on-the-go
Latest
Google's Android file manager now supports USB drives
Files by Google (formerly Files Go) is helpful if you want an official means of managing the files on your Android phone, but there's been an obvious limitation: you couldn't move files to physical storage beyond the phone itself. You won't have that issue from now on. Google has released an update to Files that introduces support for external storage using USB On-the-Go. If you want to offload photos to a thumb drive, you won't have to track down third-party software.
OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro takes longer to say than to boot
One of these days, SSDs will hit a price point that doesn't require a second mortgage to buy one. Until then, we can just gawk at things like OWC's latest, which is a portable version of Crucial's still relatively new line of affordable SSDs, built around the familiar Indilinx controller and Samsung NAND flash. Coming in sizes from 64GB ($280) to 256GB ($730), the new Pro devices can transfer data and get their power from either a Firewire or USB port. Alas, that means you'll be limited to 100MBps read rates -- as opposed to the 250MBps you could get from an eSATA connection -- but that's a small sacrifice to make if you care about losing the moving parts in your portable storage. [Via Electronista]
New SDXC cards to allow for greater MMO portability
Massively multiplayer online games tend to take up less space on your hard drive than your standard PC game, as the bulk of the data is stored on farms of servers that power your MMO of choice. However, despite the fact that most of the underlying magic is happening far away from your own screen, MMO clients still take up a number of gigs of space, as laptop users who regularly play different titles know all too well. But since an MMO client is really just an access point then, there's no reason why it has to be tied to any one machine or location, particularly if you're on the go for much of the time.While the typical solution for some MMO gamers with a preference for portability is to keep their game clients on a portable drive (myself included), even these small drives are beginning to look downright clunky compared to some of the other options available, or soon-to-be available.
DS Daily: Your favorite game for on-the-go
In the spirit of Gaming to Go, we ask which title (or titles) you find especially good to play while you're on-the-go? We've been talking about our most treasured pick-up-and-play games for travel or those with little time to game for quite some time now, so we figured we'd ask you all some of your favorites. Which games do you find especially good for when you're on-the-go?
Show and Tell: Freedom of choice
Looks normal, right? A case, albeit quite stuffed, and another case. Nothing special. Nothing to see here. Except the surface doesn't tell the whole story. TheCoats shared this week's pictures with us of his mobile gaming setup, and when he leaves the house, he's packing. We can only guess that he really feels the need for options, and that's something we can get behind. Hit the jump to see what's bulging in his pockets ... and keep in mind that this isn't his entire DS collection, but rather, just what he takes with him on the go.We salute you, indecisive DS owner! Also, yay Scud.Got something that makes you particularly proud? We like thingamabobs and doohickeys and swag of all sorts, as well as food and furniture and anything fun ... so long as it's related to Nintendo! Just take some pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest.
Wii Warm Up: Sometimes you just have to play
When we saw this picture over at the Tanooki, we couldn't help but shake our heads. Oh, it's mostly admiration, but there's a touch of bemusement to the reaction, and part of us just thinks "some people's kids, man." But you have to give the guy props. Laundry is boring as hell, and a little quality time with Samus sure spices things up. We've got to ask -- have you maybe invested in one of those portable screens and taken your game on the go? It sounds like it could be fun, but there are some locations we recommend you avoid ... like poolside, or perhaps the bathtub. Wii and water just don't mix, folks.As an aside... is that a WristStrong bracelet we see? Seems like a good idea with all that waggling!
Ask TUAW: Rating On-the-Go, multiple Docks, recovering icons and more
Wednesday is Ask TUAW time! This week we'll look at questions about the iPod's on-the-go features, multiple Docks, recovering icons, network disks, and much more. As always, please leave your own comments, and ask more questions for next week either in the comments to this post or using the tip form. Now let's dive right in!
Pinel & Pinel offers up iMac rig carrier, cleverly dubbed iTrunk
Sure, the iMac's all-in-one design makes it a tad easier to tote around than, say, every other non-conjoined computer rig, but it still lacks the mobility true road warriors crave. Aside from the iLugger bag, hauling around that iMac was a struggle at best, but now you've got a way to not only bring along your trusty computer when you hit the highways, but your entire host of very necessary accessories can tag along too. Pinel & Pinel, creators of customized hauling cabinets and other random knick knacks, has crafted an all-inclusive rolling carrying container for your iMac, speakers, printer, keyboard, mouse, and basically anything else that feels at home when connected to your Mac. We're not sure if the bottom compartment sports a fuel-powered generator, but it looks that you could add one if you so choose, and while we've no idea how much coinage this gigantic box would run you, those even remotely interested probably aren't worried about dollars and cents in the first place.[Via Slashgear]
Mobile phones to adopt smaller micro-USB connector
Just when you think another protocol change couldn't possibly surface and force you to purchase more adapters in order to operate your gadgets, it does. Sure enough, the USB Implementers Forum has recently announced that we loyal consumers will all be shelling out a few extra bucks as new mobile handsets, PDAs, and digital cameras adopt a new, smaller "micro-USB" adapter for syncing / charging. As the RAZRs of the world get thinner and thinner, so too must the port with which we charge it. While there's no apparent size specification just yet, all we know is that it'll be smaller than the current implementation, and inevitably require additional purchases in order to use. Additionally, the USB-IF stated the new standard would support USB On-The-Go, and will feature a "stainless steel shell" to reportedly yield "more than 10,000 insertion cycles" before your charging port is rendered completely inutile. No word on when to expect the ultra-diminutive port to start showing up on handsets, but look for it on the first mobile barely thicker than a credit card.[Via Mobileburn]
