Interactive motion control games are definitely at the top of most kid’s lists.  The Wii was so popular we’ve got blogs about it, and last Christmas it was THE gift to give. This year, another motion control game piece might be the hot ticket. Actiga is announcing a full line of mini-motion controllers for gaming this fall. Below is a picture of those hard-to-get finger skateboards, mounted on a pivot ball and connects via USB.
USB controllers will be available for both Mac and PC systems in versions that look like realistic skateboards, RC Cars, baseball, and a futuristic racing vehicle. Each of the controllers will connect via USB and will sell for $19.99. It’s not clear if the controller has games built-in like the plug-and-play devices for TV or if they are simply controllers to be used with other PC games already on the market.
The USB finger skateboard would be an ideal controller stick for your kids favorite skateboard game.
Source:Â EverythingUSB.
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Mini-Box is pushing a sweet little and compact external USB LCD display with a 4 line by 20 character display called the PicoLCD. At just $49 in single purchase use, the PicoLCD is an ideal solution for those needed an external navigation system for an embedded product or a product with limited space for navigation control.
The PicoLCD connects via USB and is a full speed device. With the 4×20 character display you can program to show just about any amount of information you need. There is a 7 button menu system which includes a scroll up and down and Enter/OK button. In addition you have the ESC, F1, F2, F3 and Home button.
The PicoLCD has a light blue background with white characters making it easy to read in just about any light source and situation.
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In the rare situation your USB stick finds it’s way into the wash, there are a couple of steps you can take to help get the device back on track if it isn’t working.
You’ll need a little space, time, [sunlight wouldn’t hurt] and some WD-40. Ya, WD-40.
According to Kevin at JK On The Run, it’s a critical step in the saving of your USB stick.
So in the unlucky event your drive went through the wash, don’t throw it in the trash. Try these steps first.
Open up the USB stick plastic case and set everything out for a dry.
Sunlight would speed the process, but I would recommend at least 24 hours of dry time.
Next, take the PCB board and memory and spray it down with some WD-40. The idea hear is to avoid any metal contacts to become rusted or corroded, as once you close up the plastic case, it’s a great environment for moisture to do some good damage. The WD-40 will help prevent moisture damage.
Brando is offering the definition of a USB thumb drive. I don’t know about you, but I would feel very weird carrying this thing around. Just imagine walking into a clients office and needing to get data of your USB stick. I guess it would depend on your client – maybe a good talking point. What do you think?
People get attached to their USB flash sticks. They really do. If you don’t use one or have a USB stick then you probably wouldn’t understand the statement. Because of this personal attachment one has with their flash drive, we continually see high-dollar, high-end USB sticks which most deem ridiculous. We call it passion.
Case-in-point:Â The ZaNA Sterling Silver USB stick is beautiful as ever and now available in a convenient 8GBs.
To show you some of the craftsman ship which goes into the ZaNa stick Sebatian Zach states:
The modern and elegant design is obtained through the following materials: carbonic fibre, which is used in Formula I racing cars, exclusive wood such as wenge and teak, and Swarovski zirconia with displays the exceptional diamond sheen.
ZaNa Sterling Silver USB sticks are not only a fine modern gadget noticed by anyone with an eye for style, but also a practical tool in daily life, work and entertainment.
The Sterling Silver USB stick comes with a variety of options such as sterling silver lanyard or leather strap with a silver clasp. Sizes available from 2GB through 8GBs.
To inquire about availability, visit: www.zanadesign.euContinue Reading
I’m not much of a retro styled bloak, but that doesn’t stop me from admitting this is one cool looking USB microphone. The Brando wireless retro USB microphone is a great addition to the desktop for on-line chat without sacraficing personal style.
The wireless mic spans up to 3 meters without fail and is simple plug-n-play technology.
Since the USB microphone is wireless, the the mic is powered by 9V battary. Priced at just $29 bucks.
Brando retro style wireless USB microphone product page.
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Yep, you heard it right. Imation, from my understanding, is the first to offer a USB hard drive that is completely wireless. Well, expect for the power cord.
The Imation Apollo Pro WX is the wireless hard drive with speeds close to that of wired speeds. Since the product isn’t yet available, we’ll need to wait for real-world results, but I’m keeping an optimistic outlook. Mostly because I REALLY want one.
