Tuesday, July 14, 2009
FON UNVEILS INNOVATIVE WEB APPLICATIONS WiFi ROUTER – THE FONERA 2.0N
Fonera 2.0n caters to all Web 2.0 users with faster WiFi, home network access, converting 3G to WiFi and managing file uploads/downloads – even with your computer off
MADRID—July 14, 2009—FON today introduced the Fonera 2.0n WiFi router in the US market, combining FON’s revolutionary WiFi sharing and money making features with seamless integration and management of popular Web 2.0 services such as YouTube, Facebook, Picasa, Flickr, RapidShare, and other content — even while users’ PCs are off. The Fonera 2.0n will be available for sale online and at select retailers in October for just $99.
“If there is one annoying aspect of the otherwise great internet, it’s the time it takes to upload videos and pictures, or to download movies, TV series, games, and software from the internet,” said Martin Varsavsky, FON’s CEO. “The Fonera 2.0n is the first WiFi router that frees up your computer from those tasks. Close your computer, continue uploading and downloading!”
Built around the faster 802.11n standard, Fonera 2.0n has a greater WiFi reach and faster throughput than 802.11g routers, and its more powerful processors and sophisticated software enable it to run parallel applications and simultaneous uploads and downloads. The Fonera 2.0n is kind of like TIVO for your laptop. You can manage...upload, download and synch ALL of your web apps while you are away from home. Your computer is no longer hostage to the speed of the connection — no more getting stuck for hours waiting for something to load.
A built‐in USB hub and Fonera 2.0 management software allows users to connect external hard drives and other USB devices. This enables users to share data wirelessly, upload videos or photos automatically to YouTube, Flickr, Picasa and Facebook, or download* torrents or files directly from RapidShare and Megaupload without a computer running at the same time. Additional features include the ability to backup files to a hard drive, print, or access a remote webcam via WiFi, and convert an HSDPA or 3G dongle to WiFi.
Fonera 2.0n can also help users save money on energy and reduce their CO2 output. A Fonera 2.0n router consumes less than four watts while downloading, instead of a PC that averages 100 watts, so users can reduce their CO2 emissions by 273Kg a year — equivalent to driving an SUV more than 1,500km per year. **
“The deep integration of online file sharing, social networks, and other Web 2.0 content into our already busy daily lives translates into more hours spent at the computer, greater energy use and more greenhouse emissions,” said Varsavsky. “By enabling users to handle basic computing tasks from the router instead of the PC, we’re taking a small step towards reducing power consumption without limiting functionality.”
Fonera 2.0n also maintains all the features of previous FON WiFi routers. Once connected, it creates two WiFi signals, one private and one public, that allow for a secure, wireless internet connection at home and free access at FON Spots worldwide. Fonera owners can also choose to make money*** by selling FON WiFi access passes or letting guests roam at their FON Spot. For further information about the Fonera 2.0n, visit www.fon.com.
*FON does not promote illegal activities or otherwise violate any applicable laws or intellectual property rights. Disclaimer: you should not download copyrighted material unless you have permission from the copyright holder to do so.
**Calculations based on data from 2009 PC Energy Report.
***Money making functionality not available in all countries.
About FON:
FON started the free WiFi revolution in 2006 with the first Fonera WiFi router and the goal of free, ubiquitous WiFi for everyone. Today, FON has more than half a million FON Spots, over 1.5 million registered foneros, and a growing list of Telco partners who add FON functionality to their ADSL modems. Google, eBay, British Telecom, Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital are investors in FON.
Posted by Steve Ross on Gadgets
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I'm sure everyone wants to know....
Tentative release dates:
Mid September EU & Japan
Mid October US
Spec details:
CPU Ralink 300MHz
RAM 64MB
Flash 8MB
What about more USB ports and firmware that works Out-of-the-box. The current firmware for Fonera 2.0 seems likes it it wasn´t quit finished at the when it hit us (the users). Luckily enough they are working on it, but I just thing it´s a great shame to release something that isn´t completely ready, it only produce bad PR.
I'll buy the Fonera 2.0n, in hope of a even more fantastic product...
Can you make a "Plus" version with Full-Duplex Gigabit Ethernet ports, double the ram and CPU speed as well as torrents up to 2048Kb/s (or faster)? Maybe add another USB port?
i liked more the old version style, is this just a prototype or it will be released as it is in the photos?
white and orange rocks, black and green is so xbox-like ._.
