Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) today introduced System Designer for USB, a comprehensive design solution that supports the latest USB4® standards—Gen2, Gen3, and Gen4. Tailored for high-speed digital USB applications in personal computers, mobile devices, and edge AI, the platform delivers an integrated environment for modeling, simulating, and validating USB4® interfaces. By combining a smart workflow with simulation-driven virtual compliance testing, System Designer for USB aims to accelerate time-to-market and reduce design risks associated with complex multi-channel, multi-level USB configurations.

As data throughput demands rise, designers face the challenge of ensuring reliable USB communication for large-scale data transfers. The USB4® specification addresses this need by delivering speeds up to 120 Gbps and employing three-level pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM3) within the popular USB-C® connector. System Designer for USB leverages these modern standards to provide early-stage validation of signal integrity, link training, and performance, helping engineers identify bottlenecks and compliance issues before hardware prototypes are available.

Key features of System Designer for USB include a streamlined environment that simplifies the setup of multi-link, multi-lane, and PAM3 configurations through a guided, smart workflow. The solution’s USB Algorithmic Modeling Interface (AMI) modeler supports both Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) and PAM3 modulation schemes, enabling rapid implementation of high-speed USB links. Integrated compliance-test simulations automate critical validation steps, reducing design iterations, minimizing re-spins, and cutting overall development costs. Simulation-driven insights help engineers resolve signal integrity challenges early and efficiently.

Who Are: The Top 5 NAND Flash Memory Manufacturers in the World as of 2025

First off, it’s important to know that NAND flash memory powers everything from smartphones and laptops to massive data centers and cloud storage systems. In 2025, just five companies control over 90% of the global NAND market which is a testament to the complexity, capital, and innovation needed to produce these essential chips.

In the order of global market share, let us take a closer look at the top five NAND manufacturers and with a quick dive into their company history.

At #1 we have Samsung Electronics (South Korea) with a 31% Market Share

Samsung has been the undisputed king of NAND flash for over a decade and the set the standard for quality. With cutting-edge V-NAND (Vertical NAND) architecture and some of the most advanced semiconductor fabs in the world, Samsung is still the leader of performance and capacity.

Samsung at a glance

Founded in 1938 as a trading company, Samsung entered the electronics industry in the late 1960s. By the 1980s, it was investing heavily in semiconductors, laying the groundwork for its current dominance.

At #2 we have SK hynix (also South Korea ) with a 18% Market Share

SK hynix is a newer name in the industry but rapidly grew in the NAND space, especially after acquiring Intel’s NAND business in 2021. SK hynix created the “Solidigm” business division to represent the enterprise and data center SSD business sector.

SK hynix at a glance

Originally part of Hyundai Group, SK hynix started in 1983 and grew into a major DRAM producer. Its NAND growth was supercharged by Intel’s exit, and their purchase of it, making Hynix a global heavyweight almost overnight. Money does talk!

Coming in at #3 Kioxia (Japan) which has a 17% Market Share

Kioxia is better known as Toshiba Memory from before the change in 2019. Kioxia is credited with inventing NAND flash in the 1980s but unfortunately has not been able to capture the “high quality” component which Samsung has achieved. Toshiba…we mean, Kioxia continues to lead innovation with joint manufacturing ventures alongside Western Digital in Japan.

About Kioxia

Toshiba, founded in 1875, spun off its memory division in 2017, which was renamed Kioxia in 2019. Despite the name change, it maintains deep roots in flash memory innovation.

In a solid #4 spot Western Digital (USA) captures 15% of Market Share

Western Digital may be best known for its hard drives, but its SanDisk acquisition in 2016 catapulted it into the NAND flash big leagues. In partnership with Kioxia, WD continues to produce high-quality NAND for consumer and enterprise use.

About Western Digital

Founded in 1970, Western Digital began as a calculator chip maker before pivoting to storage. It evolved with the market, transitioning from hard drives to solid state drives (SSDs) with strategic acquisitions like SanDisk. Western Digital is based out of San Jose California

Rounding things out, #5 Micron Technology (USA)with an 11% Market Share

Micron is the only U.S. based memory manufacturer with strong capabilities in both DRAM and NAND. Micron has made big strides in 3D NAND technology and offering competitive solutions for PCs, smartphones, and data centers. Micron has earned a strong reputation for high quality memory equal to the “leader” of Samsung.

