July 21st, 2008
AT&T blunders on free Wi-Fi for iPhones
AT&T just can’t commit. To free Wi-Fi for iPhone 3G customers, that is.
The company seems to be having a blunder-fest with announcements that iPhone 3G customers can get free Wi-Fi at its nationwide AT&T WiFi HotSpots (most notably in Starbucks stores). The carrier trumpets the free service on its Web site one day, then claims the announcement was a mistake and pulls the link the next day. The culprit? Employee error.
I bought an iPhone 3G, and it’s an awesome tool (the App Store is an especially appealing addition). I owned the first version of the device, but now I’m paying AT&T $10 more a month for the data service and $5 per month for previously free text messaging. So I don’t see why AT&T couldn’t throw in free Wi-Fi for my not-too-frequent visits to Starbucks.
But, even if it did, I’m not sure that I’d be able to use it. About a month ago, AT&T announced that anyone with an active Starbucks card could take advantage of free Wi-Fi in the store. I dutifully loaded $10 on my card, bought a venti drip, and asked the barista about the service. He acknowledged that it was available in that location. When I cracked open my laptop and tried to join the network, however, it asked me to register the card at Starbucks.com. I did so, but still couldn’t access the network. So I called Starbucks to ask how to log on. The tech rep said that I should be able to access the network after registering my card. Beyond that, he could offer no assistance as to how to join the network.
So I finished my coffee—all 20 ounces of it–and left. If AT&T really intends to offer Wi-FI, it needs to commit. And then train its partners.
Until then, I’m drinking my coffee at Joe: The Art of Coffee. They don’t have Wi-Fi, but they don’t promise it, either.
July 17th, 2008
D-Link launches new surveillance cam with Powerline networking
D-Link is shipping the first in the line of its D-Life products, a series that is designed to enable users to easily manage networking devices via its D-Life Web site. First up is a surveillance camera kit that allows remote viewing of live streaming video from a remote Web browser. Starting at $399.95, the Internet Surveillance Starter Kit (DHA-390) is pricier than most entry-level IP Web cams, but D-Link bundles two Powerline networking adapters with the camera.
D-Link touts the new D-Life product as a foolproof way for even novice users to take advantage of the camera to monitor the home, children, and, of course, pets. I’ve installed several IP cams, and I’ve found none to be quite as effortless as D-Link describes the DHA-390. I’ve asked the company to send me an evaluation unit to test that claim, so stay tuned.
I’ve tested only Wi-Fi IP cams, however. The D-Life camera is a different animal. Using Powerline adapters, it plugs into existing power outlets in the home for connecting to the home network router and then out to the Internet. D-Link says consumers can access the camera via the D-Life Web site for remote viewing and management of their account (adding new users to the camera, for instance).
The D-Link D-Life Internet Surveillance Starter Kit (DHA-390) is available now from the D-Link shop.
July 10th, 2008
Belkin unveils new router and Powerline adapters
Belkin today announced two pretty cool networking products—a new router and Powerline adapters—that each have a unique and very useful new feature. But you’ll have to wait a few months to get your paws on them.
I really like the new
N+ Wireless Router because it includes a USB port that enables you to connect a storage device—instant network attached storage! The $199 $119 router won’t be available until October, however, but if you’re thinking of springing for a new router and have an external hard drive laying around, it may be worth the wait.
The N+ Wireless Router also sports a redesign, packaged in an attractive vertical chassis. Bucking the internal antenna trend, Belkin has maintained two external antennas. which is good news for those of you who might want to add high-gain antennas later. (I just got a live demo, and the antennas look as if they are detachable, but they’re not.) The 802.11n router (it’s 802.11n Draft 2 certified) also supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup security and works with the Mac OS.
