Intel promotes Wireless USB 1.1 and USB 3.0
Permalink: Intel promotes Wireless USB 1.1 and USB 3.0
Although the first wireless USB products have only just started shipping, Intel has already started working on Wireless USB 1.1.
The new standard refines the protocol and improves its efficiency. It moves wireless USB’s operating frequency to 6Ghz and above, as well as supporting the 3-4Ghz bands of WUSB 1.0.
The new specification is [...]
UPEK announces USB fingerprint reader for Macs
Permalink: UPEK announces USB fingerprint reader for Macs
UPEK’s Eikon Digital Privacy Manager, which has previously been available for PCs, now supports Mac systems.
The USB-powered, biometric device reads fingerprints to provide authorised users access to password-protected applications.
After logging on, Mac users can unlock keychain, unlock secure preferences at admin-level settings, unlock file vault to decrypt home folders and unlock the screen [...]
Pinnacle USB 2.0 device captures video for Macs
Permalink: Pinnacle USB 2.0 device captures video for Macs
Pinnacle Systems Inc has released Pinnacle Video Capture for Mac, a USB 2.0 device which makes it easy to convert videos and other recorded content from any analog source, to formats compatible with Macs, iPods, iPhones or Apple TVs.
The device plugs into a Mac’s USB 2.0 or 1.1 port, enabling high-quality video streaming directly [...]
Brando ships USB flash card MP3 player
Permalink: Brando ships USB flash card MP3 player
Brando’s super thin USB Flash Card provides 2GB of storage and is also an MP3 player.
The card is slightly larger than a credit-card, at 85.5 x 54 x 4.5 mm, so can easily be carried around in a wallet, ensuring that important data is always available. It weighs just 20 grams.
The card simply plugs [...]
Micro-USB is standard for new mobile handsets
Permalink: Micro-USB is standard for new mobile handsets
The Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) has agreed that micro-USB should be the standard for mobile phone connections.
The OMTP includes network operators, and manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG.
The OMTP has also recommended that Micro-USB port should be used to stream media including SD and HDTV; connect to a [...]
3 UK’s USB HSDPA Modems sold out in 3 Weeks
Permalink: 3 UK’s USB HSDPA Modems sold out in 3 Weeks
3 UK has sold out of the first allocation of its 3.5G USB modems within three weeks of the product going on sale on 4 September.
3’s Mobile Broadband offer was more successful than expected, and the company is working hard to meet demand.
The private-branded Huawei E220 USB modem offers a maximum speed of [...]
Belkin Network USB Hub now shipping
Permalink: Belkin Network USB Hub now shipping
Belkin has started to ship the ‘Network USB Hub’ (code: F5L009uk), an innovative home and office networking product.
The hub plugs directly into an existing wireless rounter, allowing multiple printers, hard drives and other peripherals to be shared by all the computers on a network. It has five ports, allowing five devices can be shared, [...]
USB 3.0 Specification to be released in 2008
Permalink: USB 3.0 Specification to be released in 2008
The USB 3.0 specification will be released in the first half of 2008, Pat Gelsinger, general manager of Intel’s Digital Enterprise Group revealed in a speech at the Intel Developer Forum.
Intel is a member of the USB 3.0 Promoter Group, which is creating a faster version of the Universal Serial Bus connection technology. Other [...]
LucidPort introduces second wireless USB chip
Permalink: LucidPort introduces second wireless USB chip
US-based semiconductor manufacturer, LucidPort Technology, has revealed its second wireless USB chip. The L802 general purpose controller chip is based on the USB Implementer Forum’s Certified Wireless USB standard.
The L802 uses WiMedia UWB technology to interoperate with other UWB and Certified Wireless USB devices, at transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps.
Although the chip [...]
Evatronix announces USB subplatforms
Permalink: Evatronix announces USB subplatforms
Evatronix SA has announced the availability of its pre-integrated USB subplatforms, which are designed to help implement applications using full speed (12 Mb/s) or high speed (480Mb/s) USB connections.
The USB subplatforms make it easy for USB connectivity to be designed into System on Chips, for use in mass storage, audio-video communication and other applications. [...]
Logitech introduces AudioHub
Permalink: Logitech introduces AudioHub
Logitech has launched AudioHub - a 2.1 speaker system for notebooks which incorporates a three-in-one USB hub.
AudioHub comprises a three-chamber speaker set with integrated subwoofer for surround sound playback of digital audio, together with three high-speed USB ports, powered by one USB output which plugs into a computer.
The compact system is designed to fit behind [...]
Buffalo adds TurboUSB technology to hard drives
Permalink: Buffalo adds TurboUSB technology to hard drives
Buffalo Technology has added exclusive TurboUSB technology to its MiniStation and DriveStation USB 2.0 hard drives.
The technology significantly increases the speed of file transfers and enhances performance.
Buffalo’s MiniStation and DriveStation drives provide lightweight storage solutions that are ideal for mobile users.
The TurboUSB MiniStation is a portable, shock-resistant USB 2.0 attached external hard drive which, [...]
Apacer releases Vista compatible high-speed USB flash drive
Permalink: Apacer releases Vista compatible high-speed USB flash drive
Taiwan-based digital storage specialist, Apacer Technology, has started to distribute its Handy Steno AH421 4GB USB drive, which can swivel almost flush against a computer chassis, reducing the risk of the drive being accidentally pulled out.
The Handy Steno AH421 4GB, which retails for around $85, is the world’s first blade-shaped flash drive, which not [...]
Iogear wireless USB hub now available
Permalink: Iogear wireless USB hub now available
Iogear has started to ship its GUWH104KIT wireless USB hub and adapter, which it announced in June 2006. The device can help eliminate wiring in the home without compromising transfer speeds and performance.
The hub will pair wired USB connections with the ability to send information wirelessly across short distances.
The product comprises a router [...]
Sony to issue patch for ‘rootkit’ USB drives
Permalink: Sony to issue patch for ‘rootkit’ USB drives
Following security concerns about Sony’s Micro Vault USB thumb drives, the company plans to issue a patch which will remove software installed by the device.
Security firm F-Secure found that the Sony MicroVault USM-F fingerprint reader software, which comes with the USB thumb drives, installs a hidden directory under Windows.
The directory is designed to protect [...]
Charge gadgets on-the-go with Philips USB charger
Permalink: Charge gadgets on-the-go with Philips USB charger
Philips has announced new Power2Charge and Power2Go chargers which should make it easier to charge multiple devices. The new products are part of Philips’ Power4Life line.
The flagship SCM7880 plugs into an AC outlet on the wall and has a USB and mini USB port to charge electronic devices such as a phone or MP3 [...]
Vulnerability could affect Sony USB sticks
Permalink: Vulnerability could affect Sony USB sticks
Researchers from security companies F-Secure and McAfee have discovered that file-cloaking software in high-end Sony memory sticks could make computers vulnerable to hackers.
According to Finnish security software company F-Secure, Sony’s Micro Vault USB memory stick includes software that creates a hidden directory on the computer’s hard drive, a technique also used by a “root [...]