This post was written by Ellen Rocklin
Linksys WRT600N router has the same package style as its single-band sibling, the WRT350N, but opts for an all-black look to convey an impression of power and elegance. If previous designs are any indication, this will be used to kick off a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) session, once Linksys gets around to adding that function in a future firmware update. For now, however, you’ll need to use Linksys’ EasyLink Advisor application or set up wireless security manually.
The recently released Crimzon Connects™ platform represents the first comprehensive digital home/office control and monitoring solution in the marketplace. Crimzon Connects(TM) enables users to remotely access and control office electronic devices from any WiFi enabled device with the help of multiple built-in wireless and wired connectivity interfaces. Digital control and monitoring solution supports Web-enabled and native application-based options; interface applications are available for Apple® iPhone(TM) and iPod® touch as well as Blackberry® Curve(TM).
MAAKL Mutual Bhd has launched its latest in-house sales and client management software, MAAKL Home Office (MHO) Version 3.0, which gives its unit trust advisors real-time access to monitor their portfolios. MHO Version 3 is built on the strengths of Microsoft’s technologies. They include some of the yet-to-be released 2008 technology suite. MAAKL’s CEO Wong Boon Choy said there would be new MHO upgrades moving forward as technology is always evolving.
Linksys has launched the WRT110 RangePlus Wireless Router, a three-in-one device, which combines the functionality of a Wireless Access Point (WAP), built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 switch and router. It features an internal antenna technology, in which the antenna is integrated into the router body without any effect in the signal coverage. The WRT110 comes with the Linksys EasyLink Advisor (LELA) application that provides consumers with a flash video-based guided installation for PC and Mac users. LELA uses simplified terminology that does not require knowledge of networking jargon, and helps make setting up a wireless network easier.
Alereon Inc. has released a full range of high performance worldwide reference designs for Wireless USB applications. The reference designs include the Worldwide PCIe Half-MiniCard and Worldwide PCIe ExpressCard/34 reference designs for host laptops and the Worldwide Wireless USB Graphics Adapter reference design for device solutions. Leveraging on Alereon’s first generation products, which were certified by the USB-IF, the new reference designs are compliant with both the WiMedia and Certified Wireless USB specifications along with the Windows Premium Logo Program utilizing the Windows Host Controller Interface (WHCI).
Mobile phones, low-cost fax machines, cutting edge laptops and other gadgets can now allow the home office to be almost anywhere, even in your kitchen. Hewlett Packard Inc.’s IQ 775 TouchSmart, costing $1,599, has finger-friendly features that make it easy to use while inhaling a sandwich. The 19-inch widescreen display is a touch screen, which allows you to navigate through your Web browser and applications with a fingertip. Moreover, the unit’s keyboard and mouse are wireless, as is the remote control, which is used with the built-in high-definition TV tuner, FM radio and video recorder.
Buffalo Inc. announced the launch of its’ LinkStation Quad, which provides large, secure and remotely accessible storage. The new LinkStation Quad allows consumers to share multimedia files and other digital assets securely from any computer on their home network. All with the peace of mind as this storage box is empowered by RAID technology. LinkStation Quad comes with a massive storage of 1TB, 2 TB and 4 TB offering the same great features and protection that Buffalo’s award-winning NAS devices are known for.
ZyXEL Communications, Inc. today has announced it will demonstrate its technological expertise in access and digital home solutions at the TelcoTV 2008 conference. ZyXEL will showcase the power of ‘ZyNERGY,’ the explosive synergy that occurs when broadband access, home connectivity and digital apps devices are designed and built by the same vendor. ZyXEL will feature live demonstrations, at its TelcoTV booth, for IPTV and connected home environment. The first “home demo” will have a high-speed ADSL2+ connection streaming Internet, IPTV and telephone service. Two rooms shown will include a living room and a home office.
On PCMAG.com, M. David Stone shows a way to select a proper inkjet printer for home office. Stone says that some printer models are meant for home use, some are aimed at offices, some are meant to print nothing but photos, and some are designed for mobile printing, complete with batteries. Most inkjets are meant as personal printers or, at most, shared printers for printing a few pages per day. The vast majority are small enough to share a desk with the rest of your home or home-office set up. According to Stone, almost any current inkjet can print photos that at least match the quality you’d expect from your local drugstore. You can also count on almost any inkjet to print graphics well enough for both internal business use, like printing PowerPoint handouts, and home use, like printing party invitations. Pick carefully, once again, and you can have output quality a graphic artist would be happy with.
Minneapolis-based Best Buy said that it has gained 1.5% market share in the U.S. as compared to the year-ago quarter, with key gains in TVs, computers, video games and mobile phones. Best Buy’s home-office business showed the largest increase, 9.3% in comparable U.S. store sales, and now accounts for 31% of total revenues, up from 29% last year. Notebook computers and mobile phones grew at a double-digit percentage, while comparable store sale declines were seen in printers, landline phones and computer networking products, according to the company.