Consumer Electronics Daily News

D-Link Now Shipping New Lineup of Routers

D-Link today announced it is now shipping a new line of AC Routers with the availability of the Wireless AC1750 Router (DIR-868L), Wireless AC1200 Router (DIR-860L), Wireless AC1000 Router (DIR-820L) and Wireless AC750 Router (DIR-810L). Offering next-generation Wi-Fi speeds, D-Link's latest 802.11ac Routers deliver a range of wireless speeds and price points for creating a reliable and strong Wi-Fi home network ideal for HD video streaming, online gaming, and multiple user activities.

"Today's average home now has more than 15 devices, oftentimes with multiple iPads, iPhones, as well as Android phones and tablets, and consumers are looking for the best in wireless connectivity to help deliver uninterrupted HD video streaming, online gaming and multiple user capabilities," said Daniel Kelley, Vice President of Marketing, D-Link Systems, Inc. "With the introduction of the new 11AC Router line, D-Link provides next-generation wireless speeds to meet the needs of the digital home coupled with advanced remote management and sharing capabilities to better suit mobile lifestyles."

The Wireless AC1750 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router and Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router deliver speeds of up to 1750Mbps (N450Mbps+AC1300Mbps) and 1200Mbps (N300 + AC867Mbps) respectively. In addition, the Wireless AC1000 Dual Band Cloud Router offers speeds of up to 1000Mbps (N300Mbps + AC650Mbps) and the Wireless AC750 Dual Band Cloud Router offers speeds of up to 750Mbps (N300Mbps + AC433Mbps). Eliminating Wi-Fi interference for faster and more reliable Internet, D-Link's family of AC routers are equipped with Dual Band technology enabling users to perform simple Internet activities on the 2.4GHz band, and more demanding activities on the cleaner, interference free 5GHz band. The routers are also backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n devices for seamless connectivity.

Offering easy remote network management, the Cloud Routers enable users to see what websites are being visited, block unwanted connections, and set up automatic email alerts when unauthorized connections are made on any iPhone^®, iPad^® or Android^™ device with the free mydlink^™ Lite app. In addition, the routers feature a USB port that works with the free SharePort^™mobile app, enabling users to stream and share photos, music and movie files directly to their mobile device¹. The AC routers also support easy setup using a mobile phone or tablet with the free Quick Router Setup (QRS) app.

For fast wired connectivity, the Wireless AC1750 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router and AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router are equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and the Wireless AC1000 Dual Band Cloud Router and AC750 Dual Band Cloud Router are equipped with four Fast Ethernet ports.

Availability and Pricing
The new line of AC routers will be available throughout D-Link's vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in the United States. Detailed specifications and information are available online at www.dlink.com with street pricing as follows:

• Wireless AC 1750 Dual Band Gigabit Cloud Router (DIR-868L) - $169.99
• Wireless AC 1200 Dual Band Gigabit Router (DIR-860L) - $149.99
• Wireless AC1000 Dual Band Cloud Router (DIR-820L) - $119.99
• Wireless AC750 Dual Band Cloud Router (DIR-810L ) - $79.99

Visually Impaired People Turning to Audioboo for a Social Experience

Many popular social media sites are text, image and video based, meaning those who are blind can find it difficult to fully engage with the content and interact with other users. However, since its launch almost three years ago, social sound network Audioboo has attracted a worldwide following in the visually impaired community. This is not only due to voice being a natural communication tool for such communities, but also because the desktop platform and apps have been built with full accessibility to record, listen to and share audio in mind.   

Audioboo recognised the potential that the platform offered the blind and partially sighted community, and ensured accessibility was at the fore of its recent app and desktop redevelopments. The Royal London Society for the Blind (RLSB) not only runs its own channel on Audioboo, but the organisation is an avid supporter of the platform and is currently working on full integration with its new website.

Dr Tom Pey, Chief Executive of the RLSB, said: "Technology propels people forward every day. It has the power to open doors to new learning, new friendships and new possibilities. But this power can only be harnessed and enjoyed by people when a piece of technology is accessible and engaging. For many of the blind and partially sighted young people that RLSB works with, Audioboo is the perfect example of a technological tool that is both of these things. Our channel is a hub for news and information, so vision impaired young people can follow us and find out about exciting services, events and opportunities that are exclusively available to them."

