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Motorola has released the 1.009 firmware code on their web site. Loaders are available for Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0. Readers who were using pre-1.0 firmware have been enthusiastic about the upgrade, which has provided many with their first connect speeds above 33.6.
Marc Wilson notes that PowerCom has a V1.120 firmware upgrade.
TechWeb has an article about Open Metered Services Information Exchange (MSIX). MSIX is being proposed as a standard way to track bandwidth usage for billing purposes, and is seen by many as a prerequisite to creating Internet services that require large amounts of guaranteed bandwidth, such as video on demand and teleconferencing.
Shiva is shipping K56flex LanRovers, and K56flex upgrades for older LanRovers. As part of the announcement, Shiva has stated that they will provide free, software-based upgrades to the final ITU 56K standard.
Intel has a new laptop PCMCIA card that provides a 56K modem and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet adapter on one card, according to InfoWorld.
News.com reports that Compaq has invested in Ramp Networks. Ramp makes the WebRamp M3, a bonding modem that lets a network of users access the Internet or remote office by combining up to three 56K connections.
Global Village is offering a bundled package with Mac OS 8 and a Global Village TelePort Platinum x2 or K56flex. Estimated retail price is $189.
PC WEEK and TechWeb have stories about the 56K patent issues involving Lucent and 3Com. Several weeks ago, 3Com purchased the exclusive rights to Robert Townshend's pending patents on 56K technology. Late last week, Lucent announced that it already owned a number of patents relating to 56K technology. Both Lucent and 3Com are willing to license their technology to other companies.
PC WEEK reports that Windows 98 will be delayed three months, pushing the release back to the second quarter of 1998.
PC Today has reviews of eight K56flex modems: the Motorola ModemSURFR, Zoom 56K, Multi-Tech MultiModem ZDXV, Philips EasyConnect, Hayes Accura, Boca Research M56i, BestData SmartOne, and Diamond Multimedia SupraExpress 56e.
A reader spoke to Acer about 56K upgrades:
I have an Acer Aspire with a 33.6 modem, on the box it said you could get software to upgrade your current Acer 33.6 modem to 56k. I talked with Acer and they said the software is coming out in October and that anyone with an Acer V system can get the upgrade for free, if you have an Acer IV,IV.5, or III you have to buy the upgrade.
Changes @ 56K.COM
The new rule is a result of email I've received from readers who purchased no-name modems and are now unable to find firmware updates or drivers. It's worth paying extra to buy from a company that stands behind its product. I also recommend buying from a company that promises free upgrades to the final ITU 56K standard.
56K.COM is written and maintained by Les Jones. Artwork by Mark Maxwell. Copyright 1997 Softwords.
