MetaFilter posts tagged with wireless

Near Space Photography Under $150

mccarty.tim — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:20:05 -0800

With the integration of cameras, GPS receivers, and more into cellphones, many people take for granted the lightweight, energy efficient technology in their pockets. MIT ties all that tech together to a weather balloon in Project Icarus, where for $150 a prepaid cellphone becomes a high-altitude near-space camera.

They called him mad! Mad! Zzzzt!

Deathalicious — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:10:04 -0800

Wireless electricity has been mentioned previously. A recent TED Talk actually shows it in action. The presenter, Eric Giler of WiTricity Corp (a startup founded by MIT researcher Marin Soljačić), mentions the first attempt at wireless electricity, the Wardenclyffe Tower, designed and built over a hundred years ago by Nikola Tesla. The Wardenclyffe Tower was designed to provide wireless communication as well as the wireless transfer of energy. It was destroyed during WWI because the U.S. government worried that German spies could use it as a landmark. Parts of the structure remain near the corner of Tesla Street and NY 25A. There has always been an aura of conspiracy around Tesla and his creations, so of course the tower has been "credited" with a number of "unexplained" events, including the Tunguska explosion of 1908.

Fewer Twitters with caffeine jitters?

Shepherd — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:36:43 -0800

According to the Wall Street Journal, coffee shops in New York are starting to cut back on laptops -- by reducing WiFi privileges, removing outlets, or banning the machines outright. This article has spawned a vast number of spin-off pieces and conversations across the Web. Meanwhile, the quest for a place to lounge in the glow of unlimited Internet use continues to be a beacon... even here on MetaFilter.

FCC claims authority to conduct warrantless searches

notashroom — Thu, 21 May 2009 10:42:45 -0800

The FCC investigated a pirate radio station in Boulder, Colorado earlier this month and left a copy of their official inspection policy asserting that they have the authority to perform warrantless searches of private property if there is any FCC-licensed equipment on the property, including cordless phones, cell phones, wireless routers, intercom systems, and baby monitors.

Section 303(n) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, (Act) gives the Federal Communications Commission the "authority to inspect all radio installations associated with stations required to be licensed by any Act, or which the Commission by rule has authorized to operate without a license under section 307(e)(1), or which are subject to the provisions of any Act, treaty, or convention binding on the United States . . ." 47 U.S.C. 303(n) Both Section 303(n) of the Act, and the Rules which implement the Act, grant the right to inspect most radio operations to the Commission, and by delegated authority to the Commission's Bureaus and agents. The Enforcement Bureau conducts inspections of radio installations as part of the Bureau's function to "[e]nforce the Commission's Rules and Regulations." 47 CFR 0.111(a). Both licensees and non-licensees must allow an FCC Agent to inspect their radio equipment. Along with the privilege of possessing a license come responsibilities such as knowing the applicable rules, including allowing the station to be inspected. Licensees should be aware of the Commission's right to inspect. Equally important, FCC Agents are allowed to inspect the radio equipment of non-licensees. Non-licensees include those individuals or entities operating in accordance with Part 15 of the Rules. Non-licensees also include those who should have a license to operate their equipment but have not obtained a license and are operating without authority.

Chairman Martin Unleashed and Unlicensed

kliuless — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 00:34:04 -0800

FCC paves way for free use of vacant airwaves -- white space -- available in February as TV spectrum is cleared up by digital conversion. Apparently another vote for change will take place November 4. The FCC btw also recently backed a free (ad-supported) nationwide wireless broadband plan in another hunk of spectrum to be auctioned off in 2009.

The Androids are coming!

loquacious — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:37:00 -0800

Google's Android goes live for demo. Lots of video and stills. Cache.

How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry

Brandon Blatcher — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:00:44 -0800

"(Steve) Jobs, a notorious control freak himself, wasn't about to let a group of suits — whom he would later call "orifices" — tell him how to design his phone."

the examEAR

domdom — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 04:38:09 -0800

A tiny wireless spy earpiece is being marketed to students who want the cheat on exams, much to the chagrin of teacher/examiner organisations. The Examear website proclaims they are: "Helping students succeed. Worldwide!" The makers say the devices are also suitable for people such as TV reporter, TV game show contestants -- anyone who needs help remembering things. Remember, before the internet, when students didnt copy all their essays and actually did some work?

Canadian Wireless Data Access Worse than Third World Countries

patr1ck — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 22:00:26 -0800

Recent discussion regarding the iPhone availability in Canada (Rogers says they'll carry it - Then denies doing so) has spurred ideas as to what it might cost. This tore open a nasty wound in the hearts of Canadians, having realized that their mobile data access is worse than that of third world countries. A petition has already been started.

Wii 3D

Burhanistan — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:08:24 -0800

Wii + MacBook Pro + Dome - Experiments using the Nintendo Wii as a wireless 3D interface device.

Google TiSP (BETA)

Memo — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 23:33:11 -0800

"Google TiSP (BETA) is a fully functional, end-to-end system that provides in-home wireless access by connecting your commode-based TiSP wireless router to one of thousands of TiSP Access Nodes via fiber-optic cable strung through your local municipal sewage lines." The free version offers 10x the speed of a normal DSL. Press release and FAQ (with features and prices).

