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The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Peripheral of the Year
Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Peripheral of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Sunday, April 15th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Apple wireless Mighty Mouse, Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub, Logitech MX Revolution, Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD drive, Nintendo Wii remote, Verizon V640 ExpressCard EV-DO. %Poll-269%
Belkin's USB / iPod hubs neatly plug excess desk holes
Belkin's no stranger to innovative USB hubs, and the outfit seems to have struck gold again with its latest lineup of hole clogging USB / iPod hubs. In an attempt to plug those often unused desk holes which always seem to fall just out of reach when trying to route your myriad of cabling, Belkin's two- and three-inch In-Desk USB Hubs provide a nifty excuse to decorate your aging computer desk whilst adding some much needed (or wanted) functionality. Available in a slanted front-access edition or a flush-mounted version, each of the four-port USB hubs will run users $39.99 whenever Belkin decides to unleash 'em, and for the iPod owners in the house who've somehow avoided another docking solution, the $39.99 In-Desk Dock for iPod provides the obvious connection for syncing / charging while still neatly covering that gaping spot.[Via SciFi]
Belkin in desk iPod dock
This is a pretty nifty idea from Belkin, an in-desk iPod dock. Many desks these days come pre-drilled with holes, intended for cable management (e.g. the signal and power cables to your monitor). So Belkin apparently had the bright idea of a line of accessories that would actually fit into these holes. In addition to the iPod dock they also have a both a flat and an inclined 4-port USB hub, all "coming soon" for $39.99 each. And if you don't already have a hole in your desk, you can just drill a 3" one to work with these products. One apparent downside with the iPod dock, however, is that "iPod and universal wells [are] not included "[Via theappleblog]
Belkin replaces defective iPod remotes
After some Canadian customers reported technical issues with the remote control packaged with their Belkin TuneCommand AV units, Belkin started marking affected packages with information stickers and set up this page for Canadian customers to request a free replacement. If you purchased an affected product, use this form to submit your shipping information. Contrary to some rumors floating around the Internet, this is not a general offer for a free remote. It's meant only for Canadian customers affected by specific technical concerns.
Belkin showcases prototype PVP that engulfs your iPod video
We know, we're slightly bummed too that yesterday's brief "iPod" announcement wound up not being a beautiful hard drive-based widescreen video iPod, but nevertheless, a prototype shown at CES gives iPod video owners a glimpse at what big screen playback would actually look like. This Belkin creation was spotted by TechDigest, and aside from sleek, black enclosure, widescreen display, and gaping hole just begging for an iPod video to come on home, we don't much about it. Mimicking the design of so many portable DVD players already out, this PVP takes its cues not from an optical disc, but from a movie-playing Apple. The spies thought they overheard that the unit featured a rechargeable battery, which would make sense considering its portable nature, but couldn't confirm it. Of course, until Belkin actually decides to produce these things, it's likely a moot point anyway, but it sure looks sellable.
Belkin intros USB-powered laptop Cooling Stand
While it's easy to assume that most laptop stands will inevitably increase the airflow surrounding the case, therefore cooling your machine off somewhat, that's apparently just not enough for some of the lap burners on the market today. For those who just can't part with their searing machines, Belkin has unveiled a new Cooling Stand that purportedly prevents your laptop from overheating. Of course, if it literally takes a fan to curb an overheating problem, you might have something a bit more serious on your hands, but alas, this trendy white / silver riser sports a modern, slightly curved design with a fan located in the center of the unit. Its self-proclaimed "high-capacity blower" moves air out from under your lappie and is powered entirely by your USB port (the one not powering that USB seat cooler), so you can drain your already weak battery even more when trying to keep cool on the go. You can snag one of these wind machines late next month for $29.99.[Via TechDigest]
The Belkin Bluetooth Dock Adapter for iPod
Almost missed this one: Belkin announced a Bluetooth dock adapter for the iPod yesterday. The product's name? Why, it's the, uh, Belkin Bluetooth Dock Adapter for iPod, which more or less consists of an attachment for your iPod that can wirelessly stream audio to a pair of included speakers from up to 30 feet away (they describe it as turning your iPod into a "wireless remote"). Better still, it's compatible with all stereo Bluetooth devices, like A2DP headphones. Retails for $129.99.
Belkin Easy Transfer Cable helps you share between XP, Vista machines
Belkin's just come out with its Easy Transfer Cable, which we're guessing by the cryptic name allows you to, um, easily transfer stuff via the magic of USB. You plug one end into your XP machine, and another into your Vista box, and voilà, the bits start flying. Belkin claims that this eight-foot cable will transfer at speeds of up to 480Mbps (yep, that's standard USB 2.0, indeed), which translates to 30GB in an hour. Is this convenience worth a pair of Jacksons ($40)? We'll let you decide for yourself.
