Samsung at an ITU trade show late yesterday provided an initial look at second-generation WiMAX service. Known alternately as Mobile WiMAX Release 2 or 802.16m, the technology borrows multiple-in, multiple-out technology from modern Wi-Fi as well as makes better use of available wireless spectrum. The union should result in speeds about four times faster than current WiMAX networks.
Clearwire Communications on Monday announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with WiMAX operators UQ Communications of Japan and Yota of Russia to allow international roaming. This would involve the three parties collaborating on business and technical aspects, as well as other WiMAX operators and Clearwire's Global Alliance Partner Program members.
HTC on Wednesday rounded out the last of its major touchscreen phone introductions with its highest-performing device yet. The MAX 4G is the production version of the T8290 and shares the 3.8-inch, 800x480 screen of the Touch HD but adds a WiMAX connection for 4G-level Internet access in the multi-megabit range. A GSM connection is still built in to make conventional phone calls.
HTC could be developing an even more advanced cellphone than its upcoming Touch HD, according to an alleged leak. So far codenamed only the T8290, the handset would have the same 3.8-inch touchscreen, Windows Mobile 6.1, and TouchFLO interface as the Touch HD but add in a WiMAX connection that would give it 4G speeds on the few networks that currently support the standard. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are also present, as is a back camera at an unknown resolution.