The Apollo Pro WX will use Seagate hard drives and will come in a variety of sizes with a maximum capacity of 1.5TBs. The wireless hard drive solution has a total range of about 30 feet. Meaning your hard drive can sit, by itself, up to 30 feet away from computers and read/write data as though you had a direct connect hard drive. Talk about conveninece, this is it!
Since USB wireless isn’t available on all computers, the Imation wireless hard drive will still come with an available USB port and cable for those who haven’t made the switch.
Along with no price tag, Imation is also vague about release date, just sometime in the fall.
Source:Â Electronista.
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LabelWriter Duo is truly a powerhouse in PC and Mac labeling. Imagine combining the features and functions of a LabelWriter 400 Turbo for fast printing of die-cut paper labels, with an electronic labelmaker that prints permanent & colorful plastic, nylon and polyester labels.
The LabelWriter Duo is just 92 bucks. Now that’s a GetUSB Dealz. Free shipping with ground service. This low price of 92 doesn’t need rebates or coupons, just a blow-out special.
The DYMO LabelWriter Duo uses advanced, super quiet 300 dpi thermal printing, which means great looking labels without any ink or toner, so no added cartridge or toner expense.
The label media support is out of this world with over 23 different types.
Quick connect via USB and includes rolls of paper and ink.
ION Audio has a handful of vinyl to digital audio converter products. However, the ION LP-2-Flash is their first to directly off-load vinyl audio to a USB stick, USB hard drive and even SD card. The LP-2-Flash is a standalone, PC-less vinyl audio ripper for simple operation for even the most lazy music junkie.
The LP-2-Flash has a built in SD slot where you can directly load up your flash memory. The process fully logs, categorizes and separates the audio tracks and digitally converts them to MP3. If you aren’t into SD then USB is equally available. Now, connecting your USB stick or HDD for vinyl download is just as easy.
Sample rates up to 192kHz. Wow.
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Some interesting news about iPhone sync speed and the use of USB hubs. I seriously doubt there is an issue with USB 2.0 specification so this must be related more towards the USB stack the iPhone uses with their chip. Apparently having the iPhone connected to a USB hub for sync will slow the process. To throw more flame on the fire, if you have a USB 1.0 device [like a keyboard or mouse] also connected to the USB hub, the sync grinds to a halt.
You’ll could definitely run into problems if it’s a self-powered USB hub, so try one with a separate power connector/source.
Word on the proverbial street is that most who did a direct connect from iPhone to Mac or PC had a much faster sync time – down to a couple of minutes.
How about you? Have you tried with or without the hub? Comment.
Tip:Â Wired.
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A solar powered Bonsai tree, who would have thought? Vivien Muller did. Her design takes each end-point of the Bonsai tree and turns it into a small photocell.
Methodshop coined this as photovoltaic panels, but I like the term photogalactic a little better. The unit recharges a hidden battery beneath the tray – which happens to be the same place as the wires for your gadgets – so even re-charging can take place during the night. Of course USB support for those USB gadgets we all love.
As you can see, one could make a nice solor tree for their kitchen table or large office desk, but what if your space was a little more cramped? Well, the USB solar Bonsai can be redesigned and shaped to any dimension of your liking. It can spin, detach and rotate through small connectors.
So how much is this ingenious device cost? Not much right now, it’s just a prototype. Since this looks like such a great product, lets hope someone picks up the production rights. Wouldn’t you say Vivien?
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If you can’t tell from the picture, this is a DIY project on taking a regular USB hub and turning it into the ideal Halloween desk monster.
Using stiff wire, USB cables, USB hub and some LED you can build the inner structure of the USB monster. Then sharpen your sowing skills and make a fabric body. The fun part about this project is turning those clawed USB feet into working USB connectors.
Albeit not the most space conscience hub you could find, but it’s definitely a fun project for the upcoming Halloween season.
Source:Â SlipperyBrick via Instructables.
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In the rare situation your USB stick finds it’s way into the wash, there are a couple of steps you can take to help get the device back on track if it isn’t working.
You’ll need a little space, time, [sunlight wouldn’t hurt] and some WD-40. Ya, WD-40.
According to Kevin at 
