http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//inside-nfc-how-near-field-communication-works.htm http://apcmag.com//inside-nfc-how-near-field-communication-works.htm

It's got the potential to change how we pay for things and even open doors (and all by using our smartphones), but what is NFC and how does it work?]]> Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:18:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mind-the-gap-edimax-wireless-80211n-high-gain-usb-review.htm http://apcmag.com//mind-the-gap-edimax-wireless-80211n-high-gain-usb-review.htm

If you're having problems with your Wi-Fi reception, this adaptor from Edimax should help you go that extra distance.]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:16:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how-to-turn-your-iphone-into-an-advanced-wireless-remote.htm http://apcmag.com//how-to-turn-your-iphone-into-an-advanced-wireless-remote.htm

For less than a cup of coffee, Mobile Mouse Pro lets you access all of the functions on your computer from your iPhone.]]> Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:30:28 +1000 http://apcmag.com//4g-is-coming.htm http://apcmag.com//4g-is-coming.htm

4G wireless has rolled out in Scandinavia and is being tested here by Telstra and Optus. David Braue finds out what 4G really is and what we can expect from it.]]> Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:24:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel-wi-di-hooks-your-laptop-to-your-tv-wirelessly.htm http://apcmag.com//intel-wi-di-hooks-your-laptop-to-your-tv-wirelessly.htm

Apple may have pipped Intel to the post with "AirPlay" but Intel's WiDi is about to hit the market in force.]]> Tue, 14 Sep 2010 03:23:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//steve-jobs-just-dont-hold-it-that-way.htm http://apcmag.com//steve-jobs-just-dont-hold-it-that-way.htm

Apple's new iPhone 4 has a problem: hold it the way you would normally hold a phone, and your reception will drop to one bar. Steve Jobs has a grumpy one line answer for customers.]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:34:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-didnt-collect-bank-data-privacy-commissioner.htm http://apcmag.com//google-didnt-collect-bank-data-privacy-commissioner.htm

The Federal Privacy Commissioner has directly contradicted claims by Senator Conroy that Google collected banking passwords in its WiFi scanning mistake.]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:07:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wi-fi-patent-has-turned-csiro-money-mad.htm http://apcmag.com//wi-fi-patent-has-turned-csiro-money-mad.htm

opinion | There's a good case to be made that Australia's peak science body is turning into a patent troll.]]> Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:55:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//christmas-lights-on-steroids-broadcast-2mbps-around-your-office.htm http://apcmag.com//christmas-lights-on-steroids-broadcast-2mbps-around-your-office.htm

Researchers have developed a new form of wireless networking that uses low-cost office lighting – but will it reprogram your brain in the process?]]> Wed, 19 May 2010 14:04:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-rejects-wireless-sync-app-for-iphone-and-ipad.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-rejects-wireless-sync-app-for-iphone-and-ipad.htm

Apple has slapped down the Wi-Fi Sync app which would let users sync their iPhone and iPad to a Mac via wireless, so the developer is now selling it direct to the jailbreak set...]]> Tue, 18 May 2010 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-shouldnt-stop-collecting-wi-fi-data.htm http://apcmag.com//google-shouldnt-stop-collecting-wi-fi-data.htm

Google's decision to stop its Street View cars collecting harmless data on the location of Wi-Fi hotspots is an over-reaction to baseless concerns of privacy zealots.]]> Mon, 17 May 2010 16:46:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-month-by-month-mobile-broadband.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-month-by-month-mobile-broadband.htm

New plans sit between prepaid and contract deals, starting at $15/month for 1GB with BYO modem, but they’re not for everyone…]]> Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wireless-mobile-chargers-coming-to-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//wireless-mobile-chargers-coming-to-australia.htm

Your cordless toothbrush will no longer be the only wireless charging device in the house. ]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:25:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//david-spence-to-leave-unwired.htm http://apcmag.com//david-spence-to-leave-unwired.htm

The stalwart CEO of Unwired, one of the first wireless broadband networks, is to leave the company, as its owner, Channel 7 makes clear its future plans lie with vividwireless.]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:38:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vivid-wireless-to-build-wimax-nationwide-in-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//vivid-wireless-to-build-wimax-nationwide-in-australia.htm

Australia's role as one of the best wireless connected countries in the world is set to continue, with Channel 7 announcing it would build a WiMax network nationally.]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:47:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ipad-telco-plans-will-sting-australians.htm http://apcmag.com//ipad-telco-plans-will-sting-australians.htm

