Apple Will use 802.11ac WiFi Standard This Year

According to Apple Insider, Apple is planning on adopting the new 802.11ac wifi standard across their product line this year. 802.11ac has a max speed of over 1 gigabit per second, more than three times faster than the current wireless N. Broadcom will be releasing 802.11ac chips soon that feature better range and power efficiency than existing chips. Don't forget that you'll need an 802.11ac capable router to harness the full 802.11ac speed.

WRAN (And how it's going to cover the Earth with internet)

The IEEE 802.22 WRAN standard has been finalized to allow the use of white space—the part of the wireless spectrum in between TV channels—for internet access. This will allow 22Mbps “Super WiFi” to blanket a theoretical 62 mile radius using just one transmitter. As noted by Ars Technica, only 307 stations would be needed to cover the entire United States under optimal (but not realistic) conditions. It’s unknown how long it will take to become ubiquitous, but combined with LTE, WiMAX, and WiFi hotspots, a constant data connection anywhere in the world is becoming a very real possibility.

[Ars Technica] via iFans

iOS 5 Key Features

Key Points:

• To be released this fall as a free update
• Available for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 4G, iPod touch 3G, iPad, and iPad 2
• Contains over 200 new features, most notably being: all-new and improved notifications, iMessage text messaging between iOS devices, Twitter integration, and new camera and Safari features

This major update to Apple’s mobile operating system will be available in the fall as a free update for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 4G, iPod touch 3G, iPad, and iPad 2. There doesn’t seem to be any notion towards limited features for older-generation devices, but we’ll work on confirming this. If you want, you can enter your email address and Apple will notify you when it is released. iOS 5 contains over 200 new features, the following being the most notable: all-new and improved notifications, iMessage text messaging, a newsstand illustrating all of your App Store subscriptions, an official creative to-do application called Reminders, in-app Twitter integration, new camera features such as grids, photo editing and enhancing abilities, new Safari features included tabbed browsing on iPad, and the ability to setup and use your iOS device without a Mac or PC. Here’s a breakdown of some of these and other features:

Revamped Notifications

Currently, notifications can easily become a nuisance when you’re playing games or using other applications. They pop up, they’re obtrusive. In iOS 5, notifications are all-new and improved. There’s a new drop-down menu called Notification Center, which allows you to keep track of all of your notifications in one convenient location. Perhaps Apple took a lesson or two from the notification system on Android–they now have striking similarities. To reveal Notification Center, you simply swipe down and you can then choose which notifications you would like to see. If you want to delete the notification, you can simply tap the “x” button located next to it. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a “clear all” option for deleting your entire queue of notifications. This is something, however, that could be seen in a future update. New notifications also appear briefly at the top of your screen, without interrupting what you’re doing. Furthermore, they appear on your lock screen for quick access.

iMessage

This is an official application designed by Apple that allows you to send text messages to other iOS devices over Wi-Fi or 3G. It’s compatible with any iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad that is able to be upgraded to iOS 5. This is another new iOS feature that his strikingly resemblance to another company’s features, this time it being RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).

Newstand

Another application designed by Apple. This one adopts the iBooks bookshelf design as a convenient place to show you all of your App Store subscriptions. This includes newspapers and magazines, which the app will alert you about when there is new issues available. There is also a new section on the App Store that is specifically dedicated to subscriptions.

Reminders

You can create reminders for yourself in a neat and clear to-do list. There’s also integrated calendars for your convenience. Reminders also works with iCal, Outlook, and iCloud, so changes you make update automatically on all your devices and calendars.

Twitter

Twitter integration is another prominent feature of iOS 5. Of course, Twitter is already available on iOS devices in a variety of different formats—through Safari, the official Twitter app, or other apps on the App Store—but this is different. You sign in once in the settings, and you can then tweet directly from Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, or Maps. You’ll be able to tweet text, photos, videos, and more. It would be nice if this functionality was able to be added to third-party apps from the App Store, but we can’t confirm this functionality just yet. You can add a location to your tweets based on your iOS device’s location tracking ability.

Safari

There’s a variety of new features in this mobile browser from tabbed browsing on iPad to the Safari Reader. The latter allows you to display web articles without any ads or any other distractions. There’s also Reading List, which saves webpages offline for later viewing. These webpages can be synced with iCloud.

“PC Free”

This is perhaps the most creative feature of iOS 5. Thanks to a combination of Apple’s iCloud service, on-device software updates, and on-device setup, you’ll be able to use your iOS device without ever connecting or configuring it with a Mac or PC. You can do everything wirelessly and backup and restore your iOS device through iCloud.

