The Sync system will let you plug in your own USB mobile broadband modem, and that's it—no additional hardware or subscriptions needed from Ford. Ford uses the wirelss broadband to turn your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot on four wheels. It's also a secured (WPA2) wireless connection, requiring a password to safeguard against other drivers munching on your bandwidth. It should be available sometime next year, hopefully in time for me to stream "It's Always Sunny..." on my next road trip.

FORD SYNC GOES WIFI TURNING CAR INTO MOBILE INTERNET HOT SPOT FOR PASSENGERS WHILE ON THE GO

* Next-generation SYNC® system to incorporate in-car WiFi system powered by customer's USB mobile broadband modem, turning entire car into hot spot

* New capability will be standard on select SYNC-equipped vehicles with no additional hardware or subscriptions required beyond the user-supplied mobile broadband modem

* Standard WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocols will be in force, and only owner-permitted devices will be able to access the network, helping ensure secure, robust connectivity for in-car users

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 21, 2009 – Ford Motor Company will turn vehicles into rolling
WiFi hot spots when it introduces the second generation of its popular SYNC® in-car connectivity system next year.

Inserting an owner's compatible USB mobile broadband modem – sometimes called an "air card" – into SYNC's USB port will produce a secure wireless connection that will be broadcast throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers with WiFi-enabled mobile devices to access the Internet anywhere the broadband modem receives connectivity.

"While you're driving to grandma's house, your spouse can be finishing the holiday shopping and the kids can be chatting with friends and updating their Facebook profiles," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "And you're not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have."

Studies by the Consumer Electronics Association show that as many as 77 million adults make up the so-called technology enthusiast drivers population, more than half of whom express the desire for a connected communications and information system in their vehicles. Even among the general population, more than one third of Americans would be interested in the ability to check email and access Web sites in their vehicles.

Upgradeable and secure
The USB port provided by SYNC lets owners leverage a variety of devices, including the mobile broadband modem. And through simple software updates, SYNC can be adapted to connect with the latest devices.

"The speeds with which technology is evolving, particularly on the wireless front, makes obsolescence a real problem," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's Connected Services Solutions Organization. "We've solved that problem by making SYNC work with just about any technology you plug into it. By leveraging a user's existing hardware, which can be upgraded independent of SYNC, we've helped ensure ‘forward compatibility' with whatever connectivity technology comes next."

The SYNC WiFi capability is a simple solution for bringing internet into the vehicle, versus competitive systems on the market. Being factory-installed, the hardware is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, whereas competitor's systems are dealer-installed and require a bulky bolt-in receiver and transmitter that take up cabin space. Also, competitive systems cost approximately $500 for equipment and installation, not to mention the monthly subscription fee.

"Using SYNC with existing mobile devices helps Ford provide the most value, the most flexibility and the most convenience for owners," said Fields. "Constant connectivity is becoming a routine part of our customers' lives, and we're making existing technology more accessible without adding costs: That's the kind of value Ford drivers have learned to expect."

Using the SYNC WiFi system, a signal will be broadcast throughout the vehicle. Default security is set to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), requiring users to enter a randomly chosen password to connect to the Internet. When SYNC sees a new WiFi device for the first time, the driver must specifically allow that device to connect, preventing unauthorized users from "piggybacking" on the SYNC-provided signal.

[Ford via All Things D, Image via All Things D]

The MiFi is gorgeous, and about as big as a business card holder. And miraculously capable of connecting to Verizon's 3G cellular network and spitting out Wi-Fi to up to 5 clients.

The device is manufactured by Novatel, and instead of a metal top of the reference design, it has a plastic top, which I imagine is better for wireless signal reception. The 3G connection is a Verizon EVDO revision A connection, and it was not too slow while being tested from downtown Manhattan.
Speed was what you'd expect from an EVDO Revision A piece of kit:

The Wi-Fi itself is of the B/G variety, with basic security settings and the ability to hide SSID broadcasting. There's a web based UI for managing the hotspot, too.

The operation of the device is relatively straight forward, in most ways. You hit the power button and it turns on and automatically connects to a Verizon 3G signal. (I kind of wish the power button was more recessed, I can see it turning on in a bag.)

There are some variables as to how you connect the device to your computers and wi-fi devices, though.

The micro USB port used for charging the device doubles as a connectivity port. When you connect the device to your computer by USB, the internet access can be turned on by Verizon's software. This charges the device, but disables Wi-Fi so no other devices can use it. Connecting the MiFi to the wall charger via the same port allows the Wi-Fi to be accessed. I do think that its nice that it is both battery powered and capable of being used as a tethered device. If you're going to use your 3G connection on only one device you're better off connecting it as such because transferring a connection over a USB port takes less power than over a wireless signal, even if its only Wi-Fi.

