French ISP Free has started taking orders for its new STB and gateway, the Freebox v6 Revolution, with deliveries to start on 3 January. The Freebox, designed by Philippe Starck, is actually two devices, the Freebox Server router and Freebox Player STB. Freebox Server features 250GB network attached storage with UPnP, supports ADSL, fibre and 802.11n Wi-Fi v 3.3, and comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports, front USB 2.0 port and two back USB ports, eSATA port, a DECT CAT-IQ base to connect up to eight cordless phones, integrated mini-speakers and wake-up alarm. The Freebox Player STB features an Intel Atom CE4100 processor, integrated Blu-ray CD/DVD player, web browser, revamped TV interface with channel previewing, and access to the Freestore web applications. Its remote control features a gyroscope and accelerometer, and Free intends to launch iPhone and iPad apps in January to control the Freebox. Free has also partnered with Gameloft to launch on-set gaming, including titles such as Asphalt 5, N.O.V.A. Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance, Real Football 2011, Uno, Let's Golf 2 and Gangstar 2. Asphalt 5 and Let's Golf 2 are included in the offer at launch, and all Freeboxes come with a handheld gamepad for controlling the games services. In addition, an HDMI cable is included in the package. Free will continue to offer its basic triple-play service at EUR 29.99 a month, but will charge an additional EUR 5.99 per month for fully-unbundled lines. Free also announced that it will include calls to mobiles in its unmetered phone service, and a guarantee of on-site technical service within ten hours if problems cannot be resolved over the phone. The latter is available in 70 percent of the service area.
