‘Smartcase,’ projector/hot spot set to bolster LTE connectivity options
LAS VEGAS – AT&T Mobility continues to branch outside of traditional mobile devices in its attempt to attract more connections to its network, announcing at this week’s Consumer Electronics Show a pair of new devices looking to feed the growing need for connectivity.
For customers who purchased a Wi-Fi-only Apple iPad product, but now wish for a more consistent connection, AT&T Mobility is set to offer its Modio “smartcase” that includes an LTE connection and embedded battery. The case will be available to fit Apple’s iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad Mini 3, iPad Mini 2 and iPad Mini.
The case includes an antenna and radio that will allow the iPad device to connect to AT&T Mobility’s LTE network, a 4,600-milliamp hour battery and a microSD memory card slot supporting up to 32 gigabytes of memory. Customers can add the device to their current shared data plans, with pricing models set to be announced at a later date.
The product is similar to so-called “sleeve” products introduced by other carriers that allowed customers with Wi-Fi-only Apple iPod products to connect to cellular networks.
More powerful projector
AT&T Mobility also said it will offer ZTE’s SPro2 mobile projector that includes mobile hot spot capabilities tied to the carrier’s LTE network. The device’s projector is reportedly twice as bright as the previous ZTE product, while the mobile hot spot allows up to 10 Wi-Fi-equipped devices to share an LTE signal.
The device is powered by Google’s Android operating system and includes a 5-inch touchscreen and embedded battery. Pricing for the device and service is set to be announced at a later date.
A number of device makers have launched similar products, embedding a projector either into a cellphone or smartphone.
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