Daily Archives: August 21, 2011

2 posts

Three Mobile Broadband Announce Huawei E586 MiFi 21Mbps HSDPA+ Hotspot

Three announces a new, high speed Mobile Wi -Fi device – the Huawei E586 MiFi – which will be the first mobile Wi -Fi device in the UK to feature next generation HSPA+ mobile broadband technology.

The new MiFi will allow customers to experience significant speed gains compared to the existing award-winning MiFi. Initially around 40% faster, those figures will increase even further as Three ramps up its upgrade programme and rolls out the HSPA+ 21.1Mbps standard across its high-speed 3G network.*

The features and functionality Three’s customers have come to know and love from the Three MiFi are still there. Fast, secure Wi -Fi for iPads, laptops or handheld games consoles at the touch of a button. An OLED screen displaying key information like the amount of data used, speed of the current connection and length of browsing time, and a new look dashboard for viewing SMS and changing settings. In addition a new feature allows users to see their Wi -Fi user name and password on screen at the touch of a button for fast pairing with new gadgets.

David Kerrigan, head of mobile broadband at Three commented: “As the UK’s biggest 3G mobile broadband network, we’re delighted to introduce our high speed mobile Wi -Fi product. This joins our award winning HSPA+ dongles making us the only operator offering an entirely next generation HSPA+ enabled range of mobile broadband products. Aside from this step up in speed, the new cradle charger, which looks great, will help people get the best performance in the home.”

The new MiFi, built by Huawei, will be available in store and online from September.

Key features:

– Charging cradle
– 21.1 Mbps technical standard Download (HSDPA )
– 5.76 Mbps technical standard Uplink (HSUPA)
– Internal Memory slot for micro SD card that supports up to 32GB
– Approximately 4.5 hours battery life

* Three is aiming to have 80% of its network upgraded to HSPA+ by the end of this year, with the rest following soon afterward

Skype Acquires GroupMe

Skype announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GroupMe, a provider of mobile group messaging services that helps users stay in touch and make decisions. GroupMe was founded in 2010 at the Techcrunch Disrupt Hackathon and is headquartered in New York, New York. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Through the acquisition of GroupMe, Skype continues its drive to provide a global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience. The acquisition of GroupMe complements Skype’s leadership in voice and video communications by providing best in class text-based communications and innovative features that enable users to connect, share locations and photos and make plans with their closest ties. This, coupled with the acquisition of mobile video provider Qik, which Skype announced earlier this year, augments Skype’s role as an innovator in driving unique mobile user experiences.

“Skype and GroupMe have a shared vision of creating applications and experiences that are the daily communications choice for a billion people. We will continue to seek the top talent and technology to make that vision a reality” said Tony Bates, Skype’s Chief Executive Officer. “The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family” added Bates.

“There is a natural affinity between Skype and GroupMe and our goal is to continue developing tools that make it easier for people to communicate, share, and stay in touch with their close and important ties” said Jared Hecht, GroupMe’s Co-Founder. “Integrating GroupMe into the Skype experience is an amazing opportunity for us and accelerates the execution of our vision tenfold” added Steve Martocci, GroupMe’s Co-Founder.

About Skype
Skype is software that enables the world’s conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Every day, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com.

About GroupMe
GroupMe is the easiest way to start conversations and keep in touch with your real life network. It’s totally free, and it works on every phone. For more information, please visit www.groupme.com