RISC-V is an open, royalty-free chip architecture positioned as an alternative to the ARM and x86 chips that dominate the PC, mobile, server, and embedded spaces. And it’s been picking up steam in recent years. But a chip is only as good as the software that can run on it. So it’s interesting to see […]
3g
AT&T shuts down its 3G network this week, T-Mobile and Verizon to follow suit later this year
It’s the beginning of the end for 3G cellular networks in the United States. The wireless standard was the first to deliver high-speed data over the airwaves when it first rolled out two decades ago, but since then it’s been largely supplanted by faster 4G networks and, more recently, 5G which can theoretically deliver higher […]
Amazon’s old Kindle 3G devices will lose internet access in December
Mobile network operators are getting ready to shut down their 3G networks in order to free up resources for 5G. In the US, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are all expected to pull the plug by the end of 2022. Odds are that most smartphone users have already migrated to 4G or newer devices, but there […]
Lilbits: 3G isn’t dead yet
As wireless networks continue to roll out 5G coverage across the globe, many have also announced that they’re pulling the plug on their aging 3G networks… even though there may still be many customers continuing to use phones and other mobile devices that rely on those networks. But maybe some of those plans were a […]
Google’s GameSnacks are web games optimizes for slow internet connections
While smartphones have become a global phenomenon in recent years, speedy internet access isn’t quite as universal — many folks are still relying on relatively slow 2G or 3G wireless networks. So while many mobile app and web developers are taking advantage of the possibilities of high-speed wireless internet access, one of Google’s latest projects […]
2nd-gen LG Watch Urbane is first Android Wear device with 4G support
Most smartwatches are designed to pair with your smartphone to display notifications, media controls, and other information on your wrist. But a handful (or wristful) of smartwatches have their own cellular modems, allowing you to use them even when your phone isn’t around. Up until now that’s a feature that hasn’t been available for watches […]
Vinci launches $200 MV 7 kids tablet with 3G capabilities
It’s hard out there for an Android tablet maker these days — it’s tough to compete with Samsung, LG, and Asus in terms of features, and it’s hard to compete with Amazon, Google, Dell and HP on price. So my first though when I saw the Vinci MV 7 tablet with a 7 inch screen […]
Huawei UltraStick could bring 3G to low-cost tablets
There are basically two ways to offer a 3G-capable tablet. You can offer hardware that has built-in cellular data capabilities, or you can offer a WiFi-only tablet and an optional 3G adapter. Huawei has a slightly different approach. The company is starting to push its new UltraStick solution which is a tiny 3G module that […]
Acer Iconia A1 tablet to come in WiFi, 3G, and LTE models
Acer plans to launch a new 7.9 inch, low-cost Android tablet in the US this June. The Acer Iconia A1 is about the size of an iPad mini, but the WiFi-only version of this tablet is expected to sell for just over half the price of Apple’s tablet. But it looks like the WiFi version […]
Republic Wireless exits beta, launches $19/month unlimited wireless network
Republic Wireless is an unusual phone company which offers unlimited talk, text, and data for just $19 per month. What’s the catch? Well, despite what it says on the website, there are a few. First, you get a choice of exactly one phone at the moment: A $249 Motorola DEFY XT. Second, the phone is […]