The traffic conditions in real time ... and on a corner of your desk

For those of you who use public transport, whether it's to get to work or simply to make the most of your trips because you are an environmentally responsible person, that's something that might interest you.

John Graham-Cummingn created a monitor to monitor in real time the passage of the bus at your stop. Constructed from an old display is retrieved from a wireless Linksys router, and mounted on a miniature bus (for the aesthetic), this unit is able to retrieve information-tampering reported in real time by the London's Countdown service, and allow to know how soon the next bus will stop by your station / stop.

That's something nice and useful to have on one corner of his office to see to the minute, when is he going to have you log off. But hey, if you already have the model LEGO R2-D2 on a corner of your desk, you will have to get organized. But after all, an office usually has around ... so you still have plenty to do. Of course, this idea should probably be usable for other means of transport such as train, airplane or ... even your ferry.

Apple investigating bugs affecting Wi-Fi iPad 3

Apple has had in the past concerns of Wi-Fi with iPad. We thus approached those of the first iPad in July 2010 and Apple's documentation still contains a sheet dated July 15, 2010 to detail the symptoms. But the iPad 3 is also affected by several problems of connectivity.

The site 9to5mac has obtained internal documentation to Apple about concerns discovered on the iPad Wi-Fi, meaning those with no chips 3G/LTE.

In this documentation, Apple recommends that blinds capture all the shelves with one or more of the following symptoms:
Intermittent connectivity
Poor performance
Wi-Fi networks invisible
So Apple survey on problems that are even more annoying that they focus on the model that has only one means of communication. Support customer reported that the concerns are recognized, and it will therefore go to the Apple Stores (or contact Apple Care).
Symptoms that are found in the testimonies of users

In the official forums of Apple, a subject created a week ago has collected 870 responses to the time of writing. All the symptoms mentioned by the internal document from Apple can be found in the testimony. This includes the inability to connect, as explained by JR64 which the iPad 3 does not reach its Wi-Fi, even though other Mac will succeed with no problem.

Some involve the router configuration but the iPad affected have difficulties with all the equipment indicates Jermil05 Fi and seated beside his wife, it captures only two bars in Wi-Fi , whereas it has a iPad 1 whose connection is maximum. If he approaches his router, he obtained a speed of 10 Mb / s download that collapses to 0.2 Mb / s if 6 meters away: "This is ridiculous."

Others blame directly iPad 3. With two different routers, one being an EA4500 Cisco Linksys, the other directly from Apple, an Airport Extreme. The problems persisted in both cases. Apple also added a comment follows closely the problem because, first comment, he was contacted by "Trevor" Group of Senior Specialist for details on the symptoms.
Disconnecting the active network, the most common problem

Many other comments such as that of the bug link frcabot most common: a network disconnection during use. The user to be in his room at 3 meters from the router, while his other work equipment. And again, placed right next to the router, the iPad 3 runs at full speed.

But beware: all iPad 3 are not affected. As can be seen on the comments of the news devoted to the subject of iGeneration, most users say they have no problem, but others point of disconnections. They then snap the airplane mode and then cut it to connect again.

Difficult at the moment whether it is a software or hardware problem. In the second case, the situation would be more troublesome for Apple since it could lead to a partial recall and exchange. If software problem, it "enough" to wait for the precious update that will resolve the concern.

Cisco unveils a range of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers

Cisco launches WiFi routers intelligent (smart Wi-Fi Router) Linksys oriented apps, for consumers, both today and tomorrow, want to enjoy a connected home. The three new Linksys WiFi routers with performance intelligent wireless exceptional support and also the next generation of Cisco Connect software, namely Cisco Cloud Connect. This software ensures easy management, constant and ubiquitous in many home networks. Cisco also announced a collaboration with leading consumer electronics manufacturers to simplify the connection of their products (such as televisions, multimedia devices and household appliances) and open the door to new life scenarios, daily.