@igunisu - I think the pictures are close to the final product but I'll pass along your feedback on the colors.
I just checked the Fon.com/en site and the 2.0 version is not listed as an option to purchase. How do I get one in the US?!?
What about IPv6? A WORKING shipping of IPv6 would be so cool and I guess the first major distribution in customer routers.
IPv6 works in Linux boxes, you only need to run radvd, ip6tables and you are there. You might need a IPv6 tunnel, but you can have that yourself.
I mean, IPv4 is SOO 1990... ;)
@infosec911 - the Fonera 2.0n will be available mid-October in the US.
@Anders - I'm not sure if the first batch will be IPv6 ready out of the box. It's my understanding that can be updated at a later date with a firmware update.
I agree on the colors.
Orange/white/black is kind of FON's identity and unless everything is changing it seems right to stay with orange/white/black.
Looks more professional when a company consistently uses the same characteristics in their products. That's my opinion.
Sincerely,
Stijn
I also agree with the colors. They should stay the same. I do like the idea of an all black router with an orange fon logo, but no green.
Phil
Hi, answers to a couple questions:
Chipset is Realtek
Fontenna is not compatible, different connector.
I believe it's 2x2 but need to confirm.
It's cool and I want one NOW. I'm running a mixed environment with macs and pcs. 801.11N could help me get rid of usb connections to move data and that would be priceless. When is it planned for release in Italy?
That said it's also a turnoff that the jack is incompatible with fontenna (and other rp-sma). Infact I remember a video of Martin trying the maximum range of a 801.11N router coupled with 3 fontennas.
Also I am suggesting these little boxes to friends that have to make wi-fi links from house to house and for those applications a standard connector is a must.
Another question: what's up with the Italian blog?
I also agree on the colors:
White+Black+Orange = cool & elegant
Black+Green (sticker!?) = cheap & tacky!
Changing style for worse = inconsistent & bad PR!
I liked the older smaller design, is it possible you can do two versions? A smaller one with less usb and ethernet ports etc. I agree with the colours, green and black is disgusting. Does this have a proper release date for the UK yet? And if so what is it?
Thanks!
Today "N" is final, not much change since the previous draft 2.5 yrs ago.
I too would like the Gigabit ports. And now that USB 3.0 chips are available, maybe include that option as well?
I need sometimes to make a VPN-Connection with my Office PC. Is this now possible with Fonera 2.0n? (I can't do this with my Fonera 1.0 router)
T.i.a
W@lt
Hy. It's possible to make a vpn connection with another computer over the internet (vpn-pass-trough)?
Walter
Hi
Will this new fonera2.0n affect to the development of the fonera2.0 firmware? I'm thinking buying fonera2.0 when it first was released was not a good purchase, due to the fact that fon will keep efforts improving the new one's capabilities.
Will new software for the 2.0n be compattible on the old 2.0
You have to understand people's doubts about fonera2.0 been uncontinued
Regards
@ W@lt - take a look at our boards. You will find some information about vpn there. http://boards.fon.com/
WRT to colors: i completely agree with the original white+orange choice (consisteny). Black+green is too xbox-ish, and it'll probably work subconsciously as a turn-off.
I want to order in Argentina. Any news when we might be getting if over here?
Great effort overall.
@Mats - no the antenna connections are different. Sorry!
@Thalis - I don't know the release date for Argentina.
The 2.0n launch date for the UK was today, yet I still cant buy one from teh Fon shop.. and the 2.0g has now been remove..
Update please ?
CJ
@jumpy07
We will have the 2.0N for sale in the UK in a couple of weeks.
We sold out of the 2.0g but will have more in stock soon!
I think that gigabit Ethernet ports are very important for some people, like me.
There is any chance to get a version with gigabit Ethernet ports in a near future?
Thanks
@Paulo, we do not have immediate plans for gigabit ports. When we move towards that I'll be sure to post it here.
As I'm running 100mbit full duplex fiber it would be nice if this one (fon 2.0n) can achieve the real full speed of my connection and not choke up as most routers does.
Been using Linksys WRT54GL and it could only do a total of 35mbit
So.. my big question.. someone how has used it (fon 2.0n) with good results in at least 100mbit (up'n'down at same time) so I could use my full connection?
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