The internet, apps and social networks are often taken for granted by sighted people – if a tool or platform isn't accessible to those who rely on screen readers, it can make the difference between a blind person being able to use it or not. While technology can make a significant difference in both leisure time and work to visually impaired people, so easily, they can be excluded from communities and day-to-day communications and the latest trends, such as social media.

Amy, an everyday user, commented: "I feel a part of the Audioboo community, but I also feel very much a part of the growing visually impaired community on Audioboo which is really, really great. It's really supportive, and it's growing, and I'm proud to be a part of it. App-wise, Audioboo is really accessible."

Rob Proctor, Audioboo's CEO explained:  "The feedback we have been getting from organizations like the RLSB and direct from users with sight impairment has been immensely positive, and we're hearing that Audioboo is making a real difference to the lives hundreds of people across the world. It has fast become the social network for blind people, as it is breaking down barriers and opening up new worlds for learning, communication and friendship."

For more information about Audioboo, record boos or to listen to and share a variety of audio news and other content, visit www.audioboo.fm.

CTIA Survey Shows U.S. Wireless Providers Invest More Per Subscriber

 Today, CTIA-The Wireless Association® released its semi-annual survey, which showed U.S. wireless providers increased their annual network investments from $25.3 billion in 2011 to $30.1 billion in 2012 (up 19 percent). The $30.1 billion is the highest amount since the survey began in 1985, which is approximately 25 percent of the world's total wireless capital expenditures [PDF], even though the U.S. has only five percent of the world's wireless users. The U.S. wireless providers invested approximately $94 per subscriber, compared with $16 per subscriber for the rest of the world. Since 2000, wireless providers invested more than $296 billion, not including the more than $35 billion in spectrum auction revenues paid to the U.S. government.

"The U.S. wireless industry's record-setting level of network investment is clear proof of its continued commitment to providing Americans with superior 4G coverage. The wireless industry invested billions of dollars to improve their networks and their customers' coverage in 2012, fueling the 'virtuous cycle' of innovation. New devices, apps and content were developed so consumers could take advantage of the faster network speeds and capabilities. That's why the U.S. leads the world in wireless innovation and competition," said Steve Largent, President and CEO, CTIA. "The numbers clearly prove our members are key drivers of the U.S. economy, which will be enhanced by making more spectrum available for commercial use."

NanoTech Entertainment Releases Inside NanoTech Channel

NanoTech Entertainment today announced the availability of its new channel, Inside NanoTech.  The channel features monthly updates including: interviews with members of the staff providing details into the products and projects that they are working on, interviews with key customers discussing their success stories using NanoTech products, interviews with business partners and demonstrations of NanoTech products and technology.

CEO Jeffrey A. Foley stated, "We are excited to announce the availability of the Inside NanoTech channel.  Viewers can watch the channel on a variety of platforms including Roku, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PC and Mac. We are launching the channel featuring three interviews from the recent Amusement Expo 2013 show in Las Vegas. We plan on updating the channel with several new videos each month, including interviews with board members that will be published this month."

We've received a lot of feedback from the investment community and have compiled those questions for the interviews we are taping," continued Foley. "The channel is based on our NanoFlix technology and will continue to evolve with more features as the platform does, including an ever expanding list of platforms that are supported. We truly believe that we are at the beginning of the next generation of content delivery and that NanoFlix is the future of television."

The channel is available for Roku users at https://owner.roku.com/add/insidentek.  The channel can be viewed from mobile devices and web browsers at http://www.nano-flix.com/inside. 

Jim Meyer Appointed CEO of SiriusXM

Sirius XM Radio today announced that James E. Meyer has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.  Meyer has served as the interim CEO since December.

"After a thorough search of excellent candidates, we are delighted to name Jim as the CEO of SiriusXM, where he will continue to lead a very strong executive team. Jim is a highly qualified leader and operator, and we look forward to working with him to build on SiriusXM's position as the innovator in audio entertainment," said Gregory B. Maffei, Chairman of SiriusXM.  "He has been a vital part of SiriusXM for close to a decade, and his extensive knowledge of SiriusXM's business and significant industry experience will be invaluable assets in the highly competitive market within which SiriusXM is thriving. Jim's leadership, strategic vision and operating focus are exactly what SiriusXM needs today and in the future."