Other Noteworthy Features:

• Wi-Fi Sync: You’ll be able to sync your iOS device with iTunes wirelessly, and automatic syncing is also available.
• Mail: You can now use text properties such as underline, italics, and bold. Your iCloud account is also connected to Mail.
• New Multitasking Gestures (using four or five fingers):
• Swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar
• Pinch to return to the home screen
• Swipe left or right to switch between apps

[via iFans]

Next Generation Portable by Sony

In a move that shocked precisely no one, Sony confirmed months of speculation by officially unveiling their next handheld video game system at a press event in Tokyo on Thursday.

Codenamed "NGP" for Next Generation Portable, the system packs a load of impressive technology, including two analog sticks, a 5-inch OLED touchscreen (for reference, an iPhone's screen is 3.5 inches), a second touchscreen on the back of the device, and a new flash-card media format.

Sony announced that the system will be released before the end of 2011, though no word on whether that's a worldwide date or just for Japan. No pricing details were released.

To better compete with longtime rival Nintendo's soon-to-be-released 3DS system and Apple's formidable iOS devices, the NGP will also feature 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, front and rear cameras, an electronic compass, and six-axis motion-sensing capability. Yikes. Five to one it will also cut through this tin can!

Sony revealed a few other NGP functions, such as a location-based application that lets users find nearby players and a user-interface that ties social-networking features to every game.  The system has a new rounded form factor as well (Sony calls it the 'Super Oval Design') and is physically a bit larger than the current PSP-3000 model.

A slew of first-party NGP games were announced -- including new titles in the Hot Shots Golf, LittleBigPlanet, WipeOut, Killzone, Resistance and (gasp!) Uncharted franchises -- as well as games from publishers like Capcom, Sega, Tecmo, Konami, and Activision, who will be bringing blockbuster franchise Call of Duty to the system.

Much of Sony's presser focused on the NGP's varied control schemes. In addition to standard game fare like a D-pad and shoulder and face buttons, the system is the first of its kind to include dual analog sticks -- a feature widely requested by PSP fans. Motion-sensing control via the built-in gyroscopes was also on display, but perhaps most impressive is the dual touchscreen interface. The touch pad on the back of the device is positioned directly underneath the main screen, which allows for innovative 'pinch' control by using the two touchscreens simultaneously.

The device is a serious step up from Sony's last handheld release, the underwhelming PSP Go, which did little to help Sony gain ground on Nintendo's league-leading DS line. However, DS sales have slipped in recent months in anticipation of the 3DS, which produces 3D visuals without the need of special glasses.

While Sony failed to announce a PSP-capable phone (as many had expected), the company did find time to unveil the Playstation Suite, a cross-platform service that will make Playstation games available on Android phones and tablets.

[via Yahoo]

Hyundai puts Equus Owners Manual on iPad

Hyundai isn't a name most buyers instantly associate with luxury or higher-end hardware, though those in the know put the Genesis and its new big brother on par with Lexus' best offerings--at a bargain price. And to sweeten the deal, the 2011 Hyundai Equus--the new flagship sedan--gets a "tablet computer" app (unofficially confirmed as an Apple iPad) for an owner's manual, and a free iPad to read it on.

The WiFi-enabled iPad is also used to schedule service appointments and keep track of the car's history. It's a taste of the future, integrating technology into the car in a new and more involving way.

That's not the only way Hyundai leverages technology to make the Equus unique, though: a lane departure warning system uses haptic technology to warn the driver through the seatbelt in addition to a chime and warning light. Smartcruise control enables easy long-distance driving, while stability control, vehicle stability management and a full array of nine airbags enhance safety.

The car itself is Hyundai's first foray into full-size luxury sedans for the U.S., powered by a 4.6-liter Tau V-8 engine rated at 385 horsepower on premium fuel and 378 horsepower on regular unleaded. It's a rear-drive only vehicle, so those needing all-weather duty might need to look elsewhere, but it'll have driving dynamics that front-drive alternatives don't.

A six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode delivers the power to the rear, jetting the big sedan to 60 mph in under 6.4 seconds. Hyundai is comparing the car to the Lexus LS460, Mercedes-BenzS550 and the Audi A8 on the numbers.

Leather and Alcantara interior upholstery complement real wood trim and a full array of heated, electronically adjustable and massaging interior components. An electronically-controlled air suspension levels the ride and softens the road no matter if the car is loaded with passengers or on a solo commute.

High-tech components also play into the entertainment system: a 17-speaker, 608-watt 7.1-channel surround sound system with HD Radio, XM Satellite Radio and iPod/USB inputs all available.

The best part for the family that's not looking to take out a second mortgage to buy a new luxury sedan: the Equus will launch later this summer under $50,000. For more on the Equus, check out our first drive report here.

[Hyundai]

Android Tablet gives iPad run for the Money

Notion Ink demoed its final version of the Android tablet called Adam prior to Mobile World Congress 2010. In the video cofounder Rohan Shravan shows off some awesome hardware innovation.

