Month: January 2022

Verizon: The power of Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband coming to 100 million people in US this month

Dan Uff January 5, 2022 0

NEW YORK - This month, more than 100 million people in 1,700-plus cities around the nation will have access to speeds up to 10x faster than 4G LTE¹ via Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband network². This means nearly one in three Americans live in areas where they could experience the transformative speed, reliability and power of 5G Ultra Wideband on the go, or at their homes or business. For more information, visit Verizon.com/5G and Verizon.com/5G/Business.

“This massive launch will put incredible speeds, reliability and security in the hands of our customers and amplifies our offering of reliable home and business broadband options to more places around the country, well ahead of the commitment we made last year,” said Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon. “As 5G Ultra Wideband becomes available to more and more people and businesses, it will allow our customers to do more amazing things.”

Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband brings power and performance comparable to a broadband internet connection to your pocket. With download speeds up to one gigabit per second³ and the capacity to support data-heavy actions from multiple devices at one time, 5G Ultra Wideband frees people up to do things on the go that many could only do before when connected to their home internet service. This includes everything from downloading huge documents and seamlessly streaming movies in HD audio and video, to playing console quality games and conducting video chats, video conferencing and FaceTime calls with clear sound and video.⁴

Today’s news also accelerates Verizon’s wireless broadband expansion, opening up choice for people and businesses in cities around the country. With the addition of C-band later this month, millions more homes and businesses will be covered by Verizon’s wireless home broadband service. 5G Home and 5G Business Internet enables customers to take advantage of all the speed and security of 5G with a simple, easy set-up and without annual contracts and other complications.

“We’ve already proven our success with Fios broadband in the Northeast, and now we will give millions more consumers and business owners around the country a real choice in how they get their internet,” added Vestberg.

A map of mobility coverage will be available at launch and more information about business services and coverage can be found at verizon.com/business/why-verizon. Customers interested in 5G Home service can visit https://www.verizon.com/5g/home/.

Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband service is built on Verizon’s flexible, virtualized network infrastructure designed to meet customers’ varied, personalized and customized needs in real time.

Our Best Unlimited Plans for Phone, Home and Business launch today

Starting January 5, we’re offering new plans for phones, homes and businesses so more people can get the most out of 5G Ultra Wideband when the network launches later this month.

For your phone: With our 5G Get More, 5G Play More and 5G Do More plans, you’ll get speeds up to 10x faster than what you have now at the same price as today’s plans, so you can download a movie in minutes or a song in seconds.⁵You’ll want to check out our best plan ever, the 5G Get More plan, which includes:

Unlimited premium data⁶
One day of International Travel Pass per month
50 GB hotspot data - the most mobile hotspot data offered by any wireless provider⁷
Six entertainment subscriptions included at no additional cost
The best part? You can also get 5G Home Internet for 50% off

For your home: Choose from two new 5G Home Internet plans - 5G Home and 5G Home Plus. No matter which plan you choose, you’ll get:

A reliable and fast connection to power your whole home with lots of devices connected⁸
Set up is simple and easy - we send it, and you just plug and play. No waiting for a technician and no messy wires
There are no annual contracts, no extra fees, no data overages and no equipment charges
The price is the price, guaranteed, which means no surprises or promotional price creep
In addition to getting 5G Home Internet for 50% off when you are on one of our 5G Ultra Wideband Unlimited plans, you can also get one month on us⁹

For your business: 5G Ultra Wideband is available for business owners with Business Unlimited Plus and Pro mobile plans. Business Unlimited Plus and Pro benefits include:

More premium data
Industry leading security solutions
The ability for business owners to select the right plan so every employee gets what’s right for them and they only pay for what they need
Savings of up to $80/month when you combine a Business Unlimited smartphone plan with LTE Business Internet or 5G Business Internet¹⁰

5G Business Internet is ultra-fast, ultra-simple wireless business internet powered by 5G Ultra Wideband. This wireless alternative to cable internet is for businesses of all sizes and includes self setup or professional installation, multiple pricing and service options, unlimited data, and a 10-year price guarantee for 5G Business Internet service.¹¹

Do you have an old cell phone? You may need to upgrade this year or be out of luck

Dan Uff January 5, 2022 0

Incase you didn't know, that old 3G cell phone may not work later this year. Cell phone providers, such as AT&T and Verizon, have been warning customers that their 3G Service will cease working when these and other companies fully go to 5G support.

This means that those 3G phones will not be able to go onto the Internet, as well as make cell phone calls (including 9-1-1). The only way these phones will work is when connected to a home or public WiFi Network.

Why is this happening?

When cell towers first went up years ago, they provided the 3G network that all phones connected to. When 4G was rolled out later, those cellular companies simply added the network to the existing cellphone towers. Now that 5G is launching, those companies need more bandwidth on the cell towers, so that's why they must deactivate 3G.

How can I tell if I'll be able to keep my phone?

