Belkin introduces CableFree USB Hub

Belkin's just introduced its CableFree USB hub, a four-port Ultra-Wideband unit that'll let you plug in any USB device and have instant wireless connectivity with no need for drivers or software. Obviously, the big deal here is for laptops, which'll be able to wirelessly access printers, hard drives, and presumably just about anything else you can throw at it, although though don't say what the maximum range is. No word on price just yet, but it should be available sometime this spring.

[Via Macworld]

[Bobak Kamaei @ Jan 3rd 2006 3:06PM]

two words:



want one.

[DS @ Jan 3rd 2006 3:07PM]

This will be great if it works as promised. I am assuming a USB dongle will be required to connect to the laptop, till laptops start shipping with Ultra-Wideband support?

[bkim @ Jan 3rd 2006 3:30PM]

Neat. Now if they could only figure out wireless power sources...

[Osman Ullah @ Jan 3rd 2006 3:39PM]

Hmm...all that is left is the monitor and the sound to have a truly wireless PC (sans power cord). I guess you could theoretically use a USB sound card...I wonder how well that would work with this thing.

[jr @ Jan 3rd 2006 3:41PM]

someone pinch me, i must be dreaming...

[sdwells @ Jan 3rd 2006 3:46PM]

looks like a great idea for laptop users, i wonder how many laptops can connect to it at once. it would be great for make shift computer labs where everyone brings their wireless laptops to print or access a large hard drive, or of course some kind of wirelessly controlled air dart war :)



http://engadget.com/2005/12/02/target-your-co-workers-with-usb-air-darts/

[pedro @ Jan 3rd 2006 3:51PM]

You are going to need a UWB dongle for the computer to work however, yes?

How does security work on UWB?

[Ryan Green @ Jan 3rd 2006 4:05PM]

UWB is actually extremely secure. It only sends out information in pulses at exact times, so if you don't know the timing, you don't get any info. simple as that.

[Wes Felter @ Jan 3rd 2006 4:18PM]

Unfortunately, this is based on "CableFree USB" which is incompatible with Intel's "Wireless USB". Never bet against Intel.

[Gordy @ Jan 3rd 2006 4:26PM]

Screw laptops. If I read this properly, this is a networking dream come true. Now, printers, scanners, and most other peripherals can be put in another location, capable of access by any PC with the necessary dongle.



This would really clear my desk up.

[adam @ Jan 3rd 2006 4:26PM]

just wondering, would this also charge a device that would charge through a USB, say maybe, an ipod?

[diulei @ Jan 3rd 2006 4:33PM]

If this works like it's supposed to...



Freakin' sweet!

[Alex @ Jan 3rd 2006 5:30PM]

So... since I don't know what Ultra-Wideband is...



Can I hook up 4 250 Gig USB drives and use this as though it was a terrabyte server? LOL

[Matt @ Jan 3rd 2006 5:40PM]

Never bet against Intel: they lose once-in-a-while. For example, Rambus RDRAM didn't take-off, contrary to Intel's desires...

[Bravomedic @ Jan 3rd 2006 5:55PM]

I really need to get one of those. How much do you think one's going to cost?



http://medicus.z42.us

[coolkamio @ Jan 3rd 2006 6:57PM]

More info on Wireless USB:

http://www.usb.org/developers/wusb/

Wireless USB is supposed to be faster than CableFree USB..

This hub from belkin is like their Pre-N router, it could work with future devices or not...

Anyway, in the coming months we will see a few devices from various brands using the standar Wireless USB, so, we should wait..

This isn't the first Cable Free USB, here is another:

http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/3183.html

Slow as hell, 140kbps..



Apple is rumored to be the first computer maker to ship computers with wireless usb (ultrawideband) integrated..

http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/rumored_apple_mac_dvr_should_be_fully_wireless_with_ultrawideband/

[coolkamio @ Jan 3rd 2006 8:30PM]

More news:

http://www.mobilewhack.com/reviews/nec_upd720170_wireless_usb_host_controller_from_nec.html



I was skeptical that Apple could make a mac mini with Wireless USB in january, but this news keep me thinking.. This wouldn't be the first time Apple offers a new wireless technology before anyone, nor the second, nor third... 802.11b, 802.11g, bluetooth 2.0...



I will be very surprised if this ends to happen..

[Doosup Baek @ Jan 3rd 2006 8:42PM]

Isn't this supposed to be connected to wireless hub first? And then be recognized as a sharable resource(printer or network drive).

[cnetmog @ Jan 8th 2006 2:21AM]

and here is real story.

http://www.cnet.com/4520-11405_1-6400427-1.html?tag=rcol



Well Done Freescale!

[cnetmog @ Jan 8th 2006 2:38AM]

Here's another good link describing, in more detail, the Freescale situation, from the horse's mouth.



http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/display.jsp?nodeId=093623&filePath=/media_center/news_releases/2006/wmsg/01-06-06_CNET_BEST_OF_CES.html&title=News%20Release&tid=MCH



Hhmmm?

[Al Morgan @ Jan 9th 2006 11:25AM]

Isn't the Freescale/Icron technology actually superior than that in the approach taken by the opposing camp?



Here are a few thoughts on why this may be so..



1. Icron Technologies possesses key patents worldwide in the only real way you can extend the distance of transmission on USB-formatted data. I don't think there's away for the opposing camp to get around this but I could be wrong.



2. There will be a significant consumer and general market backlash to the high cost of re-jigging and upgrading your computing environment in order to comply with the requirements for the Intel/Microsoft and the USB-IF Group's 'certified Wireless USB' or WUSB platform.



I am understanding that when the first new products emerge under this new WUSB banner, in order to use them one will have had to install Microsoft's new OS, one would have to replace or upgrade the drivers for (if available) any existing USB1.1 or USB2.0 device currently in use, in order for it to go wireless AND don't know how existing USB hubs would be dealt with??



3. As for ranges between the two, the other camp is aiming for only 10 meters for the eventual 480Mb top-end capacity and settling for the 110Mb speed for the medium-length 20 meter distance.



I believe the Freescale/Icron technology however will begin with that good or better range due to Icron's inherent USB extension expertise and IP. They have 10km USB extension wired now and their tech works across multiple media for achieving differing capabilities. The single biggest immediate advantage remains the ability to but and use the upcoming Belkin and Gefen products delivering the 110Mb speed at 20 METERS already and with no need to upgrade ANYTHING. No new drivers for any existing USB1.1 or USB2.0 devices and they will be able to work through the Belkin hub wirelessly. No new OS to install and no worries about which of your existing devices will be WUSB capable or not!!