The device works fine. Wi-Fi range is not all that strong, but given the portability of the device, it's better than expected, providing strong coverage at 25 feet away in a place with congested airwaves. The 3G was fast, as I noted above, but I did not compare its reception to other types of 3G modems. The MiFi can power down when not being used, automatically, after a set time. Rebooting the device takes about 5-10 seconds, however. Battery life was around 2.5-3.5 hours while using it to work (read: plenty of internet access at all times, but not quite up to the level of streaming video.)

Do I like this thing? Yes. It would be nice to use in the car, as long as you have a car USB charger, and could be convenient if you have to share one connection between several Wi-Fi devices. Obviously! (Although, sharing an EVDO connection between friends can tax a friendship terribly.)

Since it's an all in one machine, will it replace your house's internet? No, its not designed to, because of the limited range, and speed compared to cable modems and faster DSL connections. And Verizon's 5GB/month limit for its $60 unlimited plan. (There's a useless 250MB plan for $40). The MiFi is $100 with a 2 year contract, after a $50 rebate. Later in the year, Sprint will also carry the device, if you prefer their network better as we do.

I don't know if I need this, as I've got an EVDO card for my computer, and my phone has internet on it. I guess I belong to part of the population that doesn't worry so much about portable WiFi on a separate piece of gear, no matter how nice the hardware is. But I'd take this thing.

Smallest 3G/Wi-Fi combo I've ever seen.




Fairly priced; about the same cost as a regular 3G data card, with more flexibility.




Specifically for people who want to share a 3G connection with other devices; if you don't need that, get a regular card for your laptop.




We rate Sprint's network slightly faster, and that device is coming out later in the year. Although the Sprint's metallic case may (I am only guessing) have worse reception than the plastic case.

Boingo is the world's largest WiFi hotspot provider with over 100,000, and even though I'd never heard of them, it turns out they've got hotspots all over the place: Starbucks, McDonald's, Barnes and Noble, and various hotels all use Boingo. The sources were specific that this offer would be extended to FiOS and DSL customers only, which notably excludes Verizon Wireless customers. Not that we're surprised, given Verizon's infuriating tendency to strip WiFi capability from its already unexciting line of phones, but we were really hoping Verizon would step up and finally give its customers what they want.

The details are still fuzzy, like whether it'll be regional or global access (and it had better be the latter), but it seems like a pretty fair bet that Verizon home customers will be seeing some free WiFi hotspot action in the near future. [WSJ via Boy Genius Report]

The $140 thing fits in your pocket, runs for four hours on a lithium-ion battery, connects up to 8 laptops via Wi-Fi, and works like a charm when you're in a decent WiMax coverage area. (You still need to connect a WiMax modem, which costs $50 and requires a data plan.)

I tested it on the outskirts of Portland, at a Burgerville right off of I-5 in Vancouver, WA, essentially becoming a totally unwired, totally portable wireless hotspot for anybody with a computer or smartphone in the vicinity. Anyone can see the hotspot itself, as it has a standard Wi-Fi SSID, but once on, you have to enter a password, like you do in hotels or airports where the Wi-Fi network itself is technically public.

I can't make enough of the experience, and how much it could change businesses, sales forces or mobile bloggin' teams like Gizmodo. You don't even have to be plugged in, you can just all hop on and work as usual for up to four hours, more if you can find an electric socket. And with WiMax, you're not nearly as limited as you are with 3G—though there are some constraints, you at least have access to a network that, in certain coverage areas, bestows blistering broadband speeds similar those from today's wired cable modems.

One big constraint, of course, is that WiMax from Sprint/Clearwire is currently limited to Baltimore and Portland, OR, but is growing this year and next to many cities.

There is also an internal limit to how much WiMax bandwidth you can harness. Since the Clear Spot uses the same Motorola WiMax USB modem that Clearwire sells for its standard WiMax service, I could test how well the bandwidth was passed through.

• What I got when connecting an HP Pavilion dv4 Windows laptop to WiMax: Around 7Mbps
• What I got when connecting the same modem to the Clear Spot, then connected MacBook Pro via Wi-Fi: 3-4Mbps

That does certainly represent a bottleneck, and there's a reason for it: The wireless hotspot itself—which you might have seen under the brand Cradlepoint for a year or more—was designed for 3G, for whom 3Mbps downstream is a frickin' miracle. It has a gimped USB port that throttles bandwidth over 5Mbps.