Belkin also unveiled new Powerline networking adapters that will be useful to those who have dead spots in their homes that wireless can’t reach, as well as for videophiles who want to shuffle content from the Net to the TV. The $179.99 Powerline AV+ offers three Ethernet ports on its adapter—nice touch!—that enable you to connect up to three devices. Belkin says it can achieve transfer speeds of up to 200Mbps, which should tread your HD just fine. The company also introduced several additional Powerline adapters with single Ethernet ports on the adapter. The Powerline adapters will also be available in October.
July 2nd, 2008
Linksys WRT610N Wi-Fi router delivers dual bands, simultaneously
If you’re the type who likes to wirelessly stream HD video from your PC to your TV, or if you live in a densely populated environment that’s packed with interference in the 2.4GHz range, listen up. Linksys has unveiled a dual-band Draft N Wi-Fi router that can take care of you.
The Simultaneous Dual-N Band Wireless Router (WRT610N), available now at a list price of $199.99 (you can get it here for $149.99), aims to achieve Draft N performance in both the 5GHz and 2.4 GHz spectrums. The dual-bander effectively provides two networks to which you can connect devices. You’ll want to attach Media Center Extenders, media receivers, and other wireless video players to the 5GHz band, which is less crowded because it provides 20 nonoverlapping channels (as opposed to three in the 2.4GHz spectrum). The 5GHz band doesn’t share the same range as household devices like microwave ovens, baby monitors, and 2.4GHz cordless phones, so you won’t experience network cut-outs when those devices are in use.
Linksys says the WRT610N is the first dual-band router that allows you to use Wireless-N network speeds on both bands at the same time (hence the added adjective in the product name). The WRT610N is designed so that its 5GHz band automatically gives priority to high-definition video without the need for manual configuration. PC users can tweak their networks to give priority to certain devices, like gaming consoles, over others.
The WRT610N is housed in Linksys’ attractive new industrial design, with a midnight blue border framing the glossy black chassis.
Oh, and here’s a bonus for you greenies: Linksys uses environmentally friendly packaging for the WRT610N, including a box constructed of recycled and biodegradable materials, along with inks made from soy and vegetables.
June 30th, 2008
Wi-Fi in cable set-top boxes coming (not so soon)
Cable TV providers are planning to add wireless to their set-top boxes, according to panelists at a recent Connect event sponsored by Park Associates and the CEA.
A report in EE Times say cable companies like Cox Communications are planning to deliver signals to home via coaxial cable, and then add a wireless link for shuffling the signal throughout the home. Cox is in the early stages of planning its network architecture, but an official says that it is likely to include multimedia over coax as well as Wi-Fi.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait about two years for this solution.
Other panelists noted that more TV makers are starting to include Wi-Fi in their sets. HP has sold a MediaSmart 802.11g TVs for a couple of years now, and Westinghouse will ship in the fall an HDTV that uses ultrawideband chips from Pulse~Link that now support HDMI.
Another company, Celano, said it has engineered 802.11 chips that can deliver up to four HD video streams up to 120 feet. It should work with any Wi-Fi client and is up for Wi-Fi certification now.
June 27th, 2008
Linksys adds set-up software and support for Mac OS
Bowing to popular demand, Linksys is now supporting the Mac OS for its line of home/SOHO Wi-Fi routers with a new version of its Linksys EasyLink Advisor (LELA) Setup Wizard for Mac OS X v10.4.
Supported routers include the WRT310N, WRT160N, WRT110, and WRT54G2. And if you own a Linksys router and want to make the switch to Mac (after Vista, you’d be nutty not to), you can download the setup file from www.linksys.com/mac. Future products will ship with a LELA setup disc that includes both PC and Mac Setup Wizards. Linksys has also launched tech support for Mac users.
But if you’re thinking of buying a new Linksys router, I’d wait a week or so. The company is set to announce a new model that should prove particularly interesting for those who have to maneuver a crowded 2.4GHz spectrum or those who shuffle hefty files (like video) across their Wi-Fi network. Stay tuned.
