Nokia unveils home controller

A system that could eventually control heating, home security cameras and draw curtains has been demonstrated by phone maker Nokia, says BBC News.

The Nokia Home Control Centre is a wireless router that can interface with equipment around the home.

The Finnish firm has partnered with European energy company RWE to manage heating systems, and is hoping other firms will sign up soon.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Kevin Martin has added some kick to his plan for a free nationwide wireless network, contemplating the possibility of dropping a portion of the zero-cost spectrum into the hands of mobile developers, reports The Register.

The FCC is set to vote on Martin's plan to auction off 25MHz of the little-used band and earmark at least 25% for a free US-wide broadband network at its 18 December meeting.

Under the plan, the winning bidder would be charged with offering free airwaves to at least 95% of the US population.

Sierra Wireless shares dropped sharply on Tuesday in the wake of the announcement that it will spend almost C$350 million to buy Wavecom, a French company that specialises in embedded wireless technology for computer-to-computer communications, states Financial Post.

Shares in Sierra Wireless dropped more than 27% on the Toronto Stock Exchange to close at $7.04, down from Monday's close of $9.68.

Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding, Sierra Wireless, maker of wireless modems for mobile computing, will pay EUR8.50 per ordinary share of Wavecom, a 21% premium over an offer by French digital-security company Gemalto SA that was turned down.