Apple Updates AirPort Utility, AirPort Base Station Firmware - Adds iCloud Remote Access

Apple just pushed out a slew of updates to its WiFi related products which we've covered and reviewed already, including the AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule. The latest update brings the Base Station firmware version to 7.6.1, and adds performance fixes as well as iCloud remote access for attached disks. From the release notes:

This update is for all 802.11n AirPort Express, 802.11n AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule models. It fixes an issue with wireless performance and provides support for remote access to an AirPort disk or a Time Capsule hard drive with an iCloud account.

I've just updated my own AirPort Extreme and 802.11n AirPort Express, and we'll update if we see anything major. The other part of the update includes AirPort Utility 6.0 which matches the style and theme of the recently released AirPort Utility for iOS. Thus far the update seems to be primarily aesthetic, though a number of old options panes have been consolidated in some places.

One notable change is the repositioning of the wireless client RSSI graph, which now gets reported after clicking on the base station as a pop-up. Interestingly enough, older AirPort devices will be configured using AirPort Utility 5.6 going forwards, and it's in this client that you can access options absent in 6.0, including the logs and wireless client graphs.

Gallery: AirPort Utility 6.0 on OS X, Base Station Firmware 7.6.1

We're playing around with the updates and will update soon with more details. Both updates are currently available over Software Update.

Source: Apple (1), (2)

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Remote Desktop Beta Extension Brings Remote Access to Chrome

Google today introduced a beta version of its Chrome Remote Desktop functionality for the Chrome browser and Chrome OS. This functionality, news of which first made the rounds several months ago during Chrome OS's debut, comes in the form of an extension now, but Google's intent is to eventually roll it into the stable builds of its browser and OS.

Once downloaded and installed, the 19MB extension is added to the list of Apps on Chrome's default home page. After giving it permission to view your email address, you can establish a connection between any two computers running Chrome (whether Windows, OS X, Linux, or Chrome OS) and the extension by using a twelve digit number provided by the host computer.

In my brief test connecting my Windows computer to my Mac, the software worked as intended, though input was a bit laggier than using Microsoft's Remote Desktop protocol or Apple's Screen Sharing. Google suggests that the software could be used both in a help desk capacity, where an expert would share the user's screen to provide technical assistance, or to run legacy or "fat client" apps on Chrome OS. If Google can improve the functionality's responsiveness, it may just give enterprises another reason to consider Chrome.

Source: Chrome Web Store

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Qualcomm Demos Remote Handwriting Recognition Using an Ultrasonic Pen

 The technology is pretty cool and I can see a number of real world applications for it. If you wanted a pen-and-paper feel but want your notes to be stored digitally, this is one option. Qualcomm mentioned that we could see smartphones or tablets featuring this technology starting next year. ]]>