Tuesday, January 6th 2009
D-Link Debuts All-in-One 802.11n Router With Built-In Photo Frame
D-Link, the end-to-end network solutions provider for consumers and business, today unveiled an all-in-one home network router with all the features of a fast, far-reaching 802.11n Wi-Fi router combined with network attached storage (NAS), SharePort technology for sharing printers and scanners, along with a bright 3.2-inch LCD monitor on the face for displaying photos, desktop applications and network performance.
Designed with convenience and functionality in mind, the new D-Link Xtreme N DIR-685 offers a stylish, even chic addition to the digital home. Its upright design allows users to easily view the vibrant LCD screen that displays device status via graphical gauges, digital photos, streamed video, weather forecasts and other live streaming Internet content in up to 1.6 million colors.
As a router, the DIR-685 features a sleek design made possible, in part, by the router's internal antennas. In addition, the network attached storage (NAS) feature supports both UPnP server functions and BitTorrent downloads. A built-in FTP server allows users to access documents, photos, music and other media locally through the home network or remotely over the Internet.
The DIR-685 employs D-Link Green technology that helps conserve energy in several ways -- by automatically recognizing port activity and cable length and adjusting power usage accordingly, by consolidating all functions to a single device instead of many separate products, and by using the idle mode which automatically turns off power to the LCD screen. A wide local area network (WLAN) scheduler can turn off the router's Wi-Fi module at a preset time, and the power adapter complies with Energy Star specifications for average power savings of up to 30 percent. The same power-saving features located in the gigabit ports are also included in the NAS drive.
Both USB ports located on the back of the DIR-685 utilize the new D-Link SharePort technology, enabling multiple users to seamlessly share USB devices -- including printers, multi-function printers (MFP), and external hard drives -- from any location in the home or office, in a Wi-Fi environment. SharePort turns the local USB ports located on the back of the 802.11n router into a fast and responsive virtual port by utilizing a new technology of USB over TCP/IP.
To manage the photo frame feature of the DIR-685, D-Link has partnered with FrameChannel, a free web service (internetphotoframe.com) that allows for the customization of content displayed on the screen, so photos can be easily accessed and viewed.
"This router is the ideal solution for the consumer who wants to be the first on his or her block with the ultimate 'all-in-one' networking device," says Daniel Kelley, senior director of marketing for D-Link Systems in Fountain Valley, Calif. "Not only does it offer full functionality as a router/NAS storage/print server/FTP device, it is attractive on any desktop, environmentally friendly and Internet secure."
Source:
D-Link
As a router, the DIR-685 features a sleek design made possible, in part, by the router's internal antennas. In addition, the network attached storage (NAS) feature supports both UPnP server functions and BitTorrent downloads. A built-in FTP server allows users to access documents, photos, music and other media locally through the home network or remotely over the Internet.
The DIR-685 employs D-Link Green technology that helps conserve energy in several ways -- by automatically recognizing port activity and cable length and adjusting power usage accordingly, by consolidating all functions to a single device instead of many separate products, and by using the idle mode which automatically turns off power to the LCD screen. A wide local area network (WLAN) scheduler can turn off the router's Wi-Fi module at a preset time, and the power adapter complies with Energy Star specifications for average power savings of up to 30 percent. The same power-saving features located in the gigabit ports are also included in the NAS drive.
Both USB ports located on the back of the DIR-685 utilize the new D-Link SharePort technology, enabling multiple users to seamlessly share USB devices -- including printers, multi-function printers (MFP), and external hard drives -- from any location in the home or office, in a Wi-Fi environment. SharePort turns the local USB ports located on the back of the 802.11n router into a fast and responsive virtual port by utilizing a new technology of USB over TCP/IP.
To manage the photo frame feature of the DIR-685, D-Link has partnered with FrameChannel, a free web service (internetphotoframe.com) that allows for the customization of content displayed on the screen, so photos can be easily accessed and viewed.
"This router is the ideal solution for the consumer who wants to be the first on his or her block with the ultimate 'all-in-one' networking device," says Daniel Kelley, senior director of marketing for D-Link Systems in Fountain Valley, Calif. "Not only does it offer full functionality as a router/NAS storage/print server/FTP device, it is attractive on any desktop, environmentally friendly and Internet secure."
13 Comments on D-Link Debuts All-in-One 802.11n Router With Built-In Photo Frame
But it also requires us to mount it on the wall, or convenient desktop/tabletop. Next to the TV? Show available programs. Next to the telephone, have an address book.
I think this device doesnt quite make it... BUT the next edition of this could be brilliant. (For consumers).
While this edition could use some refinements I think with a touch screen it could well be worth the labor/design/price as it could double as cctv monitor, as well as unlimited other display usage in addition to the server,print, and ip services.
Somehow, unless an oil drinker from dubai is the consumer I don't see how calling consumers idiot gadget buyers...is merited...especially as...
Nearly all new tech in the beginning has been called idiotic including airplanes when they were called aeroplanes; for an idiot gadget it sure gets you to your vacation spots quicker than any terestial transport does.
In point only an idiot would recognize tech advancement as non-essential
Need: Bigger screen.
Want: I've been very happy with the D-Link cameras I've used. PoE or wireless versions that display, perhaps even save the video on the router would be a nice feature.
Want: 8 gigabit ports.