B&N Wi-Fi Nook For Only $150
Barnes and Noble is doing away with 3G version of their e-book reader Nook and now offering Wi-Fi Nook for $150. The previous 3G version is now selling for $199. With a new 1.4 firmware update, the Nook will now allow you to use any AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot for free.
Google Admits Collecting Private Wi-Fi Data
Google has admitted that the company has been collecting private Wi-Fi data (publicly broadcast SSID information and MAC address) while they are getting info for street view. The search company is now saying they have been mistakenly collecting samples of payload data from open networks. How can this be a mistake when it is done for 3 years?
From Google blog: ….it was a mistake. In 2006 an engineer working on an experimental WiFi project wrote a piece of code that sampled all categories of publicly broadcast WiFi data. A year later, when our mobile team started a project to collect basic WiFi network data like SSID information and MAC addresses using Google’s Street View cars, they included that code in their software—although the project leaders did not want, and had no intention of using, payload data.
Apple Released iPad 3G
Apple’s iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G is now available in retail and online stores. Priced from $629 to $829. Apple said it sold more than half a million Wi-Fi-only iPads in the first week of availability.
Isreal Lifted Ban On Apple’s iPad
The Israeli Communications Ministry, Eden Bar Tal, has previously ordered customs in the country to confiscate all Apple iPads from overseas passengers due to inferior low-powered American standards Wi-Fi. Apparently Isreal uses the supposedly more powerful European standards Wi-Fi.
Now Isreal has lifted the ban after tests proved the device identifies the Wi-fi access point in its surroundings and adjusts itself automatically, enabling the iPad to be operated without interfering with other wireless devices
Source: Israel lifts ban on imports of Apple iPad
Isreal Will Ban iPad Due To Wi-Fi Issue
The Israeli Communications Ministry, Eden Bar Tal, has ordered customs in the country to confiscate all Apple iPads from overseas passengers due to inferior low-powered American standards Wi-Fi. Apparently Isreal uses the supposedly more powerful European standards Wi-Fi.
Looks like Steve Jobs will have to watch out how his devices are sold in Isreal. The iPhone was only approved for sale in December 2009 due to inferior low powered Wi-Fi. Go figure, there were no problems in other European countries.
Google Free Wi-Fi At Airports
Google is temporarily offering free Wi-Fi in airports across US. This is the company’s marketing strategy for the holiday season. Microsoft, eBay and Yahoo are doing the same too.
Google is also providing free Wi-Fi on Virgin America flights for the same period.
