wifi

While Netgear and D-Link introduced their approaches to app-supporting and cloud-enabled networking products at CES 2012, Cisco, which didn't have anything to announce at CES, turns out to be the first to materialize the new concepts.

Cisco today unveiled a line of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers that promises to change the face, and the body, of home networking.

The Linksys EA4500, EA3500, and EA2700 -- the "A" designation being short for "app-enabled" -- look like models in the earlier E Series but have more-powerful hardware and support Cisco Connect Cloud, the next generation of Cisco … Read more

The problem is a simple one to encounter. You should have Wi-Fi but for some reason the reception just isn't there. That's exactly what struck OS X Daily, just after it got a new iPad from Apple.

And the guys from OS X Daily are not alone. Threads on support sites including the Apple Support Communities report the same issue, where Wi-Fi is not able to connect during setup. If your experience is similar to either case, there are quite a few trick to try before demanding a refund or writing Tim Cook.

The solution, according to OS … Read more

The advertising agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty's BHH Labs launched a campaign at the film, music and interactive festival South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, that is raising ire among critics.

In what appears to be a case of poor judgment, BBH Labs kicked off a campaign called "Homeless Hotspots." Yep. It is exactly what it sounds like--walking, talking homeless people who provide access to a 4G network in exchange for a donation (BBH Labs suggests $2 per 15 minutes). … Read more

The Asus Transformer Prime is currently the highest-quality Android tablet on the market. It rivals and sometimes surpasses the the iPad 2 in games performance, has a fantastically bright screen, memory expansion, various CPU performance modes, HDMI, and a thin, sleek, and sexy design.

All that said (and I bet you saw this coming), it's not perfect. Since its release, the Prime has been saddled with reports of performance issues, bugs, and stuff just outright not working.

How severe are these issues, and maybe more importantly, just how widespread are they? As a new or potentially new Prime owner, just what are the chances they'll crop up for you?… Read more

The wireless router just is not something you want to think about much. That's why we've rounded up Dong Ngo's list of the Top 5 best wireless routers in this video. Plug in one of these, enter your settings, and get back to high-speed, hassle-free connectivity.

There are a few new technologies you need to know about when buying a wireless router today. Here's a quick explanation of some of the terms you may have heard in this video. They are all technologies that can be found in 802.11n routers, which are what you'll … Read more

Windows 8 users will face fewer headaches managing their Wi-Fi and cellular connections, says Microsoft.

Setting up and maintaining Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connections in Windows is frequently a challenge. Wi-Fi users often bump into conflicts between the software provided by the third-party vendor and the software built into Windows. And mobile broadband users sometimes have to scramble to find the right drivers for their cellular setup.

In the latest Building Windows 8 blog, Billy Anders, a group program manager on Microsoft's devices and networking team, explained how Microsoft has tweaked the mobile experience in Windows 8 to help … Read more

Phone manufacturers and the aftermarket wage war against crappy battery life and Google does battle with poor app design on this week's episode of Android Atlas Weekly.

NEWS:

-Woz concedes Android advantages over iPhone

-iPhone 4S helps iOS close the gap on Android

-Google evangelists release bible of good Android design

-The Android sloppy interface when guidelines are not enough

-NSA Releases Secure Android Version

-LOL, Seido 3800mah extended battery for Galaxy Nexus

-Galaxy Nexus nfc feature requires original oem battery… Read more

LAS VEGAS--If you have a true dual-band router and want to extend the range of both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands at the same time, Netgear has something to offer.

The company unveiled today at CES 2012 the Universal Dual-Band WiFi Range Extender (model WN2500RP), its first dual-band extender that can extend the range of both bands at the same time. All you need to do is place the device in between the existing wireless router and the area that needs coverage and use Wi-Fi Protected Setup to connect the two. Your Wi-Fi network will then be extended further.… Read more

LAS VEGAS--Netgear announced today at CES 2012 its first dual-band 450Mbps adapter, the N900 Video and Gaming 4-Port Wi-Fi Adapter (model WNCE4004).

It connects Ethernet-ready devices, such as desktop computers, printers, and game consoles, to an existing Wi-Fi network. The adapter comes with four network ports, meaning you can add up to four wired devices to the Wi-Fi network at the far end of the connection.

The fact that it supports dual-band and the higher 450Mbps speeds means that you can use it with any existing wireless networks without having to worry about compatibility or performance degradation.

Netgear says that … Read more