A team of artists, technologists and designers in Germany have created a device which they believe can block wireless surveillance. The machine, called Cyborg Unplug, works by detecting wireless networks in the surrounding area and then acting against that signal. Source: BBC Date: November 11th, 2014 Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-29801921 Discussion 1) Should it be legal to… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Wi-Fi
4 ways 4G will change your life
Discussion: It may seem as if we are constantly inundated with upgrades and fancier apps and gadgets–so much so that it is hard to tell which new features will actually improve the functionality of our mobile devices, and which are just not worth the effort. Moving from 3G speed to 4G is an improvement that will change the… Read more »
Cable companies to expand free Wi-Fi
Discussion: Cable companies are going to begin to allow subscribers to use free Wi-Fi hotspots if they travel outside of their home network area. The companies are working on ways to store users credentials so that they will be immediately logged on, thus making it extremely easy to use. The companies believe that Wi-Fi is… Read more »
Itsy-bitsy teeny cell towers are coming
Discussion: As smart phone and tablet usage soars, the capacity of cell towers is being overloaded. In order to remedy this problem, cell phone companies have come up with mini-cell towers placed in more frequent locations. The small cells are much more efficient at utilizing the diminishing wireless spectrum. The tiny towers can cut down… Read more »
Google fined in Street View probe
Discussion: The FCC fined Google $25,000 for intentionally impeding and delaying an investigation into Street View, Google’s street mapping system. Street view cars in 30 countries logged private information, such as passwords and email addresses, from unsecured Wi-Fi networks. The FCC has significant questions about the Street View project, and have subpoenaed the Google engineer who… Read more »
Turning the homeless into 4G hotspots
Discussion: Homeless residents of Austin, TX, have been turned into mobile hotspots. In a combination marketing stunt and charitable event, homeless participants were given a Verizon MiFi 4G hotspot for South by Southwest participants to use. Access is pay what-you-want, though $2 per 15 minutes is the suggested donation. Not only does the project offer… Read more »
Really? IBM predicts the end of the digital divide in 5 years
Discussion: At their annual conference, IBM predicted that the digital divide, the divide between those who have digital devices and those who do not, would cease to exist in 5 years. IBM predicts that because of price and increased ease of use, in five years digital devices will be available to everyone. Many are skeptical… Read more »
Amazon unveils $199 Kindle Fire tablet and $79 e-ink Kindle
Discussion: Amazon recently released its version of a tablet, which costs about half of what iPads are currently selling for. Amazon is aiming to undercut the price of Apple’s iPad in hopes of gaining some of their market share. Amazon’s tablet does not have all of the functions that most tablets come with (like a… Read more »
InfoWeek – Dartmouth College Goes Wireless
Description: Faced with a telecommunications infrastructure that’s unable to support its sprawling campus in rural New Hampshire, Dartmouth College is investing in wireless technology that will allow it to expand its main campus network to off-site buildings. Source: Elena Malykhina, InfoWeek Date: 3/11/2005 Link: http://www.informationweek.com/news/software/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=159401531 Discussion Questions: What types… Read more »
Newshour – Cities Go Wireless
Description: Article on the expanded use & implementation of wireless technology. The broadband or high-speed Internet connections that were once found only in universities and businesses can now be found in more than 37 million locations, including homes, libraries and schools. According to the Federal Communications Commission, this number is up from only 7 million in… Read more »
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