for Blu-ray players and TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson unveils Live with Walkman handset for music-loving Android users

Amar Toor — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:21:00 EST

Four months after unveiling the relatively bare bones W8, Sony Ericsson has now taken the wraps off yet another Walkman phone, known as the Live with Walkman. Powered by a 1GHz processor, this Android handset features a 3.2 inch, capacitive touchscreen (with somewhat disappointing HVGA resolution), a five megapixel AF shooter with 8x digital zoom, and a front-facing VGA camera capable of capturing HD video in 720p. The petite, Gingerbread-equipped device also packs a lackluster 320MB of RAM, provides up to 32GB of microSD storage, and offers either tri-band 3G support (HSPA+) at 850, 1900 and 2100MHZ, or dual-band 3G at 900 and 2100MHz, depending on the model. And, as you'd expect, Sony Ericsson has placed a special emphasis on the music phone's media capabilities, beefing it up with enhanced audio and Qriocity integration. The specs may not sound earth shattering, but we'll wait until we get pricing information before casting judgment. The Live with Walkman is slated to hit "selected markets" by Q4 of this year, but you can find more information in the full PR, after the break.

Continue reading Sony Ericsson unveils Live with Walkman handset for music-loving Android users

Sony Ericsson unveils Live with Walkman handset for music-loving Android users originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qualcomm unleashes tri-band WiFi and new mobile wireless chipset

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST

Qualcomm might be all juiced up about getting its Snapdragon processor in 250 upcoming devices, but that doesn't mean the company has forgotten its wireless roots. The San Diego-based chip maker announced that its partnership with Wilocity has finally bore fruit in the form of the AR9004TB chipset. This tri-band wireless setup adds 60GHz WiGig to the usual 2.4 and 5GHz dual-band 802.11n formula for "multi-gigabit in-room performance." Though far from finalized, the 802.11ad standard being pushed by the WiGig alliance should be able to hit speeds of 5Gbps -- more than enough to blast several HD video streams around your home. It also packs Bluetooth 4.0 for your less bandwidth intensive (and more battery sensitive) computing needs. Going smaller scale, Qualcomm also unveiled the WCN3660, a wireless chipset to complement its Snapdragon CPU in smartphones and tablets. Inside this sliver of silicon is a dual-band Wi-Fi radio, Bluetooth 4.0, and an FM radio. It also supports Wi-Fi Display (not to be confused with WiDi) for beaming video to a WiFi-enabled TV or monitor. Head on after the break for more PR than you can shake an antenna at.

Continue reading Qualcomm unleashes tri-band WiFi and new mobile wireless chipset

Qualcomm unleashes tri-band WiFi and new mobile wireless chipset originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TrendNet outs first 450 Mbps dual-band WiFi adapter

Dana Wollman — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:23:00 EST

If you're reading this, we're going to go ahead and assume you've got a computer endowed with its own wireless radio, but that doesn't mean it's powerful enough to handle your non-stop streaming these days. For folks craving more oomph, TrendNet has just announced the first USB adapter that promises to boost your throughput to speeds as high as 450 Mbps (thanks to MIMO technology) -- a mighty boost over the 54Mbps or 150Mbps rates you might be used to. As a dual-band adapter, it'll connect to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz networks and -- bonus -- its design is relatively discreet, too. Feel the need for speed? It's on sale now for $80.

Continue reading TrendNet outs first 450 Mbps dual-band WiFi adapter

TrendNet outs first 450 Mbps dual-band WiFi adapter originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S II hits the FCC, potentially ready for AT&T 3G

Sean Hollister — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 11:21:00 EST

Surely you remember the Samsung GT-i9100, colloquially known as the Galaxy S II? Sammy's been tight-lipped about which US cellular carriers might offer it, but the Federal Communications Commission might have an idea. You see, the Exynos 4210-toting Super AMOLED Plus smartphone just made its way to the FCC authorization database, 850MHz and 1900MHz GSM frequencies in tow -- which just so happen to be the ones required to get a gig at AT&T. Mind you, the handset could also be moonlighting in Canada with those particular bands, but the odds are decent we'll see it stateside sooner than that. By the by, this particular Galaxy S II is also sporting 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, meaning it'll almost certainly come with dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi.

