All articles tagged with #wireless
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon announced an agreement in principle to form a joint venture that would pool ground-based spectrum and invest in satellite-based, direct-to-device connectivity to close wireless dead zones, aiming to create a unified standard with satellite operators; the plan is still under negotiation and subject to closing conditions, but could improve coverage in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
After acquiring UScellular in 2025, T-Mobile has integrated the networks of about 4 million customers and launched exclusive promos for them: the $35 device connection charge is waived and savings are delivered as 24 months of bill credits. Offers include up to $830 off select phones with a trade‑in of non‑T‑Mobile compatible UScellular devices (code R649), up to $500 off tablets (code R650), and up to $264 off hotspot devices (code R651). Promotions are redeemable once per account and require a $50/month AutoPay voice plan; UScellular customers will gradually migrate to T-Mobile plans later this year, with grandfathered pricing for now.
Verizon, under new CEO Dan Schulman, is pursuing a major turnaround but remains mum on the specifics of a new value proposition. Analysts expect a strategy that leverages wireless and wired assets, possible third-party services, and strategic partnerships (e.g., FIFA World Cup sponsorship), along with pricing changes and a renewed focus on network performance and contractor relations. Details are anticipated at the Q1 2026 earnings call on April 27.
What Hi-Fi? says the AirPods Max 2 are luxuriously built with a smooth, balanced sound and a host of H2-powered features (Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, Adaptive EQ, personalized volume, Siri gestures, live translation) and seamless iOS pairing, but the 20-hour battery life lags behind rivals like Sony XM6 and Sennheiser HDB 630. The design remains heavy and non-folding with a polarising case, and while wired playback improves depth, the sonic gains over the original are incremental. Against cheaper or lighter rivals offering crisper detail or punchier dynamics, the Max 2 feel like a refined luxury option best suited to Apple-ecosystem users rather than a dramatic leap forward.
Apple's AirPods Max 2 use an H2 chip to boost active noise cancellation (up to 1.5x), add Adaptive Audio with features like Conversation Awareness and Voice Isolation, improve Transparency, and deliver higher‑fidelity sound with lower latency and Bluetooth 5.3; wired USB‑C supports 24‑bit/48kHz lossless audio. Priced at $549 with pre-orders starting March 25 and an early April launch; the design remains unchanged.
Alphabet spinoff Taara unveils the Taara Beam, a 17‑pound device that beams up to 25Gbps of fiber‑like internet over the air using near‑infrared light for distances up to 10 km, aimed at ISPs and carriers. It’s smaller and easier to deploy than the older Lightbridge, supports rooftop or tower mounting, and is deployed in 20+ countries with partners like T‑Mobile and Airtel; a wider showcase is planned at MWC amid weather‑related reliability concerns, with pricing varying by geography and models including hardware and connectivity‑as‑a‑service.
Verizon faced a network outage that blocked voice calls and wireless data for many customers, primarily in the eastern United States, while text messages largely worked. DownDetector spikes and posts from Verizon indicated engineers were investigating the issue, with some reports of partial restoration later in the day. T-Mobile and AT&T reported no issues. The outage is a developing story with ongoing monitoring and updates.
Verizon is experiencing a major wireless outage that’s disrupting voice and data services for many customers, with Downdetector showing rapid spikes in complaints (from ~15k to ~177k within hours). The outage affects major cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, DC, and Seattle; some iPhones show SOS mode due to lack of signal. Verizon says engineers are investigating and advises checking their Network Status page for updates.
Keychron announced new Ultra series mechanical keyboards at CES 2026, featuring ZMK open-source firmware for improved battery efficiency, with up to 660 hours of wireless use at 8,000Hz polling rate, and various models including Q1 Ultra, Q3 Ultra, and V Ultra series, catering to both enthusiasts and average users.
LG is reviving its ultra-thin Wallpaper TV series with the OLED evo W6 at CES 2026, featuring a wireless Zero Connect Box, improved display technology, and gaming enhancements, though it is slightly thicker than its predecessor and pricing details are still unknown.
Fender has entered the consumer audio market with new wireless headphones and Bluetooth speakers, featuring advanced sound technology, multiple connectivity options, and modular design, with products set to debut at CES 2026.
NuPhy has launched the Node 100, a retro-inspired, full-size 1800 layout mechanical keyboard available in high- and low-profile versions, featuring wireless connectivity, customizable keys, and a touch-sensitive area, priced at $109.99, with options for different switches and extensive 3D printable accessories.
A free app enables wireless file transfer from a PC to a Steam Deck or laptop, simplifying the process of sharing files without cables.
Sony's WH-CH720N noise-canceling wireless headphones, known for comfort and clear audio, are now available at a discounted price of $98 on Amazon, down from $180, offering features like long battery life, multipoint connectivity, and effective noise cancellation, making them a great budget-friendly option.
The Earfun Air Pro 4 Plus earbuds offer premium sound with dual drivers, improved noise canceling, and a robust feature set including Bluetooth 6.0 and long battery life, all at under $80, making them a strong value despite minor drawbacks in voice call quality and transparency mode.