It was demonstrated in an area outdoors which was partially shaded and fully exposed to bright sunlight. This was done to show how wonderfully the tablet adapts in either condition; beautiful LCD display in normal lighting and crisp monochrome display in direct sunlight.

Unlike the Apple iPad, Adam has a camera that conveniently swivels 180 degrees. Imagine the use cases: turn towards yourself to have video chats, turn away 90 degrees to record a lecture or seminar while working simultaneously, turn another 90 degrees to take a picture of someone in front of you. Let’s not forget to throw in multi-tasking capabilities.

Another interesting feature places the touch pad on the back, very interesting to control touch screen operation without looking. The Adam tablet also features 3 USB ports, one HDMI out port for full HD in 1080p, eco-friendly using a tenth of the power, and boasting 24 hours of battery life(more than 10 hours viewing full high definition video).

Notion Ink plans to customize the Android operating system it will ship with, plus open up the API for developers to write apps for the larger screen. Although the final software was not ready for the demo, they noted they will have split screen virtual keyboards to allow typing with thumbs on the tablet. Look for it in June 2010 with a price point of $327-$800.

Below are side by side specs compared with the Apple iPad courtesy of Technoholik. See more exclusive photos at Technoholik’s Flickr stream.

	Apple iPad	Notion Ink Adam
Screen	9.7 inch 4:3 IPS LCD (1024×768)	10 inch Transflective LCD Pixel Qi screen (1024×600)
	1024×768 pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi)	Low power full color black & white mode
OS	iPhone OS 3.2	Android, Unbuntu, Chromium
CPU	Apple A4 processor	nVidia Tegra 2
		Dual Core 1GHz + Graphic
Internet Browser	Safari	Firefox, Chrome
Outputs:	VGA, Dock connectors (extra)	HDMI, 3x USB
Video Out	720p	1080p
Camera	No	Yes, 3 Megapixel with Autofocus
Battery	Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music	16 hours, 160 hours on backlight off mode
Wireless	Wi-Fi, 3G (HSPA/GSM), Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, 3G (HSPA/GSM), Bluetooth (US Edition)
Weight	1.5 pounds	1.7 pounds
Other:		RF, ambient light sensor. AGPS, Proximity sensor, accelerometer, Touchpad
Multitasking	No	Yes
Adobe Flash 10.0 support	No	Yes
Storage	No	Yes, (SD Card slot)
Price	$499-$829	$327-$800
Availability	April/May	June/July

via Android Tapp

What are your thoughts? Comment below!

iPhone 3.0 software review

The new 3.0 iPhone OS is a very nice upgrade, well worth the $10 for iPod touch users. It has updated push capabilities, enabling apps to display notofications on your iPod. I have found that this feature is very nice. I really like the new feel of the 3.0 OS, it's landscape email & notes makes it much more bearable to type on the iPod. The updated tilting sensitivity is also nice for some of the apps that require you to tilt your device. Video recording and editing has been added for iPhones only, video has surprisingly good quality for a cell phone, and editing couldn't be any easier. Voice memos have also been added for both iPod & iPhone, but is somewhat useless for the older iPods since thier headphones don't have mics built in, if you want a mic headset for voice memos it will cost you another $25, slightly annoying, but useful nonetheless. Spotlight search has also been added as well, spotlight is useful because it allows you to search your entire ipod/iphone. You can search for apps, notes, emails, songs, videos, and other. Apple has also enabled bluetooth in all iPod touches, cool but slightly annoying as well because that means that iPods were bluetooth capable the entire time but we just had to pay more to activate it.

These are just some of the many features that Apple has included, along with many bug fixes.

Pros - Landscape email & notes, updated tilt, better push notifications, Bluetooth, video recording/editing (iPhone only), voice memos, updated music player, spotlight search, compass (iPhone only), MMS (iPhone only), wireless syncing

Cons - can't doubletap the home button and have the iPod turn on with volume controls

[Posted from my iPod]

How to make a "Terrorist Bomb" WiFi USB heatsink

As you all know, I built a heatsink for my modded Nintendo WiFi USB Connector (Want to make one? Go HERE) I got a few emails after posting that asking me for the instructions on how to build one. So for those of you that were interested, here you go:

(Original Article)

Materials Needed:
---------------------
A 2" 3-Pin 12v CPU fan
Duct Tape
A 9v battery
Modded Nintendo WiFi USB Connector (Make one HERE)
USB cable (Preferably the one that came with the USB connector)
An empty 7.06oz tetramin fish-food can
Drill Press (Or some other tool for making holes in the fish-food can)
---------------------
How to make it:
--------------------
1: Take all the labels off of the fish-food can
2. Punch a hole in the bottom of the fish-food can (Make sure that you can fit the USB calbe through it)
3. Drill holes around the bottom part of the can (There is no size/quantity limit)
4. Run the USB cable up through the bottom of the can, plug the WiFi USB Connector into it
5. Take the white cable off of the CPU fan
6. Tape the fan to the top of the fish-food can (So that the air blows down into the can)
7. Tape the 9v battery to the side of the can
8. Run the red wire to the negative contact & the black wire to the positive contact
9. Tape the excess wires down so they don't get in the way
10. Enjoy!