June 26th, 2008
Chrysler to offer Wi-Fi in 2009 autos
How about a router for your car? The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Chrysler will announce today that it will offer Internet access in its 2009 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models. As someone who has been chided for texting while driving, I’m not sure I need the temptation.
According to the LAT, the automaker will employ a system called UConnect Web that will include a Wi-Fi router that will grab bandwidth from a 3G cellular network and deliver downloads of up to 800Kbps. Call it a CAN, for car area network.
The UConnect Web system will be an extension to Chrysler’s existing UConnect offering, which provides Bluetooth connectivity within the car. The automaker did not disclose pricing, but USA Today reports that UConnect Web will cost $449, plus installation fees of up to $50; monthly service will be about $30.
Of course, Chrysler says the in-car Net access is intended to be used only by passengers (or by drivers when the car is not in motion). Of course, drivers will do differently.
And for you war drivers out there, UConnect Web will give you an entirely new game.
June 23rd, 2008
First hands-on review of the D-Link DSM-330 DivX Connected HD Media Player
Video geeks will love the new D-Link DSM-330 DivX Connected HD Media Player, a media receiver that enables you-to stream high-res videos, photos, and music from PC to TV. I’ve been playing around with this $299 device for a few days now, and even though I’m not an expert with digital video, the DSM-330 is very flexible and a lot of fun to use. You’ll have to wait a few weeks, however, because the DSM-330 won’t go on sale until early July (although you can pre-order one at Amazon.com for $249.99).
In addition to content stored on your PC, the DSM-330, which connects via 802.11g Wi-Fi or Ethernet, also employs plug-ins that enable you to view online content like Digg.com stories and Last.fm Radio audio. It also has a Services category that delivers games and other on-demand content; for now, however, the content available via Services is pretty slim.
And that’s OK because, for most users, the primary focus of the device will be its ability to deftly handle a very wide variety of video formats and display video at resolutions of up to 720p. It connects to your TV via HDMI, S-video, component cables, or SCART (a European format that I had never encountered).
As with every media streamer on the market, there are some gotchas. The biggest for the DSM-330 is that it’s a Windows-only device, although DivX says it’s working on a Mac version of the DivX Connected software. Also, because the DSM-330 has no hard drive on which to store files, you must power on your PC when you want to use the device so that it can grab content from the computer.
The first thing you’ll notice when you take the DSM-330 out of the box is that it’s a bit of a plain Jane. Unlike the Apple TV, which is spiffed out in white and silver, the DSM-330 is a boxy black-and-silver slab that’s about the size of a hardback book and has a geeky Wi-Fi antenna poking up from the back. It won’t win any beauty contests but, chances are, its intended user base won’t care so much about that.
Setup was pretty simple and flawless. Pop in the disc and a wizard guides you through installing the DSM-330 DivX Connected PC software setup. Once that’s done, you connect the device to your TV and an on-screen guide walks you through settings that include screen resolution and wireless or wired networking (you enter your Wi-Fi network’s encryption key using the included remote control). Once this is complete, the TV connects to the “server” software on your PC, and you select the folders on your PC in which you store videos, audio files, and photos. And that’s pretty much it—you’re ready to go.
The interface is well-designed and easy to navigate. When the DSM-330 is turned on, your TV displays a screen that enables you to select from Videos, Music, Photos, Plug-Ins, and Services. The remote is pretty intuitive and allows you to control all features without cracking a manual.
I downloaded five movies (which averaged a pretty lightweight 800MB in file size) from the Web to my PC, and the server software recognized them almost without fail. I hit one snag when I moved a movie file out of the folder in which it was downloaded, which somehow made the movie invisible to the player. I put the file back in the folder and the video played as expected. A DivX spokesman says that this is a known issue and will be fixed in an upcoming release.