Fortunately, this is painless and simple. On your cell phone's main screen, in the upper-right or upper-left is an icon that shows which network you're currently on. If it says LTE or 4G or 5G, you'll be fine. If, however, it says 3G, then you'll need a new phone as soon as possible. There are phones that are as expensive as $1,200.00, to as affordable as $30.00.

Verizon has just announced new cell plans during this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. More information about these plans can be seen on this website later today.

CES 2022: Kensington announces new projects for popular laptops and more

Dan Uff January 4, 2022 0

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="402"] Photo: Kensington[/caption]

SAN MATEO – January 4, 2022 – Kensington®, the worldwide leader of desktop computing and mobility solutions for IT, business, and home office professionals and The Professionals’ Choice, will showcase its growing portfolio of innovative accessories for computers and mobile devices at Digital Experience!® on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, at the Mirage Events Center.

In addition to the introduction of several new products designed to protect and extend the productivity of Microsoft Surface devices, Kensington will also highlight its award-winning family of solutions for Apple devices, and performance-enhancing products based upon Thunderbolt™ 4 technology.

Protecting and Enhancing the Functionality of Microsoft Surface Devices

Designed in collaboration with Microsoft, Kensington’s Designed for Surface (DFS) products integrate seamlessly with Surface devices to provide physical protection, secure data from digital and visual breaches, and enhance device functionality. Kensington DFS products are designed to deliver the highest quality, form, fit, and function to maximize the potential of the user’s Surface devices at home, in the office and everywhere in-between.

Kensington will showcase its newest DFS products specifically designed for Surface Pro 8. The new BlackBelt™ Rugged Case for Surface Pro 8 is the ultimate case for protecting the Surface Pro, giving users the confidence to use the tablet in highly-mobile or harsh environments. Available in platinum and black, the BlackBelt™ Rugged Case meets MIL-STD-810H drop testing and MIL-STD-810H Method 504.3 Contamination by Fluids standards to provide military-grade drop and wipe-down protection for the device. The new TAA-compliant BlackBelt™ Rugged Case with Integrated Smart Card Reader (CAC) for Surface Pro 8 adds a FIPS 201-compliant Smart Card Reader to provide secure access to the device and the network. Ideal for use in U.S. Federal Government institutions and organizations, the case makes a great solution for second factor authentication (2FA). All BlackBelt™ Rugged Cases feature cable lock compatibility, a self-adjusting hand strap that allows the device to lie flat, a two-point shoulder strap for hands-free carrying (on select models), a kickstand opening allowing full use of the integrated Surface kickstand, integrated Surface Pen storage, and a keyboard holder and TypeCover strap to protect the keyboard.

Compatible with Surface Laptop Go and Surface Book (13.5” and 15”), Kensington’s new Surface Laptop Riser is an all-in-one work-from-home solution for establishing a Surface desktop setup. Featuring Kensington’s proprietary SmartFit® height adjustment system to elevate the laptop into an ergonomic position, the Surface Laptop Riser features fabric-covered docking station storage that accommodates Surface Dock 2 and other compatible docking stations and hubs including the Kensington DFS SD4845P USB-C 10Gbps Triple Video Driverless Docking Station and SD5750T Thunderbolt™ 4 Dual 4K Dock. The riser incorporates a headset hanger and cable management system to keep the desktop tidy, and is made of sturdy aluminum alloy and steel to provide maximum stability and heat dissipation.

Kensington will also highlight its DFS portfolio of protection accessories for Surface Pro. The new MagPro™ Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen for Surface Pro 8 conveniently attaches to the magnetic frame eliminating the need for damaging adhesives. In addition to filtering up to 22 percent of harmful blue light rays, the privacy screen narrows the field of vision to +/- 30 degrees to reduce the chances of a visual data breach when using the device in the office or in public venues. Created in collaboration with Microsoft, Kensington keyed and combination Surface locks are easy-to-use, beautifully designed and fit perfectly to provide professional-level security wherever the device is being used.

Maximizing Laptop Performance with Thunderbolt™ 4 Technology

Kensington will show their industry-leading Thunderbolt 4 docking solutions, SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station with 90W PD and SD5750T Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Dock (DFS). Developed in partnership with Intel®, the Kensington SD5750T is the only DFS-certified Thunderbolt 4 dock and the SD5700T is a featured Thunderbolt accessory for Intel Evo™ platform-verified laptops. Intel is highlighting the SD5700T in the CES Innovation Showcase as one of the top solutions implementing its award-winning Thunderbolt™ 4 technology.

The SD5700T and SD5750T docking stations transform compatible laptops or Surface devices into complete desktop workstations by enabling users to charge the laptop, connect external monitors, USB devices, a full-sized keyboard and mouse, speakers, Ethernet, and other devices and accessories, through a single Thunderbolt cable.

"Thunderbolt™ 4 technology enables our partners like Kensington to deliver high-performance docking solutions that maximize the performance and capabilities of laptops with Thunderbolt 4 ports,” said Jason Ziller, General Manager of Intel’s Client Connectivity Division. “Thunderbolt 4 continues to build on the innovation of Thunderbolt 3 for a truly universal cable connectivity experience, and we’re proud that Thunderbolt 4 has just been recognized as a CES 2022 Innovation Award Honoree1 for its design, innovation and engineering.”

