Sophos Conference Part 4 (Sophos Central Wireless)

Sophos Central Wireless is still not ready for primetime. It is still not on par with any of the other top wireless competitors. So if you wish to use Sophos Access Points in conjunction with the Sophos Firewall products do that. They are best used in smaller configurations. These are great products for small offices that only need 1-5 AP’s. While they do support larger configurations they don’t have a real strong wireless connection or able to handle extremely dense configurations. They are reasonable and there is some exciting new functions coming down the path.

One of these is an upgrade to the firmware that will allow the access points to be used as such but they will also be able to work as firewall/routers as well. If you need more power just add more access points. This will probably require better wireless access point technology as well but it is something that we can look forward to.

Verizon threatens to fire workers who fix copper phone lines

from Cabling Installation & Maintenance Posted October 7, 2016

Verizon has reportedly told its field technician crews in Pennsylvania that they can be fired if they try to fix broken copper phone lines. Instead, workers must try to replace copper lines with a device that connects to Verizon Wireless's cell phone network, Ars Technica's Jon Brodkin reports.
From the article:
This directive came in a memo from Verizon to workers on September 20. "Failure to follow this directive may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal," the memo said. It isn't clear whether this policy has been applied to Verizon workers outside of Pennsylvania. The memo and other documents were made public by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) union, which asked the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to put a stop to the forced copper-to-wireless conversions. The wireless home phone service, VoiceLink, is not a proper replacement for copper phone lines because it doesn't work with security alarms, fax machines, medical devices such as pacemakers that require telephone monitoring, and other services, the union said.

“Field technicians are required to have VoiceLink units on their trucks and to refuse to repair copper plant serving voice-only customers,” CWA local President James Gardler wrote in testimony presented to the state Utility Commission. "Our members are being told that if they actually try to repair copper plant instead of using VoiceLink, they will be subject to disciplinary action by Verizon." The memo to field technicians adds that in order to give customers the “best possible network performance in non-FiOS areas, Verizon will migrate as many customers experiencing trouble on their line to VoiceLink as possible.” ... Technicians can fix the copper line “if the customer does not qualify” for wireless service. In those cases, the tech must document the reason the customer didn’t qualify for VoiceLink.
“It is a requirement that migration to VoiceLink be your first option when the customer qualifies and the trouble is in Verizon's network,” the memo [emphasizes]. Another memo tells workers that they should only restore copper phone service if they can verify that the wireless VoiceLink won't work. VoiceLink devices connect a home's inside wiring to Verizon's cellular network.
Read the full story at Ars Technica.

Hands-on: Ubiquiti’s Amplifi covers the whole house in a Wi-Fi mesh

We are very impressed with all of Ubiquiti’s products and this one look pretty good for the home environment. If you have a rambling home that you want to be able to light up with a mesh network wireless setup this might be a good answer to this issue that we have many customers coming in to us to discuss.

While extenders can sometimes fit the bill, having a complete system that is somewhat pre-configured for you that gives you a single connection from anywhere in your home and surrounding yard is a very positive thing. Take a look at this ArsTechnica review of the Ubiquiti Amplifi System.

Wi-Fi sharing community Instabridge picks up backing from Draper Associates

techcrunch posts a report that is initially a little deceptive. Of course, I am the one that assumed that the sharing was of Wi-Fi access not information of where there is Wi-Fi access. But still this is an interesting data source for finding hot-spots that you can use. The Instabridge app allows you to share details of any Wi-Fi hotspots shared by everyone else in the community.

This has enabled it to build a crowdsourced database of Wi-Fi hotspots, in addition to a list of known public venues that have free Wi-Fi, such as McDonald’s or Starbucks.

read more

What is Miracast ?

Intel has been promoting their Wireless Display (WiDi) technology for quite a while now and we are starting to see some traction in the industry to include it in display devices and other types of components. 

So what is Miracast? Wikipedia describes it as such:

Miracast is a certification program of the Wi-Fi Alliance based on their Wifi-Display specification. It defines a protocol to connect an external monitor or TV to a device, and therefore can roughly be described as "HDMI over Wifi", replacing the cable from the computer to the display

So what do you do if your notebook has this capability but your wall mounted TV does not? Actiontec has a product called ScreenBeam Pro that turns any HDMI connection into a WiDi receiver. Priced under $100, you can easily connect a laptop or android device to that screen or projector with an HDMI connector and wirelessly transmit your video/audio signal to that device. 

