FON today introduced the Fonera 2.0n WiFi router in the US market, combining FON’s WiFi sharing and money making features with integration and management of popular Web 2.0 services such as YouTube, Facebook, Picasa, Flickr, BitTorrent, RapidShare, and other content — even while your PC is turned off. Fonera 2.0 also maintains all the features of previous FON WiFi routers.
“If there’s one annoying aspect of the otherwise great internet, it’s the time it takes to upload videos, pictures, or download movies, tv series, games, and software from the internet,” said Martin Varsavsky, FON 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!”
Fonera 2.0n has a greater WiFi reach and faster throughput than 802.11g routers. Plus with its more powerful processors and software enable it to run parallel applications and simultaneous uploads and downloads. 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 BitTorrent, 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.
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 foot print and save on their power bills.
Martin Varsavsky added that “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. [-¦] 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.”
The Fonera 2.0n is on sale now at major retailers or from FON itself. Pricing is set at 49.95 Euros or $69 US.
