#117 - Wireless future

Technology definitely has taken a wireless route. We remember how excited we were when we first put in our home wireless router. Amazingly we still have that router (its a Linksys) though we have put big antennas on it and hacked the software for more range. We can now find out the latest on global warming from the comfort of our patio. There are plenty of new items on the wireless front that warrants a look from the "Technology Blog"!

Printers now come with wireless technology. You can set a printer up anywhere in the house or office and share it with everyone on your network. Wireless printers cost just a bit more so if you have a wireless network and need to replace your printer this might be a good upgrade.

The more expensive digital cameras have wireless built in so that you can send your pictures to your PC at a push of a button. We've seen some close up and really DO NOT like this technology. First it comes at a pretty high premium and the set up to get the pictures in the right place with the right names is not that good. I'd wait on this bit of high tech wizardry.

Next is wireless charging. With this technology you would be able to put your pocket devices (cell phone, PDA, MP3 player, even a laptop) on a special pad and it would charge them. The most promising of this breed uses inductive charging. Essentially the pad matches the resonance of your battery in close proximity (on the pad) and charging begins. No more plugging in those combersome power bricks everywhere. This great technology may be out by year end.

The last wireless technology is one I've thought of, but didn't know how to implement. How would you like to place your new 52" LCD/Plasma TV anywhere in the house and not worry about that cable/satellite wire? Wireless High-Definition Interface (WHDI) uses a transmitter to send 1080p high def video signal from a DVD player, game console or setup box up to 100 feet wirelessly. Its been shown at recent electronic trade shows so it should be at Best Buy soon.