Actiontec also has kits that will provide your with a USB transmitter that will connect your laptop that doesn't have the WiDi capability built in so that it will work with the receiver. This is a great solution for providing this capability.

Actiontec Brochure

Why migrate to 802.11ac?

Mobile devices and apps are pushing Wi-Fi to the limit and there’s no end in sight. Workers are determined to use enterprise apps on personally-owned devices to get more done and it’s placing a huge burden on corporate Wi-Fi networks. That’s why enterprise IT is migrating to 802.11ac, the gigabit Wi-Fi standard.

In this 802.11ac primer learn more about:

• Why is 802.11ac crucial for today’s all-wireless workplace
• What are the key technical advantages of this wireless standard
• Why you should move to 802.11ac

Get the 802.11ac Migration Guide

Let me help you to become the Mobility Hero for your organization today.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the Aruba product line give Jude Daigle or Bob Appleby a call at 724-838-7526

Learn more about the why, the how, and the significant improvements attained by migrating to 802.11ac.

PAconnect
http://www.paconnect.com

Should you be worried about crooks jamming your wireless security system?

I have listed a great article by CNET writer Ry Crist  discussing this issue. But the bottom line of this issue is do you really think you have a burglar that is so sophisticated that they are able to use this kind of equipment? Personally I don’t think that this is a real worry. Statistics show that most break-ins are of the nature where the intruder is literally breaking something to gain access. They typically are breaking in through a window or taking advantage of open doors or windows. Take a look at this article and form your own opinions but I believe you will be feel better after reading it.

http://www.cnet.com/news/can-burglars-jam-your-wireless-security-system/?tag=nl.e219&s_cid=e219&ttag=e219&ftag=CAD6b2b181

Wanting to get a new phone-T-Mobile may make it easier to swallow the cost.

If you are a technology geek like me you are always looking for new product that makes your life easier and more enjoyable and… you just want the newest stuff! If t-Mobile’s service will work for you, then their offer to pay your early termination fees if you jump from a rival carrier might make that move a lot less painful in your wallet.

The bold move is the next phase of T-Mobile's so-called "Uncarrier" strategy. The company says it will pay early-termination fees for customers when they trade in their devices with T-Mobile and sign up for T-Mobile wireless service. T-Mobile said the total value of the trade-in offer to switch carriers could be as high as $650 per line.
Read more: http://www.cnet.com/8301-35284_1-57616868/switch-he-said-t-mobile-will-take-the-penalty-for-you/#ixzz2pwMZqWMd

Take a look at the article cited above but this really sounds interesting and makes one wonder how much longer the other carriers will continue with the overpriced/outdated services.

PR: Belkin WeMo Products

WeMo LED Lighting, WeMo Maker to launch this spring alongside the Crock-Pot® Smart Slow Cooker with WeMo

Playa Vista, Calif. – January 06, 2014 – Continuing to evolve the WeMo platform of simple, ingenious connected home products, Belkin today announced a slate of new WeMo devices including the WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set and WeMo Smart LED Bulbs, the WeMo Maker Kit, and Crock-Pot SmartSlow Cooker. Also on tap for the WeMo line at CES is a revised Android and iOS app offering improved functionality and enhanced lighting features. Belkin’s new WeMo line-up will be on display at PepCom's Digital Experience!, on January 6, 2014 at the Mirage Hotel and Casino and will be on display at the Belkin’s booth, South Hall 3 #30451, from January 7-10, 2014.

“Since first launching at the 2012 International CES, WeMo has become a major player in the connected home thanks to its simple, scalable, and affordable nature – words not typically associated with the connected home,” said Ohad Zeira, director of product management for WeMo. “As the most approachable entry point into the Smart Home, we are excited to introduce new products and app upgrades in 2014 that will continue that trend, as well as grow our business with Jarden Consumer Solutions and future partners to expand WeMo’s presence throughout the house.”