"Increasing the number of equipment installed inside the home and the explosion of streaming video had the effect of increasing the role of the home network. The modern consumer is always connected and has high expectations for reliability, simplicity, software and apps they want to see evolve in concert with him in the future, "said Brett Wingo, vice president and CEO of Cisco Home Networking. "Our new Linksys WiFi routers intelligent alter the situation and make the smart home network. Consumers thus have a platform through which they can easily manage and optimize their equipment and use apps that will allow for new experiences."

The new intelligent Linksys WiFi routers, namely the range Linksys EA (EA4500, EA3500 and EA2700), offering the latest in WiFi technology and performance tailored to the needs of households with assets - ideal for streaming HD video, games multiplayer or the sharing of storage systems and printers. These potentials satisfy the current requirements. It is estimated at 15 billion the number of network devices will be connected by 2015, against $ 7 billion in 2010 (*). Home networks must support a growing number of facilities, provide the bandwidth that is necessary for simultaneous operation of all equipment and the opportunity to connect these devices to quickly and securely.

It is becoming increasingly important to provide the home network intelligence software to allow new apps to provide new areas of experience. The new line-oriented apps Linksys EA provides consumers with entirely new solutions in, for example, control of the domestic environment, space and recreational safety.

Cisco Cloud Connect: new potential for home network
Cisco Connect software provides help to consumers appreciated for their easy installation and management of Linksys routers belonging to the ranges E and X. Cisco Express Connect is the first mobile application that allows a home network management from smart phones or tablets. The new generation of Cisco Connect software, called Cisco Cloud Connect, works exclusively with the new EA Series routers from Linksys and improves user experience by providing them a constant and ubiquitous access to their home network, whether by through a smart phone, a tablet or a web browser. Users can easily grant access to Internet hosts, set parental controls or add devices and this, from any place and at the time of their choice. This is done via the secure site (password) Cisco Cloud Connect. In the future, new apps from Cisco and its partners will offer new potential to devices connected to home network, allowing consumers to enjoy a permanent part of optimized use connected home.

Partners
Cisco is now working with Whirlpool and more than twenty other major manufacturers, application developers and service providers who see the home network a new opportunity to propose innovative solutions to the consumer.

"We are working with Cisco to provide an attractive domestic solution in terms of network connectivity and intelligent energy (smart grid)," said Warwick Stirling, Global Director responsible for the Axis Energy and Sustainable Development at Whirlpool. "Combined with our intelligent devices, the new generation of intelligent wireless routers from Cisco will offer consumers the ability to easily manage their equipment, they do it from home or outside their home."

"We look forward to the continued interest manifested in a variety of sectors, the key partners who all share our vision of a connected home, while simplicity. Cisco is known worldwide for the work he does with partners to provide joint customers with high quality user experiences. With the arrival of these new Linksys products, today we extend this principle to the living room, "says Brett Wingo.

Availability
The EA Series routers from Linksys will be available from May through the distribution network (online). The availability of new Internet software Cisco Cloud Connect is scheduled for June and there will be no additional cost. New apps and partner solutions are also announced at least June. Further details will be announced in due course.

Avoid wi-fi with electricity: a good kit to 90 €

You do not like the wi-fi, or your home is too "armored" to let the waves? While the CPL is for you. The technology is not new, but it is evolving and becoming more democratic. As proof: this kit PLSK400 Linksys, sold at 90 euros.
Reminder: What is CPL? This is the data communication "Power Line", which allows to build a computer network via the electrical wiring of a home or office.
To be clear: the data passes through the wiring and electrical outlets in your home instead of going through conventional network cables (called "Ethernet", with connectors "RJ45"), or wi-fi.

How do I install it?

For this to work, there must be appropriate boxes (as in the kit shown in photo), so small routers with an integrated normal socket, which is fixed to a wall outlet. It takes at least two cameras, obviously.

You connect the first router with an Ethernet cable, your grid will then be connected to the Internet. Then you plug the second anywhere, provided there is, necessarily, a power outlet. This will retrieve the signal and make it available via one or more Ethernet port.

No software to install, no complicated setup: you have to transit a signal by the electric current. It works the same way for all the kits, which have existed for many years. Know that there are "standards" that are compatible with each other, beyond brands.

