While carriers around the world are still working on their 4G LTE network deployment plans, the next generation of cellular networks is being worked on by Samsung. The manufacturer has announced it has developed an adaptive array transceiver technology, which will apparently form the core of 5G networks by 2020.
Network equipment manufacturer Cisco is intending to acquire Israel-based networking software producer Intucell for $475 million. The deal would give Cisco more options to offer its customers in terms of software-defined networking, as well as access to Intucell's existing agreements with telecommunications companies such as AT&T, something that Intucell provides some of the infrastructure for.
AT&T has rolled out its 4G LTE network in 15 new markets in the United States, and expanded network coverage in a number of already-live locations. Ten have gone live today, while five others were launched earlier this week -- pushing the total overall number of markets AT&T's 4G LTE network is operational in to 124.
Printers manufactured by Samsung have been found to have a glaring security weakness -- most all models built before October 31, 2012 have a backdoor administrator account that could enable attackers to modify configurations, read network information, access stored credentials, and potentially execute malicious code. The SNMP account in the printers reportedly has full read and write permissions, and remains accessible to network assault even when turned off using the printer's maintenance utility.
A new phone network in the UK has launched, with a focus on donating to charity. Titled The People's Operator, the carrier will offer a quarter of the company's profits to good causes through its own charitable foundation, as well as allowing customers to donate 10-percent of their monthly costs directly to a cause of their own choice.
Google is rumored to be in talks with Dish Network over creating a new wireless carrier, competing against Verizon and AT&T. Though it is not clear if a Google-supported mobile phone network will come to fruition, the software giant's move to wireless mirrors early discussions it had over its gigabit fiber project in Kansas City, and could potentially end up disrupting the mobile carrier industry.
A research center has been created in the UK to help in the development in 5G networks. The 5G Center is a partnership between the University of Surrey and various mobile companies, which will look into maximizing the use of the limited radio spectrum available, as well as making the future standard “greener” than previous versions.
A study suggests that AT&T has the fastest 3G network but lacks consistency in connection speed, reports CNN Money. Data from the CarrierCompare app (free, App Store) found the connection offered by Verizon, although half the speed of AT&T, to be far more consistent throughout the day. Sprint appeared to be the slowest of the three carriers, however it had the most consistency in the tests.
Sprint Nextel on Tuesday reported that will begin phasing out the Nextel network as early as June 30, 2013. While the long-term plan had already been announced, Tuesday marked the first time that actual dates for shutdown had been discussed. This move will eliminate the signature walkie-talkie feature of Nextel phones. Sprint has already begun adding phones with a similar push-to-talk feature, with other connectivity technologies replacing the bandwidth-heavy iDEN in an effort to discourage push-to-talk users from leaving the network..
Today in the MacNN forums one Fresh-Faced Recruit was setting up a small network and ran into some problems with the network when a new computer is added, read more here. Also today one Forum Regular had some questions about webpage icons, join in here.
A group of German physicists from the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics has succeeded in building the first working prototype for a quantum network. The network has the ability to send, receive and store quantum data between two different locations using fiber optics. Although only rudimentary at this early stage, the team from Max Planck say that the design can be further refined and is scalable.
Verizon has finally shed light on the frequent outages that have affected the company's expanding 4G LTE network. In an interview with GigaOM, Verizon network engineering VP Mike Haberman downplayed the recent problems as "growing pains" that are a result of the company's position as "pioneers" rolling out a large deployment of new technology.
Metakine has announced its new Mac application access monitor, Hands Off! 1.0. Premiering this Monday, Oct. 4, HandsOff! 1.0 will monitor applications and control their access to both networks and disk data. It shows users what information is being passed in activities that would otherwise be invisible, giving users control over what personal information is moving to the web. It can limit applications from storing cookies or sending information back to the software's designers.
Centrify has announced a second update to its flagship product, Centrify Suite 2010, which adds a dozen new UNIX and Linux platforms to the list of supported operating systems for its Active Directory-based access management and identity verification tool. Centrify Express, its free version, has also been updated with Solaris and OpenSolaris support.