Apple's new iPad comes with a revolutionary new type of 3G plan -- in the US. But what can we expect from Australian telcos?]]> Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internode-releases-battery-powered-3g-mifi-router.htm http://apcmag.com//internode-releases-battery-powered-3g-mifi-router.htm

Internode has today announced it is selling the MiFi router -- popular in America -- that allows a 3G connection to be shared via WiFi to multiple computers. ]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:20:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-ceo-delivers-on-promise-to-reduce-pricing.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-ceo-delivers-on-promise-to-reduce-pricing.htm

Telstra has lopped prices and done away with excess usage fees on its BigPond Next G wireless broadband services.]]> Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:43:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intels-2010-notebook-platform-sidelines-centrino-brand.htm http://apcmag.com//intels-2010-notebook-platform-sidelines-centrino-brand.htm

Notebooks built around the sixth-generation Centrino mobile platform, aka ‘Calpella’, won’t carry a fancy sticker or even a fancy name…]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:10:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wigig-wireless-specifications-complete.htm http://apcmag.com//wigig-wireless-specifications-complete.htm

WiGig hardware will give 7 Gbps of wireless bandwidth!]]> Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//are-you-ready-for-1gbits-wifi.htm http://apcmag.com//are-you-ready-for-1gbits-wifi.htm

Hold onto your wireless router and get ready to... well, to wait. ]]> Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:03:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-finally-enables-iphone-tethering-blames-apple-for-delay.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-finally-enables-iphone-tethering-blames-apple-for-delay.htm

Nearly five months after Apple first launched iPhone tethering, the big telco has switched on the feature for customers, blaming Apple for the delay.]]> Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:44:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//as-telstra-sits-on-next-g-optus-starts-4g-trials.htm http://apcmag.com//as-telstra-sits-on-next-g-optus-starts-4g-trials.htm

Optus will trial Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile technology from next year. Let's hope it's better than their current 3G network.]]> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:45:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wi-fi-direct-to-link-gadgets-via-direct-ad-hoc-wireless.htm http://apcmag.com//wi-fi-direct-to-link-gadgets-via-direct-ad-hoc-wireless.htm

A new WI-Fi spec due in 2010 will allow devices such as cameras, laptops and photo frames to create instant peer-to-peer wireless connections.]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:15:21 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-to-roll-out-wimax-to-broadband-blackspots.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-to-roll-out-wimax-to-broadband-blackspots.htm

Despite having mothballed the previous government's $1bn OPEL WiMax network plan, Stephen Conroy has announced his great new idea: a WiMax network to cover broadband blackspots.]]> Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:57:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//police-go-on-patrol-for-open-wi-fi-networks.htm http://apcmag.com//police-go-on-patrol-for-open-wi-fi-networks.htm

Queensland Police will soon add unprotected wireless networks to the Sunshine State’s ‘most wanted’ list.]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:15:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wireless-usb-on-the-way.htm http://apcmag.com//wireless-usb-on-the-way.htm

If the computing experience is to get better, doing away with those pesky wires is a good step. Cut up another cable with the advent of wireless USB.]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:24:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//slick-htpc-keyboard-is-a-chip-off-the-ol-smartphone.htm http://apcmag.com//slick-htpc-keyboard-is-a-chip-off-the-ol-smartphone.htm

Wireless Handheld Keyboard is perfect for in-car computers and HTPC fans looking to surf the net from the couch.]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//free-netbooks-linux-can-make-that-happen-faster.htm http://apcmag.com//free-netbooks-linux-can-make-that-happen-faster.htm

Telcos are starting to think about the money that can be made from giving away "free" netbooks with mobile broadband services -- and Linux is helping make this a reality.]]> Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:15:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is-this-the-next-iphone.htm http://apcmag.com//is-this-the-next-iphone.htm

Are these leaked photos of the new iPhone?]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//csiro-could-scoop-billions-from-wi-fi-patent.htm http://apcmag.com//csiro-could-scoop-billions-from-wi-fi-patent.htm

A 15-year old CSIRO patent on wireless LAN technology could rake in billions of dollars in ongoing loyalties from the likes of Microsoft, Intel, Dell, HP, Toshiba and even Nintendo]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:03:52 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mobile-carriers-seek-to-block-skype-on-iphone-blackberry.htm http://apcmag.com//mobile-carriers-seek-to-block-skype-on-iphone-blackberry.htm

