A fresh new Android 4.4 KitKat build is available for the all Nexus 7 models, the recently released KRT16S firmware version.
A few days ago, Google rolled out KitKat version KRT16S to address several bugs including an encryption bug that could have affected devices in the future – apparently devices would have remained undecryptable in the unfortunate even the users entered the wrong password after an update...
Read the full story here... Source: Android Authoity
Should you Invest in Holiday Ethernet ? ... relying on WiFi whilst on holiday or a business trip is often not the ideal solution, let's take a look at some alternatives.
I am the 'Geek Ambassador' for Hotspot Shield ...
Get behind the Shield here.
Last week, it was reported that a growing number of owners of Apple's new MacBook Air were experiencing Wi-Fi issues, with users reporting problems such as dropped connections that require a restart in order to reconnect. It was reported earlier this weekthat Apple has been replacing affected machines and collecting the defective units in order to examine them as part of the company's investigation into the issue.
As noted by AppleInsider, Apple is now sending out invitations to certain MacBook Air owners asking if they wish to participate in the company's AppleSeed customer software seeding program for the purposes of testing a new "MacBook Air WiFi Update 1.0". While Apple does not specify in its invitation exactly what problem the software update is designed to address, it presumably focuses on the connection issues being reported by users.
You have been selected to join our AppleSeed program. If you accept, we will provide you with a pre-release version of the MacBookAir WiFi Update 1.0 to install and use.
While trying out MacBookAir WiFi Update 1.0, we ask that you provide us with your feedback. Our program includes a bug reporting system for our participants. If you wish to be a seed volunteer and help Apple release high-quality software, follow the instructions below.
Beyond the connection issues, Apple's OS X 10.8.4 public release and OS X Mavericks beta also appear to have a software issue that prevents machines supporting the new 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard from taking advantage of the faster speeds for file transfers. It is, however, unclear whether Apple will address this issue for current MacBook Air owners through this software update in testing or through a separate update such as the upcoming OS X 10.8.5 update.
Source: Mac Rumours
Soon wireless subscribers won't even have to think about signing on to a Wi-Fi hot spot. New standards that will be included in the latest generation of products will take the headache out of Wi-Fi.
Millions of wireless customers access public Wi-Fi hot spots every day. Some people get free access to Wi-Fi through their mobile operator and use the networks to avoid going over their data caps. Others subscribe to Wi-Fi services to get access to higher-speed data wherever it's available. Whether you use free Wi-Fi or you subscribe to a service, getting on to whatever Wi-Fi network you are using is not always a simple and easy process. Often you have to search for a hot spot. Then you have to sign in with a username and password. And if it's a paid hot spot, you have to enter payment credentials...
Read the full story here. Source: CNET
Samsung has added another device to its ever growing portfolio, and this time it's a minor -- very minor -- change to the Galaxy Camera. Until now, the Galaxy Camera has only been available to purchase with a cellular radio inside, and cellular radios always add something to the price of a device. Today Samsung announces the launch of a Wifi-only variant of their connected camera.
Other than the lack of a radio, everything else about the Galaxy Camera remains intact. You still get a pretty impressive 4.8 inch HD display on the back, with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Touchwiz Nature UX on there, and a quad-core processor inside making everything hum along just nicely. Samsung promises that the Wifi-only Galaxy Camera will be more affordable than its LTE capable counterpart, but fails to provide an actual price at this time. Or any availability information. But, we're sure we'll see this appear in the coming days and weeks.
[Source: AndroidCentral]
SCEJ President Hiroshi Kawano introduced a PS Vita info session earlier today. Detailing "everyone's PlayStation Vita," he announced a price drop for Japanese models right from the outset. Starting from February 28th, the price will drop down to 19,980 yen for both the 3G (previously 30,000 yen) and WiFi (once 25,000 yen) models. Yep, both will receive a substantial price-cut alongside a a 7-day free trial of PS Plus (including Uncharted, Ridge Racer and four more titles free during February), plus a free download campaign for its Torne TV service until the end of March. No word on whether the rest of the world will benefit from the same price reduction, but we've got in touch with Sony Computer Entertainment to check. Maybe we'll hear more on Wednesday.
Update: And SCE aren't saying anything more about those price drops elsewhere -- you can wait two days, right?
[Source: Engadget]
Channel 4 has finally brought a dedicated 4oD app to Android, a whole 16 months after making its grand debut on iOS.
The app is extremely similar to the iPhone version, and lets you locate and stream programmes from Channel 4's hoard of shows, including but not limited to, The Undateables, 8 out of 10 Cats, How I Met Your Mother, Utopia (above) and Black Mirror.
