Techology

Acela launches free wi-fi but with restricted browsing

Amtrak hit its target today and rolled out free wi-fi on all 20 of its Acela Express trains, but some riders said via Twitter they had problems connecting and others complained about restrictive web filtering.

A sample of the tweets from Twitter users who said they were on Acela trains this morning:

Brian Kirchhoff - “AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi service on the Acela is slow but serviceable (especially at no cost) but the web filtering is EXTREMELY restrictive.”

Ed Keating - “Roll out of free Wifi on Acela today & they have a “tech” on board to help. Curious what the charge will be in the future”

Ted Morgan: “was so excited to see the acela now has Wi-Fi. Too bad it doesn’t work. #fail #amtrak”

Micah Collins - “Free WiFi on the Acela. First time I’ve gotten something amazing and useful for free in a long time. Thanks… http://tumblr.com/xg16xvqxq”

Pat O’Malley - “Acela wi-fi FAIL, TOS screen infinite loop. BOS to NYP.”

Earlier while in test mode:

Joe Webster - “Acela wifi blocks digg. Says it’s a streaming media site. Also blocks FB apps. But it’s free.”

NewYorkology contacted Amtrak this morning to find out about the browsing restrictions but has not yet received a reply.

However, the new web page for the AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi service addresses the issue: “AmtrakConnect is a shared Internet connection that works best when browsing basic Internet content or reading your email. We ask that you refrain from playing streaming video or downloading large files. Amtrak may restrict access to some websites or restrict individual customers from using high levels of bandwidth.”

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March 1, 2010 2:15 PM Comments (0)

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Acela free wi-fi in test mode, ready for Monday launch

Free wi-fi is in test mode on Acela Express trains and on track for a full roll out March 1, an Amtrak spokesman confirmed to NewYorkology on Tuesday.

The Amtrak wi-fi will be free at least initially on the Acela route, which covers Washington D.C.-New York - Boston.

Northeast Regional could get wi-fi next.

February 24, 2010 1:18 PM Comments (0)

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Tweeting NYC

Twitter has proved crazy useful for finding real-time information about what’s happening in NYC. NewYorkology’s Twitter feed (which is filled with tidbits that never make it onto this main site,) tries to curate the best of what’s out there without making your ears bleed.

It’s especially good for fast-changing information — free giveaways of food or tickets to subway disruptions and weather-related cancelations. In some cases, the venues themselves are tweeting the best info, other times it’s a guy in the line sending a Twitpic.

Here are a few opinionated thoughts toward better tweeting for NYC from NewYorkology’s editor, Amy Langfield.

For a fairly comprehensive list of tweeting restaurants, museums, theaters, newsmakers and tastemakers in NYC see NewYorkology’s Twitter lists as well as the New York Times’ City Room Twitter lists.

No URL-only or teaser links please, it can look like you’ve been hacked.

Twitter Search can turn up magic when you add “twitpic” or “yfrog,” which can zero in on people who are currently at a location (and may answer your question.) Update: A great new find: PicFog real-time picture search.

Please think before you retweet, especially if public safety is involved. On Jan. 13 while people were trying to figure out why some subways were skipping Times Square, some joker tweeted “dirty bomb at Grand Central.” No source, not true at all, yet it got retweeted a lot and added to the confusion.

Make corrections when you’ve tweeted/retweeted bad info. Don’t just delete the bad tweet and call it a day. The same goes for some of you mainstream print publications who aren’t bothering to tweet corrections in your stories.

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February 12, 2010 9:18 AM Comments (1)

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Acela free wi-fi to start March 1 on all high-speed trains

One month from today, free wi-fi will be installed on all high-speed Acela trains, Cliff Cole, an Amtrak spokesperson, told NewYorkology by e-mail this morning.

The plan is for a “full roll out on the Acela Express trains on March 1st,” he said.

Previously Amtrak had announced it planned to offer the wi-fi starrting sometime in March. At least initially, the wi-fi will be free to all customers on the Acela trains, which travel the Washington D.C.-New York - Boston corridor several times a day.

Plans are also in the works to upgrade the interior of all Acela Express trains to improve power outlets, tray tables and leather seating, according to a January news release from Amtrak.

Image source: Amtrak

Earlier: Amtrak plans to offer free wi-fi on Acela trains in 2010
LimoLiner cuts Boston fare to $69, ends Hartford route
Amtrak confirms wi-fi in test mode on Acela trains

February 1, 2010 9:41 AM Comments (0)

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New York City webcam gallery

(Editor’s note: This NYC webcam gallery is a work in process. Additional views will be added frequently.)

Click on each link for the live view.

Statue of Liberty webcam, from Red Hook Brooklyn

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November 15, 2009 7:41 AM Comments (0)

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Free wi-fi turned on in Times Square

November 10, 2009 12:09 PM Comments (1)

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Amtrak plans to offer free wi-fi on Acela trains by 2010

Amtrak’s high-speed Acela trains are on track to get wi-fi in 2010 and at least initally, the service will be free, according to the five-year fiscal plan issued Thursday by the railroad.

“Launch is anticipated in the second quarter of FY10. This service will initially be offered at no cost to our customers, though pricing may change depending on customer response, system performance, and costs,” the Amtrak document states. “The goal for this offering is to drive competitive advantage that will result in additional ridership and revenue on Acela trains. As of the end of FY09 the company will have just begun deployment.”

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November 2, 2009 9:23 AM Comments (0)

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Broadway's 'Next to Normal' to debut a 'Twitter song'

Broadway’s “Next to Normal,” which in May tweeted its entire show online, today will premiere a “Twitter song,” written in collaboration with its social media followers.

The song, “Something I Can’t See,” will make its debut tonight at 7 p.m. at 92Y Tribeca — and on Twitter.

“‘Next to Normal’ has solicited suggestions from the Twitter followers on all aspects of the new song, from which characters are performing it and where it takes place in the musical’s storyline, to song structure and lyric suggestions,” producers said in a news release. “The song will not be incorporated into the Tony-winning musical.”

Picture credit: The company of “Next to Normal.” Picture by Joan Marcus/Hartman Group.

Earlier: Broadway’s ‘Next to Normal’ to Twitter full performance
Broadway parody: CollegeHumor’s ‘Web Site Story’

October 28, 2009 11:12 AM Comments (0)

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WIRED pop-up shop to open Nov. 21 near High Line

WIRED magazine will open its annual holiday pop-up shop Nov. 21 in the Meatpacking District, this year with a design assist from Moby, a gaming area hand-picked by Tony Hawk and a green section curated by Adrian Grenier.

The WIRED Store will be located at 415 W. 13th St., map, officials for the magazine announced today.

The pop-up shop will let visitors get their hands on more than 150 items chosen by the magazine’s editors, including TVs, laptops, cell phones, games, active gear, home goods and toys. There will be a WIRED Café with chef demos and wine tastings, Geek Dad Saturdays and Game Day Sundays.

The WIRED Store will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. The pop-up takes it toys and goes home Dec 27.

Picture credit: Wired Store sign from 2008. Amy Langfield/NewYorkology.

October 27, 2009 2:02 PM Comments (0)

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Free day at Guggenheim marks museum's 50th anniv

October 21, 2009 8:21 AM Comments (0)

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