A legal stoush is brewing between carriers and consumers regarding the use of VoIP over 3G mobile phones.]]> Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:18:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//commonwealth-bank-has-launched-iphone-and-other-mobile-phone-internet-banking.htm http://apcmag.com//commonwealth-bank-has-launched-iphone-and-other-mobile-phone-internet-banking.htm

Commonwealth Bank is offering full-functionality mobile banking. And for once, it's not just for the iPhone!]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-plans-to-preview-iphone-30-os-on-march-17.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-plans-to-preview-iphone-30-os-on-march-17.htm

Apple will introduce version 3.0 of its iPhone OS, and new development tools on Tuesday, fueling rumors that the launch of a new phone will come within months.]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//centrino_2_notebooks_to_get_personal_wifi.htm http://apcmag.com//centrino_2_notebooks_to_get_personal_wifi.htm

Intel launches ‘My WiFi’ personal area networking for new Centrino 2 notebooks to create direct connections to Wi-Fi printers, smartphones, projectors and even other notebooks]]> Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hp_compaq_2230s_notebook.htm http://apcmag.com//hp_compaq_2230s_notebook.htm

Placed between a notebook and a netbook, the ultraportable HP Compaq 2230s is great for business professionals. ]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_to_add_wifi_personal_area_networking_to_centrino_2.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_to_add_wifi_personal_area_networking_to_centrino_2.htm

New ‘Cliffside’ technology supports simultaneous simple Bluetooth-style connection to multiple devices within a three metre radius.]]> Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linksys_wrt610n_simultaneous_draftn_band_wireless_router_two_wireless_networks_for_the_price_of_two.htm http://apcmag.com//linksys_wrt610n_simultaneous_draftn_band_wireless_router_two_wireless_networks_for_the_price_of_two.htm

Are two wireless networks better than one? Linksys’ WRT610N includes both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity in the same unit.]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstras_new_prepaid_wireless_broadband__be_careful_with_the_topups.htm http://apcmag.com//telstras_new_prepaid_wireless_broadband__be_careful_with_the_topups.htm

Telstra becomes the second Australian telco to offer prepaid wireless 3G broadband -- but like its rival Optus, offers a potentially nasty pricing twist in its plans.]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:51:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dualband_wifi_ready_to_roll.htm http://apcmag.com//dualband_wifi_ready_to_roll.htm

New routers capable of simultaneously running 2.4GHz and 5GHz weave separate data and ‘entertainment’ wireless networks around the home]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//optus_dumps_wireless_fusion_bundles.htm http://apcmag.com//optus_dumps_wireless_fusion_bundles.htm

As criticism of its 3G service mounts, Optus has quietly ditched the 3G wireless version of its Fusion broadband and telephony plans.]]> Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:25:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//netgear_rangemax_wirelessn_gigabit__router_wnr3500.htm http://apcmag.com//netgear_rangemax_wirelessn_gigabit__router_wnr3500.htm

Netgear delivers a high-end router that gets close to networking nirvana.]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:22:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//netgear_wirelessn__gigabit_router_wnr854t.htm http://apcmag.com//netgear_wirelessn__gigabit_router_wnr854t.htm

While beauty is only skin deep, Netgear’s WNR854T ticks most of the boxes when it comes to specs and performance as well.]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:07:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//iprimus_announces_12gb_mobile_broadband_over_optus.htm http://apcmag.com//iprimus_announces_12gb_mobile_broadband_over_optus.htm

OPINION | iPrimus has announced a mobile broadband package with enough data to displace ADSL broadband services. But will the service quality be adequate? Probably not.]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:37:26 +1000 http://apcmag.com//its_a_miracle_bigpond_slashes_wireless_prices.htm http://apcmag.com//its_a_miracle_bigpond_slashes_wireless_prices.htm

It was miraculous enough when Telstra's controversial PR chief Phil Burgess announced he was leaving; now Telstra has dropped pricing on wireless broadband significantly.]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:13:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//60ghz_the_gigabit_wireless_we_are_waiting_for.htm http://apcmag.com//60ghz_the_gigabit_wireless_we_are_waiting_for.htm