You also get access to older shows like Black Books or Brass Eye (yes, the list was alphabetical, what of it?), so you should find plenty to keep you entertained.
Like the iOS version however, the app won't let you stream video over 3G, instead limiting you to viewing over a Wi-Fi connection, like the one you probably have at home. Where you probably also have a telly. Hmm.
There's no live TV, or the ability to download shows and watch them offline, both of which are present in the BBC's iPlayer app. Channel 4 has promised that those features will be coming to both iOS and Android in early 2013, so stay tuned for an update.
The app will work on "most Android devices running version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above," Channel 4 says, and is apparently optimised for popular 'droid devices like the Nexus 7,Nexus 4 and Samsung Galaxy S3.
The app gets around the thorny issue of recent Android gadgets having trouble running Flash. If you've got an older Android gadget (as many people do), then your only hope for now is to use the in-browser viewer, which you can find here.
The app has frustrated some early downloaders, with some complaining about only being able to view video over Wi-Fi, glitches spoiling their fun, or an inability to make the app play via a TV. "'Video not available. Please try later' on every single video," one review reads. "'Makes no sense... one star until it works properly," says another.
[Source: CNET]
The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Report and Order today that updated regulatory requirements needed to provide broadband services on aircraft. In short, the commission has designated Earth Stations Aboard Aircraft -- the broadband modules placed on the exterior of aircraft -- as a licensed application and established a set regulatory process for future providers. What this means is that airlines will be able to select FCC-approved systems, verify that systems don't interfere with aircraft instruments, and obtain FAA approval in about half the time it takes now. The new FCC guidelines should make it easier for smaller airlines to install WiFi on their jets, allowing them to catch up to legacy carriers with nearly fleetwide internet access. This news might also be a mixed blessing for frequent flyers, some of whom see flying as the last bastion of peace in an otherwise connected world.
[Source: Engadget]
Earlier today, Apple released a WiFi update for late 2012 Mac systems. The new software improves compatibility for devices on the 5GHz band and requires that your machine be running OS X 10.8.2. Qualified users looking to expand their system's connectivity can snag the 1.49MB update through the Apple Menu's Software Update tab, or by visiting the source link below.
[Source: Engadget]
Soon there will be no where left to hide in London Town. The city is quickly becoming one giant WiFi hotspot, just as mayor Boris Johnson promised. Its iconic red phone boxes, the Thames, the Underground and even a minicab company have all been hooked up with free wireless. Now a plan has been approved to turn every famous black cab into a rolling 802.11 beacon. Company Eyetease has received approval from Transport for London to equip the vehicles with WiFi antennas that will provide 15 minutes of free high-speed data in exchange for sitting through a 15-second commercial. As the cabs ride through the city, the on board router will dynamically switch between 3G and 4G networks to maintain a constant connection. And, in an effort to get cab drivers hooked for the early 2013 launch, the CabWiFi service will provide special driver accounts that provide unlimited and commercial free service. The only thing left to do is figure out what it says about the city that its residents can't go 15 minutes in a cab without high speed internet access. Maybe you can Google it at the next red light.
[Source: Engadget]
While all-in-one printers usually tote print, copy, scan and fax capabilities, we're hardly ones to complain if we get something more. The aptly-named HP Hotspot LaserJet Pro M1218nfs also crams in a WiFi hotspot -- opening up the world wide web for access on up to eight devices at a time. Other than swallowing a wireless hub, the laser printer also boasts Apple AirPrint along with HP's ePrint and wireless direct for tether-free printing. Out in India for 18,306 rupees ($330), we're awaiting word on stateside availability. Now it isn't really up to us to say if that NFS in its monicker points to speed, but a quick tap on the source link is enough to throw up the full specs.
[Source: Engadget]
RIM's BlackBerry 10 launch isn't scheduled until January 30th, but BBM faithful can try out a new feature on their existing handsets -- voice calling. Brand new for BBM 7 it lets users bypass the text chat their thumbs have been used to and directly talk via the service, as long as they're connected to a WiFi network, no 3G / 4G allowed. That connection restriction takes some of the shine off, but BlackBerry users traveling to / living in far locales with minute-restricted SIM cards or less reliable infrastructure make make the most use of it. Voice allows for direct initiation of calls, switching from text chat to a call, using both in split screen and has an indicator to let users know when their friends are open for a chat. That's not the only BBM 7 upgrade however, as the service is now deeply integrated with one BlackBerry ID, which backs up their profile, groups and contacts for easy switching to a new device. Currently BBM 7 is available in beta for BlackBerry OS 6 or higher smartphones, with support for BlackBerry 5 planned "at a future date." If you're interested, hit the Beta Zone to sign up for access at the link below, or check out the press release after the break for more details.
[Source: Engadget]