Windows Automotive and Fiat are poised to unveil a new in-car technology via USB called “Infotainment.” This Bluetooth based technology will interact with hand held devices like phones, PDAs, GPS systems and other communication devices. Connection is made from a hardwired USB port located in the glove box to the internal car system. Voice activated features, like reading SMS messages, playing MP3 files and more
One of the necessary evils of migrating from a
CD player to a digital music player is the tedious process of extracting music from already owned CDs. Sure, anyone with a computer can use one of the available music extraction software programs, many of which are free. But for those that don’t have access to a computer, or that don’t want to tie up their computer system resources while “ripping” CDs, there is another option. EZPnP is perhaps best known for their EZDigiMagic CD Burner, a standalone device which removes files such as digital photos from memory cards, and then burns that data to a CD. They have now introduced the EZDigiMusic MP300 which basically does just the opposite. Instead of copying data from a memory card to a CD, it copies music files from a CD and converts them to MP3 files which are then placed directly on a memory card or onto a connected USB enabled flash memory device.
With so many USB flash drives on the market the Japanese company, Solid Alliance, has tipped the scales by making Sushi designed key drives. Sure to have been a lunch-time idea, we see a variety of sushi available. Maybe the perfect gift – maybe not. Appears the storage capacities range from 32MB to 128MB. At this time GetUSB could not find a US supplier but did find the Solid Alliance Shop in case you’re interested.
The folks over at GizMag gave us a little tip Lexar gave out. The storage specialist, Lexar Media, released a preview of one of its products that we think will be a winner a USB flash drive with a unique storage capacity meter to its popular drives by integrating an innovative electronic paper display from E Ink Corporation. The E Ink display is a paper-thin, shatter proof, easy-to-read meter that’s non-volatile in that it does not rely on power to show the capacity information when disconnected from the computer. The Lexar JumpDrive Mercury will be the first USB flash drive to feature the on-board non-volatile smart capacity meter that will let customers easily monitor their available storage capacity. No pricing or availablity dates where given at time of article post.
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Keyspan announced support for Intel-based Macs with its line of USB serial adapters and remote controls. The software is available for download from Keyspan’s Web site. The updates include new versions of the software for Keyspan’s serial adapters, USB Server, infrared remote controls, and the Easy Presenter and USB PS/2 Adapter.
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So you have limited space on your desk and enough gadgets to fill your closet. You still need a calculator for those tough commission check calculations but also need a 10 key numeric touchpad because your laptop is miserable for inputting numbers, well ThinkGeek has the answer. This convenient device is a standalone calculator which also transforms into an input numeric device via USB. Expandable cord and full size buttons. Runs about $35.
Turtle Beach announces it’s release of the “Roadie” portable surround sound system. Smaller then a deck of cards, this guy packs a host of features. Connecting to PC or Laptop via USB, the Roadie transforms computer sound into 5:1 or 7:1 theater sound. Digital singal processing provides a stereo 10-band EQ with ambience control for full, dynamic sound and independent 10-band EQs for each speaker making it possible to adjust speakers and even delay for a custom surround sound feel. We see this as a great application for business man wanting an elaborate presentation, college kids who study and game or perfect for the home gaming enthusiast or music buff. List of $79.95 but we found it less.
The SanDisk Cruzer Crossfire is especially designed for the hardcore gamer. Running from the U3 platform a player can view interactive game content, save game levels, check out previews and launch games directly from the Crossfire. With Xbox 360 already having USB ports and Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo to follow in their next console release the Cruzer Crossfire can be used in a variety of ways.
USB 2.0 system-on-chip will process data more then three times faster than other processors based off 8051 design. This device controller from Agere has an ARM Core processor and will handle up to 40 million instructions per second. Agere reports this will greatly increase performance when used with CE products such as MP3 players, cameras and scanners.
Didigo claims the world’s first USB flash drive which is capable of showing an 11 character personalized ID or label and 4-digit detail indicating remaining capacity via LCD – all without a battery. Patented firmware also detects and displays any changes in information to the drive after plugging in to the USB port. Device ranges from 128MB to 4GB with no price yet announced.
Does Michael Leung add a touch of class to the USB flash drive or does he stir up controversy? The elegant style and appeal of this wooden USB drive give a touch of old school craftsmanship with the beautiful stained wood hughs along with slim leather lanyard for that final touch. But, some folks are up in arms about the unnecessary use of natural resources to make this technology device as reported by Engaget.com.
Belkin has wireless 4 port USB hub which won the CNET “Best of” 
award at CES this past week. The hub provides high speed transfer rates without the hassle of cables to the PC. Belkin helps cut the string to printers, scanners, hard drives and MP3 players so cruising the room while still being connected to those stationary devices has never be easier. Belkin indicated the product will be available this spring.