About Micron

Micron was founded in 1978 in Boise, Idaho. It began as a DRAM producer and expanded into NAND flash in the early 2000s, later forming (and eventually dissolving) a joint venture with Intel.

In 2025, the global NAND flash memory market is highly consolidated, with just five companies controlling roughly 92% of total output. Whether you’re saving selfies on your phone or storing enterprise data in the cloud, chances are your information is riding on memory made by one of these giants.

The estimates for this market will reach $117 billion by 2030. This is a signal that NAND flash memory will continue to be a key roll in technology products and mostly driven by increased demand for smartphones, solid-state drives (SSDs), and data center storage solutions.

Have you ever tried plugging something old into something new, and it just didn’t fit? Like trying to charge an old toy with a new charger? That’s the kind of problem some people have when working with really old computers and machines. One of the most common connector types starting in the early 1960s was the “serial” connection or “DB” connector.

A serial connector is a type of plug used to connect devices like computers, printers, and modems. It sends data one bit at a time, in a single line – like sending letters one by one through a pipe. This was the main way for computers to talk to other devices before USBs (Universal Serial Bus) became popular.

The first serial port (specifically the RS-232 standard) was invented in 1960 by a group called the Electronic Industries Association (EIA). It was made to help different kinds of machines communicate easily.

It became widely available to the public in the early 1960s, especially when computers and terminals started using it more often in offices and labs. By the 1980s the DB9 was the most common serial connector and was a common feature on most computers.

Sabrent has created a special cable that lets old machines talk to new computers. It’s called a DB9 Serial to USB-C cable.

DB9 Serial is an old way that machines used to send information to each other. It’s a type of plug that has 9 little pins. USB-C is the newer, smaller plug that you see on most new computers, tablets, and phones today. It’s the oval-shaped one you can plug in either way!

Why is the serial connector to USB-C important?

A lot of businesses and even schools still use really old equipment like:

• Old computer screens (called terminals)
• Printers
• Modems (a device that helps computers talk over the phone line)
• GPS systems (machines that tell you where you are)

But new computers don’t have the old DB9 Serial plug anymore. That’s why this new Sabrent cable is so helpful It acts like a translator so old machines and new computers can understand each other.

What is cool about the Sabrent cable?

If you’ve been hearing about a new technology standard called GPMI and wondering what it is, you’re not alone. So what is GPMI? To the best or our knowledge this is what GPMI is:

A group of over 50 Chinese companies also known as the “Shenzhen 8K UHD Video Industry Cooperation Alliance,” announced this new technology called GPMI, which stands for General Purpose Media Interface.

We thought at first this was like HDMI or DisplayPort but it isn’t; although GPMI is designed to be the next generation alternative. The goal is to deliver faster speeds and more features through a single cable with a socket type everyone already has.

Right now, when you connect a laptop to a monitor, you typically need two cables: one for the video signal (like HDMI) and another one for power (like your charging cable). GPMI changes that. It combines super high data speeds with power delivery into one cable, making setups much simpler and cleaner.

There are two types of GPMI cables:

1. GPMI Type-B uses a new, proprietary connector and can deliver up to 192 gigabits per second of data and 480 watts of power — that’s way more than today’s HDMI or DisplayPort cables.
2. GPMI Type-C uses the familiar USB-C connector and still offers impressive performance, with 96 gigabits per second of data and 240 watts of power.

What does this mean for tech?

It means GPMI could easily become the default protocol for anything audio and video. With support for 8K displays, high-end gaming setups, streaming devices, andpower-hungry devices, all while letting you control multiple devices with a single remote (similar to how HDMI-CEC works today).

Compared to today’s popular standards like HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, and USB4, GPMI Type-B stands out by offering much higher bandwidth and significantly more power. If GPMI catches on, it could completely change how we connect and power our devices — at least in China to start, and possibly around the world later.

Just to clear up any confusion: you might have seen people mention GDMI (General Digital Media Interface), but that’s actually a mistake. The correct term is GPMI – General Purpose Media Interface.

This is exciting news for tech lovers because it promises faster speeds, cleaner setups, and future-proof devices.