"I look forward to leading SiriusXM," said Meyer. "SiriusXM is a great service with world-class programming that comes from teams of focused and motivated employees. I am honored to be working with our talented management team as we continue to deliver the best content and services to our subscribers nationwide and enhance value for our stockholders."

Meyer served as SiriusXM's President of Sales and Operations from May 2004 until his appointment as our interim CEO in December.  Prior to joining SiriusXM, Meyer was President of Aegis Ventures, a general management consulting company, and provided consultant support for SiriusXM.  Before Aegis, he held a number of senior management positions in consumer electronics, including the Senior Executive Vice President of Digital Media Solutions for Thomson, a worldwide leader in consumer electronics.

Apparently Your Cell Phone is Too Lazy

Eureka Mobile Advertising, a start-up, founded by technology veterans, Rahul Jayawant and Yogesh Sholapurkar, has launched the world's first mobile phone utility that monetizes the idle screen to deliver exciting and relevant content to target subscribers. Eureka is currently available on the Google Play Store (Android), and will soon be made available on other platforms. By utilizing the idle screen space of the mobile phone, Eureka provides a unique opportunity for brands to engage with customers.

Built on the back of proprietary technology, Eureka works in partnership with telecom operators and brands. For subscribers that opt to download and continue using Eureka, the service offers a share of the advertiser revenue on a continued basis, along with cool deals, interesting content and relevant ads. For brands, Eureka offers better ROI, greater transparency and insights.

Mr. Rahul S Jayawant, Founder and CEO, Eureka Mobile Advertising, says, "With the kind of power that the mobile phone wields, it has become the single most important tool for marketers. With our pilot launch completed in India over the last eight weeks, we have seen overwhelming enthusiasm for our service from subscribers and CMOs. Over the next year, we aim to be present in multiple markets across the world. We see immense potential in this technology, and are excited about the opportunities that it presents."

AT&T to Provide Exclusive Wireless Network Enhancements for Kentucky Derby

AT&T collaborated with a third party wireless infrastructure provider for the installation of new wireless antennas located throughout the grandstands, suites and premium seating areas of the Churchill Downs Racetrack to improve wireless coverage, capacity and data speeds during peak event times at this year's Kentucky Derby.

AT&T will be the first wireless carrier to connect to the new distributed antenna system. The third party wireless infrastructure provider has worked closely with Churchill Downs and AT&T's Antenna Solutions Group (ASG) to ensure the network is designed to meet the needs of AT&T's customers as well as Churchill Downs, given the historical nature of the facility.

"Investment in next-generation technologies is imperative to Kentucky's future success," said Senator Robert Stivers. "During the greatest two minutes in sports, the world is focused on the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Kentuckians, as well as thousands of visitors from across the globe, will descend on Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, and I will continue to encourage investment in better wireless and broadband across the state through innovative public policy."

According to Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, "Churchill Downs is committed to providing exceptional wireless coverage on Derby day. Our collaboration with AT&T will bring the latest wireless technology to Churchill Downs and address the coverage and capacity issues when folks are using their wireless devices to capture those photos, utilize social media and make calls."

In addition to ensuring voice calls are successfully connected, the new antenna system will allow smart phones, tablets and other devices to access the Internet and run interactive applications including the Kentucky Derby mobile application. The Kentucky Derby mobile application allows users to access many features on their mobile devices, including information on the schedule of racing and entertainment events, horse and contender information, betting information, ticket information and sales, video and photo galleries, Derby trivia and racing meets, Facebook and Twitter links, and breaking news announcements.

"An integral part of our goal to deliver an outstanding customer experience is to provide an exceptional wireless experience," said AT&T Kentucky President Mary Pat Regan. "We want to enable the thousands of Derby attendees to use their wireless devices to capture the memories made and stay connected."

MetroPCS Stockholders Approve T-Mobile Merger

MetroPCS Communications, Inc. announced today that its stockholders overwhelmingly voted to approve all of the proposals required for closing the proposed combination with T-Mobile USA, Inc. With today's approval of the proposals by MetroPCS' stockholders, all requisite approvals required to complete the proposed combination have been received. The proposed combination is expected to be completed after the close of business on April 30, 2013.

