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Darth Vader’s USB Web Cam

Darth Vader always had the coolest looking Twin Ion star craft, it was the one with the bent wings.  Now you can have that famed war craft as your USB web camera.  The Darth Vader web cam has several red LED lights that eluminate upon connection.

darth vader web cam

The Twin Ion cruiser comes with built in microphone and monitor clip for easy mounting.  Since it’s not available until the end of October [08], you’ll need to get your fix with some Mimobot Darth Vader gadgetry. This isn’t the best web cam gadget to impress your girlfriend, just your buddies, so if you’re still interested the Star Wars web cam is available through Forbidden Plant for $43ish. Continue Reading

SuperSpeed USB Spec Released by Intel

superspeed usbIntel released a draft specification for USB 3.0 or SuperSpeed USB. The Extensible Host Controller Interface or xHCI provides a standard method for USB 3.0 host controllers to communicate with the USB 34.0 software stacks. Both AMD and Nvidia voiced complaints earlier in the year that Intel hasn’t released update information to make the new spec an open industry standard and an easy path for transition. Today’s release is Intel’s answer to that request. Dell, Microsoft and NEC also support the release because the xHCI will expedite the industry transition to next-generation USB 3.0 technology.
One important factor in adopting SuperSpeed USB products is interoperability between multiple devices from different manufacturers. The xHCI draft specification revision 0.9 aims to make interoperability easier to implement, while also making it easier for developers to create software support for the market.
The next revision update is expected at the end of 2008 with revision number xHCI 0.95. So no SuperSpeed USB yet, but the big boys are working their way to it. Source: CRN. Continue Reading

Wii Aids in USB Missile Launcher Accuracy

An Instructables member took an extra Wiimote and turned it into the eye-site gauge for the famous USB missile launcher.  Now you can have all the fun with the added pin-point accuracy for a deadly shot with your missile launcher.

usb missile launcher wii

With a spare remote, USB cable, USB missile launcher and some code they guys at Instructables provided, you too can have this USB hack.  The only concern you should have is the foam missiles really aren’t all that accurate, at least not the sample we tested.  But hey, forget about the logistics of it all, it’s the cool factor we’re chasing after. Source:  Engadget. Continue Reading

Not So Biodegradable Corn Based USB Drive

This corn based biodegradable flash stick is definitely a step in the write direction, but a little over zealous on the claim of being a biodegradable flash drive.  The stick has a corn based shape for the outside, but you’ve still got the internal flash memory and PCB board holding it all together.  So don’t feel too good when you dump this in the trash – it’ll still be around after 500 years.

biodegradable flash drive

But, it’s a step in the right direction.  At least the outside is biodegradable, so we’re going to give you props for that. As EverythingUSB says “Should be a great promo gift at the next Ethanol trade show…” Source:  TechFresh.net. Continue Reading

i-Knock A Self Inflicting IM Notifier

The i-Knock is another knock-off Instant Message notifier.  With any of the popular instant message services like Yahoo, MSN, AOL or Skype this i-Knock is there for support and alerts.  This time, however, the notification is in the form of a knock to the head.  The i-Knock doesn’t stop there, you can also load specific MP3 files to play for certain instant messaging parties.  I’d sync up “Ding-Dong-The-Witch-Is-Dead” from Wizard of Oz for the mother-in-law.

i-knock instant messanger

The i-Knock connects to your computer via a USB cable and is also powered through the USB cable.  There are over 20 emoticons, email client if you choose and log-on notification function for those within your network. Continue Reading

USB Lock Keeping The Honest People Honest

Engadget reported on the new USB luck from Thanko.  The not-so-clever device uses a 3 wheel number combination lock which attaches to the USB connector of your USB drive, or anything else with a USB connector.  Although this looks like something more to keep the honest people honest as disassembling the lock itself doesn’t look to be terribly difficult.

usb lock

The funny part is, if the data is that important to keep safe, wouldn’t wouldn’t you spend a few minutes learning about encryption?  I mean with the most powerful encryption software by TrueCrypt available for free, why not.  Kicks the a$$ of this “hardware” solution. Continue Reading

GetUSB Dealz: $14 Equals 3 Port USB Hub, Multi-Card Reader, Small Package

Limited stock for this Nyko 3 port USB hub and multi-card reader which supports SD, Smart Media, Compact Flash and Memory Stick for only $14.99.  Great deal without rebate and free shipping.

usb hub card reader

Grab the GetUSB Dealz now!