Here’s a comparison table between GPMI, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 2.1:

Feature	GPMI Type-B	HDMI 2.1	DisplayPort 2.1
Max Bandwidth	192 Gbps	48 Gbps	80 Gbps (UHBR 20 mode)
Max Resolution	8K and beyond (future-ready)	10K @ 120Hz (compressed)	16K @ 60Hz (compressed)
Power Delivery	480W	~1–5V at 50mA (very low)	No power delivery (video only)
Connector Type	Proprietary (Type-B), USB-C (Type-C)	HDMI (Type-A/B/C/D)	DisplayPort, USB-C (Alt Mode)
Control Functions	Yes (CEC-like features)	Yes (HDMI-CEC)	Yes (Aux channel, MST)
Compression Standard	Unknown (likely proprietary or TBD)	DSC (Display Stream Compression)	DSC (Display Stream Compression)
Backward Compatibility	No (brand new tech)	Yes (with older HDMI)	Yes (with older DP)
Market Maturity	New (early 2025)	Very mature	Mature
Main Backers	50+ Chinese companies	HDMI Forum (Sony, Intel, etc.)	VESA (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA)

Hologram technology is difficult to develop and manufacture. We list the reasons below, but in the mean time, COOLIFY has a hologram PC fan people can take advantage in very short order (available soon). The Holo Fan by COOLIFY is the world’s first holographic PC case fan. By placing a small LED bar across the diameter of their cooling fan COOLIFY has created a customizable 3D visual display on their fans – a brilliant idea we should have thought of years ago!

Users can upload images and videos via the COOLIFY app to personalize their PC setups, creating personalized holograms on their PC rig. The fan offers two speed options: 2600 RPM for maximum cooling efficiency and 1500 RPM for quieter operation with sharper visuals. Its transparent blades and base ensure crystal-clear resolution, while the 4.1-inch display, equipped with 96 high-quality LEDs, delivers vibrant, dynamic holographic effects. Applications include video displays, custom slideshows, logos, GIFs, 3D visuals, and background effects, allowing for a unique and personalized gaming experience.

Hologram technology is difficult to develop and implement because it requires extremely precise control over light to create realistic 3D images. At the core of holography is the use of interference patterns between laser light waves, which must be recorded and reconstructed with great accuracy. Even the slightest vibration or environmental disturbance can disrupt this process. However, a less expensive and less sensitive solution is placing mini LED lights on a spinning object to create the affect of something floating.

Another challenge is the resolution requirement. To create a sharp and convincing hologram, displays need to have pixel densities far beyond what standard LCD or OLED screens can offer, which current technology struggles to support in a practical, affordable way. True holograms also require dynamic changes in perspective based on viewer movement, known as parallax, which is extremely difficult to achieve accurately.

Hardware limitations further complicate the process. Traditional display technologies aren’t suitable for real holography, so specialized optics, lasers, or spinning LED arrays are often required. These components tend to be expensive, bulky, and fragile. On top of that, integrating hologram tech into real-world consumer devices—like phones, monitors, or even PC fans—raises additional concerns around size, power consumption, heat, and cost. All of these factors make hologram technology complex and challenging to bring into everyday use.

The halo fan will be available for about $50 and should be shipping by end of Q2 2025. Reference: COOLIFY product page.

ChatGPT had an image create tool update earlier today. The service called DALL-E is a playful blend of two influences which was the root for how the name came about.

Salvador Dalí is the famous surrealist artist known for his imaginative and dream like imagery and WALL·E is the robot from the Pixar movie and represents the artificial intelligence and the futuristic capabilities of non human AI sources.

With that said DALL·E doesn’t technically stand for anything, but more like an acronym. Like the ChatGPT which creates surreal, imaginative images, just like Dalí would; yet powered by technology like the little WALL·E robot. The idea behind the name is to capture the spirit of art and artificial intelligence which is what the ChatGPT service does, turns words into images.

So what was improved?

Inpainting (Image Editing / Generative Fill)

You can now click on parts of an image and edit or regenerate specific sections—like replacing an object or modifying just the background—without recreating the whole image. This gives you much more control.

More Accurate Prompt Interpretation

The tool is now better at understanding complex and detailed prompts, including spatial relationships, styles, and lighting. If you say “a USB drive plugged into the left side of a silver laptop,” it’s more likely to reflect that exactly.

