© mathplourde

Researcher at Rice University are testing cutting edge full duplex wireless LTE technology that would allow carriers to double network traffic without building additional cell towers.

This innovative technology only requires the addition of some minimal new hardware on networks and mobile devices to operate. However, commercial implementation would require a new set of wireless standards which may take several years to develop. As carrier look ahead to a roll out of fifth generation (5G) networks they are likely to use this full duplex technology in their implementation. The largest carriers in the US are still just beginning to roll out their LTE 4G networks, which require separate frequencies for sending and receiving data. Full duplex technology, in contrast, would allow wireless devices to transmit and receive on the same frequency.

Packing for a trip? Don't forget your tablet! The versatility of this one device can really lessen your load when traveling. For example, as this video on the Samsung Galaxy Tab shows, a tablet lets you take photos and videos, post them to share with your friends and family, and also use video Skype to keep in touch with everyone. Tablets can of course be used to listen to your music, too. What I think is great is that it's so slim and light, more so than a laptop. So you can stay connected while carrying around a device that's just about like carrying a magazine! In fact, inasmuch as part of the origins of the word "magazine" derived from the concept of a storehouse of a diverse materials, the tablet can be seen as the evolution of that, with the element of internet connectivity, as well as multi-functions concerning writing, photos, videos and phone! We certainly take a lot for granted nowadays, don't we?!

So now when I pack for a trip, I feel like I have a full range of devices to choose from: the compactness of a smartphone; the complete functionality of a laptop; and the convenience of the best of both that is the tablet. Unless I really need the laptop, the latter two are all I like to take. Besides the fact that I can slip a tablet easily into so many of my purses and bags, I love that I can also stand it up while using it. Together with the nice size of the screen, that also makes it easy to show my photos to someone in person, and I don't have to download first. So for most of my purposes, the tablet can do the job!

© Pip R. Lagenta

3UK is giving 11 rural villages in the UK free access to its 3G LTE network as part of a plan to get a competitive edge in the 4G broadband race. The mobile operator has launched the initiative which will provide broadband access to rural communities across the country for the first time.

It is backed by the government, which is committed to ensuring that all rural areas of the country have access to broadband. Some say that 3UK is also pursuing the initiative in a bid to curry government favor and gain access to greater spectrum. Gringley-on-the-Hill will be the first village to get hooked up to the the 3UK network. This North Nottinghamshire village will be distributing over 30 hotspots and dongles with 1 year of free internet access.