Vodafone has launched a personal wi-fi device. The snappily-named R201 enables five wi-fi-enabled devices to access the internet via a Vodafone Mobile Broadband connection, and simultaneously share digital content that a customer has stored on the device.
The unit is Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified, and comes with embedded DLNA software called Twonky, developed by PacketVideo, to enable Vodafone customers to view digital content such as music, video and photos, across all DLNA-compatible devices, including laptops, netbooks, mobiles, games consoles, TVs and radios. An onboard display enables users to monitor signal and battery strength, and the number of active connected devices.
Vodafone says the gadget will appeal to Small and Home Office workers, as it can be used to map network drives and share files. Its embedded Samba Software means that it can be used as a mini Linux server with an SD memory card inserted. The device supports SD memory cards of up to 32GB. 
The R201 will be available in “various countries” where Vodafone operates during 2010. UK users can get it for free on an 18-month, £25-per-month contract with 5GB of data, or for £15 per month with 3GB of data, plus a one-off payment of £49.