Higher-Quality Images

There’s a noticeable boost in the sharpness, realism, and overall visual fidelity of the images generated. Textures, reflections, and lighting effects are now more natural-looking.

Faster Generation Time

Image creation is now quicker, allowing near real-time rendering of visuals—even for detailed prompts or specific camera angles.

Improved Consistency in Object Rendering

The model is better at producing recognizable and consistent objects, like realistic human anatomy, symmetrical faces, or technical devices such as laptops and USB drives.

Better Handling of Text in Images

While still not perfect, the system is better at rendering legible and relevant text within images—like signs, labels, or product branding.

Enhanced Style Control

You can more reliably request specific artistic styles (e.g., pencil sketch, watercolor, photorealism), and the system will stick to that aesthetic more closely.

Freeware for Running a Server from a USB Stick

There are several free software options which allow people to set up a portable server on a USB stick. Probably the biggest sector looking for freeware to run a server on a USB stick would be students looking to learn more about server functionality or developers who need a quick and easy way to setup a sandbox for testing of web applications, websites, or for security testing.

We have four categories listed on this post:

1. Web Servers
2. FTP & File Servers
3. Windows-Based Local Server
4. Linux-Based Live Server on USB

Web Servers

XAMPP Portable is a lightweight, portable version of the XAMPP stack (Apache, MySQL, PHP, Perl) that runs directly from a USB drive. You can download it from Apache Friends.

XAMPP Portable is a lightweight and portable version of XAMPP, a widely used open-source software stack that provides an easy way to set up a local web server. The name XAMPP is derived from the core components it includes:

• X – Cross-platform (works on Windows, Linux, and macOS)
• A – Apache (the web server)
• M – MySQL/MariaDB (the database)
• P – PHP (server-side scripting language)
• P – Perl (another server-side scripting language)

Origins and Development

XAMPP was initially developed by Kai ‘Oswald’ Seidler and Kay Vogelgesang as an easy-to-install web development environment. The project was launched by Apache Friends, a non-profit organization, to provide developers with a simple way to test websites locally without configuring complex server settings manually.

The first versions of XAMPP appeared in the early 2000s, around 2002, and quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use. The stack bundled all essential components needed to run dynamic websites and applications, making it a popular choice for developers, students, and educators.

Introduction of XAMPP Portable

As XAMPP’s popularity grew, many users wanted a portable version that could run from a USB flash drive without requiring installation on a host computer. This led to the creation of XAMPP Portable, which offers the same functionality as the regular XAMPP package but is designed for mobility.

The portable version allows developers to carry a pre-configured web server environment on a USB stick and use it on different computers without modifying the system settings.

USBWebserver is a minimal and lightweight server that includes Apache, PHP, MySQL, and phpMyAdmin. It is available at USBWebserver.

USBWebserver was first developed in the early 2000s by Dutch developers to provide a portable web development solution. The primary goal was to create a small, efficient web server that could run without requiring installation on a local system. Unlike XAMPP Portable, which is a larger stack, USBWebserver was designed to be minimalist and lightweight.

The software includes:.

• Apache – The core web server component
• MySQL – The database management system
• PHP – A popular server-side scripting language
• phpMyAdmin – A web-based GUI for managing databases

Because of its portability and simplicity, USBWebserver quickly gained popularity among students, developers, and IT professionals who needed a quick way to test PHP applications and MySQL databases without setting up a full server environment.

Server2Go is a self-configuring, portable web server with Apache, PHP, MySQL, and Perl. Although it has been discontinued, it can still be found on archive sites. Visit Server2Go for more details.

While Server2Go is no longer updated, its concept of a truly portable, self-contained web server has influenced other software solutions. Today, developers looking for alternatives often turn to:

• XAMPP Portable – A more actively maintained portable web server.
• Uniform Server – Another lightweight WAMP solution.
• Laragon – A modern, portable development environment for Windows.

Server2Go remains a notable part of portable web server history, especially for its offline web application distribution capabilities.

Here are some other solutions for server type applications which can be installed and ran from a USB flash drive.

FTP & File Servers

HFS (Http File Server) is a portable HTTP file server that allows easy file sharing over a network. Get it at HFS.

BabyFTP Server is a simple, lightweight, and portable FTP server. Download it from BabyFTP.