Video quality will depend on the quality of your download, of course, but most of the videos that I downloaded were smooth with nice detail and no hiccups. You can fast forward through the streaming video without buffering time-outs, which was particularly impressive given that my network is 802.11g. Supported video and audio formats include DivX, Xvid, WMV9, MP3 (but only up to 360Kbps), WMA, and M3U playlists
Viewing photos from the PC and listening to audio tracks was straightforward and similar to most any other media receiver. I did have a problem with album art, which often was not transferred with the track. And sometimes I noticed a lag when fast-scrolling through music. Other than that, though, photos and audio worked like a charm.
The Plug-ins feature is a great way to get Web-based content on the TV, and it takes just a second to add a plug-in to your PC. (To see what’s available, check out this Plug-ins page.) Of the plug-ins that I sampled, the Digg.com headlines, Google Maps, and Last.fm Radio were standouts. They worked well and enable you to access Web content from the couch (and without a PC keyboard). Some apps, like the Facebook plug-in, are janky and may not work. Note that these plug-ins are developed by DivX Labs community members, as are themes you can use to customize your DSM-330 background, icons and menu styles. The breadth and quality of the plug-ins are likely to increase once the device is widely available in the United States. It very well could be a very cool feature that other more locked-down media receivers lack.
The Services content for now is very limited. That may change once the device hits the store shelves, but as of today none of the games or videos was very appealing.
Overall, however, the D-Link DSM-330 is a solid and easy-to-use media streamer that will appeal to those who know their way around video download sites. I’m no expert, but I found the device entertaining and a breeze to use. In fact, I have unplugged my Apple TV for now.
June 19th, 2008
HP MediaSmart Connect available for pre-order
HP is jump-starting sales of its MediaSmart Connect, which debuted at CES in January, by promoting pre-orders of the digital media receiver at several online retailers. The MediaSmart Connect is priced by HP at $349, but Amazon.com is offering the device at $325.99. Newegg.com, CircuitCity.com, and BestBuy.com are hewing closer to the official price set by HP. It will start shipping in late July.
The MediaSmart Connect allows you to stream videos, photos, and other files from Windows PCs to televisions. The device, which employs 802.11n wireless networking, also enables you to stream content from entertainment sites like Vongo, MovieLink, Fox Sports, and Live365 radio. If your PC runs Windows Media Center, you can also grab programming from Microsoft’s Internet TV Beta, which includes content from A&E, CNBC, the Food Network, the History Channel, NBC News, and others.
HP is bundling an HDMI cable, a remote control that can control four additional devices, and a certificate good for $20 in purchases at CinemaNow. Taking a cue from Apple, HP encased the MediaCenter Connect in an attractive enclosure; rather than the Apple TV’s silver and white, HP dressed its media receiver in its signature glossy black. And that gives it good wife-approval ratings.
June 17th, 2008
How to repair a dropped Wi-Fi signal on Vista laptops
I have seen one gazillion message-board posts from users who grumble that Vista unexpectedly drops the Wi-Fi connection to their notebooks. The dropped signal occurs without warning, and at differing frequencies–some users report that they can only get a constant connection for 5 minutes or so before the signal drops and they have to reboot.
About a month ago, I noticed that my Vista notebook, an HP Pavilion dv2000t, and my Linksys WRT160N router were having communications problems. I’d be buzzing along and—Bam!–Web pages would stop loading or Outlook would notify me that it had lost connection to the server. (Not a peep from Vista on this, however.) This happened once or twice a day, and the notebook would often reconnect on its own. If not, I’d perform a quick reboot while I poured another cup of coffee.
This week, however, I decided to look into the problem. If you are using Vista and having trouble with dropped signals, you might try some of these fixes.
First, I rebooted the cable modem and the router (in that order), just to make sure it wasn’t a router problem. I was pretty sure it wasn’t however, because my elderly Mac PowerBook never drops the signal, even when the Vista notebook does.
