NetStumbler.com

Intel is working on a form of long-distance Wi-Fi, which would allow users to get signals within a 100-kilometer radius. According to Intel Research Berkeley director Eric Brewer, the technology uses “regular Wi-Fi hardware but with modified software.” The new technology is intended for emerging markets, where communications systems remain lacking in villages. Intel plans to carry out a trial of long-range Wi-Fi in Uganda later this year.

The technology requires that signals be transmitted from one antenna to another and not anywhere else. Because it demands perfect alignment of antennas, generating signals is difficult. To address this issue, Intel came out a “steerable” antenna, which uses an electrical signal to guide signals between towers and maintain signal integrity even if physical antennas misalign.

Though somehow similar to WiMax, long-range WiFi antennas are cheaper than WiMax towers, with the former only costing between $700 and $800 apiece whereas the price of the latter would range from $15,000 to $20,000 each.
Via [news.com.com]

Qualcomm has announced that EVDO Revision A is already old hat and Revision B is on its way. Revision B will incorporate new hardware and software updates and offer backward compatibility with older models. Company tests have version B running at an average data rate of 9.3Mbps download speed compared to the previous model’s 800kbps. Qualcomm points out that this huge difference in speed could have significant implications for VoIP applications.
Via [arstechnica.com]

Technology has now made gaps in cell phone coverage a thing of the past, that is if there is a Wi-Fi Hotspot nearby. Smart phones, complete with Wi-Fi capabilities are hitting the market, albeit slowly, and allow you to make VoIP phone calls, check email, read the latest news and other activities via the internet. As with all new technology, there are plusses and minuses to using smart phone but the biggest plus is you have the option of using the phone in a traditional cellular mode or switching to a Wi-Fi connection. Look for future improvements to include more options that are less expensive.
Via [google.com]