Wifi
AT&T Approves SlingPlayer App to Be Streamed Over 3G
Previously, if you had a Slingbox at home and the $30 app on your iPhone, you could only control and watch your shows over a WiFi connection. But earlier today, AT&T approved the Sling app to operate over its 3G network, meaning you can watch your favorite shows, control your Slingbox, and set recordings from virtually anywhere. This is a great addition, especially since the idea of streaming broadcast TV over your mobile device is becoming more widely accepted, AT&T and Sling can stay on top of the trend in their own way.
Geek Tip: Use iPhone's WiFi on Your Next Flight
I figured out this iPhone tip after my laptop battery died while on a WiFi-equipped cross-country flight. Unlike Virgin America (my favorite high-tech airline!), there weren't individual seat outlets, so once the battery was gone, it was gone. Just as I was starting to feel anxiety about being disconnected for the remainder of the flight, I remembered my iPhone's WiFi capabilities and wondered if I'd be able to switch the WiFi on while keeping the cellular signal in the FAA-mandated "off" position.
Virgin Mobile's Broadband2Go: Fab, Once You Get It Activated!
If you travel on business, you've probably used a WiFi device to get Internet access anywhere over a cell network connection. AT&T, Sprint, Verizon — all the carriers provide WiFi USB devices for a fee and usually, a contract. For those of us just looking to get access to the Internet for a trip, commuting, or for an extended period, signing a contract for a WiFi card in addition to our cellular and home Internet isn't really practical.
Daily Tech: Is a DS2 Coming So Soon After the DS XL?
- Will there be another DS model coming out in the next 15 months? — MTV Multiplayer
- Google hacked the hackers! —Gizmodo
- Get free WiFi at McDonald's restaurants across the US — CrunchGear
- LG didn't bring this sweet flexible paper e-ink display to CES but should have — Dvice
- PlayStation store update brings Vampire Weekend to GH 5 — Playstation Blog
- Modern Warfare 2 has brought in more than $1 billion dollars in sales — Business Management
Man Claims He's Homeless Due to WiFi Sensitivity
A New Mexico man is taking his neighbor to court because she refuses to stop using electronic devices like cell phones and computers. The man claims he suffers from a WiFi sensitivity, and is unable to stay at home or in a hotel because "all hotels and motels employ wi-fi connections, which trigger a severe illness." His neighbor's home is only 25 feet from his, so the man has been sleeping in his car to avoid any electronic devices.
Best of 2009 Winner: Most Interesting Tech News Story
Tech news moves at a fast pace, so there's never a shortage of new, interesting, sometimes strange stories. This year, I chose a few of the most interesting stories for my Best of 2009 poll, and the results were close! According to you, the best tech news story of the year is in-flight WiFi.
Daily Tech: Ford Cars to Become WiFi Hot Spots
- Ford cars to become WiFi hot spots — CNET
- Apple becomes SNL punchline over iPhone network coverage — Apple Insider
- Barnes & Noble compensates buyers for late Nook — Reuters
- FTC complaint says Facebook's privacy changes are deceptive — Ars Technica
- Replacing a broken Macbook screen on the cheap — Unplggd
- Maine to consider cancer warnings on cell phones — Crave
- Harlequin brings romance to the world of gaming — Popgadget
Would You Like Internet With That? McDonalds Offers Free WiFi
Starting in January, McDonald's will offer free wireless Internet in 11,000 locations through a partnership with AT&T Wireless. The promotion is intended to encourage customers to spend time in the restaurants during nonprime times of day and to boost sales and popularity of its new coffee menu items.
According to the article, McDonald's is also planning new menu items like smoothies to appeal to customers during "snack" times.
Daily Tech: The Pogoplug Shares Content Via Four USB Drives
- The Pogoplug is a neat gizmo that allows you to share movies, music, or photos using four USB drives — Gizmodo
- The BlackBerry Curve 8530 is now available from Verizon — RIMarkable
- American Airlines has just launched a widget that will let you know if your plane has WiFi — Engadget
- Check out the ultimate holiday smartphone buying guide — CrunchGear
- Vive la France! Twitter is now available in French — TechCrunch
- Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom for the Wii is a great game for kids ages 3 to 6 — USA Today
Google Makes Holiday Travel More Tolerable With Free WiFi
Here's one holiday stress relieved: Google recently announced they'd be sponsoring free WiFi in airports across the country this holiday season, from now through January 15. Google VP, search and user experience, Marissa Mayer says, "We're very happy to extend our Holiday WiFi gift to the millions of people who will spend time in airports over the next few months."
Which I translate to, "Happy Holidays, here is something to keep you sane when your flight is delayed for the third time.
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