The Galaxy S II wasn't the only Samsung to hit the FCC this week, though, as the SGH-i708 also dropped on by -- it appears to be a worldphone with 850 / 1900MHz GSM frequencies alongside CDMA, EV-DO, and the standard Bluetooth and 2.4GHz WiFi.

Samsung Galaxy S II hits the FCC, potentially ready for AT&T 3G originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS' ultra-thin RT-N6U router hits FCC, adherence to diet in question

Ross Miller — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:36:00 EST

It's a pretty long trip down memory lane for us to return to ASUS' ultra-thin RT-56U router; last time we saw it was behind plexiglass at CeBIT in March. At long last it's returned to the spotlight, only this time that luminance is provided by the FCC's notorious labs. The dual-band Gigabit Wireless-N device gets just one image -- and given the unflattering angle, we're not quite sure if it's retained that slender figure. The filing is dated October 11 with a 45-day confidentiality agreement and enough references to US sales that we wouldn't be surprised to see it hit stateside retail in the not-too-distant future -- with or without its lean frame.

ASUS' ultra-thin RT-N6U router hits FCC, adherence to diet in question originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple confirms iPad issues with dual-band WiFi routers, offers fix (sort of)

Donald Melanson — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:14:00 EST

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]

Apple confirms iPad issues with dual-band WiFi routers, offers fix (sort of) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Palm smartphone pops up in WiFi certification database: is this Verizon's Pre?

Darren Murph — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:33:00 EST

Look, let's not beat around the bushes -- Verizon Wireless will one day stock Palm's Pre. It's a rather well documented fact, and at this point the only real question is "when?" Judging by a mysterious Wi-Fi Certificate that just popped up, we're beginning to think that the waiting period is nearly up, and with CES 2010 happening in a week, there's hardly a better time for us to really start believing. If you'll recall, Sprint's Pre snagged a Wi-Fi Certificate number of P100EWW, and just this summer we spotted a few leaked Palm devices within VZW documents with "P101" and "P121" monikers; lo and behold, the certificate for this elusive dual-mode (WiFi and cellular) smartphone boasts a P101EWW label. We aren't trying to read too deeply between the lines or anything, but if this isn't a Pre destined for Big Red, we're eager to know what kind of new mobile Palm has lined up for its presser at CES.

[Thanks, Rehman]

Continue reading Palm smartphone pops up in WiFi certification database: is this Verizon's Pre?

Palm smartphone pops up in WiFi certification database: is this Verizon's Pre? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple quietly updates AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule, promises improved performance

Darren Murph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:43:00 EST

Just as it did in March, Apple has subtly updated both the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule, this time improving performance on both. According to new testing between today's model and yesterday's edition, the AE Base Station (which ships within three days for $179) can hum along at up to 25 percent faster thanks to undisclosed tweaks to the antenna design, while the Time Capsule's improved antenna promises the same. Just as before, both of these devices support dual-band 2.4GHz / 5GHz transmissions, though we can't seem to find an "802.11n draft" phrase anywhere on either page. Apple hasn't gone out of its way to say that both of these are certified with the final specification, but it's certainly a possibility. Finally, the new Time Capsule promises Time Machine backups in Snow Leopard that are some 60 percent faster than before; we're not sure whether to celebrate with new buyers or weep with existing ones, but it should ship within three days for $299 (1TB) / $499 (2TB).

Read - Updated AirPort Extreme
Read - Updated Time Capsule

Filed under: Wireless, Storage, Networking

Apple quietly updates AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule, promises improved performance originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear ships ultra-speedy WNDR3700 dual-band router

Darren Murph — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST

If you've grown increasingly incensed by those annoying dropouts caused by your 80s-era wireless router, it looks like Netgear has your cure. Though, we must say, there's at least a decent chance you don't have the coinage to procure said medicine. At $190, the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNDR3700) is one of the pricier WLAN routers on the market, though the amenities list is pretty impressive. The ReadyShare feature enables any USB hard drive to be viewed on the network, while the DLNA support and "real-world" throughput of 350Mbps shines up an already glistening device. There's even a broadband usage meter for those unfortunately dealing with Comcast caps, and if you actually use this as a remote media server, you'll definitely want to keep an eye on that.

