Thrustmaster FunAccess Wi-Fi key – No need for Wi-Fi router
Thrustmaster, manufacturers of PC and console gaming accessories have announced a USB WiFi key that allows anyone with a minimum of 512k broadband, with either a modem connected through USB, or an Ethernet card, to turn their PC into a wireless router, and access the internet on any WiFi enabled device – including the PSP!
The so-called ‘FunAccess’ USB key looks like your average USB storage device, but boasts fully integrated WiFi 802.11g technology. This technology allows you to play online games, download music, videos, and more.You can even connect up to 5 PSP’s to the same WiFi hot spot using the same FunAccess WiFi key, and the compatibility doesn’t end there. Any other WiFi devices you have will also be able to connect to the Internet through FunAccess, including Laptops and PDA’s. Thrustmaster have even created a site designed for psp users, psp.thrustmaster.com, which will be officially online from the 6th April.
There is one downside to this device – FunAccess requires your PSP to be running 2.5 firmware or higher, and Windows XP on your PC. I don’t quite understand why this device needs 2.5 to work, as I don’t think any of the WiFi protocols were changed in the 2.5 firmware update. Requiring 2.5 may put a few people off from buying it – it’s useful gadget if you don’t have a wireless router, especially with upcoming online PSP titles, and the rising in the number of PSP compatible websites; but is it worth the upgrade to a higher firmware version?
The Thrustmaster FunAccess USB key is due for launch in May 2006, with the Recommended Retail Price of $39.99.
Thrustmaster, manufacturers of PC and console gaming accessories have announced a USB WiFi key that allows anyone with a minimum of 512k broadband, with either a modem connected through USB, or an Ethernet card, to turn their PC into a wireless router, and access the internet on any WiFi enabled device – including the PSP!
The so-called ‘FunAccess’ USB key looks like your average USB storage device, but boasts fully integrated WiFi 802.11g technology. This technology allows you to play online games, download music, videos, and more.You can even connect up to 5 PSP’s to the same WiFi hot spot using the same FunAccess WiFi key, and the compatibility doesn’t end there. Any other WiFi devices you have will also be able to connect to the Internet through FunAccess, including Laptops and PDA’s. Thrustmaster have even created a site designed for psp users, psp.thrustmaster.com, which will be officially online from the 6th April.
There is one downside to this device – FunAccess requires your PSP to be running 2.5 firmware or higher, and Windows XP on your PC. I don’t quite understand why this device needs 2.5 to work, as I don’t think any of the WiFi protocols were changed in the 2.5 firmware update. Requiring 2.5 may put a few people off from buying it – it’s useful gadget if you don’t have a wireless router, especially with upcoming online PSP titles, and the rising in the number of PSP compatible websites; but is it worth the upgrade to a higher firmware version?
The Thrustmaster FunAccess USB key is due for launch in May 2006, with the Recommended Retail Price of $39.99.
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