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Google Fiber gives wireless gigabit plan a boost with Webpass ISP buyout

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It looks like Google is serious about this wireless gigabit internet thing. While they continue to expand the wired version of Google Fiber – there are reportedly 18 more cities on their expansion list – it’s Google’s buyout of wireless internet provider Webpass that has tech insiders’ attention. Webpass operates in the Silicon Valley corridor and provides both wired and wireless internet access for about $60 a month.

In April, a Google Fiber exec said the company was looking into providing wireless Fiber service where it would be too expensive to run a physical line to homes. Looks like they just snapped up their first major player in that effort.

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If you were watching C-SPAN yesterday, you may have witnessed a bit of tech and political history as Democrats staged a sit-in protest on the House floor over gun control measures.

As the sit-in wore on, Republican leaders ordered the House into recess – and since the House controls C-SPAN camera activity, they ordered the cameras to be shut off, even though speeches and protests continued on the floor. Those are the rules. Or, at least, those were the rules. But yesterday, some tech-savvy politicians got out their cell phones and began live-streaming the events back to C-SPAN using Facebook live video and Periscope video apps.

Suddenly, C-SPAN was back on the air live, and in a way not possible in years before. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan called the tech workaround “a publicity stunt” but C-SPAN spokesman Howard Mortmann told Politico that the livestream rebellion was “a milestone event.” Politicians always seem to be a bit behind when it comes to new technology, but now that the power of live video streaming has been ably demonstrated, expect to see a lot more of it.

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We hope you checked out our coverage of the top cars of 2016 with Marshawn Lynch, but one car we missed out on driving was this wee electric roadster, which we’re pretty sure Mr. Lynch would struggle to slip into. Not a struggle? Getting it to accelerate from zero to 60 miles an hour in just a smidge over 1.5 seconds. Oh yeah, that’s a record all right, and it crushes the likes of the Henessy Venom GT, Bugatti Veyron and all those other multi-million dollar cars.

So who built this tiny speed machine? Some big car company’s R&D team? Elon Musks oldest son? Nope – it was 30 students with the Academic Motorsports Club Zurich. And best of all, they made this very entertaining video about how they did it, so check it all out at this link.

Bill Roberson
Former Video Producer / Photographer
I focus on producing Digital Trends' 'DT Daily' video news program along with photographing items we get in for review. I…
iPhone 12 Magsafe accessories are coming, all made to keep you buying iPhones
iPhone and MagSafe

We shouldn’t fall into the easy trap of passing the new MagSafe for iPhone technology off as merely a branding exercise dripping in nostalgia to titillate long-term Mac fans. There are two reasons why. First, it may become one of the most interesting and innovative “Made for iPhone” official accessory ranges we’ve seen since the beginning of the program itself.

Second, we should also remember it’s the latest weapon in Apple’s ecosystem arsenal, designed specifically to keep you buying the iPhone for years to come, possibly including one of the most controversial rumored iPhones on the horizon.
What is MagSafe for iPhone?
What does MagSafe do? It’s a new way for chargers and accessories to attach and talk to your iPhone. The simplest accessory is Apple's own MagSafe Wireless Charger, a $39 charging plate that looks a bit like a thinner, oversized Apple Watch charging plinth. It uses magnets to clamp itself tightly against the back of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro models, securely keeping it in place for accurate charger positioning.

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On this Digital Trends Live, Greg Nibler hosts a look at the top trending tech stories of the day, including the continuing battle between developers and app stores, Amazon’s palm payment method, the first foldable PC, NASA's Crew Dragon Capsule launch, and more.

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On this Digital Trends Live, host Greg Nibler discusses the top tech stories of the day, including TikTok's latest win, Roku’s new product, Prime Day dates, food service robots, and more.
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