USB will be the one standard for cell phone connections says the OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform). microUSB that is.
We reported about China making the same decision back in Dec of 06, and as we predicted the same standard would hit the US. Well, it did…so one more feather in our [GetUSBinfo] cap.
China’s press release about the USB standard for cell phone connection was more direct. The recycling costs of different types of cables is too high, to standardize on a single USB charger connection means reduced costs for the manufacturer. In my opinion, a good decision like making USB the single standard benefits the consumer by having a universal plug (rare!) and it betters the environment with less cable crap.
Reference: China sets standard for USB as cell phone charger connection.
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As if you need one more device for storing files you eventually can never find, the iPod Touch can now be used as a USB mass storage device.
At this time, the following hack only applies to MacFanBoys – I’ll post a PC solution when found.
Per TUAW:
You know that “Enable disk use” checkbox? The one that appears in iTunes for most modern iPods? That checkbox isn’t there for the iPod touch. The touch provides no built-in disk access utilities but if you have an Intel Mac, and aren’t afraid of the command line, you can use these Media Folder utilities to copy files to and from your touch.
SANS Digital is pushing this steller two bay network storage enclosure with iTunes server support. Although you can home-brew your own USB drive with iTunes support and give public access to your home network, the SANS Digital MobileNAS MN2L will also do the trick.
For the “out of the box” type the MN2L has FTP support for easy access through the internet – something our home-brew version does not – along with RAID 1 or 0 settings for protection against hard drive failures. Another feather in the cap is cross platform support for Windows, Mac and Linux.
If you’re feeling spendy, this will set you back $299.
SANS Digital MobileNAS MN2L product page.
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Bundle in a USB port for M-Audio’s Session Music Producer and you get the Producer USB microphone.
As Podcasting gets more popular for content distribution the tools to create and mix a professional Podcast is getting easier. The USB Producer takes conversion of audio to digital into one simple step: plug in the mic.
M-Audio consolidated the audio card into the USB mic to make one idiot proof device even the most stoned musician could operate.
Do you see the headphone jack built in? This allows for direct audio monitoring without computer latency. The impressive USB Producer mic comes with stand and cloth carry bag.
At $99 any Podcasting enthusiast could pocket this, but if you’re looking for options, check our GetUSBinfo’s other Podcast articles.
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Buffalo figured out a way to turbo boost USB 2.0 to claim increased transfer speed of up-to 60%.
So what’s the deal? Buffalo gives no detail to this increased performance and makes a broad statement about Windows and Mac compatibility for the two new USB Turbo products, the MiniStation and DriveStation.
I would figure Buffalo addressed power issues as many USB devices have poor power management which directly effects performance.
The Buffalo MiniStation with Turbo USB is a portable storage device designed to withstand durable environment such as bumps, drops and turbulence (what?) you’d experience in everyday life.
The Buffalo DriveStation with Turbo USB is a tower configuration ideal for home or office and includes a 7200 RPM SATA drive with Turbo USB enhancements.
The MiniStation has a price range of $99 to $250
The DriveStation has a price range of $130 to $500.
Buffalo Turbo USB information page
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WUSB or Wireless USB products just began to ship and WUSB 1.1 is ramping up. Although a mild ramp, as with current transfer rates of 40Mbits/second the 1.1 spec needs to hit at least 500Mbits/second otherwise it’ll never see the light of day.
The 1.1 spec will support band groups at 6 GHz and above, including the 3-4 GHz supported by wireless USB 1.0. It aims to lower power consumption by an undisclosed amount. It also will adopt the techniques of near-field communications for letting two devices identify themselves to each other with a simple contact.
As (source) Gizmodo said: “…realistic or not, we like the ambition.”
Currently the USB Implementers Forum has certified a handful of notebooks and hubs for the 1.0 spec. The WiMedia Alliance is expected to certify the first 1.0 products shortly.
ReplayTV is not the first to introduce a USB dongle for DVR use, however, they are the first to integrate a format easily playable on Apple hand-held devices like iPhone and iPod touch.
The Personal HD system bundles both digital ATSC and analog NTSC technology and play over-the-air HDTV signals or old school analog TV source. So now you TV junkies can overload on adictively pathetic reality TV shows (well, except Survivor).