[Via HotHardware]

Filed under: Networking

Netgear ships ultra-speedy WNDR3700 dual-band router originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: What's the best dual-band router?

Darren Murph — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:56:00 EST

C'mon, admit it. Seeing Ask Engadget is your favorite thing of the week, as it definitely marks the unofficial start of the weekend. Before you break out the Dos Equis and engage in copious amounts of "chilaxing," why not give this question a serious look (and an even more serious answer)?

"I recently came across the article of "How-to: set up dual-band WiFi." I have been thinking about upgrading my wireless network in order to wirelessly stream video and data from my desktop to my media extenders around the home. What would be a good simultaneous dual-band router? I have Windows Vista on a Dell Inspiron 530 and other laptops running Windows XP, Vista, etc. I also have media extenders like the Linksys DMA 2200 and PS3. If possible, I would like to stay under $150."

We're certain Pradeep's not the only one looking to do the dual-band thing, and we know quite a few of your are already rocking such a setup. If so, what kind of kit are you using to make it all happen? Don't stay quiet, ya heard?

Filed under: Networking

Ask Engadget: What's the best dual-band router? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 23:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How-to: set up dual-band WiFi (and juice your downloads)

Nilay Patel — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:30:00 EST

Yeah, we think you should make the switch.

Let's come right out with it -- you should be running a dual-band 2.4 and 5GHz WiFi network. Why? Because the 2.4GHz spectrum is cluttered with everything from other networks to Bluetooth to cordless phones and microwaves, and all that RF interference slows everything down, making file transfers interminable and HD streaming nearly impossible. On the other hand, 5GHz 802.11n is clean and incredibly fast -- we're talking almost hardwire fast. But you can't just move up to 5GHz without leaving your phones and other legacy devices behind, so you've got to keep 2.4 around as well -- which is really easy if you've got a simultaneous dual-band router like Apple's new Airport Extreme or something like the D-Link DIR-825, and only slightly harder if you don't. And, as luck would have it, Apple just sent us a new AEBS to play with, so we thought we'd show you how to configure both kinds of setups. We promise you'll thank us.

Continue reading How-to: set up dual-band WiFi (and juice your downloads)

Filed under: Networking

How-to: set up dual-band WiFi (and juice your downloads) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear Digital Entertainer Elite available worldwide for $399

Darren Murph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:04:00 EST

The verdict is already out on Netgear's EVA 9150 Digital Entertainer Elite, and now the ball's squarely in your court. The self-proclaimed "flexible digital media player" -- complete with its dual-band 802.11n WiFi, integrated 500GB hard drive and broad video codec support -- is now shipping worldwide. In case you've forgotten, this unit plays nice with Windows, Mac and Linux platforms and boasts a pair of USB ports for adding flash drives and additional storage. Worth $399? Answer with your wallet, bub.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

Netgear Digital Entertainer Elite available worldwide for $399 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear Digital Entertainer Elite available worldwide for $399

Darren Murph — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

Netgear Digital Entertainer Elite available worldwide for $399 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Airport Extreme and Time Capsule juggle two networks simultaneously

Paul Miller — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:05:00 EST

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.

New Airport Extreme and Time Capsule juggle two networks simultaneously originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quantenna promises to boost WiFi signals with new chipsets

Donald Melanson — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:00:00 EST

There's certainly no shortage of folks promising to give WiFi a boost, but upstart Quantenna looks to be one of the few that is actually close to getting something out the door. That comes in the form of what the company claims to be the "world's first" fully integrated 802.11n chipsets with both 4x4 MIMO and transmit (Tx) beamforming, which it says will help push WiFi signals to every corner of your home at throughput rates up to 1 Gbps. The chipsets also include other niftiness like Vector Mesh Networking, and they'll be available in both 2.4GHz, 5.0GHz, and dual-band versions, the latter of which does operate on both spectrum concurrently. While there's no word on any actual consumer products based on the chipsets just yet, Quantenna says it'll have samples available for "top-tier customers" later this year, with prices expected to hit $20 when they're produced in large amounts, or $40 for the dual-band chip.