The regional no-contract carrier MetroPCS has revealed that the Samsung R900 will be known as the Craft when it launches in conjunction with the carrier's planned Long Term Evolution (LTE) rollout scheduled for later this year. The first 4G phone in the US, it also won't cost extra beyond a 3G device and will retail for around $300. The phone will use LTE only for data and will still depend on CDMA for voice.
LaCie on Tuesday introduced updates to it d2, 2big and 5big network-attached storage (NAS) systems. Version 2 of each device features a new 1.2GHz CPU for improved data transfer rates of up to 70 MB per second. Users can now take advantage of a widget-based interface from most web browsers, while the software will automatically search for updates. The company has also added a USB interface to each system.
RemObjects has launched a new tool for Mac OS and iPhone developers, RemObjects SDK for OS X. The fully native OS X framework is compatible with Xcode, Cocoa and Objective-C. It focuses on cross-platform remote-access capable client/server software, allowing designers to include network communication capabilities within their apps. The new RemObjects framework is compatible with its sister products on the Linux/Windows side, allowing for easy communication between all three platforms.
Bjango has released iStat 1.0, a network monitoring app that allows users to check up on thier Macs. The app also provides detailed iPhone stats, including available memory, IP addresses, usage and load averages. Included network tools allow users to ping servers and resolve hostnames with traceroute. The Melbourne-based developer says iStat also includes a "Free Memory" tool which works to free up unused space reserved by third-party iPhone applications.
In light of a large roundabout of finger-pointing, a study reveals that the slow iPhone 3G speeds are stemming from poorly implemented carrier networks, rather than reported firmware issues with the device. Wired offered its Gadget Lab test results, collected from over 2600 international users, showing that Apple's highly-coveted iPhone is limited by overall network performance, rather than being susceptible to poor performance, due to its firmware or hardware components.
Delta Air Lines announced on Tuesday it will offer broadband Wi-Fi access on all domestic flights in 2009, equipping over 330 airplanes with the ability to access the Aircell-created Gogo network. The service will allow data transfer speeds of more than 12Mbps, and will be offered in both first and economy classes. It will give Delta the distinction of being the first and only US airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi on all domestic flights.
After trials in New York, T-Mobile is preparing to unveil its nation-wide 3G network on October 1st, according to a poster that reveals a selection of major US cities to first receive the service. While members of the community previously tossed around the date, the poster confirms that users in Los Angeles, as Vegas, Dallas, New Jersey, Washington, and 21 other cities will be able to use 3G-capable T-Mobile devices with the network's faster transfer rates and superior call quality.
Mac-based social network net4mac has updated its software to version 1.5. net4mac is a Mac-only social network, with Mac-integrated software that allows users to build profiles, add friends, contact other users, create events and search for members using specific criteria. The new update has a completely rewritten chat function, with an improved geolocation feature (for finding members on a map) and an upgraded user interface with better feedback. It also adds forums, new tips and tricks and numerous bug fixes. The free net4mac software runs on Mac OS X 10.4 and higher.
Cynical Peak Software has released Rivet 1.1, a new version of that software that enables users to stream video, music, and photos from Mac OS X to an Xbox 360 over your home network. 1.1 adds better media browsing support and fixes performance and stability issues. Your Mac's folder structure and organization is completely reproduced to allow you to find what you want to view. Features include music streaming of your iTunes library, photo streaming of your iPhoto library and user defined folders, video streaming from user defines folders and full organization support
Warner Bros. Television is expanding its internet distribution, announcing new deals with TiVo, Joost, Sling Media, Daily Motion and Veoh Networks for a “number of advertiser-supported branded channels.” The deal includes TheWB.com ad KidsWB.com, which were announced in April. The move gives Warner more platforms to broaden its reach in the increasingly crowded television marketplace -- and more opportunities to catch the elusive 16-34 year-old advertising demographic.