Windows-Based Local Server

Uniform Server is a small and lightweight WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP) server that fits on a USB drive. You can download it at Uniform Server.

Linux-Based Live Server on USB

TurnKey Linux is a collection of lightweight, ready-to-run servers (LAMP, WordPress, etc.) that can be installed on a USB. Check it out at TurnKey Linux.

Puppy Linux with a Web Server is a lightweight Linux distro that can run a web server directly from a USB stick. Download it from Puppy Linux.

Working in a low light room with proper monitor lighting can reduce stress, reduce headaches and make employees a bit more productive. The Quntis Computer Monitor Light Bar is a sweet workspace lighting addition and good solution for tech peeps who demand a good work light solution. Engineered to eliminate screen glare, the Quntis monitor lamp directs light precisely onto the desktop and keyboard area, ensuring a flicker-free experience that reduces eye strain. Great for long hour workers like coders or accountants. With its built-in auto-dimming sensor, the light automatically adjusts brightness levels based on ambient lighting conditions, maintaining optimal visibility throughout the day and night without user intervention.

Designed for seamless integration and contemporary look to fit in properly with any work environment. The space-saving light bar, because it fits on top of the monitor, easily clips onto monitors 22 inches and wider and freeing up valuable desk space. Powered via USB, the Quntis connects to any workstation setup and we can’t think of a reason why someone would be limited to using this. Connections can be made through a computer, docking station, or external power source. IT managers can appreciate the stepless dimming and adjustable color temperature range (3000K–6500K) , allowing users to fine-tune their workspace lighting from warm to cool tones, enhancing focus and productivity across various tasks.

Built with precision and durability in mind, the Quntis Monitor Light Bar features a high CRI95 LED rating , ensuring true-to-life color accuracy—critical for designers, developers, and content creators. With touch-sensitive controls the Quntis provides intuitive operation, while the power-off memory function retains previous settings, minimizing disruptions and maximizing user convenience. Tested through 10,000+ safety assessments and certified for anti-blue light and optical radiation safety , this monitor lamp is a long-term investment in workplace well-being.

For someone looking to improve office ergonomics, enhance employee efficiency, and reduce screen-related fatigue, the Quntis Monitor Light Bar is a great upgrade. Would also make for the perfect employee gift for a job well done. Its combination of smart functionality, premium build quality, and seamless adaptability makes it the perfect addition to any modern corporate workspace.

According to some online sales reports, the Quntis light bar is one of the most popular selling USB items for the past three months. Sources include Amazon and Google shopping.

About Quntis: A brand under SHENZHEN QIANHAI LIHERUISI KONGGU YOUXIANGONGSI, was established in 2016, focusing on the development and innovation of electronic accessories. The company’s product line includes earphones, audio speakers, and electric charging cables. Over the years, Quntis has expanded its offerings to include eye-care computer lamps and outdoor LED string lights, continually upgrading its products to provide better lighting solutions for consumers.

Trouble in paradise? Apple released a security update to fix an issue which may expose a security risk. The security risk stems from the USB protocol.

Apple isn’t sharing details about who is being targeted, no surprise there.

The vulnerability, known as CVE-2025-24200, could allow someone with physical access to an iPhone to turn off USB Restricted Mode, even if the device is locked.

USB Restricted Mode is the highest probability of having your device exposed to the security risk. The “restricted mode” is a security feature that stops unauthorized people from accessing an iPhone’s data through the lightning port. When this feature is on, the port only allows charging if the phone has been locked for more than an hour. This makes it harder for hackers to break into a locked phone without the correct login information.

The update is available for iPhone XS and newer models, as well as several iPad models, including iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (third generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (first generation and later), iPad Air (third generation and later), iPad (seventh generation and later), and iPad mini (fifth generation and later).

If you have one of these devices, please update your software as soon as possible. You can check for updates in your device settings.

These types of security flaws are often used by spyware companies, like Pegasus, to spy on specific people. The average user isn’t at risk right now since the details of the attack haven’t been shared publicly. However, if they do get published, criminals could copy the method, making updates even more important.

A cyberattack on a mobile device happens when hackers try to gain access to a smartphone or tablet to steal information, take control, or cause harm. These attacks can occur in different ways, including malicious apps, phishing scams, security flaws, or even physical access to the device.