The Nyko 3 Port USB Hub 2.0 with Multi-Card Reader gives you 3 USB 2.0 ports and a multi-card reader that supports Smart Media, Compact Flash, Sony Memory Stick and Secure Digital (SD card) formats. This item works with both PCs and Xbox 360 systems. The Multi-Reader for Xbox 360 lets you connect additional wired controllers, Flash drives, an iPod or PSP to your PC or Xbox 360. The Media Card Reader supports Smart Media, Compact Flash, Sony Memory Stick and Secure Digital formats. Easily view photos from a digital camera or listen to music stored on an iPod using your Xbox 360. The unit draws its power from the Xbox 360’s USB ports – no additional batteries or AC adaptor is required. Grab the GetUSB Dealz! Continue Reading

20 Target SD Card Duplicator (UberGeek Review)

20 Target SD Card Duplicator for Bulk SD Copying

Update: Since the original post, Nexcopy has redesigned their SD card duplicator box. The image from the original post has been updated to reflect the current 20 target SD duplicator model. (Jan 2024)

Nexcopy recently unveiled its industry-leading edge in the market with the all-new SD200PC 20 Target SD Card Duplicator; a 20-target SD Card Duplicator designed for tech-savvy professionals and businesses immersed in Secure Digital media. While duplicating 20 copies of a personal SD card may initially raise eyebrows, Nexcopy is catering to a niche market—specifically targeting companies engaged in distributing software applications on SD cards for field devices or managing large quantities of miniSD cards for fleets of portable electronics.

The SD200PC is compatible with microSD cards, making it a valuable tool for phone companies to efficiently load promotional materials onto phones for their customers. With the increasing power of smartphones and PDAs, coupled with expanding media storage capacities, more individuals and businesses rely on microSD cards for critical data distribution.

With ease-of-use in mind, the SD200PC connects via USB and features 20 numbered SD ports, simplifying the identification of each card. The accompanying software supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, and even proprietary formats an OEM or manufacturer may have developed. This is possible thanks to its bit-by-bit copy engine that makes a perfect digital clone of the master SD card. The duplicator is compatible with Linux distribution packages and caters to complex embedded applications. For less tech-savvy users, Nexcopy provides a user-friendly job wizard within the software to guide them through the duplication process.

Priced at $1,299, the 20 Target SD Card Duplicator offers exceptional value considering its advanced features and immediate availability for delivery. While the investment may seem steep for casual users, it’s a crucial tool for businesses and tech enthusiasts requiring bulk SD card duplication with high reliability.

The Nexcopy SD200PC provides a sophisticated solution for organizations distributing SD card content and tech professionals seeking fast, efficient, and accurate duplication capabilities. With its broad compatibility, user-friendly features, and competitive pricing, the 20 Target SD Card Duplicator stands out as a top choice for managing large volumes of SD and microSD cards effectively.

SD160PC is USB 3.0 Speed SD Card Duplicator

Nexcopy expanded its line of flash memory duplication equipment with the USB160PC, a 16-target USB duplicator built on USB 3.0 technology back in 2014. This system offers a significant performance boost compared to older USB 2.0 models, such as the SD200PC, which requires approximately six minutes to write 1GB of data. With the USB160PC, that same 1GB data load can be transferred in about one minute, providing IT professionals, content distributors, and production teams with a far more efficient duplication process. The enhanced speed is especially beneficial for environments where large volumes of data or high-capacity drives are used, reducing overall production time and increasing throughput without compromising reliability.

Both the USB160PC and the SD200PC are fully compatible with Windows 11 operating systems. This ensures that regardless of whether users choose the high-speed USB 3.0 duplicator or the widely used 20-target USB 2.0 solution, they can seamlessly operate these systems on modern PCs, maintaining productivity and compatibility with current technology standards.

