hotspots

New Verizon iPad ad is cliff-hanger

When Apple launched the iPad, it was something of a lap-dancing affair.

We became familiar with the knees of both ladies and gentlemen, as they enjoyed the magic revolution that had fallen into their laps. The ads themselves were as straight as could be. As is often the case with Apple, the product was the ad.

Now, however, iPad has fallen into the lap of Verizon. Would the company attempt to sex the iPad up, offer it some artificial flavoring?

Lord, no. Apple would allow that no sooner than it would have a joint Xmas party with Adobe.

So here … Read more

The unvarnished truth about unsecured Wi-Fi

Chances are you don't leave your front door unlocked. And you shouldn't leave your Wi-Fi network unsecured either.

Many of you may have heard this before, but many still seem to not be doing anything about it. You should. Here's why. With a $50 wireless antenna and the right software a criminal hacker located outside your building as far as a mile away can capture passwords, e-mail messages, and any other data being transmitted over your network, and even decrypt data that is supposedly protected.

Someone could also join the network and launch attacks on your computer … Read more

Audi 2010 A8 sedans get mobile hot spot

Don't even think of surfing the Net while you're driving, but... the 2010 Audi A8 will be what is believed to be the first vehicle to feature a factory-installed mobile hot spot, Marvell and Harman announced Monday.

The companies have come together to bring a built-in WLAN module to the car that enables high-speed online and Internet access via cellular link or Bluetooth. The 802.11 (WPA2) hot spot will support up to eight devices, including smartphones, digicams, laptops, tablets, and portable gaming devices.

"I believe today's consumers want the convenience of seamless connectivity and live … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1283: Lying liars and the phones they sell us (podcast)

On today's show, Verizon tries to claim the Motorola Droid doesn't have the hardware to support hotspot tethering with Froyo. And here's the thing: that's a lie. In other news, the BlackBerry Torch hits, Rdio lands, and the FBI is cracking down on coloring books. Or something. I'm a tiny bit incoherent today.

MySpace hangs on with a thread

Links for Monday's episode of Loaded:

Netflix is going to launch in Canada in the fall MySpace acquires Threadbox, a messaging collaboration program Facebook updates Events pages Sony adds a karaoke feature to the new line of Walkman devices The Zune Pass launches in the U.K. The 2011 Subaru Outback will be a Wi-Fi hot spot

Droid X's Wi-Fi hot spot: Boon and bane

Motorola's Droid X Wi-Fi hot spot feature is a remarkable new level of integration in a smartphone. But packing more and more high-function stuff into a small device has its trade-offs.

The Droid X appears to be a hit, with reports that it was sold out at many Verizon stores (indeed, my local Verizon store in suburban Los Angeles was sold out on the first day of sales). To recap quickly, Motorola's new high-end smartphone allows a user to create a hot spot, similar to the access point that patrons connect to when in a Starbucks. Except, of … Read more

U.K. officials ask Google to delete Wi-Fi data

The fallout from Google's Wi-Fi data collection gaffe continues, with the U.K. government ordering it to destroy personal data collected through the Street View project.

The Information Commission's Office in the U.K. issued the order Tuesday, according to the Guardian, following Google's disclosure Friday that it had inadvertently collected personal data from Wi-Fi hot spots as part of its Street View mapping project. Google has said that it collected random packets of Internet traffic sent over unsecured hot spots as part of its bid to use Wi-Fi hot-spot triangulation for geolocation services, which several companies … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1198: Tong tied? Frayed not (podcast)

With Molly out covering the iPad launch for your local CBS stations, we're free to make wanton puns about knot theory. And we do. Plus Brian Tong gets his brain in knots trying to explain how it applies to tangled headphones. We also have the explanation for why iPad apps are ridiculously expensive. And we compare the JooJoo which is actually here, and explain why it's getting trumped by Apple.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 1198

How Long Will It Take iPad App Prices To Drop? … Read more

How to get pay-as-you-go 3G service for your iPad

iPad buyers face a difficult decision: to 3G or not to 3G? After all, the entry-level 3G iPad costs $629, plus $14.99/month for a 250MB data plan or $29.99/month for unlimited. You don't have to sign up for a contract, which is great, but the fact remains you're paying yet another wireless bill for service on a single device.

There is another option. With a Verizon MiFi card, a combination wireless modem and Wi-Fi router, you could choose the cheaper Wi-Fi-only iPad and still enjoy 3G Internet just about anywhere. Plus, you get to share that connectivity with up to four other users/devices.

However, that's a much pricier solution: The MiFi locks you into a two-year Verizon contract and charges you a minimum of $39.99 per month--$59.99 if you choose the unlimited data plan.

That's why I'm hitching my wireless wagon to Virgin Mobile's Broadband2Go, a pay-as-you-go service that requires no contract and no monthly minimums. (Here's my hands-on review of the service in case you're interested.)

Broadband2Go works with a Novatel-made USB aircard that sells for $99.99 (or $88.54 at Walmart). Obviously you can't plug it directly into an iPad (the modem was made with laptops in mind), but there's a workaround: the CradlePoint PHS300.

Plug the Broadband2Go into this compact, battery-powered Wi-Fi router and presto: You've got MiFi-style functionality from a pay-as-you-go provider.

Plus, the PHS300 supports up to 16 simultaneous users/devices, versus just five on the MiFi. It's not quite as elegant a solution, but it's definitely cheaper in the long run.… Read more

Get a CradlePoint mobile Wi-Fi hot spot for $99.99

I'm a huge fan of the Verizon MiFi 2200, a pocket-friendly 3G modem that doubles as a Wi-Fi hot spot. Just one problem: it locks you into a two-year contract with Verizon and costs a minimum of $40 per month--$60 if you opt for the unlimited-data 5GB data plan.

You can accomplish much of the same thing with the CradlePoint PHS300, currently on sale at Buy.com for $99.99 shipped. The only difference is, it's BYO wireless card.

In other words, you have to supply the modem; the PHS300 turns it into a secure Wi-Fi hot … Read more