Malware is one of the most common threats, where harmful software is installed to steal data, track activity, or take over the device. Phishing attacks trick users into providing personal information or login credentials through fake emails, messages, or websites.

Yes, there is a tariff on USB flash drives coming from China.

UPDATE as of April 9, 2025

The trump administration has no impossed a 120% tariff on USB flash drives. This move was after China did a retalitory tariff on US goods going into China at 84%. This is a “who will blink first” type situation. Unfortunately, no one is the winner.

UPDATE as of April 7, 2025

As of April 7th during trumps second term, the administration placed an additional 34% tariff on USB flash drives. Although the president does not have unilateral control over tariffs, it is possible Congress will bring a resolution to the floor and reverse or reduce these tariffs. Currently there are efforts for Congress to overturn or amend the tariffs placed on Canada, although no firm bill or law has been passed.

Three tariffs have been assigned to the USB flash drive category when importing product from China since 2020.

The first tariff was assigned during Trump’s first term in office at a rate of 7.5% percent which started February 2020.

The second tariff was assigned during Trump’s second term in office at a rate of 10% percent which started January 2025.

Because of this new tariff announced on “liberation day” (whatever that means) the total amount of tariffs charged to import flash drives from China into the United States is 51.5% on the cost of the product.

Is this bad? Mostly YES and a little no.

A big yes because any tariff assigned to a product during important is affectively a “tax” on the product. This is true for whether the item is being important from China or any other country.

A little “no” because the United States has a trade deficient in relationship to China. By instituting a tariff on imported goods, in theory, is supposed to encourage US suppliers to manufacture product in the United States.

Many economists argue about tariffs. Mostly that tariffs are harmful to the US economy because they increase costs for consumers and businesses while disrupting global trade. Many U.S. manufacturers rely on imported raw materials and components (such as semiconductors, steel, and electronic parts) to produce finished goods. Higher input costs make American businesses less competitive, potentially leading to job losses and slower economic growth.

Tariffs can also provoke retaliatory measures from trading partners, harming US exporters by making their goods more expensive and less competitive in foreign markets. While tariffs are often intended to encourage domestic manufacturing, they may not be effective in reshoring production. Many industries have deeply integrated global supply chains, making it difficult and expensive to shift production back to the US.

For example, there are no major players, such as Kingston, Western Digital, Nexcopy or Micron who manufacture USB flash drive memory inside the United States. These manufacturers use contract factories in China to produce the goods.

Even if these companies had manufacturing capabilities in the United States the NAND memory required to make the product would need to be imported from China. Since the NAND memory makes up 90% of the USB flash drive product cost, the advantage to move manufacturing to the US is not profitable. It is less expensive to have end-users foot the tariff bill, than to have manufacturers change their supply chain manufacturing strategy.

Tariffs are an old strategy for international business negotiations. The president who implemented these tariffs does not hold the “art of a deal” but rather, simple and elementary visions for how to negotiate trade deals. Tariffs have been used for centuries as a tool to protect domestic industries, generate government revenue, and influence trade relationships. The theory is, imposing tariffs to shield local businesses from foreign competition and ensure domestic industries could develop without being undercut by cheaper imports is no longer a working theory.

While tariffs remain a common negotiation tool, many economists argue that free trade agreements and international cooperation (such as those under the World Trade Organization) are more effective at fostering long-term economic growth. Instead of imposing tariffs, modern trade deals often focus on reducing barriers, increasing market access, and enforcing fair competition rules, which can lead to more sustainable and mutually beneficial trade relationships.

The above paragraph is a major short coming of the current administration (Trump 2025) and the inability to think at these higher levels and negotiate more detailed agreements will ultimately cost the American consumer hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

What can you do?

There is not much which can be done to avoid or circumvent the tariff imposed. For example, there is no manufacturer inside the United States producing USB drives. The cost to ship product from China to say Taiwan or Mexico and then ship into the US is more expensive than paying the tariff. Looking forward, the “option” any American has is understanding what a tariff is and how that impacts the bottom line for a company or business. Most importantly, to elect officials who are more in-line with consumer protection rather than exercising retaliatory political moves at the expense of American people.