Nexcopy provides specialized hardware solutions capable of reading the CID (Card Identification) values from Secure Digital (SD) cards—a unique serial number programmed by the card manufacturer that cannot be altered or accessed through standard operating systems. Unlike basic software utilities that interact with the file system, reading a CID value requires low-level communication with the SD card controller, which is not possible with a typical PC card reader. Nexcopy’s proprietary hardware is specifically designed to interface directly with the SD card’s protected registers, extracting this data accurately and reliably. This functionality cannot be achieved with software alone because most consumer-grade card readers do not expose the necessary hardware commands, making dedicated Nexcopy equipment essential for CID reading applications such as security authentication, device whitelisting, and digital rights management solutions.

People want to write a CID value to a Secure Digital (SD) card primarily for security, licensing, and device authentication purposes. The CID (Card Identification) value is a unique, manufacturer-programmed identifier stored in the SD card’s controller. Certain industries and software developers leverage this ID as a hardware-based “fingerprint” to bind applications, encryption keys, or digital content to a specific card.

By writing or customizing the CID value, organizations can:

  • Prevent Unauthorized Copying: Lock digital content or licensed software to a specific SD card, preventing it from being copied and used on another device.
  • Enable Secure Boot or Device Pairing: Some embedded systems or IoT devices use CID values for secure boot processes, allowing only whitelisted cards to operate with their hardware.
  • Facilitate DRM and Content Protection: Media companies can distribute protected files that only work with cards having pre-assigned CID numbers.
  • Streamline Manufacturing & Tracking: Hardware manufacturers can pre-program cards with known CIDs for inventory control, traceability, and product authentication.

Because the CID is typically locked at the factory level and not changeable with standard readers, specialized hardware like Nexcopy duplicators is required to program custom CID values, making this an essential capability for businesses that rely on hardware-based security measures.

Source: PRWeb

Continue Reading

Vinyl and Cassette Tape Ripper Through USB

ADS Technology has released their Instant Music ripping system to easily convert old vinyl and cassette media to MP3 files.  The Instant Music will convert any analog audio signal into any number of popular digital formats such as MP3, WMA or OGG.

mp3 conversion

Instant Music connects via USB and ships with Acoustics Spin It Again software to set sample bit rates, configure audio formats you plan to convert from analog to digital and more advanced features such as ID3 tagging. I don’t think it’s as slick looking as the Ion Audio unit but then again we see a big price difference between the two ($49 verse $150) and the Instant Music will convert any analog signal, not just those old vinyl records. Continue Reading

USB Dongle Smashes Great Wall Of China Internet Control

The internet is something we all take for granted.  We surf, play and view at our leisure, but for some, this freedom we have is a far cry from their everyday life.  Who am I talking about?  China.  It’s been know since the birth of the internet that China has ultimate control on what you see and hear from the internet.

freedom stick

Typically this wouldn’t bother most, but considering the 2008 Olympics are launching today, there are many foreign visitors who can’t use the internet the way they typically do.  This is where the “Freedom Stick” comes into play.  The USB dongle Freedom Stick, is a pre-loaded USB drive with all the software, utilities and hacks to get around the Great Wall Firewall of China.
USB dongle is pre-loaded with software which will secure the communications of any computer it is slotted into. Made available by Germany’s Chaos Computer Club, the stick uses the TOR (The Onion Router) network to cloak your connections, routing traffic around the world through anonymous computers, thus avoiding detection.
The USB dongle is available for $30 and is clearly a must-have travel item for this years 2008 Olympics. Continue Reading

Punked – USB Frying Pan Cooks Eggs

We all know the George Foreman USB grill was an April Fools joke a couple years ago, well now Instructables [member] claims he can cook eggs via two USB ports. But could this be true or are we getting punked? If a USB port doesn’t put out more than 5V of power, then how the hell do you get a couple aluminum pans to heat up enough to cook eggs? I’ll let you be the judge on this one:
DIY USB Cooking Pan – video powered by Metacafe Source: Giz. Continue Reading

Wireless USB Soccer Ball

I’m sure the Spaniards would order a whole nations worth if these if the announcement was made just a few weeks earlier – with their Euro 2008 win and all. The wireless USB soccer ball is a great way to show your support for the game.  Or a great way to get into the upcoming Olympic spirit.  The wireless USB soccer ball, although Goddy looking, seems plenty comfortable for who-ever drops the $22 need for ownership.

usb soccer ball

Resolution is 800dpi, wheel used as third button, use the mouse up-to 3 feet away, comes with rechargeable AAA Ni-H batteries and good for all Windows operating systems.  USB rechargeable too. Continue Reading

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