Straight out of Intel’s research lab comes the first public discussion of 60GHz, or mmWave, wireless networking. Want 3.8Gbps over air? Just wait until the next Olympics.]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:49:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//another_unlimited_callsinternet_deal_but_can_optus_cope.htm http://apcmag.com//another_unlimited_callsinternet_deal_but_can_optus_cope.htm

Continuous problems with Optus' 3G mobile network, from call dropouts to disastrous wireless broadband speeds have customers seeing red.]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sting_in_the_tail_for_optus_prepaid_wireless_broadband_plans.htm http://apcmag.com//sting_in_the_tail_for_optus_prepaid_wireless_broadband_plans.htm

Optus' new prepaid wireless broadband plans look good on the surface but come with a nasty sting in the tail.]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:01:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//smc_wireless_barricade_n_gigabit_router__smcwgbr14n.htm http://apcmag.com//smc_wireless_barricade_n_gigabit_router__smcwgbr14n.htm

How does SMC try to stand out from the crowded router marketplace? With a great all-round router that includes scanner sharing.]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//billion_bipac_7402nx.htm http://apcmag.com//billion_bipac_7402nx.htm

If connectivity is a must have and you can't afford downtime, the Billion BiPAC 7402NX packs an ADSL 2+ modem with support for failover to 3G]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//smc_mini_wireless_barricade_g_router.htm http://apcmag.com//smc_mini_wireless_barricade_g_router.htm

SMC delivers another competent router that packs a first - scanner sharing]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:14:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linksys_wrt310n_wirelessn_broadband_router.htm http://apcmag.com//linksys_wrt310n_wirelessn_broadband_router.htm

The Linksys WRT310N builds on the success of the WRT160N.]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//huawei_readies_new_hspa_modems.htm http://apcmag.com//huawei_readies_new_hspa_modems.htm

A thumbdrive modem with microSD slot and a home HSPA-to-WiFi gateway may soon be offered by Australian telcos.]]> Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//minitar_mwnapr1_home_router.htm http://apcmag.com//minitar_mwnapr1_home_router.htm

Minitar's MWNAPR-1 is a basic but unspectacular router that has great wireless range but doesn't do much else to raise its head above the pack.]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//linksys_wrt160n_wireless_router.htm http://apcmag.com//linksys_wrt160n_wireless_router.htm

Linksys' latest router looks more like a sports car than a network appliance. Does it have the go to match the show?]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 13:20:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//now_you_can_take_your_home_phone_line_with_you_optus.htm http://apcmag.com//now_you_can_take_your_home_phone_line_with_you_optus.htm

Optus is extracting maximum value out of its mobile network to offer home phone lines without the 'line'.]]> Thu, 15 May 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//is_blackberry_crumbling_against_the_iphone.htm http://apcmag.com//is_blackberry_crumbling_against_the_iphone.htm

Blackberry maker RIM's full year sales numbers don't look good compared to Apple's iPhone numbers.]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:56:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nokia_unveils_linux_powered_wimax_tablet.htm http://apcmag.com//nokia_unveils_linux_powered_wimax_tablet.htm

While Intel was busy launching its latest "mobile internet devices", Nokia has released its N810, with WiMAX, GPS and a QWERTY keyboard.]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:16:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_mobile_chief_defends_wimax.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_mobile_chief_defends_wimax.htm

IDF Shanghai | Intel’s mobility chief has conceded that fixed WiMax is more likely to fly than mobile WiMax.]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:44:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//government_scratches_opel_plan.htm http://apcmag.com//government_scratches_opel_plan.htm

The Australian Government has pulled the plug on its $1billion national WiMax plan, citing inadequate coverage.]]> Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:03:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//intel_previews_future_mobile_phone_tech.htm http://apcmag.com//intel_previews_future_mobile_phone_tech.htm

IDF Shanghai | Tomorrow's mobile phones will watch your every move, Intel says, outlining its new mobile tech plans.]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:38:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//three_drops_mobile_broadband_to_15.htm http://apcmag.com//three_drops_mobile_broadband_to_15.htm

3 now has Australia’s cheapest mobile broadband plan at $15, while existing $29 and $49 plans also get a higher download limit. But there are some new modem fees.]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:45:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple_gives_wireless_music_80211n.htm http://apcmag.com//apple_gives_wireless_music_80211n.htm

The latest software upgrade from Apple finally lets you use Time Machine backup with an Airport Extreme, and a new rev of the Airport Express gives both Mac and PC users 'N' speed.]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:48:41 +1000