HD television is on the horizon but it’s currently being held down by messy cables. There are two technologies competing to become standard but they’re not quite ready for prime time.
Wireless HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) has come a long way and is actually expected to hit the market in September but the price tag is expected to be a bit high.
The other technology, WirelessHD (WiHD), has gained the support of some big names in the industry but doesn’t currently have a release date in mind although a vague reference was made to 2008.
Via [arstechnica.com]
Dell and Lenovo have just announced the first laptops with embedded Certified Wireless USB chips. This means that all peripherals connected to a USB hub will tie in to your laptop without the use of a cable.
For computer owners who love this idea but aren’t ready for a new computer, D-Link and IOGear have announced an adapter that plugs right into your USB port and gives you the same functionality.
Via [pcworld.com]
Google has a vision of the future and it looks pretty good. Their goal is to make all cellphones compatible with any wireless network and internet access will be sold to customers at deeply discounted prices. In fact, Google is so devoted to this vision that it’s willing to throw $4.6 billion toward transforming prime public airways to a high-speed data freeway.
Google has placed a stipulation on its bid, they want regulators to agree to open access of those airwaves. If the FCC agrees the new spectrum could be revolutionary, giving consumers more choices. This idea is backed wholeheartedly by consumers, public interest groups and a coalition of major technology companies.
Via [latimes.com]
The IEEE 802.20 working group has changed its voting rules after allegations that Qualcomm Inc. was trying to dominate the process.
In the past IEEE members voted as individuals no matter what company they were affiliated with. Now each entity, ie vendors, research groups, universities, etc will have only one vote and thus limit the ability of one company to sway voting results. Paul Nikolich, Chairman of the 802.20 Committee hopes the change will push forward the standard decision.
Via [news.yahoo.com]
Duke University is facing a wireless LAN crisis which seems to be related to the recent release of Apple’s iPhone.
Up to 30 wireless access points can be knocked out at a time as the built-in 802.11b/g adapter on the newly released phone flood the area with MAC address requests. The requests are for an invalid router address, since the iPhone making the request doesn’t get an answer it keeps asking, tying up the system for ten to 15 minutes at a time.
Right now this isn’t a huge problem but school officials are worried that the end of August will bring a huge influx of new iPhone users and more headaches than Duke can handle.
Via [networkworld.com]
It looks like the Wi-Fi Alliance is pushing forward, using the latest draft of the 802.11n standard. This means “Wi-Fi Certified” products should be hitting the shelves this summer.
Eight laboratories around the globe have begun testing pre-standard products to see if they stick to WPA2 protocols and if they are backwards compatible with other 802.11 a/b/g WLAN products that have already earned certification.
Although IEEE’s 802.11n standard isn’t expected to be ratified until early 2009, these pre-certification products are expected to reap this year’s back-to-school dollars.
Via [crn.com]
T-Mobile has an answer for consumers itching to get rid of their landline phone but worry about weak cellular coverage or costs. The No.4 U.S. mobile carrier is now offering a home Wi-Fi calling service, which would make switching calls from cellular networks to Wi-Fi possible, thus boosting indoor coverage. The service will cost subscribers $19.99 per line or $29.99 for five lines, in addition to the regular monthly cellular fee, and allows for unlimited calls from home or in almost 8,500 places with T-Mobile’s presence. Compatible handsets include Samsung’s t409 and Nokia 6086, which the company plans to sell online and in its stores.
Via [washingtonpost.com]
Imagine a Wi-Fi link between two computers that are 238 miles apart. That is just what Ermanno Pietrosemoli, President of Escuela Latinoamerica de Redes, did in Venezuela.
This apparent record link was created by using some of Intel’s new equipment which can electrically steer signals and some parts that Pietrosemoli picked up at local stores. He then concocted his own long range Wi-Fi system which apparently works incredibly well.
Further research and experiments are being done as long-range Wi-Fi isn’t as reliable as WiMAX but it’s more cost effective.
Via [news.com.com]
AT&T’s President of Government Solutions for Mobility stated LTE will most likely be the path the company takes because there are similar throughputs but they haven’t excluded the possibility of WiMAX technology at this point. He also spent a great deal of time talking about the AT&T Networx’s latest contract win and the future of the $20 billion, 10-year project for the federal government.
Via [wirelessweek.com]