The real joy of the USB tuner is the software. The Personal HD specifically supports transfer of video to a format playable on widescreen hand-held devices made by Apple. Not to leave anyone out in the cold, the software can preserve multiple shows at once and even support USB devices from rival companies, such as ATI (AMD) and Pinnacle.
The ReplayTV goodie bag for the Personal HD system include direct encoding in a 4:3 ratio, intelligent keyword filter system to find shows by cast member names, show IDs or genre. Although the reply system isn’t out just yet, it will be later this fall at the tune of $100.
Source: ElectronistaContinue Reading
It’s been confirmed: The iPhone will be 3G and the new version is due out sometime in early 2008. Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, made the following statement at the “Mum is no longer the word” press conference at a London Apple store earlier this week:
“You can expect a 3G iPhone later next year… We are working on the next iPhone already, the one after that and the one after that.”
The news comes as a 2G EDGE-enabled iPhone will be available in the UK on November 9th. When asked why the current model didn’t have 3G, Jobs blamed power issues saying that the 3G chipset would be too much of a drain on the unit’s battery life which promises 8 hours of call time, but said that future models would have the technology.
BeSocial: methodshop | digg storyContinue Reading
Proporta is calling out a challenge. Try and lose your keys while clipped to their all new, world’s smallest GPS Keychain.
The Freedom Keychain GPS receiver is ideal for connecting to your…wait for it…keychain, notebook, PDA or mobile phone.
The Freedom GPS Keychain works will all popular mapping software such as Google maps and you can hone in via 20 satellite channel connection.
The tracking device is powered by Lithium Polymer batteries battery and working time is rated at 9 continuous hours.
USB charger cable and car charger are provided with the package. At $180 it’s a mighty expensive GPS keychain , but a priceless GPS tracker for your laptop.
Freedom GPS Keychain product page.
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Not meant for the left-handed this USB keyboard includes a built-in touch screen and stylus for handwriting recognition.
Not a bad idea for some applications like log-in procedures or signature requirements before payment.
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Although the information is limited, the concept is good. Interested in dropping $25 on this USB keyboard. Buy from: DealExteme.
Source: Digital DropsContinue Reading
The well known ATP Petito USB drive is now available in a limited edition Pink Ribbon version marking the support for the fight against Breast Cancer.
ATP has joined hands with Susan G. Komen against the fight. A percentage of retail sales will be used to support the organization in funding research, supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world.
“As a leader in the technology marketplace, we were excited about taking the initiative in contributing to this important cause,” said Michael Plaksin, ATP Vice President of Sales. “The Pink Ribbon Special Edition of our Petito USB Drive presents an opportunity for our consumers to make a change in someone’s life and proudly display their support of this critically important cause. With this innovative device, they have the unique ability to keep the all the memories of their loved ones, who have been affected by the disease, close at all times.”
Kensington eases the pain of laptop life with their all new re-designed notebook USB docking station. The SD200V is a tower update to it’s predecessor, the SD100, a wedge shaped design.
The SD200V allows dual view of monitors with it’s beefed up “DualView” boost feature. Max support is 1280×1024 pixels. The notebook dock station connects to your laptop via a single USB port. From there, you can sync up a VGA monitor, keyboard and mouse along with connection for stereo-out and microphone-in port.
The Kensington dock station includes front USB port for easy connection (although we’d like to see more) and ability to hot swap USB devices and other peripherals without the need to reboot your notebook.
Price set at $139 and pre-orders are being taken at Kensington.
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USB will be the one standard for cell phone connections says the OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform). microUSB that is.
We reported about China making the same decision back in Dec of 06, and as we predicted the same standard would hit the US. Well, it did…so one more feather in our [GetUSBinfo] cap.
China’s press release about the USB standard for cell phone connection was more direct. The recycling costs of different types of cables is too high, to standardize on a single USB charger connection means reduced costs for the manufacturer. In my opinion, a good decision like making USB the single standard benefits the consumer by having a universal plug (rare!) and it betters the environment with less cable crap.
Reference: China sets standard for USB as cell phone charger connection.
Continue Reading