Though that's a flaw, it's not a big deal when you consider most Clearwire WiMax plans will be sold with a 4Mbps cap.

Beyond the hardware bottleneck, my other complaints are relatively minor:
• There's no Ethernet port, so this can't fundamentally replace home broadband.
• In areas of low coverage, you get an error message saying the modem was not found, which is inaccurate.
• There's no good way to read WiMax signal strength on the device itself.

The good news for patient people is that, according to Scott Richardson, Clearwire's chief strategy officer, the company is exploring selling an unfettered WiMax account, so you'd get an experience closer to the one I got in my uncapped testing. Also, Scott tells me there will be another portable WiMax-to-Wi-Fi hotspot device available—probably in the fall—that's even smaller, and that wouldn't be restricted by the USB bottleneck.

This is one of those products that's totally niche but totally cool. Like, even if there are many people who are interested in getting WiMax, or better yet, a combo EVDO/WiMax modem from Sprint, I am not anybody would, at that point, also feel the need to share it with others. Maybe it's good for bringing your work-supplied modem home, or maybe it's a good way to split the cost of wireless modem service between a team of people who are always working together, on separate devices.

Regardless of all these scenarios, the fact is, it's a truly new experience, and hopefully something we see more of in the future. I would say this is one of hell of a reason for Big Cable to be shaking in its boots—that is, if only Comcast wasn't already part owner in Clearwire. [Clearwire Clear Spot release]

The GlobeSurfer features a built-in screen that'll let you control its various options, and impressive speeds: download is 7.2 Mbps and upload is 5.76 Mbps. It's got a USB port for networked peripherals as well. Unfortunately, it does require a power supply, so it may not be great for camping trips, but it's a nice proof of concept. Pricing and release date haven't been released, but it shouldn't be far off. [Electronista]

In addition to being a portable internet hotspot, the MiFi also allows for VPN support, custom landing pages, automatic email-syncing and remote management. The internal battery will supposedly last for four hours of use, or for 40 hours on standby with one charge. Novatel says the MiFi will be available the first quarter of 2009 through retail outlets and carrier services, for roughly $200 as reported by Engadget. [Boing Boing and Engagdet]

• YourDaughterIsAWhore
• KeepThatNoiseDown
• ThosePeopleIn1583LookLikeTerrorists
• ThatLawnChairIsSoAwful
• YourWifeCheats
• FreePornography
• IHaveYourMail
• IPoisonedYourDog
• IPoisonedYourKid
• YourPriusSucks
• GetYourOwnDSLCheapskate
• MyNetworkIsLockedJackass
• ISawYouNaked

We're sure you can think of much better ones.

· Wi-Fi support for both voice and data
· Updated visual interface with new font rendering technology and graphic enhancements
· Advanced media player with full-screen video playback, stereo Bluetooth® support and 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack
· Enhanced SureType keyboard system with word completion, spell check and easier editing of misspelled words.
· 2-megapixel camera with video recorder
· An external microSD/SDHC memory card slot
· Support for High Speed USB for data transfers up to 10 MB/s.

[Crunchgear]

I say this is T-Mobile's long delayed attempt to make good on its Wi-Fi overzeal. I know for a fact that this is something they have been trying to pull off for years, and that the handoff on a cheap little phone is more of a trick than the handoff on a smartphone, not that that's super easy. But three or four years is a long time to wait just to hear that I can buy a special phone to save cash when I'm at home or in a Starbucks, especially when T-Mobile's regular rates are noticeably lower than the heftier competition.

A dear colleague of mine thinks it's a "loser's play," the last chance that the network with no high-speed data service (and no iPhone for its EDGE network) has to get attention. Either way, it's a hell of a week to try and sell it. What it really needs is a test, and that hasn't happened yet, at least not here at the Giz. Stay tuned, and we'll let you know how it feels. For now, check out the press release:

T-Mobile Introduces Unlimited Calling Over Wi-Fi with the National Launch of T-Mobile HotSpot @Home

Consumers Get Great Coverage Plus Unlimited Nationwide Calling From Home with a New Service that Supports Calls Over Both Wi-Fi and T-Mobile's Robust Wireless Network

BELLEVUE, Wash. - June 27, 2007 - T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announces the national launch of T-Mobile HotSpot@Home, a ground-breaking new wireless service designed to provide people with one phone for all of their home and mobile calling needs.