Make sure that you taped the wires down so they can be un-taped when not in use, otherwise you will run your battery dry.

DIY: Nintendo Wifi USB connector heatsink

So, after I modded my Nintendo Wifi USB connector (Do it HERE) I found that it gets really hot. So I took matter into my own hands and made this "Terrorist-Bomb" heatsink for it.

Nintendo Wifi USB Hack

I found this tutorial on how your nintendo USB wifi connector into a softap (wifi router) and have had great success with it in creating a wifi network for internet connection sharing, printer and file sharing etc.

To do this you need to have this rar file:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S4VLBP9A
or you can get it from here:
RapidShare: Easy Filehosting

Then follow these steps:

1)
Unplug the usb connector and uninstall all the nintendo software then restart.

2)
Plug the usb connector and when asked for the drivers navigate to the where you unrared the downloaded files and inside the Drivers folder you will find modified Buffalo drivers. Install these drivers for the USB Connector. Then install the ASUS software (also in RAR file(eng_2371.zip)). When it prompts you to restart, select No. I have found that there is no need to.

3)
Now in the ASUS EXEs folder of the RAR file, extract the six EXE files in the into the ASUS folder (C:\Program Files\ASUS\WLAN Card Utilities). Make sure you overwrite the existing files.

4)Then run ASUS WLAN Control Center. You will get a dialog asking if you want to use the Windows configuration utility or the ASUS one, select the option that uses ASUS one and disables the Windows one. Then there will be a wizard. Click Cancel to close the wizard.

5)
Now copy the file (C:\Program Files\ASUS\WLAN Card Utilities\Driver\WinXP\AP\rt2500usb.sys) to (C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers). Make sure you overwrite the existing file.

6)
Right-click on the ASUS software icon in the System Tray (bottom-right corner of screen) and select Wireless Settings. When the settings dialog opens, on the left select Config, then go to the SoftAP tab, and select Soft AP Mode. Then un-tick the Enable ICS checkbox. Then on the left click Apply. You will get a message box asking if you really want to change to SoftAP mode, click Yes. A message will come up saying something like "add the adapter to the network bridge", just ignore it and click OK. If all has gone well, there will be no error messages. Now close the ASUS Wireless Config utility or it will start conflicting when we manually set ICS.

7) Now go to Control Panel -> Network Connections. Right-click on the Network Adapter you are currently accessing your Internet through (or your internet connection icon) and open the properties for that connection. Go to the Advanced tab, and click "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection". Then click OK. If you get an error message saying the IP address is already in use, disable the Network adapter you are trying to share then try again - be sure to enable it again afterwards. It can take a long time for ICS to be enabled so wait patiently.

8)
Now right-click on the Wireless Network Connection and click Properties. In the middle of the dialog there will be some protocols, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then open the properties for that. Windows would have assigned a static IP address if ICS was successfully enabled, check to make sure this IP address does not conflict with other IP addresses on your network. Also, it should be on a different subnet to the Local Area Connection (for example, my computer's IP address is 192.168.0.2, I assigned the wireless network connection the IP address of 192.168.1.1 - which is on a different subnet). If it is on the same subnet, ICS will not work correctly.

9)*****
With that done, open the ASUS Wireless Config utility again. On the left select Config, in the Basic tab set a SSID. In the encryption tab, select Shared for Network Authentication and WEP for Data Encryption. Now enter a WEP key. Go back to the Basic tab, and at the bottom click on Advanced, change the 54g Mode setting to 802.11b only. Click Apply on the left to save the settings.

10)
Now turn on your wii or ds, go to the Nintendo WFC Settings, and select Manual Setup. Enter the SSID and WEP Key (both of these are case-sensitive) you entered to the ASUS Config utility before. Select No to Auto-obtain IP Address. Now give your wii an IP Address (this must be on the same subnet as the USB connector, I gave my wii the IP address: 192.168.1.2). For subnet mask enter 255.255.255.0. For gateway and primary DNS, enter the IP address of the USB connector. Now try and test connection, and if all has gone well the connection should be successful!

11) Optional 

Now with the ASUS Wireless Config utility, hide your SSID, and use MAC Address filtering to improve the security of your wireless access point.

12)
You now have an Official Nintendo Wifi USB Connector that can connect online with any other devices.

You can now search for an access point on other devices such as laptops, iTouch's and psp's or just enter the ssid and wep(if used) of your access point.

this tutorial was made originally by kcajblue of the afterdawn forums