Solutions that Make the Apple Ecosystem More Productive and Efficient

Kensington will demonstrate its growing family of award-winning solutions for the Apple ecosystem which are designed to organize and enhance the functionality of Apple devices in the home and office.

A CES 2021 Innovations Award Honoree and recipient of eight Best of CES 2021 awards, the patent-pending StudioDock™ iPad Docking Station is the ideal desktop solution for people who want to maximize their productivity and creativity while using their USB-C-based iPad Pro or iPad Air. Now available in versions that support the 2021 12.9” iPad Pro, 12.9” iPad Pro (2018/2020), 11” iPad Pro (2018/2020/2021) and iPad Air (2020), the iPad magnetically attaches to StudioDock in portrait or landscape modes and allows the use of a wide range of accessories that can be connected via USB (Type-A and Type-C), HDMI 2.0 video and Gigabit Ethernet ports, 3.5mm audio jack and SD 4.0 card reader. In addition to charging the iPad, the StudioDock includes Qi wireless iPhone and AirPod charging, and supports an optional Apple Watch charging accessory.

StudioCaddy™ with Qi Wireless Charging for Apple Devices is a versatile, space-saving solution that maximizes desktop space while keeping all of the devices in the Apple ecosystem charged, organized and within reach. Ideal for use in both homes and offices, StudioCaddy reduces clutter and provides a stylish, yet functional, solution for centrally showcasing and storing the complement of Apple devices. StudioCaddy features a dual Qi charger and multiple USB charging ports to ensure that all of the user’s mobile devices are fully-charged and ready to go, when needed.

Kensington is introducing a new line of MagPro™ Elite Privacy Screens for the new 2021 14” and 16” MacBook Pro. The new privacy screens conveniently attach to the MacBook Pro frame with magnets, eliminating the need for potentially damaging adhesives and complex setup processes. Featuring a reversible design that offers matte or glossy viewing options, the privacy screens narrow the field of vision to +/- 30 degrees to keep information on the screen private, and filters out harmful blue light rays by up to 22 percent to ease eye strain.

“Over the past 40 years, Kensington has evolved with the emergence and advancement of personal computers, laptops and mobile devices leveraging a culture of innovation to deliver accessories that expand functionality, enhance security, and ease the use of computing devices,” explained Louie Yao, Director of Global Product Management at Kensington. “We’re excited to showcase our newest and most innovative products this year at CES 2022. Many of the products that we will be introducing are examples of our work with Microsoft, Intel, and others that enable us to bring new accessories to market that are designed in partnership with key technology leaders.”

For images, videos and more, visit www.kensington.com/pepcom

Follow Kensington on:

Instagram: Instagram.com/Kensington_tech
Facebook: facebook.com/KensingtonTech
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/Kensington
Twitter: @Kensington
Contact us: globalmarketing@kensington.com

About Kensington

Kensington is a leading provider of desktop and mobile device accessories, trusted by IT, educators, business, and home office professionals around the world for more than 35 years. Kensington strives to anticipate the needs and challenges of the ever-evolving workplace and craft professional-tier award-winning solutions for organizations committed to providing peak professionals the tools they need to thrive. The company prides itself as The Professionals’ Choice, and on its core values surrounding design, quality, support, and sustainability.

In office and mobile environments, Kensington’s extensive portfolio of award-winning products provides trusted security, desktop productivity innovations, and ergonomic well-being.

Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Kensington is the inventor and worldwide leader in laptop security locks. Kensington is a division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world’s largest designers, marketers, and manufacturers of branded business, academic, and consumer products, sold in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Kensington is a registered trademark of ACCO Brands. Kensington The Professionals’ Choice is a trademark of ACCO Brands. All other registered and unregistered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact:

Ken Hagihara, APR, Fellow PRSA, MCM
Integrity Public Relations, Inc.
949-768-4423 ext. 101
ken@integritypr.net

About Thunderbolt™ 4

Thunderbolt™ 4 is the latest generation of Intel’s universal cable connectivity solution for video, data and power over USB Type-C. It delivers increased minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities and USB4 specification compliance—and is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 as well as billions of USB 3 PCs and accessories already available. To learn more about Thunderbolt™ 4 and how it is different from other USB-C connnections, visit http://intel.com/thunderbolt

¹The CES Innovation Awards are based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. CTA did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given.

CES 2022: Anker announces new Charging Accessories

Dan Uff January 4, 2022 0

Popular charging solution Anker has announcing two new charging solutions, starting with the new Anker 736 Charger, also known as the Nano II 100W. The Anker 736 features 100 watts of total charging power and is equipped with two USB-C ports and a USB-A port to allow for charging three devices simultaneously.

The two new charging solutions, starting with the new Anker 736 Charger, also known as the Nano II 100W. The Anker 736 features 100 watts of total charging power and is equipped with two USB-C ports and a USB-A port to allow for charging three devices simultaneously.