And this new kit?

The kit that provides Cisco with Linksys PLSK400 is part of the HomePlug AV standard. It also stands a block of "exit" offering four Ethernet ports, which connect several items on the same block. Its design speed is 200 Mbps. Just remember that it is fast enough for home use classic.

We also performed a litmus test: move all "TV - Belgacom TV Decoder - PlayStation3" the lounge (where the phone jack and then the router) to the chamber. After following the simple instructions (plug in the first box below, connect the BBox, connect the second case above, and connect all the elements), it worked instantly.

Conclusion

The PLSK400 is up to our hopes for a reduced price (two years ago, it took 200 euros for an equivalent kit), it carries a signal network wherever you want, and instantly. Belgacom TV, which carries the HD signal, suffered no slowdown. Ditto for the game console, connected, just like on TV. A demonstration of simplicity and efficiency.

If the wi-fi bothers you or does not work stably, go for this kit sold 90 euros. Note that you can, thanks to a little button to secure your powerline network. For anyone that outlet on your meter could connect, and if you live in an apartment or a little old if you are in shared, it can be used.

After the smartphone, the smart home

In new technologies, home automation has more to do with science fiction than reality. If it's up to some major electronics manufacturers, it may well be that reality comes a little more than fiction. The new generation of appliances could give rise to the smart home, via cloud computing.

A refrigerator connected to the internet is not exactly new. This is something that has existed for several years. Like the washing machine or microwave oven, which, by the magic of wireless waves, you can signal the end of their work remotely.

This is when you want a quick overview of the condition of the home from the office computer or its smartphone it goes bad. The door is locked it properly? The fridge is closed? Have we really forgotten that there was a chicken on fire?

California-based Cisco think I found the solution to this problem. The key: a router for home computer can automatically detect the presence of appliances connected and routing information about them in one place, in the cloud.

By June, its new line of Linksys Smart WiFi service will provide access to cloud computing, Cisco Cloud Connect, which allows adjusting parameters remotely from his home network, to manage the priority of the various connections to the Internet and, yes, to see a glance whether the appliances are in good shape.

"The proliferation of wireless technology has created a new family of devices connected to the internet. Consumers themselves, expect everything to work just from applications and software that simplify the use and adjustment of these devices, "says Brett Wingo, CEO of home networking products for Cisco.

In addition to the settings of the wireless terminal such as, Cisco Cloud Connect will provide a web platform that appliance manufacturers, service providers and web application developers of all kinds can graft their own products or services.

"The applications will come from Cisco and developers who want to exploit the emerging market for connected home," continues Mr. Wingo. Cisco Cloud Connect will display on the screen so a list of applications, like a smart phone, except that in this case, the applications will access some features of the house.

As the phone five years ago, the connected home could experience a phenomenal growth through these cloud applications. Studies on the subject predict that homes around the world will count 15 billion devices connected to the Internet in 2015, twice in 2010. And it does not understand that laptops and tablets. "The whole house will be connected," says Wingo.

Upd version 2.0 of the LA Network Manager

L-Acoustics launches version 2.0 of the LA Network Manager and new firmwares for the LA4 and LA8 amps.

 L-Acoustics has just released a new version of its control software for its line of integrated amplifiers DSP LA4 and LA8 ...

So software that passes now in version 2. For the occasion, L-Acoustics offers a firmware update of his amps. This new "LA Network Manager" is visibly lighter and more airy for adapt better to use touch screen.

If the exciting features of version 1 have been preserved including the ability to create custom presets hybrids while optimizing the ergonomics, we also note the appearance of some new features:

- Support for additional parametric cells (4 in number now, against two previously) now available with the new firmware.

 - Increased speed connection to amps to start the software and automatic recognition of amplifiers connected to the network, including hot.

 - More flexibility in the range of available IP (formerly blocked between 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.253).

 - Simplified tools "Preset Custom Builder" and "Preset Bank Builder" to create its presets and custom preset banks.