A couple notes:

• There is no tariff for purchases which remain under $800 dollars
• For major manufactures, the $800 single shipment amount is pointless (see below)
• The Harmonization Code for USB Flash Memory is 8523.51.00.00

USB Flash Drive sales are estimated to be 5.47 Billion dollars for 2024. Let’s say the United States purchased only 1% of that amount, the $800 limit on single orders would still not allow manufacturers to “work the system” and avoid paying tariffs by making hundreds of mini shipping orders – there is too much volume coming into the United States to justify making thousands of small orders under $800. Plus, US Customs would certainly catch on to a scheme like that.

We focus so much on USB here at GetUSB.info that we often overlook other technologies such as portable browsers or new browsers. Today, and I’m sure we are much behind the 8Ball, we talked about What is ChromeOS Flex.

ChromeOS Flex is a lightweight, cloud-based operating system developed by Google, designed to be efficient and compatible with older Windows and Mac computers. ChromeOS Flex is free for everyone. It is different than a Chromebook operating system because the Chromebook OS is designed to work on Android. However; ChromeOS Flex is specifically designed to work with Windows and Mac computers only.

This free alternative is web based and provides a streamlined, secure, and manageable experience. Based on the cloud infrastructure of Google this makes it inviting for personal or corporate users to make the most of their older PCs without having to do hardware upgrades or updates. Web-based applications and cloud computing is very common these days, if not more common than standalone operating systems. ChromeOS Flex offers a modern solution tailored for users who primarily work within an internet-based environment.

One of the key advantages of ChromeOS Flex is its efficiency. Unlike traditional operating systems that can slow down over time due to software bloat, background processes, and frequent updates requiring manual intervention, ChromeOS Flex is designed to run smoothly on older hardware. It boots up quickly, typically within seconds, and operates with minimal system requirements, making it particularly useful for devices that have become sluggish over the years. Google is saying the computer OS can boot as quickly as six seconds. We like the sound of that. Because the OS is cloud-based, much of the processing is offloaded to the internet rather than being handled by the device itself and this is why ChromeOS Flex seems to be a great fit for older hardware.

Google is saying security is another big reason to use ChromeOS Flex. Google has built the operating system with a focus on protection against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. We still think Google is looking to glean information off your user habits and browsing habits, so although secure, we are sure there is some ancillary benefit Google is getting from offering up this free OS.

Unlike Windows and macOS, which often require third-party antivirus software to maintain security, ChromeOS Flex includes built-in security features such as sandboxing, verified boot, and automatic background updates that ensure the system is always running the latest, most secure version. Sandboxing isolates applications and processes so that even if a vulnerability is exploited, it does not affect the entire system. Verified boot further enhances security by checking for system integrity at startup, preventing any tampered or malicious software from loading. These features make ChromeOS Flex particularly appealing for businesses and educational institutions where data security is a top priority.

It is common to hear Raspberry Pi owners want more USB ports. GetUSB.info just read about them introducing an official 4 port USB hub. Sweet. To note, most Raspberry Pi single-board computers, except for the Raspberry Pi Zero and A+ models, include a built-in USB hub that splits one USB connection into several USB Type-A ports. Just recently they launched the official Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub, a high-quality USB 3.0 hub that offers four additional USB ports.

This hub includes a single upstream USB 3.0 Type-A connector with an 3 inches (8 cm) built-in cable. The “upstream” port is the socket used to communicate with the host device, which in this case is the Raspberry Pi. It also has four downstream USB 3.0 Type-A ports and can reach data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. There’s a USB-C socket for an optional external 3A power supply but that isn’t included with the $12 purchase. Quick note, the downstream port is are the sockets used to communicate with the devices, like a USB flash drive, hard drive, mouse, keyboard, printer, etc.

One driving force on why Raspberry Pi wanted to sponsor their own USB hub is the fact most ‘other’ hubs are just too expensive. One fundamental goal of Raspberry Pi is to provide an unparalleled offering for computer code development and the lowest possible price. Usually, you either pay a high price for a reliable, well-designed product, or you buy a cheaper option that’s unreliable, doesn’t work with various devices, or simply looks bad.

With this hub, there is no “race to the bottom,” where cheap, poor-quality products pushed out better options, and online marketplaces like Amazon became filled with low-quality hubs. To offer a better solution the Raspberry team got together with with Infineon to source a quality hub chip called the CYUSB3304.

Based on user beta testers and user comments here are the pros and cons of the Raspberry Pi USB 3 Hub: