Huawei goes for a misleading moniker with the AI Cube-- the device is technically a cylinder, but it does make an interesting combination of smart speaker, 4G modem and wifi router.

The result of a Huawei-Amazon collaboration presented at IFA 2018, the AI Cube runs on Alexa and promises a more convenient way to both connect to the internet and control smart devices. A slot for an LTE SIM card makes it a 4G hot spot, while an ethernet port allows use as an 802.11ac wifi router. The router is dual-band, working on the 2.4 and 5GHz bands, and transmits data over LAN at up to 1200Mbps.

Luxul launches the Apex XAP-1610-- a dual-band wireless access point (AP) featuring advanced 4x4 MIMO (802.11ac Wave 2) technology to allow for resilient wireless performance.

Designed for residential or light commercial applications, the Apex XAP-1610 produces higher throughput when experiencing medium to weak signals within the effective range. It also also provides a more stable connection with usable throughput. The result, Luxul says, is a strong wifi experience across the entire home or facility, enabling internet connectivity, AV streaming and home automation system control.

The AP supports up to 128 wireless devices, with Wave 2 technology delivering data rates up to 3167Mbps. PoE allows for simple installation, and Roam Assist technology provides seamless roaming when used with Luxul wireless controllers.

Arris announces the VAP4641 wireless extender-- the first product certified by the Wifi Alliance for EasyMesh, the recently launched common standard allowing mesh routers from different vendors to seamlessly interoperate with each other.

Part of the HomeAssure wifi product range, the VAP4641 is a wall plug mounted extender. It features 4x4 antennas and 802.11ac capability, and leverages EasyMesh to extend wifi over greater distances at faster speeds. EasyMesh certification also means customers will be able to use the VAP4641 with other certified products, at least once networking vendors start releasing them.

Tele2 follows on a "fruitful" cooperation with Microsoft as it becomes the first Swedish operator offering support for eSIM technology in Windows-based laptops and tablets.

The technology allows devices with the technology to connect to the internet anywhere, without additional hardware, via the Mobile Plans application preloaded in Windows 10. It is set to be included in most future laptops and tablets, with an increasing number to launch during H2 2018. In the long term, eSIM may even bring an end to physical SIM cards, and will find use beyond laptops and tablets.