Intel agrees to buy Infineon Wireless Unit for $1.4 Billion

Intel has agreed to purchase Infineon’s mobile chip business for $1.4 billion, the companies announced late Sunday.

The move by the world’s largest chip maker will aid to boost the company’s presence in smartphones, which have begun to dominate the computing landscape. Rumors of the deal have been around for a while.

“The global demand for wireless solutions continues to grow at an extraordinary rate,” Intel chief executive Paul Otellini said in a statement. “The acquisition of Infineon’s WLS (Wireless Solutions) business strengthens the second pillar of our computing strategy–internet connectivity–and enables us to offer a portfolio of products that covers the full range of wireless options.”

Otellini said that the full spectrum of wireless technology includes Wi-Fi wireless networking, , WiMax long-range wireless networking, 3G data networks over cell phones and Long-Term Evolution, the next-generation of wireless phone networking, also known as 4G.

Infineon ranked 4th in cellular-baseband shipments last year with an 11 percent unit share, according to a recent report from market analyst firm The Linley Group. Infineon Technologies’ wireless solutions division supplies components to Apple, Nokia, Samsung and others.

Intel wants to expand its presence in products such as tablet computers, smartphones, netbooks, laptops and embedded computing devices. Clearly, this acquisition makes a lot more sense than Intel’s purchase of McAfee, the antivirus software company, for $7.68 billion earlier this month. It looks like Intel is getting serious about competing with mobile chip vendors, ranging from applications chip makers such as Marvell to intellectual property companies such as ARM.

The boards of the two companies have approved the deal, which will close in the first quarter of 2011.

D-Link unveils eight port Wireless N Router

D-Link, the provider of back-to-back networking solutions for consumers, businesses and service providers, has recently announced a 802.11n router with an extensive set of eight ports to connect more wired Ethernet devices. Additionally, it also offers a quick and widespread Wi-Fi network to share high-speed Internet access at maximum distance around the home.

Wireless N 8-Port Router allows user to link a USB printer or multifunction-printer (MFP) and share it with computers on the network by making use of SharePort technology. SharePort also shares a USB storage device among various computers to get access to files such as video, music, photos and documents.

“We have listened to customers that have requested a router with more ports so users can connect the growing number of networked devices.” said Herman Chang, Director Product Management, Wireless, for D-Link.

The DIR-632 has a D-Link Quick Router Setup Wizard. It helps users to easily configure the router's Internet connection, wireless network settings and security in a short period of time.
The Wireless N 8-Port router supports the most recent wireless security features to avoid unauthorized access via a Wi-Fi network or from the Internet. It supports WPA/WPA2 standards to guarantee the best possible encryption. Moreover, the DIR-632 exploits the dual active firewalls (SPI and NAT) to avert chances of attacks through the Internet.

Following are the key features and benefits of D-Link:

• Eight (8) 10/100 LAN Ports for computers and devices.
• Powerful 802.11N Wi-Fi N300 technology outperforms Wireless G with transfer speeds and broader coverage.
  
• Parental controls allow parents to supervise and control internet activity.
• Built-in QoS engine enhances Internet experience and performance.
• Advanced network security with push-button encryption.
• SharePort technology for USB printer, multi-function printer (MFP), and USB storage files sharing.

Logitech unveils new illuminated keyboard

Logitech has introduced a rechargeable keyboard with ambient light and motion sensors.

The Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800's features are said to make sure people have the right amount of backlight when they need it, while conserving battery life when they don’t.

The backlighting automatically adjusts depending upon the amount of light in the room using ambient light sensors. Motion sensors detect a users hand as they approach to turn the backlighting on and to turn it back off when their hands move away. The company claims that as "a result, you’ll enjoy bright, precise illumination and more battery life — up to 10 days of battery life without recharging." Sheesh.

Apart from its flashy features, the keyboard has a micro-USB cable that recharges the device while it's being used. It also uses Logitech's so-called "PerfectStroke" key system, which is claimed to make keys quieter and Logitech's Incurve keys to make typing more quiet. Additionally, the letters and characters on the keys are claimed to be durable and won’t wear off.