Belkin's new LED Lighting Starter Set and WeMo Smart LED Bulbs allow you to control, schedule and dim your smart LED bulbs from anywhere. As easy as replacing a standard light bulb, the WeMo Smart LED Bulbs work through the WeMo Link and are controlled via Wi-Fi and the WeMo app. The long-lasting bulbs are 60-watt equivalent with 800 Lumens and 3000 Kelvin for a bright, pleasing warm white light. Fully dimmable, WeMo Smart LED Bulbs can be controlled individually or in groups. The WeMo LED Starter Set includes two LED Smart Bulbs and a WeMo Link, which can support up to 50 individual Smart bulbs. Individual WeMo Smart LED bulbs also will be sold separately.

WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set (F5Z0489) - $129.99
WeMo Smart LED Bulbs (F7C033) - $39.99

• Turn lights on/off or schedule from anywhere
• Fully dimmable
• 60W equivalent bulbs last up to 23 years
• Vacation mode automatically turns lights on/off to simulate occupancy
• Dim to sleep – gradually dim lights to fall asleep more naturally
• Warm white light similar to incandescent bulbs
• Works with the WeMo app, available for Android or iOS

The WeMo Maker empowers DIYers to build their own WeMo solutions by adding Internet connectivity to any device controlled with a DC switch, such as research robotics, motors, sprinkler systems, antennas, and more. A small module that wires into low voltage devices, WeMo Maker also lets you monitor and manage a wide range of 5V DC sensors from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet. WeMo Maker is controlled via the same free WeMo app as existing WeMo products and integrates seamlessly within the WeMo ecosystem, allowing you to create schedules or automatically control the WeMo Maker with sensor inputs. Deactivate your sprinkler system if moisture is detected or open the blinds at sunrise from Monday to Friday. WeMo Maker also works with IFTTT, which lets you create specialized recipes bringing the Internet of Things to your fingertips.

Also debuting at the 2014 International CES, the WeMo-enabled Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker is the first WeMo equipped product stemming from Belkin’s collaboration with Jarden Consumer Solutions, a family of household appliance brands. The Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker is the first smartphone controllable slow cooker, which allows you to adjust the cooker’s settings from anywhere giving you greater flexibility and control over life’s unexpected moments. Receive reminders, change the cooking time, adjust the temperature or check the status of your dish while you are away through the WeMo app and come home to a perfectly cooked meal whenever you want it, even if you have to work late or practice runs over schedule. Additional Jarden Consumer Solutions co-branded products on display at the Belkin booth include the Mr. Coffee® Smart Coffee Maker enabled with WeMo, the HOLMES® Holmes Smart Console Space Heater enabled with WeMo, the HOLMES® Smart Console Humidifier enabled with WeMo, and the HOLMES® Holmes Smart Air Purifier enabled with WeMo.

Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker enabled with WeMo - $99.99

• Turn on/off, change temperature or time settings from anywhere
• Receive reminders
• Timer calculates cook times and process
• Works with the WeMo app for iOS or Android
• Manual control option

Aside from growing the WeMo product family in 2014, Belkin also will upgrade the award winning WeMo app to include a customizable long press gesture for the WeMo Light Switch, enhanced sunrise/sunset rules to select a time before or after sunset/sunrise, a simulated occupancy or vacation mode setting and a countdown timer.

Availability
The WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set, WeMo Smart LED Bulbs Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker enabled with WeMo and WeMo Maker Kit will be available in spring 2014. The latest version of the WeMo app with the upgraded features will launch in February for both Android and iOS.

Belkin at CES
Visit Belkin at the 2014 International CES in booth #30451 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center or on the Web. To schedule a booth tour or an appointment with a Belkin representative, please call Leah Polk at 202-213-4464.

About Belkin International, Inc.
To learn more about Belkin, visit http://www.belkin.com/aboutus/. Like us on Facebook atfacebook.com/belkin, and follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/belkin.

Photos of the Day: LA students get iPads, crack firewall, play games

This is an interesting article from John Rogers of Associated Press. I picked it up from ECN  but it discusses the issues with the iPad roll out in the Los Angeles public school district. They are planning on putting iPads into the hands of their 650,000 students but apparently have not put much thought into security and locking down the devices for what they were intended for. See the full article here.

