Before Google Fiber, Verizon FiOS was the speedy internet service everyone wanted in their neighborhood. The arrival of 1Gbps connections, a slowed rollout, and an ongoing battle with Netflix that’s slowing streams to a crawl has slightly dulled the cachet, but it’s still one of the fastest providers out there. Now it’s getting even faster , but Verizon isn’t boosting download speeds again — those will stay the same as customers get matching upload speeds on every plan. On the fastest tier (previously 500Mbps down / 100Mbps up), speeds will increase by 5x to 500Mbps, and most customers will see their speeds double. New customers can get the symmetrical speeds right away, and they’ll roll out to existing customers throughout the fall. To go immediately to the front of that list FiOS subscribers can sign up for the MyRewards+ customer loyalty program, which is free, and pretty much just requires inputting your birthdate. [Image credit: Mark Von Holden/AP Images for Verizon] Verizon’s Chief Marketing Officer Mike Ritter tells Engadget that the change is in response to more video devices, cloud uploading in the home, and even the oft-referenced Internet of Things. The faster uploads should reach almost everyone, but about 5 percent of customers will know the truth might not be able to get them for technical reasons. We also asked about Verizon’s deal with Netflix and when the faster performance should kick in, but just heard the same, that it’s working to create peering arrangements in the network. Filed under: Home Entertainment , Internet , HD , Verizon Comments Source: Verizon

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Verizon FiOS gets a speed boost: now uploads go as fast as downloads

Odds are that you’re used to ironing some of your clothes to keep them wrinkle-free, or taking them to the dry cleaners when you can’t (or just won’t) put them through a washing machine. No great shakes, right? Well, Procter & Gamble and Whirlpool apparently believe that these are terrible burdens — the two have unveiled Swash , an appliance that freshens your clothing one piece at a time. The device uses the combination of heat and a special solution (held in “Swash pods”) to eliminate wrinkles and smells in your apparel without either damaging it or requiring time-consuming care; your duds should be (almost) as good as new in roughly 10 minutes. It doesn’t require water, and it can handle delicate materials like cashmere and lace. At first blush, it looks like a good way to save a favorite coat or sweater from the ravages of time. However, this is most definitely an extravagance. While Reviewed.com found that Swash worked as advertised , you’ll really have to despise dry cleaning to justify the running costs — the device by itself is $499, and each 12-pack of pods is $7. That could quickly add up if you’re using the machine multiple times a week. It’s also not going to remove stains, so you’ll still be in dire straits if you spill a drink on your shirt right before a big date. You can buy the Swash at Bloomingdale’s this September, but you’ll want to think carefully about your typical attire before you splurge on a unit. Just how badly do you want to dress to impress? Filed under: Household , Wearables Comments Source: Swash , BusinessWire

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Whirlpool’s new machine freshens your clothes in 10 minutes flat