UsbPlug
Latest
Double USB concept ends your fear of USB plug rejection
Maybe there are greater aggravations in your life, but the symmetrical-on-the-outside, asymmetrical-on-the-inside USB connector has been a source of frustration since its introduction. To combat the problem of USB plug rejection, Ma Xi Xuan has developed the Double USB connector that works right side up or upside down thanks to twin spring-loaded plastic connectors on its interior. The design seems more robust than previous solutions we've seen, but sadly the switch-hitting plug is only a design exercise at this point. We can only hope that company will exercise some common sense and make these plugs a reality. Tomorrow works for us.
Samsung Galaxy Tab to have HDMI dock, leather case, and other sideshow trinkets
We're starting to think Samsung has given up the pretense of keeping the Galaxy Tab's details secret and is letting them all out now. Accessories for its upcoming 7-inch Android tablet have been spotted on one of Sammy's many online portals, complete with pricing. The headline act here will be that "table charging station" on the top left, which happens to have a neat set of HDMI and audio output ports, making the Tab a quirky but viable choice for pumping movies into your HDTV. It's said to be priced at €54 ($69), which we might consider expensive if it wasn't for the keyboard peripheral costing €82 ($105). The relative bargain of the set is the leather case that doubles as a stand, asking for only €41 ($52).
Infinite USB plug is a big idea for small conveniences
In a classic case of "why didn't we think of this first," Chinese design student Gonglue Jiang has shown us a new way for overcoming the limitations imposed by the scarcity of USB ports on some computers. Instead of forcing you to constantly hot swap devices into that one port, Gonglue's Infinite USB plugs keep all your cables connected, thereby facilitating those smartphone syncs, spy camera recharges, and -- for the ultimate irony -- maybe even a USB hub. If you're thinking this would be brought down by a bout of bandwidth starvation once you start some USB multitasking, you're probably right, but power shortages shouldn't be an issue as the author has also come up with an external power connector that joins into his Infinite chain of connectivity. If only this wasn't just a concept.
Brighton's colorful line of lilliputian USB chargers
In case you haven't noticed, we've got a thing for gizmos that serve their purpose without being unnecessarily large, so it's easy to understand why Brighton's diminutive USB chargers are just so darn irresistible. These things do one thing (and one thing well), and that is to transmit juice from the AC outlet into whatever USB-connected device you choose to plug in. The adapters are available in green, orange, pink and yellow hues, weigh just 30-grams apiece and are set to go on sale next week. Sadly, we've yet to be clued in on pricing details, but we can't imagine these things putting a strain on the budget or anything.
