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Tag: "wifi"

Apple Release iPad Software Update

By | July 15, 2010 | 3 comments
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Earlier today, Apple released a new software update for both the WiFi and 3G models of the iPad.  The iOS 3.2.1 update for the iPad doesn’t provide any new features but does include several user requested bug fixes.

The fix that many iPad owners will be interested in is the improved WiFi connectivity. Other improvements include:

  • Fixed an issue that could prevent copy and paste of single-page PDF attachments in Mail
  • Addressed an issue that could cause video playback to freeze
  • Improved reliability of video-out when using iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter
  • Added Bing as an option for Safari’s search field

The update is available via iTunes.

iPad Wireless Syncing Coming “Someday”

By | June 23, 2010 | No comment yet
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WiFi syncing, a feature most iPod/iPhone/iPad users would love to use, seems to be on Apple’s roadmap: according to an email sent by Steve Jobs to an iOS developer, wireless syncing is coming “someday”.

According to Mashable, Rick Proctor, a developer who actually built his own iOS wireless syncing app, simply asked Jobs “Do you think you will ever allow syncing iPhone to Mac over wifi?”. As usual, Jobs’ response was short and straight to the point, “Yep, someday”.

Given that all iOS-powered devices support WiFi, most of us still wonder why Apple never built a wireless syncing feature, as using a cable to sync a wireless device seems totally unnatural. In the past, Apple mentioned security and performance issues as the main reasons why the feature has never been implemented.

As for when the feature will be available, nobody can really tell, as even if Jobs’ response is encouraging, it remains utterly vague.

Photo courtesy of mashable

No Tethering for the iPad

By | June 3, 2010 | 3 comments
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If you’re an iPhone owner and have been hoping to tether your iPad to your iPhone in order to share a 3G wireless connection, looks like you’re out of luck. With tethering, users could potentially eliminate their iPad data plan and help save some money.

The folks at TechFlash spoke to an AT&T spokeswoman to find out whether AT&T plans to support tethering of the two Apple products.  Unfortunately, the spokesperson confirmed tethering is not supported between the two devices because the iPad has no USB port to physically connect the two.

Both devices support Bluetooth but according to Glenn Fleishman, a Seattle journalist,  ”the iPad includes the Bluetooth profile required for tethering, but it is not enabled.”  When TechFlash pressed AT&T for an explanation, they referred all questions to Apple.

If this issue is indeed Apple imposed and not a carrier restriction, then customers worldwide will still need to purchase data plans for their iPad in order to have a mobile Internet experience.

Audi Provides in-car WiFi for iPad

By | May 25, 2010 | 2 comments
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If you’re in the market for a new car and your family likes to stay connected to the Internet while on the road, Audi has a car for you. Audi announced (in German) that their new 2011 A8 luxury sedan will have a factory option for in-car WiFi.  The A8 combines an in-car WiFi access point with a UMTS modem and roof antenna capable of securely transferring data at 7.2Mbps with WPA2 encryption.

Audi has made the Internet connection process quick and easy. Simply insert a data ready SIM card into the optional Bluetooth car unit or tether your device via Bluetooth using a SIM-Access-Profile ready mobile phone and you’re connected to the Internet.

The system supports up to eight devices, so your entire family can have multiple iPads, iPhones, or PCs connected at the same time.  If you love nice cars and have at least $77,000 sitting around, this might be the car for you!

What’s the Difference Between the 3G and WiFi Only iPad?

By | May 5, 2010 | 35 comments
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Now that both the WiFi and 3G iPad models are available, we’ve been getting a lot of questions asking the differences between the two iPads. Here are five things you need to know.

1.) The biggest difference between the two is the addition of 3G wireless capabilities which allow you to stay connected to the Internet while on the go. To use the 3G service you’ll need to sign up for one of two iPad data plans. One plan gives you 250MB for $14.99 while the other is an unlimited monthly plan for $29.99. Both plans are limited to domestic US coverage. You have the option to sign-up for international roaming if you need coverage while traveling abroad, but be careful as international roaming fees can be extremely expensive.

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Top 5 iPad Business Travel Accessories

By | April 20, 2010 | 5 comments
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If you are a business traveler, you probably have your magic bag of gadget accessories that you cannot live without. Last week I covered my top 5 iPad airplane accessories and this week I am going to tell you the top accessories you will need once you are off the plane and at the customer’s site or your hotel.

I have been using my iPad for the past few weeks and have made some adjustments to my normal travel bag.  I still have several battle tested accessories but I have added a few new items.

1.) Apple Airport Express – Staying connected is a top priority when on the road.  I cannot tell you the number of times I have checked into a hotel only to find out that they do not have WiFi or if they do, the signal is so weak that I cannot get a good connection.  I do not leave things to chance anymore, I use Apple’s great little Airport Express.  The device is a little bigger than a deck of cards and allows you to setup a WiFi network in minutes.  Simply plug the Airport Express directly into the wall, plug-in the hotel’s ethernet cable and you now have a personal 802.11 N capable WiFi network running in your room.  I have also used the Airport Express when at off-site meetings to give instant WiFi access to a room full of people.  This sure beats everyone having to look for ethernet cables or 20 different network ports.  Now, one cable and one port does the job. $89.99 at Amazon.com

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iPad Persona non Grata

By | April 17, 2010 | 1 comment
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A few days ago we reported Israel banned the import of iPads because of issues related to Wi-Fi.  Well now it looks like there are a few American universities joining the ban as well.  The iPad has been touted by Apple as the perfect device for college students, allowing easy access to the internet, eBooks and other educational material. Unfortunately, those making the decisions at Cornell, Princeton and George Washington Universities have different opinions.  All three universities reported recently that the iPad will not be welcome on their campuses.  Cornell is concerned their wireless network will not be able to handle the increase in traffic brought on by the iPad, while Princeton and George Washington are apprehensive about the iPad’s security issues.  If you’re thinking about purchasing an iPad for college, you might want to check with the university beforehand, or wait for the 3G version release the end of this month.  With the 3G version you’ll be able to stay connect regardless of the Wi-Fi situation at your school.

Boingo’s Airport WiFi Ready and Waiting for iPad

By | March 24, 2010 | 3 comments
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Good news for all of you travelers or just simply people on-the-go. Boingo is ready and awaiting the iPad launch on April 3rd. This is another reason to pre-order your iPad since you’ll be able to do more with it than simply read the newspaper. No matter which model you buy —3G and WiFi or just WiFi—with Boingo’s WiFi service you’ll be able to access Boingo hotspots, which you’ll find across many airports and various chains around the world.

Another interesting thing is that Boingo plans to offer the same service many of you may be accustomed to via your laptops. In addition, they plan to offer their wireless in 1-hour segments. This is the perfect way to cater to everyone around that daunting airport terminal. One thing is for sure, your iPad will bring you lots of fun and now with the wireless in 1-hour segment you get to enjoy your new toy and pay for wireless access for a reasonable amount of time.

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