Samsung Gusto lands at Verizon Wireless

While Sprint gets the Epic 4G Galaxy S phone, Verizon is picking up another phone from Samsung that proffers multiple messaging options and voice enhancement audio technology. The Samsung Gusto is set to be made available through Verizon Wireless Communications Stores sometime in the forthcoming weeks.

This sleek handset has been festooned by a 2.2” internal screen and VGA camera with night shot. Drenched in a shade of metallic gray, it comes with a mobile web browser and features SMS, MMS and Voice messaging as well as mobile IM, mobile chat, mobile e-mail and mobile web e-mail.

The Gusto’s Bluetooth technology supports headset, serial port, phonebook access, hands-free, object push for vCard and vCalendar. It is pre-loaded with Bing search and capable of downloading wallpapers, ringtones, games, location-based services and more. The phone also integrates other utilities like calendar, calculator, and alarm clock and so on.

Dynamic Voice Enhancement technology cuts down on background disturbances, improves speech frequencies and extends noise suppression. Managing social situations gets easier with the fake call feature that enables users to set up a pseudo call with a timer. Driving mode intelligently adjusts the volume on this handset which is also VZ Navigator capable.

The phone is currently available through Verizon’s online portal for free after a web discount and a new two-year customer contract. The Samsung Gusto will hit the carrier’s retail outlets for $19.99 (approx. Rs. 935) with a two-year customer agreement after a $50 (approx. Rs. 2,350) mail-in rebate.

Canon unveils Its 3-in-1 X Mark I wireless laser mouse

After releasing the innovative X Mark I print, here’s another gadget dashing into Canon’s X series of calculators. Canon has launched the 3-in-1 X Mark I wireless laser mouse which not only includes a calculator, but can also be used as a numeric keypad for PCs. This sleek, angular and feature-rich offering is cited to be constructed out of recycled Canon materials.

The gadget provides Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities to its users in addition to the scroll-wheel and three click buttons. The 1200dpi mouse maybe considered suitable for managing PCs as well as to carry out calculations. The device is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating environments. Moreover, the offering integrates a user-lock feature to prevent accidental pressing of keys while employing it as a mouse.

Clear and legible data is flashed on the high-resolution display panel of the gadget which is made up of 10 digits. Users are also provided with updates about the operational status. Apart from being crafted out of recycled materials, this eco-friendly mouse is also energy efficient thanks to its Auto-power Off function. To offer a prolonged battery life, the peripheral is equipped with a low power indicator.

Available in a glossy white or black shade, the X Mark I mouse is estimated to arrive in November this year. This 3-in-1 gadget is priced at £39.99 (approx. Rs. 2,450).

Sprint’s Peel case brings wireless 3G data to Apple iPod Touch

The PEEL portable 3G 802.11 b/g WiFi hotspot passed through the FCC today. The device bears Sprint branding, and it’s designed to work on the company’s CDMA/EVDO network. But it doesn’t offer support for 4G.

Interestingly, the PEEL is designed to attach to the back of an iPod Touch. All you need to do is connect to the PEEL’s WiFi signal with your iPod Touch, and you will have anywhere access to the Internet. That means you can even place calls with your iPod Touch when logged on to the net via WiFi. The PEEL supports up to 5 devices simultaneously.

The PEEL is manufactured by ZTE and has the model number U3200. Any info on pricing or a release date has not yet been released, but today’s FCC filing suggests that the device should be available soon.

Bluetooth 4 spec reduces energy consumption by 90%

Bluetooth has permitted a next-gen spec that will allow future wireless devices to operate for years on just a minute, button-sized battery.

According to Bluetooth SIG director Michael Foley, devices based on the new 4 spec are likely to devour nearly 90 percent less energy than current electronic items.

Bluetooth 4 spec reduces energy consumption by 90%"[This] will enable a host of new uses for wireless products in everything from sports and fitness to health-care and home entertainment," Foley explained in a blog post.

Some of the new devices envisioned by Foley include:Advanced fitness monitors - Capable of recording activity levels, heart rate, weight.



• Health sensors - Collect vital information such as pulse, temperature and blood glucose levels. Automatically sends the information to a mobile phone or PC, allowing doctors and other healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely.
• 
Watches - Designed to control wireless headsets, mobile phones and other portable devices.

The first Bluetooth low energy devices are slated to be released this fall, with a virtual "flood" likely in 2011.