[Via GigaOM]

Filed under: Wireless

Quantenna promises to boost WiFi signals with new chipsets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coolpad showcases dual-band, dual-SIM handset at CommunicAsia

Darren Murph — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:50:00 EST

Dual-band? Check. Dual-SIM? Check. One phone? Triple check. Believe it or not, Coolpad has reportedly crafted a phone that's multifaceted like no other -- one that not only includes room for a pair of SIM cards, but includes GSM and CDMA radios. Furthermore, the unit can purportedly switch between GSM and CDMA accounts on a whim, making you wonder why on Earth this didn't arrive before you plunked down for a second handset. The mobile is supposedly going for anywhere between $100 to $1,000 (depending on model and "who you know on the inside"), but you'll have to trek to Indonesia, China or Africa in order to acquire one.

Filed under: Handsets, Others, GSM, EDGE, EV-DO, CDMA

Coolpad showcases dual-band, dual-SIM handset at CommunicAsia originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFC-equipped phone surfaces at FCC... with Citi logo

Darren Murph — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:28:00 EST

We've handled handsets with unorthodox keypads before, but there's quite a bit more about this here device that's off-kilter than just a unique method of input. Discovered in the always unpredictable database of the FCC, the Mobicom-built mobile plays on the 850 / 1900 GSM bands and features a built-in MP3 player, file manager, speakerphone and accelerometer -- you know, for accessing icons by simply tilting the phone. The most astounding inclusion, however, isn't the integrated NFC technology that allows users to make payments on the go, but rather the unmistakable logo of a financial services company. Sitting front and center. On a cellphone. Something tells us this thing better print greenbacks if it hopes to seriously lure any suits away from their precious BlackBerrys.

[Via PhoneScoop]

Filed under: Handsets, Others, GSM

NFC-equipped phone surfaces at FCC... with Citi logo originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NFC-equipped phone surfaces at FCC... with Citi logo

Darren Murph — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:28:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

NFC-equipped phone surfaces at FCC... with Citi logo originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netgear's WNDA3100 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB adapter spotted in FCC

Darren Murph — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 16:24:00 EST

Nothing too earth-shattering here, but it seems that those in the market for a dual band Wireless-N USB adapter could benefit from holding off just a wee bit longer. Netgear's forthcoming WNDA3100 has found its way into the FCC's doors, and while it doesn't look to speak with aliens or any other fancy stuff, it does support WEP and WPA / WPA2. Way too excited about this thing? Hit up the read link for test photos and a preliminary user's manual -- that ought to quell your inexplicable curiosity, right?

Filed under: Networking

Netgear's WNDA3100 RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N USB adapter spotted in FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Jan 2008 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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D-Link's Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge enables HD streaming

Darren Murph — Wed, 16 May 2007 08:34:00 EST

It's not too tough these days to find a router with HD streaming in its arsenal, but D-Link is aiming for a slightly different set with its dual-band Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge. Essentially, this liaison connects to your existing router in order to add 5GHz 802.11n abilities to your setup, which purportedly "helps avoid interference by allowing the user to use the 5GHz frequency band to provide a stable high-performance wireless link for streaming HD video." Clearly designed with the DIR-655 in mind, this device also allows up to five Ethernet-enabled media devices to become attached on a separate unit for even more high-definition WiFi streaming. Notably, the DAP-1555 itself doesn't seem to double as an Ethernet router, and unfortunately, you'll have to wait until the thing ships in Q3 to find out how much it'll dent your wallet.

[Via SmallNetBuilder

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Wireless, Networking

D-Link's Xtreme N Duo MediaBridge enables HD streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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