wireless products

The Wireless Gigabit Alliance, or WiGig, has completed a new specification that makes possible high-performance wireless display and audio with rates 10 times faster than current-generation wireless LANs. The new spec works to extend Wi-Fi technology and supports backward capability with existing Wi-Fi devices. WiGig members will have access to the spec to provide faster wireless in new products in the first quarter of 2010.

RadioShack is the latest older, "legacy" brand to try to put a cool, hip spin on itself.

The 88-year-old electronics outfit will re-introduce itself as just "The Shack" -- at least in its ads.

The retail chain is spending a big chunk of its $200 million ad budget for this year on new TV and digital ads to introduce The Shack as its name for advertising and marketing purposes. Signs outside of stores will remain RadioShack. The company hopes to hold onto to its brand heritage and attract more tech-savvy shoppers.

An under-$100 price for Apple's iPhone remains a wish, but the buzz about the iPhone being available at Wal-Mart may be true -- for $197.

Calls to several Wal-Mart stores in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island confirmed that the iPhone will be available at the end of the month. One sales representative who handles wireless products said stores haven't been given an exact date, but the iPhone will be available by the end of the year.

Three of the nation's largest cable companies are quietly pulling the plug on a joint cell-phone venture with Sprint Nextel Corp., called Pivot.

Spokespeople for Comcast Corp., Time Warner Cable Inc. and Cox Communications Inc. said Wednesday they have stopped marketing the Pivot service and plan in the coming weeks to give their Pivot customers the option of switching to traditional Sprint mobile phone plans.

A spokeswoman for the fourth cable partner, privately held Advance/Newhouse Communications Inc., declined to comment.