Sprint is currently facing a heavy decision on what to do with the Nextel network, whether it should continue to invest in it, turn it into a standalone company, or simply cease operating the Nextel brand altogether. MocoNews writes that Sprint CEO Dan Hesse recently gave a bit of insight to shareholders, saying that he does not see the iDEN network (which currently is only in use by Sprint) disappearing in the near future, and insists it is the best primary choice for network service. Hesse expects that Motorola would continue to support the technology, even with the company's current wireless problems.
Telstra on Thursday announced it would be the third Australian iPhone carrier, and that the company's expected June launch date could indicate that it will carry the 3G iPhone. CNET reports that the carrier joins Optus and Vodafone, and will allegedly offer a multi-frequency HSDPA-compatible device, allowing it to work on both competitors' networks and its own Next G network. Telstra declined to comment on the arrangement, but it would potentially be announced before the end of the month.
Verizon on Thursday responded to Google's filing, allegedly spinning the situation that Google – not Verizon – is trying to "change the rules" of the now-closed auction. The response comes to a filing with the FCC, where Google claims Verizon is not going to live up to the terms of a truly open network. It fears that, if left unchecked, open devices such as Google's Android platform would be deadlocked with Verizon, despite the open nature of the portion of the 700MHz spectrum Verizon won.
Tivoli on Wednesday announced that the NetWorks – the company's mono digital music player – will ship within a few weeks. The unit is capable of streaming internet radio over WiFi or Ethernet, and also includes a USB port and audio input port for connecting to a number of different portable music devices. The player is expandable, with options for stereo output, CDs, a subwoofer, or surround sound setup. The Tivoli NetWorks starts at $600 for the monaural unit.
T-Mobile's impending unveiling of its 3G network will reportedly be voice only initially, with data communications to follow later. The news comes in a note received by Engadget, which goes contrary to most competing providers. Cellular companies such as Cingular, Verizon, and Sprint all have their own 3G network segments that either went up as data card-only, or as a simultaneous release of both data and voice services.
Netgear has debuted a new series of small form-factor, 6-bay network attached storage (NAS) devices under the ReadyNAS nameskae. They include 1.5TB, 3TB and TB offerings, delivering centralized network storage to up to 200 users. The devices support RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and auto-expandable X-RAID2. They also feature dual redundant Gigabit Ethernet ports for failover protection. The ReadyNAS Pro products support up to six SATA I or SATA II hard drives via six lockable, hot-swappable disk trays. Three USB 2.0 ports enable the connection of USB drives or printers.
Microsoft has announced that Windows XP SP3 has been released to manufacturing and will be released for download on April 29th as a standalone installer. It will be available in early Summer as an automatic update. Windows XP SP3 includes all previously released Windows XP updates, including security updates and hotfixes, and select out-of-band releases. Microsoft says it's not adding significant Windows Vista functionality to Windows XP through SP3. However, SP3 does include Network Access Protection (NAP) to" help organizations that use Windows XP to take advantage of new features in the Windows Server 2008 operating system."
A problem with Apple computers accessing the New York Department of Education's wireless networks is freezing the school board's orders for the computers. A technical liaison for one of the New York City public schools tells MacNN that the issue seems to revolve around the new iMacs shipping with Leopard, but could surface in other Leopard-imaged machines. The DOE is currently in discussion with Apple to resolve the problem.
Rivet 1.0 has been released, enabling users to stream video, music, and photos from Mac OS X to an Xbox 360 over a home network. Rivet allows users to quickly browse and view their entire collection of digital media from from anywhere in the house on their Xbox 360. The Mac OS X folder structure and organization is completely reproduced to allow you to quickly find the appropriate media. Features include: Music streaming of your iTunes library; Photo streaming of your iPhoto library and user defined folders; Video streaming from user defines folders; Full organization support, your mac is recreated on the Xbox 360 and quick automatic updating on the Xbox 360 when files are added, deleted, or moved. The tool requires Mac OS X v10.5 or later, uses iTunes for music sharing and requires a networked Xbox 360. Rivet is priced at $19.
