Skip to Content

Learn about Chevy's new hybrid from AutoblogGreen!
AOL Tech

Posts with tag usb

SuperSpeed USB 3.0 spec officially released, first chipset demonstrated


It's been nearly a year since we first saw the USB 3.0 connector make an appearance at CES, and after months of corporate infighting, spec-polishing, and technical navel-gazing, the future of consumer peripheral connectivity is here -- in the form of complete specifications and a demo. Yeah, so maybe SuperSpeed USB isn't making the most dramatic entrance ever, but hey, it doesn't have to with 4.8Gbps transfer speeds, improved power management, and backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 along for the ride. As expected, the first wave of devices won't hit until 2010, but Symwave's giving attendees of this week's SuperSpeed conference a taste of tomorrow with a demo of the Quasar USB 3.0 chipset, which is targeted at "sync-and-go" devices like phones and media players. Sounds lovely -- now if you'll excuse us, we have to go back to mourning the death of FireWire 400.

[Via Gearlog]

Read - SuperSpeed USB 3.0 spec released
Read - Symwave demos first USB 3.0 physical layer device

Lenovo's ThinkPad USB Portable Secure hard drive will make you look, feel more important than you are


This anonymous, yet nefarious looking device -- Lenovo's ThinkPad USB Portable Secure Hard Drive -- has a passcode system that uses a physical keypad (see photo), which should be handy for you always on-the-go, James Bond types. In fact, the tiny unit (3 x 5-inches), which is designed to pair up with ThinkPad laptops, can have up to 10 unique user IDs, and an admin account, enabling the whole family to be in on the encrypting-action. We hear the "Vault" (as they like to call it) will be available by month's end, and that the 160GB model will be $180, while the 320GB will run $219. All we need to do now is find some data worth protecting...

[Via I4U News]

Atlona's AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter answers an age-old prayer

Okay, so maybe Atlona Technologies' latest whiz-bang adapter isn't that awesome, but then again, it's pretty awesome. The AT-HDPiX USB-to-HDMI adapter does precisely what it says by enabling any PC / digital signage display to accept an HDMI cable so long as a USB 2.0 socket is currently unoccupied. The device supports resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 (or 720p), and because it takes audio from a 3.5-millimeter stereo jack rather than through the USB port, the full bandwidth of the USB connection is reserved for high-def video. Expect this miracle worker to start shipping next month for $179.

Belkin Switch-to-Mac Cable automatically switches you to Mac, gives you a high-five


PC-to-Mac USB file-transfer cables and migration utilities have been out for a while, but Belkin's out today with a new take on the idea it says makes the transition "as seamless as possible." We're guessing that has more to do with the Switch-to-Mac Cable's bundled software than the dongle itself -- Belkin's custom Migration Assistant (not the OS X assistant) automatically transfers your media, files, and internet prefs, leaving you free to try on mock turtlenecks and practice your air of quiet superiority. Should be out soon for $50.

Crapgadget: how to ruin a gift-giving experience edition


Especially in North and South Dakota, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Disgustingly, that also means that the onslaught of horrifically crappy gadgets to celebrate the occasion are making their way out in full force. In this episode of the world's lamest excuse for gadgets, we see a smattering of gizmos that you should never -- under any circumstance -- give to anyone you love (or like, or don't loathe). On the other hand, these are all perfect for gifting someone you aren't particularly fond of. Check out the catastrophes below, and toss in your vote for most pathetic in the handy poll down there.

Read - USB animal hand warmer / massager
Read - Ornament ball digital photo frame
Read - Santa stocking USB drive
Read - Dog mat mouse pad
Read - Banana peeling simulator
Read - Santa / Snowman digiframes

Crapgadget: how to ruin a gift-giving experience edition

Blue Microphone presents the Icicle XLR to USB audio interface


To be honest, we were a little skeptical when we first saw Blue Microphone's Icicle. Isn't the USB audio adapter a little played out? But after a quick look at the specs our inner audiophiles came away quite interested. This XLR-to-USB audio interface offers 48V phantom power, an analog preamp with gain control and it should work with any of your favorite XLR mics. At 16-bit / 44.1kHz sound quality this device isn't going to replace any of your serious studio gear, but if you ever find yourself looking for a quick and easy way to grab audio with a condenser mic (and who hasn't?) this should do the trick nicely. Available sometime in December for a suggested retail price of $60.

USB Digital Endoscope: you will see what you want to see


USB Fever has a real eye-opening item on offer: the USB Digital Endoscope. While they claim this product is for "medical" uses, looking at it, it strikes us as an unlikely candidate for actual, legitimate endoscopy. Luckily, the seller offers a helpful slew of other suggested uses, including forensics, tinkering, industrial inspection, science education, serial number identification, unicorn hunting, and crime scene investigation. You can order it now for $139.99 and it'll supposedly be shipped out the week of November 17th. Oh, and Mac users -- go ahead and get indignant -- this instrument is compatible only with Windows and Linux.

