26/08/2010 By http://www.whatmobile.net ( Source: http://www.whatmobile.net )

Vodafone launches DLNA-compliant mobile Wi-Fi device

The R201 is the first DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified mobile Wi-Fi device, sharing a mobile broadband connection with up to five devices, plus a range of digital content such as pictures, music and video. The R201 also includes DRM (Digital Rights Management) to ensure all content is protected.

Designed for home or business, it can be used to map network drives and share files. With the embedded Samba software, it can be used as a mini Linux server. Content can be stored, and shared, on an internal memory card, with support for capacities up to 32GB (supplied separately).

Vodafone has also integrated Twonky software, providing an easy means of streaming content to mobile devices.

The device, with a robust industrial design, will be released soon and be sold free of charge on an 18-month contract with 5GB of data available for £25 per month.

It has an onboard display to show battery strength, signal and the number of connected devices.

Huw Medcraft, Vodafone’s Director of Mobile Broadband said: “The Vodafone R201 Mobile WiFi device enables our customers to take the WiFi connectivity experience they have at home or in the office everywhere with them, thanks to Vodafone Mobile Broadband.

“By adding DLNA compatibility to the device, it becomes much more than a connection to the internet, by enabling users to connect to their other WiFi enabled DLNA devices and wirelessly share and enjoy their digital content, no matter where they are. We know that consumers in particular now have an array of Wi-Fi enabled devices that they use both at home and on the move – the R201 allows them to use them all in a highly convenient way.”