Some really cool stuff at Demomobile

While I did not attend this year's Demomobile show in La Jolla, Calif., I was able to get a sneak peek at some of the cooler products. Here's a closer look.

ViewSonic, known mostly for its computer monitor, LCD TV and plasma display business, is getting into the wireless network and networked media gateway market. The ViewSonic WMG 80 (and WMG 120) Wireless Media Gateway combines a network-attached storage device with a wireless LAN router. The Wireless Media Gateway, used with the WMA 100 Wireless Media Adapter, can store a user's digital media content (music, photos and videos), and then stream it (over wireless or through Ethernet) to the WMA 100, connected to a TV or stereo (or both). While networked media players are nothing new, ViewSonic has has added a networked hard drive (80G bytes for the WMG 80, 120G bytes for the WMG 120). The gateway can stream content simultaneously, meaning a user can stream music and videos to two different adapters at the same time. The device also can stream Internet radio stations.

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While I did not attend this year's Demomobile show in La Jolla, Calif., I was able to get a sneak peek at some of the cooler products. Here's a closer look.

Not just a networked media player

ViewSonic, known mostly for its computer monitor, LCD TV and plasma display business, is getting into the wireless network and networked media gateway market. The ViewSonic WMG 80 (and WMG 120) Wireless Media Gateway combines a network-attached storage device with a wireless LAN router. The Wireless Media Gateway, used with the WMA 100 Wireless Media Adapter, can store a user's digital media content (music, photos and videos), and then stream it (over wireless or through Ethernet) to the WMA 100, connected to a TV or stereo (or both). While networked media players are nothing new, ViewSonic has has added a networked hard drive (80G bytes for the WMG 80, 120G bytes for the WMG 120). The gateway can stream content simultaneously, meaning a user can stream music and videos to two different adapters at the same time. The device also can stream Internet radio stations.

The gateway and adapter include 802.11g wireless LAN connectivity, have built-in QoS features (802.11e support through firmware upgrade) and a host of security features. ViewSonic will sell the WMG 80 and WMA 100 as a bundled package for $700; the WMG 120 and WMA 100 bundle for $800. For users who already have wireless networks and want to use their PCs for content storage, the WMA 100 will cost $300. ViewSonic expects to ship the devices next month.

Wi-Fi to go

For road warriors who get accustomed to high-speed Internet connections in hotel rooms, entering a room with only dial-up might come as a shock. But with the WiFlyer device from AlwaysOn Wireless, at least the road warriors can use a Wi-Fi connection from their laptops to the dial-up Internet connection.

Rudy Prince, CEO of AlwaysOn Wireless, says as long as the people sharing an Internet connection aren't running bandwidth-intensive applications, dial-up can support two or three computers without many problems.

In locations with a high-speed connection, the WiFlyer becomes a wireless access point. An extra WAN port is available, so travelers can bring along their VoIP boxes and create a traveling office with phone and data service available through the same link.

The WiFlyer will cost about $150, and will be sold through online retailer SkyMall and at www.wiflyer.com.

Headset heaven

Anyone who has made a cell phone call on a busy city street will appreciate the Jawbone headset from Aliph. The company uses acoustic technology that virtually eliminates background noise. The headset also improves the sound quality of the incoming call, whereas most headsets degrade sound quality.

The Jawbone headset includes a sensor that not only detects when you are speaking but also can detect the type of background noise present and eliminate it from the call.

The Jawbone costs $150. Go to www.jawbone.com for more information.

Shaw can be reached at kshaw@nww.com.

Read more about wireless & mobile in Network World's Wireless & Mobile section.