[Via Book of Joe]

Datamore Porté HDD enclosure gives your data funk and flair


The handsome devil pictured above is the Porté, available in Korea from Datamore. This sleek, stylish HDD enclosure is sure to make you the envy of your neighbors and a hero to your family -- not only because it allows you to increase your storage options via handy USB or eSATA, but because it looks so sleek and sexy doing so. And who could resist an enclosure that offers such easy access to the hard drive? Of course there's a catch: this bad boy is not currently available Stateside. Sorry to break your heart. If you hit the read link, however, there are plenty of large, colorful glamor shots to help you ease the pain.

USB 3.0 specification to be formally unveiled this month

We've already got the controller specs, now we just need the full-on protocol specs. Speaking at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference in Los Angeles, USB-IF president Jeff Ravencraft reportedly stated that he expects the "final specifications to be made public on November 17," and given that said day will mark the opening of the SuperSpeed USB Developers Conference in San Jose, we'd say it all jibes pretty well. Now, how many months will we have to wait before manufacturers can actually get the hasty new ports into machines?

Wireless USB startup WiQuest shuts down, leaves the standard in limbo

Let's be honest -- Wireless USB has never been much more than an afterthought. Sure, we've seen it pop up on a few laptops and USB hard drives, but it's never grabbed hold the way that, say, Bluetooth or WiFi has. On top of that, the underlying technology behind WUSB (that'd be Ultra-Wideband, or UWB) has yet to find favor in the market, with the surging WHDI stealing most of the limelight in the wireless HD arena. At any rate, one of the (only) companies keeping Wireless USB alive has kicked the bucket, as startup WiQuest officially shut its doors after being unable to concoct a "one-chip solution that was capable of delivering the upper-band support necessary for worldwide acceptance." Granted, Wireless USB isn't quite six feet under, but it's safe to say one foot is planted in the proverbial grave.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

iPhone gains battery life, camera flash, loses sex appeal with FastMac's iV

Why yes, FastMac -- we want 24 hours of talk time, 72 of audio, 20 of video, and 31 days of standby on our iPhones and iPhone 3Gs. Throw in a camera flash that doubles as a flashlight, and the ability to charge a USB device like a Bluetooth headset right off the phone, and you've got a deal on this iV charging kit of yours! Oh, there's a catch? It's a wee bit bulky, with an aesthetic similar to that of mophie's Juice Pack? Hey, it could be worse. This largification -- along with $79.50 -- is apparently the price you pay for digital endurance.

[Via Macworld]

USB Port is neither USB nor Port, just amazing


With the word "Port" now restricted to use by Portuguese wine makers and kin, California-based Peltier Station was forced to come up with this bit of inspirational naming for its dessert wine: USB. Look closely and you'll see that the binary tree actually translates to "Peltier Station" with roots sinking deep into the universally recognized symbol (in Nerdistan) of the USB port. Who cares how it tastes, the packaging from 6 West Design is pure genius. Backside front after the break.

[Via eRobertParker, thanks Paul M.]

Kenwood's Prodino gets good marks for storage options, not so much for price


The name of this portable digital audio system is partly derived from the Italian word for "great," and we're hoping it's an accurate descriptor, because at a likely price of ¥45,000 ($462) plus another ¥12,600 ($129) for an iPod docking station, this thing isn't as affordable (or stylish, for that matter) as previous products we've looked at. The Prodino (less sexily known as the CORE-A55) tries to earn the price tag by supporting not only USB but up to 32GB of storage on SD or microSD -- perfect for that slotMusic collection you wasted your money on. With speaker output at only 10W each, though, we're thinking a little shopping will find you a more attractive alternative.

[Via Impress]

EasyBloom USB stake sensor now shipping, plants celebrate


Well, wouldn't you know it? That PlantSense prototype we peeked around this time two years ago has seemingly found the fundage to start up production, and at long last the revamped product is available for you to purchase. Now christened EasyBloom, this USB stake sensor analyzes important data when stuck in soil for 24 hours, after which it uploads the data to your PC (via USB) for determining whether or not a flower / tree / etc. should be planted there. Additionally, it can "diagnose what is wrong with an ailing plant," and it can even dole out a recommended list of which plants would be suitable for your environment. Sure, $59.99 may seem like a lot of green to toss out for something such as this, but it sure beats purchasing new flora every fortnight after you murder yet another round.

Crapgadget: not-even-suitable-for-gag-gifts edition


We all know the holiday season is coming up, but even if you're on the hunt for a gag gift for your fav-o-rite prankster, we can't not recommend the following turds enough. Up first is the absolutely unbelievable Night Sweat Alarm watch, which actually wakes you up if it detects that you're perspiring. Why? Legend has it that no one knows. Moving on, we've got the USB Volcano -- a perfect mix of your first-grade science project and your college-era infatuation with all things USB. Things start to get really absurd when viewing the self-explanatory Glass of Milk Light and the Retro Handy Handset, but even those are potentially topped in stupidity by the Air Flow Mouse and cake-shaped USB drives. Have a look at each below before casting your vote, but keep that barf bag handy.

Read - Sweat Alarm watch
Read - USB Volcano
Read - Glass of Milk Light
Read - Retro Handy Handset
Read - Air Flow Mouse
Read - Cake-shaped USB drive

Crapgadget: not-even-suitable-for-gag-gift edition




AOL News

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in: