That's odd, I'm fairly certain that Windows 7 already has some built-in mobile broadband card support. I just noticed this kicked in on my Pantech UML290 on VZW LTE with the latest firmware update: http://twitpic.com/88a3o8
They were pretty sketchy in the post on what support was already included in Windows 7, and I'm sure it depends on the specific device you're using - either way, the focus in Windows 8 is on enhancing and standardizing that experience. I'll change the headline to be a bit less ambiguous about that...
Yeah, I mean obviously the new data metering per application features are new, along with the preferences for background data and such. Those are indeed very cool in Win 8.
It's odd though because the class driver/support for some datacards has existed for a while across OS X/Linux/Windows - probably one of the only good things about using AT+ commands for so long is that most of the support is generic.
While Win7 has some kind of support for this you cant use mobile broadband on Win7 without 3rd party drivers, and sometimes software as well. On Win8 theres no need for either, as it supports the Mobile Broadband Interface Model (MBIM) specification. Win 8 uses a single built-in driver that works with all mobile broadband hardware and providers and this driver is kept up to date with Windows Update.
Hurray for built-in support and no proprietary management apps required. I just hope that Windows 8 supports tethering via Bluetooth from a smartphone in the same integrated way and that these data management techniques work there too.
Sadly though, I think buying non-smartphone devices with integrated mobile broadband isn't ideal under the current plan structure which makes you pay at least $20/month per device for a connection when tethering plus a large bucket of data is a much better option right now. Maybe that'll change when every device gets built in 3G, but for now, the plans are too costly.
Not, quite. Rather now it will auto-download said proprietary apps.
"If your laptop or tablet has a SIM card installed, Windows will automatically detect which carrier it's associated with and download any available mobile broadband app from the Windows store,"
An app from the windows store is much different than the proprietary software required to use the device. Apps from the windows store, if i recall correctly, are metro apps, so they will most likely be the apps they have on phones where you can query account status or data usage, possibly pay bills, etc. They wont be required to use the device itself.
Been following the MS Windows 8 blog and i'm actually quite amazed at all the new stuff in Windows 8 and it's not even all been announced yet. It's by FAR the biggest update to Windows since the release of Windows and everything they're doing with it looks great. I wont even consider a tablet without Win8 on it.
I think the real question is how well the Metro UI works with traditional input devices. No doubt it's a great design for handheld devices like smartphones and tablets, and it would be interesting to see a touchscreen built into full-fledged notebooks. But I don't see how well it will work for desktop users.
But I guess that will be answered when Windows 8 goes into public beta.
I've already been using the Developer Preview for two months and for me i stay on the usual desktop UI for 98% of the time. With touch devices i'm sure it will be the total opposite though, but thats the great thing about W8. Two UI's that suit all needs.
The only time i ever really use Metro with mouse/keyboard input was when searching through programs (or "apps" as they now call them) because the Metro UI also replaces the Start menu. Theres a few other small things too but overall the desktop hasn't changed too much, and i'm liking the updated Aero theme.
Yeah forgot about Thunderbolt for external GPU. Add that to the list... and maybe a Super AMOLED Plus display instead of PLS / IPS, but either will do :)
We’ve updated our terms. By continuing to use the site and/or by logging into your account, you agree to the Site’s updated Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
14 Comments
Back to Article
Brian Klug - Friday, January 20, 2012 - link
That's odd, I'm fairly certain that Windows 7 already has some built-in mobile broadband card support. I just noticed this kicked in on my Pantech UML290 on VZW LTE with the latest firmware update: http://twitpic.com/88a3o8-Brian
Andrew.a.cunningham - Friday, January 20, 2012 - link
They were pretty sketchy in the post on what support was already included in Windows 7, and I'm sure it depends on the specific device you're using - either way, the focus in Windows 8 is on enhancing and standardizing that experience. I'll change the headline to be a bit less ambiguous about that...Brian Klug - Friday, January 20, 2012 - link
Yeah, I mean obviously the new data metering per application features are new, along with the preferences for background data and such. Those are indeed very cool in Win 8.It's odd though because the class driver/support for some datacards has existed for a while across OS X/Linux/Windows - probably one of the only good things about using AT+ commands for so long is that most of the support is generic.
-Brian
B3an - Saturday, January 21, 2012 - link
While Win7 has some kind of support for this you cant use mobile broadband on Win7 without 3rd party drivers, and sometimes software as well. On Win8 theres no need for either, as it supports the Mobile Broadband Interface Model (MBIM) specification. Win 8 uses a single built-in driver that works with all mobile broadband hardware and providers and this driver is kept up to date with Windows Update.dagamer34 - Friday, January 20, 2012 - link
Hurray for built-in support and no proprietary management apps required. I just hope that Windows 8 supports tethering via Bluetooth from a smartphone in the same integrated way and that these data management techniques work there too.Sadly though, I think buying non-smartphone devices with integrated mobile broadband isn't ideal under the current plan structure which makes you pay at least $20/month per device for a connection when tethering plus a large bucket of data is a much better option right now. Maybe that'll change when every device gets built in 3G, but for now, the plans are too costly.
bah12 - Friday, January 20, 2012 - link
Not, quite. Rather now it will auto-download said proprietary apps."If your laptop or tablet has a SIM card installed, Windows will automatically detect which carrier it's associated with and download any available mobile broadband app from the Windows store,"
inighthawki - Saturday, January 21, 2012 - link
An app from the windows store is much different than the proprietary software required to use the device. Apps from the windows store, if i recall correctly, are metro apps, so they will most likely be the apps they have on phones where you can query account status or data usage, possibly pay bills, etc. They wont be required to use the device itself.B3an - Friday, January 20, 2012 - link
Been following the MS Windows 8 blog and i'm actually quite amazed at all the new stuff in Windows 8 and it's not even all been announced yet. It's by FAR the biggest update to Windows since the release of Windows and everything they're doing with it looks great. I wont even consider a tablet without Win8 on it.Ultimate device: Win8 tablet + 1080p PLS / IPS screen + Keyboard dock with extended battery, card reader, HDMI and/or DP out.
Would totally replace my laptop, and i could connect it to my 30" monitors whenever i wanted making it work like any other PC.
Duraz0rz - Friday, January 20, 2012 - link
I think the real question is how well the Metro UI works with traditional input devices. No doubt it's a great design for handheld devices like smartphones and tablets, and it would be interesting to see a touchscreen built into full-fledged notebooks. But I don't see how well it will work for desktop users.But I guess that will be answered when Windows 8 goes into public beta.
B3an - Saturday, January 21, 2012 - link
I've already been using the Developer Preview for two months and for me i stay on the usual desktop UI for 98% of the time. With touch devices i'm sure it will be the total opposite though, but thats the great thing about W8. Two UI's that suit all needs.The only time i ever really use Metro with mouse/keyboard input was when searching through programs (or "apps" as they now call them) because the Metro UI also replaces the Start menu. Theres a few other small things too but overall the desktop hasn't changed too much, and i'm liking the updated Aero theme.
Malih - Sunday, January 22, 2012 - link
After reading some articles about new laptops at CES, I think Windows 8 will be optimized on non-touchscreen system by using multitouch touchpad.I think there should be new input devices for Windows 8 to replace the mouse that works like Apple's Magic Trackpad.
IcePhase - Friday, January 20, 2012 - link
Needs a thunderbolt port for an external GPU/Storage/Optical Drive ;)B3an - Saturday, January 21, 2012 - link
Yeah forgot about Thunderbolt for external GPU. Add that to the list... and maybe a Super AMOLED Plus display instead of PLS / IPS, but either will do :)jimsing59 - Saturday, January 21, 2012 - link
Can't wait for the public beta to come out.