Linksys begins selling the WRT32X AC3200 MU-MIMO open source gaming router
Routers are getting more powerful and elaborate nowadays. What was once a device that a person would set up and then never pay any mind (except when he/she needed to reboot it), has become much more. Ostentatious designs with multiple external antennas are not just for performance, but they can also make wireless routers focal points of a room. For some consumers, these routers can even be seen as works of art. While appearance is obviously good for sales and marketing purposes, it can actually benefit some users too. After all, if a wireless router is put in, say, a living room, it is important that it looks attractive too. It really does matter.
Today, Linksys finally begins taking pre-orders for a wireless router that we covered at the beginning of the year, called WRT32X. This router is quite intriguing for many reasons. For one, it is being listed as a "gaming" device, and thanks to the use of Killer Networking KPE technology, that could be more than just marketing. Another interesting aspect is the beautiful design -- it looks both angry and intimidating, and yes, that is a good thing. If this was put next to an Xbox or gaming PC, it would totally fit in. Most intriguing, however, is that theWRT32X is open source-friendly so you can flash alternative firmware, such as OpenWrt.
NETGEAR unveils Nighthawk X6S AC4000 Tri-Band Gigabit MU-MIMO WiFi Router (R8000P)
I can't say this enough -- never go cheap on a wireless router. Whether for your home or business, a flaky connection can be absolutely maddening. Not to mention, if you opt for a model from a lesser-known company, you could get left with poor update support. In other words, there could be unpatched vulnerabilities. What you want to do is target a reputable brand that has historically offered plenty of updates. Then, select a model that meets your needs.
Despite some fairly overblown concerns about data collection, one such reputable company is NETGEAR. The company not only offers routers with great features and reliability, but excellent support too. Today, the company refreshes its aging Nighthawk X6 (R8000). The new "S" model -- which replaces its predecessor -- is called "X6S (R8000P)." This new router still has six antennas, but moves from AC3200 to AC4000 (750+1625+1625 Mbps). The new model gets multi-user MIMO and has a better processor, going from a dual-core 1GHz to a dual-core 64-bit 1.8GHz CPU. Like the prior model, the X6S also has Amazon Alexa support.
Noontec Hammo TV wireless headphones review
Wireless headphones are great. There's no question about it. I became a convert after using the Noontec ZORO II last year, which are so good that I haven't touched a wired pair since. But recently I found myself using -- and liking -- another Noontec product more.
It's called Hammo TV and it's pair of wireless headphones designed for the television crowd. But, based on my experience, the Hammo TV is also great if you just want to listen to your favorite tunes on your smartphone or enjoy a movie on your laptop. And, compared to the ZORO II set I reviewed, they have a lower MSRP and are better value too.
NETGEAR unveils affordable RBK30 and RBK40 Orbi AC2200 Tri-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi Systems
Having quality Wi-Fi in your home or office is one of the best investments you can make. Nowadays, having access to the internet and the web are essential for success -- a problematic router that constantly crashes or needs rebooting can be absolutely maddening. Luckily, you do not need to break the bank to get a solid router. In fact, there are even some affordable mesh systems on the market nowadays.
Today, NETGEAR announces new two-unit Orbi Wi-Fi systems (RBK30 and RBK40) that are more affordable than the original (RBK50). The RBK40 comes with two Orbi AC2200 Tri-band 802.11ac routers. The RBK30 comes with just one of the routers, plus a satellite extender. Not only are they affordable and easy to set up, but they are very pretty too -- reminiscent of an Apple design.
Logitech G533 Wireless Gaming Headset has DTS Headphone:X 7.1 surround sound
Gaming headsets are quite the hot products nowadays -- HyperX unveiled a beautiful new variant just yesterday. While that headset looks nice, for some consumers it has one big flaw -- it is wired. Of course, choosing between a wired and wireless headset is more of as personal preference.
If you desire a cord-free headset, I have good news. Today, Logitech announces a beautiful new rechargeable wireless model. The G533, as it is called, looks fairly conservative, and I like that. Look, not all gaming products have to look childish -- adults play PC games too. Best of all, it is surprisingly affordable.
Apple's AirPods are kind of impressive
At $159.99, Apple's new AirPods are super expensive. But there is a very good reason why. According to an iFixit teardown, there is a lot of technology crammed into this pair of wireless earphones. As it turns out, the old "you get what you pay for" saying is true.
In the AirPods, which weigh four grams (0.14 ounces) each, Apple has packed its own W1 chip to provide wireless connectivity, IR sensors, microphones, an accelerometer and a battery, on top of the usual speaker. The IR sensors, microphones and accelerometer are there so that the AirPods can detect when they're in your ear -- and work accordingly.
VoIP vs SIP: Which one is winning the telecoms war?
Back in 2008 the death knell of the PBX was being forecast -- albeit mainly by VoIP suppliers. Whilst sales have dropped and there was some amalgamation of suppliers there is still a strong market. The number of PBX extensions still outnumbers VoIP by around seven or eight to one.