Belkin launches TuneStudio for iPod
Stop screwing around with mixing and recording in Garage Band, just pump 16-bit 44kHz sound right into your iPod with Belkin's new TuneStudio. A four-track XLR (with phantom power) mixer / recorder that uses your iPod as the medium, the TuneStudio also functions as a USB sound card so you can run audio in and out of your computer; you can snag your TuneStudio F9Z824 $179.99 for this summer.
Belkin TuneTalk ships with FauxPod
If you happen to find a Belkin TuneTalk Stereo under the menorah this week or under the tree next week, you might be a bit surprised when you open it, as I was -- for a moment I thought the Belkin-elves had mistakenly slipped a test iPod into the packaging, or possibly that my wife had connected hers to the TuneTalk while I wasn't looking.After the moment of mystery cleared, I was mildly impressed with the quality of the cardboard "FauxPod" that Belkin put in the package; presumably this is to let you know exactly where you can stick your TuneTalk. It's still a waste of space and paper, but at least it's an attractive one.[Not to keep you guessing: the real iPod is on the left, turned off.]
Belkin and Microsoft make nice, settle U2 lawsuit
No, we're not talking Apples and Apples here, nor does this have anything to do with Bono (nor the Edge, actually); rather, Belkin and Microsoft have finally made nice regarding Belkin's consistent use of Microsoft's "U2 technology," which allows keyboard and mice to detect what type of connection (USB or PS/2) is needed. While other accessory makers, namely Targus and Fellowes, have been paying Gates and Co. royalties for years to borrow said technology, Belkin has been resisting the pressure "for more than two years." Eventually the misalignment between companies came to blows, creating a lawsuit that suggested Belkin pay fees for using the detection technology in its third-party peripherals. The decision was settled when Belkin finally agreed to pay an undisclosed amount to the Redmond giant to continue using its patented U2 goodness, and both sides actually went so far as to say they were "pleased" with the outcome. C'mon folks, can't we just learn from this and all strive to get along?
Engadget's hands on with the Belkin Wireless USB hub
Sometimes I look at Engadget and think, 'Where do they get all those wonderful toys?' Yesterday Laurie let us know that the Belkin Cable-Free USB hub would be available for purchase sometime this month. Today the good people at Engadget have a hands on review of the thing. Check out the article for lots of unpacking pics, as well as some not so thrilling stats (the package claims it'll work up to 30 feet away from the dongle, but it would seem that in the real world that distance is much shorter).Is it worth $190? I'll let you decide that for yourself.
Hands-on with Belkin's Cable-Free USB Hub
So we snagged our lucky selves a Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub, one of the first ever wireless USB devices, as well as one of the first consumer Ultrawideband products. Luckily for us there wasn't a lot to test, but we can tell you this: the hub is small, the dongle is massive, and the speed and range aren't quite what they're cracked up to be. Click on for the usual unboxing, a load of high res product shots, shots and details on setup and performance. Hands-on with Belkin's Cable-Free USB Hub
Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub available for purchase this month
Belkin's award-winning wireless USB hub is finally expected to be available this month, after several delays. According to Belkin's press release earlier today, the Cable-Free USB Hub will be available for purchase mid-December, for $199 USD. We first told you about the Belkin Cable-Free USB hub back in January when they were demoing in at Macworld. It's a 4-port USB hub that uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, based on the Wisair chipset, and needs no drivers to deliver high rate, high quality transfers - up to 480Mbps for USB 2.0 devices - making it perfect for wireless streaming HD video and audio, as well as communicating with printers, scanners, cameras and other USB devices up to 30 feet away without being tethered to them. The only thing you're tethered to is a small USB dongle.The hub will launch in the US first, with launches in Asia, Europe, and Australia to follow "at an indefinite date, pending respective country's regulatory approvals."Yup, I still want one, despite the price jumping from $130 to $190. Bring it on, Belkin... Bring. It. On.
Belkin's Cable-Free USB Hub finally loosed
It's kind of hard to believe it's been nigh a year since we caught a glimpse at Belkin's (and the world's) first Ultrawideband product, the Cable-Free USB Hub. And yet here we are, rapidly approaching Christmas, and the kit and dongle are finally ready to go for $200 for a "mid-December" release (meaning retail rollout ASAP). They're claiming up to 480mbps as far as 30 feet away is how it'll perform (we'll see about that), with just PC support out of the gate.
Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub Wins Popular Science Award
Popular Science magazine has awarded Belkin's Cable-Free USB Hub one of its 100 "Best of What's New" awards, along with other cool gear like Logitech's MX Revolution, the Optimus Mini Three keyboard, among others. The Cable-Free USB Hub was due out in the spring but has been delayed several times due to a change in their chipset manufacturer (their original supplier got out of the cable-free biz altogether). The ETA is now December 2006 and the price, originally stated to be $129, is now up to $199. Let's just hope they actually get this thing out the door before the sparkly ball drops in Times Square and the price doesn't keep edging up because I really want one of these and as much as I love Belkin's products and continued innovation, I am getting a little tired of their "announce early, ship late, price high" track record.