Memeo today unveiled LifeAgent 2.2, a new version to its automated software backup solution, that introduces support for Flickr and .Mac iDisks. Using LifeAgent, users can automatically back up data to a network folder, external hard drive, removable media, the internet, and now Flicker and iDisk. By securing multiple backup locations, LifeAgent helps ensure that data will be safe in the event of an emergency. LifeAgent is available for $30 from Memeo's website.
Piper Jaffray Senior Analyst Gene Munster is reiterating his theory that Apple will soon introduce new iPhones capable of operating on 3G networks, using T-Mobile's recent price cut on 8GB phones as his latest evidence. First confirming that T-Mobile cut the price of the 8GB iPhone to EUR99 from EUR399 ($156 from $624) while the price of the 16GB model remains at EUR499, Munster notes that the promotion runs through June 30, and requires a two-year contract and the high end data plan. Munster says this is "a sign T-Mobile is draining its channel ahead of a new iPhone launch."
AT&T today held a conference call regarding its acquisitions in the 700MHz spectrum, and confirmed that it will use the Long Term Evolution system for its upcoming 4G telecommunications infrastructure. Representatives during the call told MacNN its B-block acquisitions of the 700MHz spectrum would allow it to cover 87 percent of the US populace with its 4G architecture, and would give it finer control over its network and applications. Since it is a closed system, it allows AT&T to enable or restrict certain devices.
Starz has begun selling its television series' through the iTunes Store, joining Showtime as a premium network offering shows ala carte through Apple's digital distribution system. Marc DeBevoise, Senior Vice President of business development and strategy for Starz, announced that Starz would be joining iTunes during the Future of Television West conference in Hollywood yesterday. Currently only two shows from Starz are offered through iTunes; Head Case and Hollywood residential.
Confirming earlier reports about an Austrian iPhone, T-Mobile appears to have a website prepared for a launch tomorrow. According to the page, handsets will be priced at €399 for the 8GB version, and €499 for 16GB. T-Mobile is offering two different rates for monthly plans, one at €39, and one at €55. The lower priced plan includes 1000 minutes for all networks, and 25 Cents for text messages, while the upper plan includes 1000 SMS messages, 1000 minutes on T-Mobile networks, and 1000 minutes for others.
American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu today released a note to investors regarding the renewed competition between the iPhone, with its new ActiveSync functionality, and the Blackberry. While users of the Blackberry claim the platform features better security through encryption, network management and efficiency, as well as push email, ActiveSync advocates highlight simplicity, less expense, and features its own security benefits.
During a conference discussing the company's quarterly results, CBS Corporation CEO Leslie Moonves pointed out that her firm's Showtime division currently has six shows in the iTunes top sellers group according to setteB. The Showtime shows at in the top sellers group include "Weeds," "Dexter", "David Chapelle," "The Tudors", "This American life" and "Californication". The top standing shows from all channels are, in order,: "Terminator: the chronicles Sarah Connor (WB production and broadcast by Fox) followed by" Lost "(ABC)," Wildfire "(ABC Family)," Family guy: blue harvest "(Fox) , "Breaking bad" (Sony production for AMC), "Family guy" (Fox), "Terminator: the chronicles Sarah Connor (WB production and broadcast by Fox)," Lost "(ABC)," Paradise Hotel 2 "(Fox Reality) and" Lost "(ABC). Note that none of these shows come from the general CBS network.
Claiming to mimic the design of its Viera line of Plasma televisions on a handheld device, Panasonic has introduced the P905iTV, a new sliding handset featuring "one-segment" mobile TV on Japan's DoCoMo network. The device offers frame conversion technology from 15 frames to 30 frames per second on 3.5 inch full-wide VGA large screen. The new handheld's screen has a contrast ratio ratio of 4000:1 and uses "LCD Artificial Intelligence" which adjusts the brightness of a display automatically and LSI based on "UniPhier" for mobile phone for power saving. The phone also features 3G international roaming and HSDPA, autofocus 2.0 megapixels camera with six-axis image stabilizer and link functions to audio and visual equipment.