So, to misquote Mark Twain -- reports of the PBX’s death have been grossly exaggerated. It is the rise of a parallel technology SIP that has blunted many of the arguments put forward by VoIP suppliers suggesting we should throw away that box on the wall.
The pros and cons of VoWiFi
There’s no doubt that Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) has captured a lot of attention lately. Indeed, AT&T has announced that it is handling four million VoWiFi calls per day and T-Mobile boasts some 22 million calls per day using the technology.
Today, many enterprises and mobile operators consider VoWiFi an easy and cost-effective way to provide indoor mobile coverage in buildings that block macro mobile signals. However, VoWiFi isn’t suitable for every application and neither do mobile operators want it to be.
Say, what's going on at Intel Capital Global Summit 2016?
San Diego, Calif. As a general rule I never connect to public WiFi networks, which is fine except when attending an event at a hotel ballroom where T-Mobile cellular is like an apparition dancing around a Halloween grave. So as Wendell Brooks, CEO of Intel Capital, begins his speech, I sit typing narrative offline rather than tweeting live. There’s irony, I suppose, reporting old style, about investments in new innovations.
Welcome to the trials and travails of the Intel Capital Global Summit, which kicks off today and goes through October 26. Looking at the lineup, I expect to hear about newfangled tech that would make news reporting so much easier if available—although 4G cellular data would be good enough for today.
Master & Dynamic MW60 wireless headphones [Review]
For Christmas 2015, I bought myself a new pair of Bluetooth headphones. After trying several sets, I settled on Master & Dynamic MW60, which were a fantastic choice then and are still my top recommendation nearly a year later. The wireless cans replaced my beloved Grado RS1e -- no small feat.
Read no further and buy the M&D cans, if wireless listening is priority -- and should be if using iPhone 7 or 7 Plus, which lack 3.5 mm jack. Authentic audio, spacious soundstage, and full fidelity (without over-punchy bass) make the MW60 the gold standard for Bluetooth cans.
Not every iPhone 7 is created equal
Depending on which iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus version you buy, you may experience slower storage and cellular speeds compared to other models in the lineup -- and, at least when it comes to the wireless performance, there may be nothing that you can do about it.
A report on the storage performance of the base iPhone 7 Plus, which features 32GB of storage, reveals that it is a couple of times slower at the same task than a 128GB iPhone 7, in both synthetic and real-life benchmarks.
NETGEAR Nighthawk X10 AD7200 802.11ad Smart WiFi router (R9000) supports Plex and Amazon Drive
When buying a wireless router for your home, there are many models to choose from. If you have basic needs in a small home, such as surfing the web or watching Netflix at 1080p, you can easily get by with an inexpensive router for, say, under $100. For those with more advanced needs, like streaming 4K and sharing large files between computers on the network, or those in large homes requiring greater range, prices for more capable routers can skyrocket.
While you don't always have to spend obscene amounts of money on technology, a wireless router is definitely not the place to try and save a buck -- you should always aim for quality products from reputable brands. Today, once such trusted company, NETGEAR, announces the Nighthawk X10 AD7200 smart WiFi router. On paper, it looks like one of the greatest home routers ever. Of course, with such cutting-edge technology like 802.11ad, it carries a very hefty price tag.
5G could be live before the 2018 Winter Olympics
East Asian technology companies want to see 5G in action during the next Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018, and they're doing everything they can to make it a reality. According to a new report by GSMA, entitled Mobile World Live, this effort is 'accelerating the global development of the technology'.
To put things into perspective, 3GPP (the leading standards body) is planning on producing the first 5G specs in June 2018, mere months before the event kicks off. "Given their enormous global profile, it is perhaps not surprising that the Olympics have been central in driving the timeline for 5G, yet it’s hard to recall many other technologies previously being showcased on this stage in this way", says Christopher Cave, director, R&D, InterDigital.
EFF: T-Mobile One plan may break net neutrality rules
The Electronic Frontier Foundation believes that T-Mobile's new One plan, which offers unlimited data, calls, and texts, may fall afoul of net neutrality rules due to the restrictions that it imposes on how customers can consume data.
T-Mobile One, which was announced yesterday, is claimed to do away with data "buckets", which CEO John Legere calls "the single biggest pain point in wireless", but limits the quality of video streams for customers who do not wish to pay an additional monthly fee to enjoy high-definition content.
T-Mobile One gives you unlimited data for $70 per month
In what it calls its "12th iconic Un-carrier move", T-Mobile today announces a new plan that removes "the single biggest pain point in wireless" -- limited data. Called T-Mobile One, it gives customers access to unlimited calls, data, and texts for just $70 per month.
T-Mobile One also includes the Simple Global, Mobile Without Borders, Carrier Freedom, Wi-Fi Unleashed, Stock Up and T-Mobile Tuesdays benefits, as well as unlimited tethering. "The era of the data plan is over", says T-Mobile CEO John Legere. "After Un-carrier 12, the wireless industry will never be the same again".
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