Belkin announces TuneBase, TunePower, and slew of cases for Zune
While Griffin hems and haws about unleashing an expected bevy of accessories for Microsoft's forthcoming PMP, Belkin's not making any bones about its intentions to deliver a fleshed-out set of Zune-specific add-ons. Up first is the $79.99 TuneBase FM Transmitter, which doesn't stray too far from its iPod-friendly counterpart, and sports a (probably unnecessary) 3.5-millimeter line-out for times when those FM signals just aren't cutting it. It also touts a "flexible steel neck" for easy in-car positioning, large LCD display, and three memory presets. In case the 12-14 hours of audio playback isn't longevous enough for you, the TunePower will reportedly extend the playtime of your Zune "by up to six hours," and add an additional bulge on its rear as well. Additionally, the device acts as a kickstand for portable video viewing as well as a protective case, and the $59.99 pricetag also buys you a separate AC adapter for charging. Sure to be amongst the hoard of similar alternatives are a few uninspiring $29.99 case offerings, including an Acrylic flavor, "Folio Kickstand," Holster Case, Neoprene Armband / Case, Sports Jacket Armband / Case, and the obligatory $14.99 ClearScreen overlay to safeguard that scratch-prone LCD. Belkin's assortment of cases are slated to hit in "mid-November," while the FM transmitter and extended battery pack will land just before the month's end.
Belkin announces TuneStage II and TuneCast 3
Consumer electronics are a lot like movies: once you've got a hot property on your hands, you gotta keep cranking out the sequels. Accessories manufacturer Belkin is well aware of this truism, and has just updated two of its popular products -- the TuneStage and TuneCast -- to versions II and 3, respectively (yeah, we're not sure what's up with the sporadic use of Roman numerals either). As you probably recall, the original TuneStage was a $180 Bluetooth setup consisting of an iPod-mounted transmitter and corresponding base station with audio outs; basically, it's like a short-range wireless dock for pumping your tunes to a home theater system, although the transmitter will also work with A2DP-compliant headphones. The TuneStage II steps up the game by sporting Bluetooth 2.0-certified radios, which promise to give you better audio quality, less interference, and lower power consumption -- all for less dough than v1.0, as this model will be priced at $150 when it's released next month. Next up, and much less exciting, is the $50 TuneCast III FM transmitter, which does the same thing as every other device in this category but throws in a digital display and a pair of hard-button presets. Like the new TuneStage, this model will also be dropping in November, just in time for our friends over in the UK to actually make use of it legally.Read- TuneStage IIRead- TuneCast 3[Via iLounge]
Belkin unveils ExpressCard Notebook Expansion Dock
If you're tired of seeing those poor excuses for universal docks that connect via USB 2.0 -- most of which can't even export video without bringing your machine to a grinding halt -- you'll be elated to know that Belkin has upped the ante on the lackluster alternatives with its Notebook Expansion Dock. This device provides the extra USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet jack, and stereo inputs / outputs you've come to know and love, but steps it up in the A / V department where other units simply can't find the bandwidth to compete. By interfacing with your laptop via the oh-so-speedy ExpressCard slot, this universal dock "quadruples" the amount of available bandwidth compared to the sluggish USB 2.0 offerings, and boasts an impressive "2.0Gbps of throughput" for your media-centric needs. By relocating the bottleneck, the device can push full-motion video through its DVI or VGA ports at an unparalleled 1,600 x 1,200 resolution, channel 5.1 surround sound through the Toslink digital output, and operate peripherals connected to any of the five USB 2.0 connectors -- all while allowing your mouse cursor to function sans jerkiness. Windows XP users (sorry, Mac brethren) that aren't reserving that zippy ExpressCard slot for some other gizmo can pick up the Notebook Expansion Dock for $199.99.[Via PocketLint]
Belkin launches SportCommand wearable iPod remote
If you're the type of person whose life resembles a Mountain Dew commercial, then there's probably been more than one occasion when you've foolishly tried to fiddle with your iPod's controls while doing something very dangerous at a very high rate of speed. Well since you're (hopefully) not reading this from a hospital bed, luck has apparently been on your side so far, but instead of tempting fate yet again during your next x-treme sporting expedition, Belkin hopes that you'll keep it safe with its new SportCommand remote. The weather-resistant, big-buttoned arm band features an adjustable Velcro strap for use with even the bulkiest snowboarding or Starter jacket, and sends your commands to a compatible iPod equipped with the included receiver (all 'Pods will work save for non-click wheel and, obviously, Shuffle varieties). Sure you could get the same functionality from an Audex jacket or the iSuit, but Burton charges an arm and a leg for its gear and you'd look pretty silly skydiving in a two-piece suit. Look for the SportCommand at your favorite iPod retailer (i.e. any store in America) sometime in November -- when it'll set you back $80 -- and keep reading for an x-treme close-up shot...[Via TUAW]