This is not the only issue that these implementations bring to a head as more and more schools are allowing for wireless connections within their facilities from BYOD (bring your own device) policies. Congestion and control of what is being accessed is also an issue and needs to be addressed as well. Several of the companies that we have partnered with provides us with Best of Class products to implement this kind of control.

Talk to your PAConnect Representative about how we can help you design a system for you.

5 Tips for Securing Your Wireless Network

Balancing security, manageability and accessibility for employees and guests

Setting up security for the wireless router in your basement is easy. But securing wireless networks in a business environment is much more demanding.

This whitepaper offers best practices that help administrators go beyond the basics of wireless security to provide advanced security, manageability and accessibility. We also show how Sophos UTM Wireless Protection helps address these issues.

Download the whitepaper

Aruba Networks Maps Out New Indoor Location-Based Services with Acquisition of Meridian

Press Release:

“Indoor GPS” Platform Will Offer Wayfinding and Context-Aware Advertising and Marketing for Public-Facing Enterprises

Sunnyvale, CA – May 16, 2013 – Aruba Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARUN), a leading provider of next-generation network access solutions for the mobile enterprise, today announced the acquisition of privately-held Meridian Apps, Inc. (“Meridian”). With this acquisition, Aruba Networks enables new location-based services by combining its unique, network-based contextual information about users, devices and applications with Meridian’s Wi-Fi based wayfinding solution for smartphones and tablets.

The Meridian enterprise software platform is targeted at public-facing enterprises, including casinos, hospitals, malls, stores, transport hubs, convention centers, museums and campuses, to help customers navigate these large, indoor facilities. Enterprises use the platform to create custom-branded mobile applications to provide turn-by-turn directions, highlight points of interests along the way, deliver context-awareness advertising and offer detailed analytics about users’ travel patterns and preferences.

“GPS-based wayfinding solutions are extraordinarily popular, but they don’t work well indoors,” said Keerti Melkote, founder and Chief Technology Officer at Aruba Networks. “We intend to address that gap by creating ‘indoor GPS’ using Aruba’s Wi-Fi infrastructure and Meridian’s wayfinding platform. The addition of Meridian will enable enterprises to tap into a wealth of network-driven information so that they can better engage their customers with more personalized services. This is a clear opportunity for Wi-Fi to become not only an enabling platform for BYOD, but now across industries, a revenue-producing, customer engagement platform for the business.”

To learn more about Meridian’s platform, visit www.meridianapps.com.

Sophos UTM Connected: What's new in UTM 9.1

Published on Feb 18, 2013

A 3 minute overview of the new features and benefits of Sophos UTM Connected (UTM 9.1) The video explains how this release delivers faster wired and wireless connectivity in a secure and reliable way.

Our latest release, Sophos UTM Connected, lets you protect your users on the move against web-based threats and strengthen your wireless connectivity. At its heart is the software version 9.1 which is engineered to make our proven protection faster and even easier to use. Why Sophos UTM Connected? It’s all about creating ultra-fast wired and wireless connectivity in a secure, reliable way.

What you need to consider when setting up your home wireless network…

Security

Securing your WI-Fi connections is an important element of securing your personal data. You want your equipment and your data that is stored on that equipment to be protected from outside sources. Consider when you are setting up your network to purchase equipment that is able to use WPA2^tm which provides both security (controlling who connects to your network)  and prvacy (the transmissions cannot be read by others) for communications that move across the network. Remember, the security level or a network is determined by the least capable device. So if you have older wireless equipment consider updating your equipment with devices that are capable of WPA2^tm.

Most Wi-Fi equipment is shipped with security disabled to make in easier to set up or connect to your network, Most new routers/wireless access points will walk you though your initial security setup and you have to force it not to do this to shut it off. It is very simple to set up and always pick the best overall protection that is suggested by the manufacturer. Change your SSID to a different name to differentiate from all the default units that are out there clogging up the airways. Make sure that you change the default administrative credentials as well (login and password). Though they make my job easier coming in to help you as a service person, it also makes it extremely easy for anyone to connect and make changes if you leave them with the defaults. Be sure to document what you did because otherwise you will have to reset everything back to factory defaults to and reset the connections if you forget.

The Wi-Fi Alliance has produced a short video (below), that provides a humorous and informative reasoning for setting up your network securely using WPA2^tm. It is so important to lock things down so be sure that you are providing a secure safe access for your family in your home. (Download White Papers from WI=Fi Alliance)

Location

The performance of a Wi-Fi home network greatly depends on signal strength of the wireless router or wireless access point (base station).