Next, I updated my notebook’s BIOS. To find out what BIOS version your laptop is running, press the Start key and the R key at the same time, then type msinfo32 in the Run box (that’s assuming you are running a 32-bit version of Vista). You’ll get a System Information box that will include the BIOS version. Write that down, then check your notebook’s driver support site for the latest versions. My notebook was outdated by a year, so I downloaded and installed an up-to-date BIOS.
After rebooting, I updated the Intel PRO/Wireless driver for Vista. To check the version of your wireless adapter card, go to Device Manager and click Network Adapters, then select your wireless adapter. You’ll find the driver version and date on the Driver tab. To update the driver, you can check your notebook vendor’s support site, or follow these steps from Intel.
I performed one last tweak on my notebook. I had read in one user forum that some routers may not work well with IPv6, which is automatically enabled in Vista (along with IPv4). So I navigated to Manage Network Connections, right-clicked Wireless Network Connection, then clicked Properties, and deselected the checkbox for IPv6.
For the past 24 hours, I haven’t had a single dropped signal on my Vista notebook. I’m not sure which of the fixes above resolved the problem—and I’m particularly in the dark about the wisdom of disabling IPv6–but you might give these solutions a shot if Vista has caused trouble on your network. Or let me know if you have your own fix.
For the past 15 years, Rik Fairlie has covered technology and the business of technology for numerous publications and Web sites. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads
- Informal Learning: Extending the Impact of Enterprise Ideas and Information Adobe Systems
- BlackBerry Certification Program BlackBerry
- Delivering on the Promise of eLearning Adobe Systems
Recent Entries
- AT&T blunders on free Wi-Fi for iPhones
- D-Link launches new surveillance cam with Powerline networking
- Belkin unveils new router and Powerline adapters
- Linksys WRT610N Wi-Fi router delivers dual bands, simultaneously
- Wi-Fi in cable set-top boxes coming (not so soon)
Top Rated
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- Access the latest Intel and industry best practices
-
Designed specifically to address the concerns of senior IT managers at organizations with more than 100 employees, the Intel Premier IT Professional Program provides best practices via local and e-Seminars and a members-only Web site.
- View the Intel Premier IT Professional web-site tour >>
Archives
Favorite Links
ZDNet Blogs
- A Developer's View
- All About Microsoft
- The Apple Core
- Between the Lines
- BriefingsDirect
- Collaboration 2.0
- The Core Truth
- Dev Connection
- Digital Cameras
- Ed Bott's Microsoft Report
- Emerging Tech
- Enterprise Alley
- Enterprise Anti-matter
- Enterprise Web 2.0
- Feeds
- Googling Google
- GreenTech Pastures
- Hardware 2.0
- iGeneration
- Irregular Enterprise
- IT Facts
- The IT Grind
- IT Project Failures
- Laptops & Desktops
- Lawgarithms
- Linux and Open Source
- Managing L'unix
- The Mobile Gadgeteer
- On Sustainability
- Rational Rants
- The Semantic Web
- Service Oriented
- The Social Web
- Software as Services
- SOHO Networking
- Storage Bits
- Team Think
- Tech Broiler
- Tom Foremski: IMHO
- The ToyBox
- The Universal Desktop
- Virtually Speaking
- The Web Life
- ZDNet Education
- ZDNet Government
- ZDNet Healthcare
- Zero Day
- Sports and Technology
-
Major League Baseball pitches new app to iPhone users
At Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Jeremy Schoenherr of MLB.com demos At-Bat, a new iPhone app from Major League Baseball.
View the ZDNet video to learn more -
The SF Giants' new hi-tech ballpark
SF Giants CIO Bill Schlough discusses new technology upgrades at AT&T Park and outlines his dual role- managing technology operations at the backend while using hi-tech to improve player performance on the field.
View the ZDNet CIO Vision Series video - From our Sponsors
- Fantasy Football
-
-
3 Great Ways To Play Fantasy Football
Play for free, play to win cash prizes- up to $3500, or customize your own league.
Learn More » -