"We are pleased with the outcome of today's vote and thank all of our stockholders for their support," said Roger D. Linquist, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPCS. "Our combination with T-Mobile will create the value leader in the U.S. wireless marketplace, and we are confident that the combination of these two outstanding businesses is the best outcome for MetroPCS and our stockholders and will maximize stockholder value. We look forward to completing the combination shortly and delivering compelling value to the stockholders and customers of the combined company." 

Upon completion of the proposed combination, MetroPCS' stockholders of record as of the close of business on the closing date, which is expected to be April 30, 2013, will receive an immediate $1.5 billion aggregate cash payment, or approximately $4.06 per share (prior to the reverse stock split that will occur in connection with the closing of the proposed combination), as well as an approximate 26 percent ownership stake in the combined company. 

Approximately 86.21 percent of MetroPCS' total outstanding shares of common stock as of the March 11, 2013 record date for the special meeting were voted. MetroPCS had 369,882,190 shares of common stock outstanding as of the record date for the special meeting. 

Airfone to Shut Down to Boost Capacity for Gogo In-Flight Internet

 Aircell, a leading provider of in-flight connectivity equipment and services to the business aviation market, has completed its acquisition of the Airfone business unit of LiveTV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways Corporation. The agreement includes LiveTV's 1 MHz air-to-ground spectrum license, as well as the Airfone in-flight communications service, network infrastructure and back-office operational assets.

"We're delighted to welcome Airfone customers and dedicated employees to the Aircell family," said John Wade, Aircell's Executive Vice President and General Manager.

With a history dating back to the 1970s, the Airfone service currently operates on frequencies adjacent to those utilized by Aircell's Gogo Biz in-flight Internet service in the business aviation market – as well as Gogo in the commercial airline market. To support the ongoing expansion of those services, the Airfone service will be permanently decommissioned on December 31, 2013.

Airfone subscribers can visit www.airfonetransition.com to obtain complete details about the pending network shutdown – including timelines, FAQs, replacement system options, contact information and more.

To help ease the transition for affected operators, Aircell is offering special replacement incentives on a number of its voice and Internet systems. The incentive program – available exclusively to current Airfone subscribers through December 31, 2013 – allows customers to preserve or expand their in-flight communications capabilities at below-market costs.

"In-flight communications have become an indispensable part of the business aviation experience. To ensure operators aren't without needed communications capabilities after the December 31 Airfone service shutdown, customers with MagnaStar units are encouraged to begin planning their transition now," said Wade.

Panasonic Announces Pricing and Availability of the New SC-NP10 Wireless Speaker

Panasonic today announced pricing for the SC-NP10 wireless speaker. Designed as an optimal surround sound system for tablet viewing and listening, the Panasonic SC-NP10 offers users unique functionality for a variety of spaces and listening scenarios. 

Designed for use with any Bluetooth®-enabled tablet device, the Panasonic SC-NP10 allows users to prop their tablet, rather than dock, and wirelessly stream music or movie sound. Because the system is not a "docking station" it is compatible with various tablet models and sizes, making it easy for a family with different tablets to share the SC-NP10. At just 3.5 pounds, the compact device can be placed virtually anywhere in the home – in the kitchen, a bedroom or home office - giving users the freedom of watching movies from a distance rather than from their lap.

For users worried about the listening experience when sitting close-by, the Panasonic SC-NP10 utilizes near field stereo sound to produce realistic sound even from a nearby distance. A 12-degree slant structure allows for the reproduction of stereo sound faithful to the original, even when listening at a close distance from the device. The SC-NP10 wireless speaker also offers users 2.1-channel surround sound to produce sound with life-like realism that offers crisp, clear playback for movie sound. A 3-1/8 inch integrated subwoofer produces robust bass sounds, packing powerful sound into a slim wireless speaker system.  Bluetooth® Re-Master technology for music which restores frequencies lost during Bluetooth transmission offers users an uninterrupted listening experience. 

The Panasonic SC-NP10 is now available at electronics retailers nationwide and www.Panasonic.com for an SRP of $199.99.