If a given wireless client falls out of range of the base station signal, obviously that network connection will fail or "drop." Clients situated near the edge of the network range will likely experience intermittent dropped connections. But even when a wireless client stays within range consistently, its network performance can still be adversely affected by distance,obstructions, or interference.

To position your wireless equipment for optimal network performance, follow these guidelines:

• First and foremost, don't settle prematurely on a location for the wireless access point or router. Experiment; try placing the device in several different promising locations. While trial-and-error may not be the most scientific way to find a good spot for your equipment, it is often the only practical way to assure the best possible Wi-Fi performance.
• Strive to install the wireless access point or router in a central location. If you have only one wireless client, installing the base station near this client is best. For WLANs with multiple wireless clients, find a good compromise position. Clients too far away from the base station will manage only 10% - 50% the bandwidth of clients nearby to it. You might need to sacrifice the network performance of one client for the good of the others.
• Next, avoid physical obstructions whenever possible. Any barriers along the "line of sight" between client and base station will degrade a Wi-Fi radio signal. Plaster or brick walls tend to have the most negative impact, but really any obstruction including cabinets or furniture will weaken the signal to some degree. Obstructions tend to reside closer to floor level; therefore, some folks prefer to install their wireless access point / router on or near the ceiling.
  Avoid reflective surfaces whenever possible. Some Wi-Fi signals literally bounce off of windows, mirrors, metal file cabinets and stainless steel countertops, lessening both network range and performance.
• Install the wireless access point or router at least 1 m (3 feet) away from other home appliances that send wireless signals in the same frequency range. Such appliances include some microwave ovens, cordless telephones, baby monitors, and home automation equipment like X-10 devices. Any appliance that transmits in the same general range as802.11b or 802.11g (2.4 GHz) can generate interference.
• Likewise, install the unit away from electrical equipment that also generates interference. Avoid electric fans, other motors, and fluorescent lighting.
• If the best location you find is only marginally acceptable, consider adjusting the base station antennas to improve performance. Antennas on wireless access points and routers can usually be rotated or otherwise re-pointed to "fine tune" Wi-Fi signaling. Follow the specific manufacturer's recommendations for best results.

If using these guidelines you still cannot find a suitable location for your wireless gear, there are alternatives. You can, for example, replace and upgrade the base station antenna. You can also install a Wi-Fi repeater (often called a "range extender" or "signal booster.") Finally, in extreme cases, you may need to configure a second base station to extend the range of your WLAN.

eg. My home is one of the worst situations that I could have put myself in to create a strong environment. My first problem is that I live in a multi-level home that has a lot of brick  on its outer walls and cement block surrounding the lover levels. I have a slate floor in the kitchen (this is a problem that I will explain later) and in the summer I need WiFi access in a greater than 150 foot area when I include the outdoor areas that we spend a lot of time in. My home office is in a wonderful little sunroom that sticks out away from the house so because the modem/router is located in this area I am feeding all my network and wireless access starting from this area. I ended up placing a second access point in a location that covers the second level bedrooms, mid-level living room and kitchen. The office unit covers the screened in porch and about half of the pool area outside. It is almost perfect but I could almost use a repeater to fully cover the pool area to bring it completely back into the network with speed and coverage. This took awhile to setup where I am now and you will find that you will want to work things out based on how you plan to use wireless access in your environment.

Let us know if you have any questions, I will be very happy to discuss your needs with your as any or our technicians can.

Belkin’s WeMo iPhone-based home automation

So you have been thinking about home automation but you want to do it for reasonable prices. Where should you look? Belkin is releasing soon a couple of devices that can be controlled both wirelessly and through motion detection. It can also be programmed to respond to a free service call IFTTT (IF This Then That). These are fairly simple on/off power control devices but they have the ability to be accessed using WiFi and your iPhone.

These switches connect to your home WiFi network and communicates via a free WeMo iOS app, so you can control any appliance or fixture that can plug into a regular outlet right from your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. For example, you can use it to remotely turn on and off a light or heater, or schedule your coffee maker to turn on at a certain time in the morning. WeMo even comes with seamless support for the automated web service IFTTT, where you can set up "recipes" such as receiving a text message when an appliance turns on or off.