Despite Apple's optimistic target of 10 million iPhones by the end of 2008, some analysts are skeptical, and others say the device may not be as profitable for the company as originally thought. According to MarketWatch, Apple faces an additional challenge in that as many as one million iPhones are unaccounted for on partner networks, and are assumed to be unlocked. These "missing" iPhones could ultimately contribute to almost $1.3 billion in lost subscription revenue over two years, should Apple meet the goal of 10 million sold.
An EDGE network outage that seems to be based around pre-paid AT&T iPhone GO clients is on its fifth day today, leaving many without mobile internet access. According to Scott Kleinberg of iPhone, Therefore I Blog, users have been experiencing intermittent success surrounded by failure to access the EDGE network. Several have reported switching to the billed service and are back on the network. AT&T has not officially commented on the matter, other than to say they are working on a solution to the problem.
FileReplicationPro today unveiled a Mac OS X Real Time Replicator, software that offers instantaneous file replication for Mac OS X and mixed operating system server environments. Rather than waiting for scheduled replications across a large server network, FileReplicationPro uses Filesystem Event Notifications to capture changes to files as they occur, and synchronizes these changes throughout a network. A single server license is available for $500, with bulk discounts also available.
LANDesk Software today unveiled LANDesk Security Suite 8.8, an update that brings data leakage progression, wireless access point detection enhancements, patch management, host intrusion prevention, and other enterprise-level benefits. Data leakage prevention allows administrators to govern what information can leave a facility, reducing the chance that sensitive data will be made available to malicious or naive employees. New customers can purchase LANDesk Security Suite 8.8 for $60.
Silex Technology today announced the SX-2000WG+ USB device server (site not updated, similar product shown at right) with isochronous data transfer support. The SX-2000WG+ allows multiple Mac and PC users to easily share streaming video and audio USB devices like webcams or speakers over an 802.11b/g wireless network or an Ethernet wired network. The device also supports virtually all other types of USB devices, according to Silex, and uses the SX Virtual Link software to provide transparent network access to USB devices. Priced at $150, the SX-2000WG+ is slated for shipment this month.
Nexsan today unveiled the SATABeast Xi, an energy-efficient, high-density storage solution optimized for use with Xserve and Mac Pro computers. The 4U rackmount offers up to 42TB of storage, which take advantage of AutoMAID technology – MAID stands for Massive Array of Idle Disks. This allows the SATABeast to conserve energy and prolong disk life, while still maintaining almost instantaneous access to user data. SATABeast Xi includes fibre channel and iSCSI connectors, making it platform independent, and uses a Mac OS X-like interface for customization. Nexsan will ship the drive array in March, with prices starting at $1200 per Terabyte.
Nova Media today unveiled a new USB modem for use on EDGE, GPRS, HSUPA and 3G UMTS compatible networks, allowing for up to 7.2Mbit per second. The GlobeSurfer ICON HSUPA functions on 850/1900/2100MHz HSUPA and UMTS networks, with 850/900/1800/1900Mhz functionality for EDGE and GPRS. Over 300 preset connections are included with Nova’s Launch2net software, and features instant connectivity on a Mac. Nova Media’s GlobeSurfer Icon HSUPA is currently shipping, and is available from the company’s website for approximately $450.
Netgear today announced new drives in its ReadyNAS line of shared network drives, coming in 1.5TB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB Desktop and 4TB Rackmount sizes. The drives feature a Gigabit Ethernet connector to hook the drive up to networking equipment with Jumbo Frames support which provides maximum data throughput speeds. The ReadyNAS drives feature RAID levels 0, 1, and 5, and use Netgear's proprietary X-RAID technology, allowing users to scale their RAID setups from 1 to 4 disks, or more. Netgear is selling the drives starting from $1100, and are available through retailers nationwide.
Thursby Software Systems recently announced upgrades to its Mac networking products, DAVE 7.0 and ADmitMac 4.0, bringing compatibility with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. The Arlington, Texas-based company says that the products offer significant networking stability over and above what Apple's operating system provides. Both updates are freely available from Thursby's website for users who purchased prior versions after July 31st, 2007, while new users can purchase DAVE for $120, and ADmitMac for $150, both of which have several licensing options.
