Gizmodo Australia » clear

Dell Mini 10 With WiMAX Spotted At FCC

Adam Frucci — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:12:17 +0000

Dell appears to be prepping a WiMAX version of its Mini 10 netbook, one that will let you surf the web using a 4G wireless connection via Clear or Sprint.

The new model is essentially the same as the current crop of Mini 10s, with the exception of the wireless-N and WiMAX abilities combined on a single chipset. There’s no word on when this guy will be released, but CTIA next month might be a good time for an announcement. [Unwired View via Electronista]

Clear Fast Track Airport Security Is No More

John Herrman — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:29:47 +0000

Allowing people to quickly hop through airport security with a TSA-verified biometric “fast passes,” Clear had great idea on their hands. Sadly, as of yesterday, their freeflowing security lanes will be closed.

So what was it? Did tightened government regulations make operating impossible? Was there some kind of security breach? An issue with the TSA granting a virtual monopoly to a private fast track service? Nope! It was something simpler, and more timely. Cue their goodbye email:

Clear to Cease Operations

Dear xxxx xxxx,

At 11:00 p.m. PST today, Clear will cease operations. Clear’s parent company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations.

After today, Clear lanes will be unavailable.

Sincerely,
Clear Customer Support

Apparently not enough people were willing to spring for the service, which could cost as much as $US199. Looking at the numbers, though, it’s clear obvious that Clear never really took off, spreading to just 20 airports and garnering about 150,000 subscribers.

The company hasn’t yet announced how they plan to deal with those subscribers—an impatient bunch, I’m guessing—but as far as getting any kind of service refund, this sparingly worded announcement doesn’t bode well. [Clear—Thanks, Tom and David]

Researchers Develop Transparent Memory, See-Through Electronics Next

Mark Wilson — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:01:00 +0000

A group of South Korean scientists have developed a transparent memory chip that could be the precursor to completely transparent electronics.

The RAM’s design is simple enough to comprehend. It consists of clear oxide film and electrodes placed on a glass or plastic circuit board.

And while researchers haven’t successfully developed any other PC components, it’s believed that their same process could apply to CMOS chips, which would pretty much open the door wide open for application in hand held electronics. With enough money to back manufacturing of current technologies, it’s believed we could see commercial products in 3-4 years.

When you take a look at the above concept or this glass phone, it’s not all that hard to imagine the interesting potential of see-through electronics. [fareastgizmos]

Sprint and Clearwire Marriage Official: WiMax Network Branded ‘Clear’

Matt Buchanan — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:15:00 +0000

The Sprint/Clearwire joint WiMax venture announced back in July is a done deal, as is the $US3.2 billion investmentfrom Intel, Google and others. The WiMax network will branded Clear, replacing the stupid Xohm moniker.

Initially, the network will deliver an average of 2-4Mbps downstream, with the first devices outside of laptops and USB modems arriving in the middle of next year—stuff like mobile internet devices and MP3 players. Another interesting tidbit: Clearwire is building the Clear network with equipment that can be used for LTE, meaning they can upgrade to it if they have to. And the way things are going for LTE—everyone is on board with it as the pick for 4G—that’s a pretty smart move. [Clearwire via GigaOM]