As you recall Fon makes wireless routers for sharing. You install the Fon node in your house, share it with others, and then are given access to other Fonera routers around the world. It’s sort of a viral Wi-Fi community.
Now, however, the Fonera is incredibly more interesting. The device can now access web services without the aid of a computer, allowing you to download torrents and “content” as well as upload to multiple services just by plugging in a USB key. The router also can be used as a webcam or print server and can connect to a 3G or HSDPA node and share the connection over Wi-Fi. It also supports 802.11n and acts as a wireless NAS with remote browsing capabilities. In short, the router just got much smarter.
The router is now basically a small computer. The 2.0 has been in beta since October and has an applications development platform for hackers. The current applications include:
1. Finder for Fonera 2.0: App that will allow you to navigate though the USB Hard Disc on the Fonera 2.0 from any Mac/Windows computer.
2. GSpace for Fonera 2.0: App that will synchronize GSpace 2Gb data with your Fonera 2.0 USB Disk GSpace Folder (www.getgspace.com)
3. Backup Application: Auto-Backup application with MAC/Windows/Linux client that will automatically incremental backups of your notebook when you get connected to Fonera 2.0
4. Azureus Client: App that will allow you to manage your BitTorrents from your Fonera 2.0
5. UMTS Modem Support: App that will allow you to use a USB HSDPA modem to connect to the Internet and then send WiFi for your devices to connect to it. Ideal for Nintendo and PSP addicts!
6. YouTube uploading tool: Get your video into the USB HDD on your Fonera 2.0 and close your computer, all the long uploading will be done by this App on Fonera 2.0 and you save power!
7. USB Audio Support: App that will allow you to add a small USB Audio Card dongle and stream your music from your Fonera 2.0 to your HiFi.
The device costs $39.95 for the Fonera+ model and includes three weeks of free Fon access so you can use Fon hotspots around the world while you wait. You have complete control over how much bandwidth you’re willing to share.
That looks like a really cool gadget. I think more devices will become more independent without the use of Computers. I like Televisions that are as smart as computers but not a computer. There is definitely a trend going on here.
- Darren at AdExcel dot Com
Agree with Darren’s points.
Nice job Martin and team @ Fon
Sadly the lame support experience, unreliable hardware and appaling attitude to acceptable user interface on the original device makes me very skeptical of these guys.
I’m more likely to get something like a pogoplug (http://www.pogoplug.com/) if I even have need for a device like this.
After all, in 2 years I’ve had my v1.0- device I have yet to find a single Fonera hotspot in 3 countries I could connect to when I wanted to get a return on my “Linus”ness….
Congratulations Martin, finally you are taking USA. Good job!
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Felicidades a Martín, de verdad es un gadget muy útil la fonera. Buen trabajo!
This is a cool concept. There are so many services that require your computer to be on just because they need a basic internet connection for something.
It’s such a waste of electricity. Your router never goes off so it minus well do the things that you need to keep your computer on for and save you electricity.
For those who are interested, here is a nice link from a french site of a FULL test release about this one. Screenshots of Torrent, Picasa & Flicker are really nice.
http://www.planet-sansfil.com/?p=4550.
PS : Use google translator for englished :p
IT sounds very cool by the description, but I really hesitate to buy one, because of my past experience with Fonera.
I bought a Fonera about a year ago at some promotion price of 19 Euros, but I just couldn’t get it to work. Many calls and emails to FON support, they were very nice but terribly inefficient, and eventually I gave up – my time trying to configure it was not worth the 19 Euros, so now I use it as a paper-weight on my desk.
Personally I have never heard of a viral HI-Fi community, it makes sense and a very cool concept. I just wonder if their are enough people to make it a thriving community or weather the trend will start to fade as most “trends” do.
It seems to be reasonably priced, that as well as the added incentive of saving electricity may just be enough.
This is my first time on this gadget site, looking forward to a look around!
This is 10x better than my AirPort Express for a fraction of the price! I want one!
Does this mean that Fonera is better than the wireless router LinkSys? I ask this because that’s the brand most people use :-)
The fonera has lots of features that que linksys not and it´s awesome !!!
The only gripe I’ve got with Fon’s whole shebang is that they skimp out on quality hardware. I’ve had 3 v1.0 routers that melted. I don’t know if they went balls-to-the-wall and fixed it with 2.0, but that issue alone makes me not want to buy.
thats not news! it has been out for a while
That $39.95 price is for the older Fonera+. The 2.0 is €49,95 with US pricing TBD.