A new AT&T test lab located in Austin, Texas will now serve as a hub for testing network compatibility, data performance and audio quality for a broad range of non-traditional, wirelessly-enabled devices, such as netbooks, eReaders, portable navigation devices, utility products and healthcare-related tracking devices, and more. AT&T also provides AT&T Wi-Fi service for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3 digital camera.
AT&T hopes that these so-called emerging devices will become an extension to the carrier's smartphone lineup as far as data transfers are concerned. Clearly, you won't see AT&T subsidized digital cameras in stores anytime soon, but perhaps you'll get a mail-in rebate on your new refrigerator sometime in the future?
Anyway, AT&T is currently rolling out 3G capacity in the 850 MHz brand, which improves overall capacity and in-building coverage (the lower frequency, the better for your phone or "emerging device"). Just as important, AT&T will begin deploying HSDPA 7.2 Mbps technology later this year, meaning that the average download speeds should increase quite a bit, especially when connecting your laptop to the wireless network.
The carrier also touts its AT&T Choice initiative, a website where you can get a better idea of what type of apps are available for AT&T phones, as well as sending them to your phone. Unlike the Media Mall, where the usual mobile content is heavily promoted, you'll find a more "serious approach" at the AT&T Choice website.
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