Is there anybody out there...

infini — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:05:10 -0800

Bridging the digital divide - The ubiquitious cellphone has been recognized as a key tool for the social and economic development for many at the bottom of the pyramid - Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Yunus' GrameenPhone received an award in a category that didn't exist last year - "Best Use of Mobile for Social & Economic Development" for their Healthline project at the recently concluded 3GSM Congress in Barcelona last week. Another winner was the ultra low cost Motofone which was designed after two years of research into the needs of the rural and urban poor in India. We need many more such applications available for the "other 4 billion" if this bridge is to be built across the divide.

Wireless Net Neutrality

alms — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 21:25:51 -0800

A Call to Free the Cell Phones. Law professor and Net Neutrality activist Tim Wu throws down the gauntlet to wireless industry. Building on the Carterphone ruling, he makes the argument for Wireless Net Neutrality: that consumers, not wireless carriers, should choose how they connect to the wireless networks, what devices they use, and what they do with the bandwidth.

throw away the wires

localhuman — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:35:53 -0800

wireless electricity is said to be possible by some researchers. the only question is: what will become of this industry?

Buh-BYE Sprint - Nextel wireless contract!

spock — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 11:05:40 -0800

PSA: Want to get out of your Sprint - Nextel wireless contract without paying a penalty? Thanks to the fine print in their contracts, Sprint must give many that option— but only until Oct. 31st. (USAfilter)

Internet access for some!

cubby — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 08:03:26 -0800

The Boston Wi-Fi Network may be constructed within the year by a non-profit corporation. An appointed task force has produced a report (pdf) which recommends building the network on the cheap and allowing providers to compete over the chance to provide service. It won't be free though. Can this possibly work?

Mapping wireless technology at MIT

tellurian — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 19:35:54 -0800

iSPOTS is a project that maps the dynamics of the wireless network on the MIT Campus in real-time. The Intensities map is very nice indeed.

DIY wireless camera remote

Lynsey — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 22:32:45 -0800

How to make your own wireless camera remote. Man buys Minolta 5-D, can't find a remote for less than $30 on eBay; can't find any that are wireless; goes to an electronics store, buys the parts; makes his own wireless remote; then takes pictures of himself skating, using the remote!
I love diy stories like this. (Warning: popups at the linked site.)

Hivedriving

Blazecock Pileon — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 14:14:31 -0800

Collective global wireless network mapping via high-traffic automobile networks

WiFi Piggybacking Arrest - revisited.

twiggy — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 07:01:30 -0800

Another wifi-related arrest was publicized today. In the past, the only case readily available to researchers involved additional seedy activities that are what really drew the arrest. The coffeeshop and other open hotspots show up on several sites such as jiwire and wifinder which are devoted to helping people find wireless hotspots.

In this case, a coffeeshop noticed someone leeching their WiFi parked in his truck -- over the course of 3 months, without ever entering the coffeehouse and making a purchase. While not yet convicted of anything, he has been arrested for "theft of services," and this could mean the first precedent set for whether or not "wireless piggybacking" is illegal. The case becomes especially interesting for both sides of the ethical debate on "borrowing" wireless. One one side of the judge's opinion will be the fact that the coffeehouse is a public place, not a private home. On the other side, it turns out the man who was arrested just so happens to be a registered sex offender, though this coincidental fact is not technically relevant to the case.

Can you hear me now?

CunningLinguist — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 05:49:54 -0800

Retrobrick sells those old giant clunky cell phones we still called "car phones." To anyone old enough to remember them, it's a little scary to think they are desirable antiques now. Too bad they aren't as sweet as these photoshop fantasies. For a little history, Martin Cooper's account of making the first cell phone call, 33 years ago, on the streets of NYC (to his rival at Bell Labs.)

stream itunes to your PSP

jonson — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 14:46:25 -0800

Cool (windows only) bit of software to allow those reading (with Windows pcs, wireless networks, itunes & a PSP) to stream their mp3 libraries over their wireless network to their PSP. I know this probably doesn't apply to too many people here, but hopefully those to whom it does find it useful.

Amazon sex shop

bobbyelliott — Sat, 20 Aug 2005 09:07:34 -0800

The Next Generation Rabbit Pearl Wireless Vibrator is just one of a range of products in Amazon's sex shop.

Wireless Blues!

Bugbread — Tue, 02 Aug 2005 16:58:52 -0800

Wireless bluetooth headset. Now you can listen to your tunes wireless and with oddly colored teeth! Bonuses including pushing your ears to change songs, like that guy in Empire Strikes Back.

Government is going after free WiFi

mountainmambo — Thu, 09 Jun 2005 11:22:31 -0800

Republican Congressman Pete Sessions from Texas introduced a bill that would make all free, public, municipal WiFi illegal. Sessions, as it turns out, is a big fat recipient of SBC funds. Why stop there? Should we privatize highways as well? How about subways? Glad the liberal media is all over this one. Here are a couple of links: Original post on DailyKos, An informative editorial from the Fort Wayne paper