T-Mobile HotSpot @Home helps people stay connected with those who matter most by combining the power of Wi-Fi (wireless Internet) and T-Mobile's nationwide voice and data network While at home, customers can enjoy great mobile coverage and unlimited domestic calling over Wi-Fi; while mobile, customers also can get the same benefits at all of the nearly 8,500 T-Mobile® HotSpotSM locations across the country.1 In addition, unlike VoIP calling, when T-Mobile HotSpot @Home customers leave home or exit a T-Mobile HotSpot, their calls will seamlessly transfer onto T-Mobile's GSM/GPRS/EDGE wireless network, giving people the freedom to continue their important conversations uninterrupted as they go about their day. Calls also transfer from T-Mobile's network onto Wi-Fi.

Key components of the T-Mobile HotSpot @Home service include new mobile phones designed to seamlessly connect the user to a home Wi-Fi connection or T-Mobile HotSpot. T-Mobile today is introducing two HotSpot-enabled phones - the Samsung t409 and the Nokia 6086 - providing consumers with a choice of style and features. Each phone currently retails for $49.99 with a two-year contract on a qualifying rate plan.

T-Mobile also has partnered with leading router manufacturers D-Link and Linksys for Wi-Fi routers optimized for a first-rate calling experience with the T-Mobile HotSpot @Home service. These select routers are designed for simple set-up and enhanced battery life for the handset, as well as ensuring voice calls are carried with the utmost call quality. These routers also have commonly available data features found on standard routers, and work with customers' existing broadband connection. Consumers can choose which router to use with the service; each is currently offered at no charge with the HotSpot @Home service via mail-in rebate.

For a limited time, to kick-off the launch of T-Mobile HotSpot @Home, the service can be added to any qualifying T-Mobile voice plan for only $9.99 per month for a single line, and $19.99 per month for up to five lines on a FamilyTime plan. 2 This means five family members each can have unlimited calling from home over Wi-Fi for one low price, when the service is added to a qualifying FamilyTime plan.

Calling Trends
Today, more people are choosing the simplicity of having just one phone. Americans are increasingly dropping their traditional landline phone service and switching instead to mobile phone use. According to Gartner, over ten percent of respondents to a survey indicated they used their mobile phone as their only phone — a trend that's even more pronounced among people aged 18-34, where almost 30 percent uses their mobile phone as their only phone3.

"We see a clear trend towards mobile phones displacing landline phones especially with younger consumers," said Tole Hart, an analyst at Gartner Group. "The most common barriers to cutting the cord to date have been the reliability of their mobile phone in the home and the cost of buying additional minutes."

T-Mobile HotSpot @Home addresses each of the most common concerns consumers express when using their mobile phone as their only phone:

* Cost of purchasing more plan minutes - For some, upgrading to a voice plan that provides enough minutes for all their calling needs can be cost prohibitive. T-Mobile HotSpot @Home solves this by providing unlimited local and long distance calls nationwide, day or night, when originating their calls from their home Wi-Fi network, which means no 'burning' wireless minutes from home and no additional charges for nationwide long distance.
* In-home service reliability - According to Gartner, 27 percent of all wireless minutes are used inside the home4. However, many cell phone users from various wireless providers report call quality issues as a result of inadequate in-home coverage4. HotSpot @Home addresses this by leveraging a Wi-Fi connection to provide great mobile phone coverage throughout users' homes.

Beginning today, customers can purchase T-Mobile HotSpot @Home service at T-Mobile retail stores nationwide and online at www.t-mobile.com. For more information on T-Mobile HotSpot @Home, visit www.theonlyphoneyouneed.com or www.t-mobile.com. For more information on T-Mobile HotSpot service, including a list of the nearly 8,500 active U.S. locations that includes leading retail outlets, hotels and airports, visit .

For the uninitiated, T-Mobile @Home is a home Wi-Fi/Cellular router that routes your cellphone calls through your internet connection to T-Mobile and out to wherever you're dialing. It's useful for people who live in No Man's Land and can't get reception inside their houses. Also, when you're on Wi-Fi you don't use your cell minutes. – Jason Chen

Thanks Tipster!

If you own the Belkin phone, however, you can get unlimited access for $7.95 a month. Not bad if you frequently take your WiFi phone out with you to hotspots already. – Jason Chen

Press Release [Belkin]

Mylo owners just scored a year of free T-Mobile HotSpot access. As anyone who has popped open their laptop in a Star*ucks knows, that's a $30 per month value. We've been high on Sony's personal communicator ever since we got the first look at it back in August. The only hangup was: How do you make Mylo useful if you don't live near a wireless mesh network? Seems that Sony answered the question today — at least for the 12 months after your first login. The offer begins in November. – Noah Robischon

The Mobile Wi-fi Access Point [devices.natetrue.com via digg]