The WeMo Switch will cost you $49, or you can go for the Switch + Motion bundle for $99 where you get a motion-activated Switch that can trigger devices with a simple walk-by. Both are available now on Belkin's website.

Verizon’s Family Share Plans

I have recently noticed Verizon running a lot of new ads on Hulu showing a new data share plan allowing up to ten devices to be share a single data access plan. After reading Marguerite Reardon’s July 6 article “Is Verizon ‘shaking down’ customers with family plan?” I could begin to see some of the problems associated with changing to this service. If you are a current unlimited data plan customer now think about the fact that by adding more people to a shared, fixed size data plan might cause a problem with data overage charges for you little group of people. You need to look carefully at how everyone is using their devices and how much of the device usage is through the cellular network vs. your local WiFi access. Personally, I am well under any the plans because I don’t do any streaming unless I am on a WiFi network. I am very careful about that. But are the people in your plan that responsible? You might get stuck with a large bill one month because someone on your plan decided to watch the entire episode list of Buffy the Vampire Slayer while at the beach. If this isn’t  a worry then maybe you will want to consider this new plan type but remember this is Verizon’s way to charge you for your usage of their data network just like a utility company charges you for the use of electricity, gas or water. While I don’t think the concept is especially a bad thing it will directly impact your pocketbook.

Related stories

• Verizon unveils 'Share Everything' family plans for data
• Confused about Verizon's Family Share plans? You're not alone
• Why Verizon's shared data plan is a raw deal

Lenovo to offer No-Contract Mobile Broadband Service

Press Release: Lenovo today introduced Lenovo Mobile Access, a flexible, no-contract mobile broadband service that gives consumers and business users greater choice and flexibility when connecting to valued online services. Lenovo Mobile Access provides pre-connected, always-on, customizable connectivity to the Internet and corporate networks, making it an ideal solution for users who need access to online content, applications and services away from their home, office or public Wi-Fi hotspots. Powered by a scalable cloud-based platform from Macheen Inc., the service is now embedded across select models of the ThinkPad product line and available immediately in the United States and nine European countries.

Designed to fit the needs of both individual and “prosumer” customers, Lenovo Mobile Access delivers broadband connectivity that’s available anytime, anywhere yet users pay only for the access they need. Flexible, no-contract payment options let casual users buy a “Time Pass” for as little as USD 1.95 for 30 minutes or USD 8.95 for one day—perfect to quickly sync email or ensure online access during travel. Users with more frequent connectivity requirements, or who work with large media files can purchase monthly plans with 2GB or 6GB of data access, along with the option for automatic monthly renewal. Businesses can leverage the same pay-as-you-go options, helping them reduce the cost of mobile broadband connectivity with right-sized access that can be extended to large numbers of individual employees.

Business customers can also take advantage of intelligent features designed to streamline device management, increase security and productivity for mobile employees, and reduce operational expenses. All ThinkPad laptops with embedded mobile broadband connectivity ship with Lenovo Mobile Access pre-activated as the default configuration. A single SIM is used for global access, enabling mass roll-out capabilities over a secure connection. Web-based policy management tools let IT administrators customize permissions and access options by services or application, for the whole company, specific workgroups, or individual users. Simple payment options allow centralized, single-payer end-of-month billing for corporate arrangements.

Pricing and Availability
Lenovo Mobile Access is available immediately in select models of ThinkPad Classic and ThinkPad Edge laptops equipped with a 3G module. At launch, the service is available in the United States, UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. Contract-free time passes are available in the following increments and data allotments: 30 minutes (30 MB), 1 day (200 MB), 1 month (2 GB) and 1 month (6 GB). Auto-renewable, bandwidth-specific monthly plans are also available for data allotments of 200 MB, 2 GB and 6 GB. Country-specific pricing information is available on the Lenovo Mobile Access control panel.

The service will formally launch on July 1st, but the manufacturer is already shipping out laptops equipped with the required internal hardware to facilitate the mobile broadband option — which does not require a dongle.

Step aside AirPlay here comes SmartGlass

In a step to open up the Xbox 360’s interactivity with mobile devices, Microsoft showed off what they believe will be a great competitor to Apple’s AirPlay called SmartGlass at E3 yesterday. The new cross-platform functionality will come to Apple's iOS, as well as Google Android and Microsoft Windows Phone and Windows 8, later this year.

Microsoft showed off how content being played on the Xbox 360 could be complemented by additional content on a tablet like an iPad. In one demonstration, a user watching "Game of Thrones" on the HBO Go application had the show streaming to their HDTV, while an interactive map of the fictional world was displayed on a tablet and was updated in real-time, synced with the program.

Also expect browser integration on the Xbox 360 that you can control with your smartphone or tablet device. Other than being able to share the results I don’t know why you just wouldn’t do it on you personal mobile device. Game play was another function they showed off using Madden’s NFL. In this case they demonstrated the ability to use a tablet to select plays and draw up new ones that could them be displayed through the Xbox 360.

I haven’t purchased an AppleTV yet and I have been holding off doing so. Microsoft’s Xbox SmartGlass should be able to be used for this function as well. They will probably need to develop an application to do this but I don’t think that there will be a native AirPlay integration in the Xbox but that would be nice. Microsoft stated that they will bring the same ability on Android device as well as Windows Phone and Windows 8.

For those of us that already have an Xbox 360 in their media setup this is something to be anticipated. SmartGlass is Microsoft’s new interface platform that will hopefully allow programmers to open up your stationary media center with the Xbox at the center to all of your mobile devices.

Need a Hotspot? Buy the iPad from Verizon.

Anand Lal Shimpi over at AnandTech reports that he has tested the new iPad as a hotspot device, and it far exceeds current Verizon Hotspot products supporting LTE from Novatel and Samsung. These devices provide about a 4+ hour window of support currently while the new iPad when setup to minimize battery usage was able to go 5 times longer to about 25.3 hours. Hands down no comparison. The people over at The Verge confirmed this with their own tests.

This seems to be one of the benefits that Verizon has over AT&T right now. AT&T is reportedly working on adding this feature to their service but I haven’t seen a timeline as to when it will be available. Of course LTE coverage is spotty at best for anyone so this may not be of concern or a benefit for you. But it is out there and is pretty interesting how well it is working.

ECO-Friendly Battery-Free BlueEye Mouse

Experience the most ECO-friendly wireless mouse from Genius BlueEye family DX-ECO. Battery free design let you contribute your very own effort in environment protection. Featuring battery free design, it has built-in a gold capacitor to expand recharge life up to 100,000 times; just a quick charge for 3 minutes and ready to use. The Genius BlueEye technology let you work virtually anywhere. Its bi-directional 2.4GHz let your work up to 15 meters and anti-interference ensures perfect working smoothness. Also available of four hot key to access to Previous/Next Page, Flying Scroll and dpi adjust between 800 and 1600 dpi. Plus it’s super mini receiver is easy for storage and prevent breakage. For a high C/P value and ECO-friendly mouse, there is nothing better than DX-ECO, so why wait? Start protecting the environment from DX-ECO now.

How does it work?  It uses a gold capacitor, also known as an electric double layered capacitor (or super capacitor). Rather than the chemical reaction found in standard batteries, gold capacitors rely on a storage cell that utilizes the absorption and release of ions. It was theorized a few years ago that this technology could power a mouse, but historically it has been used to provide backup sources of power (though the test mouse was also able to charge inductively, so it was completely cord-free). Apparently, the mouse can go a "full day" on one charge, but can be recharged in a mere three minutes — so while you likely won't see the longevity you get from traditional batteries, charging the mouse up should be a minimal inconvenience. You accomplish the recharging by plugging in the mouse using a micro-USB connection on the mouse.

Package Contents:

• DX-ECO wireless mouse
• USB pico receiver
• CD driver
• Micro USB rechargeable cable
• Multi-language user's manual

Highlights and Price:

• Battery free wireless mouse 168a.jpg
• Fully recharged within three minutes while using
• Works on virtually every surface including dusted glass and marble
• Fully Plug and Play
• Comfortable ergonomic design
• Adjustable dpi – 800/1600 dpi
• Travel friendly with storable 2.4GHz USB Pico receiver
• MSRP: US$39.99

Download Spec Sheet