Transcend JetFlash V20 USB Drive with 16GB and 32GB Storage launched

Transcend has introduced the new JetFlash V20 in 16GB and 32GB capacities. This elegant drive has a huge capacity, in which users can store their files, music, digital photos, and even full-length HDTV movies.

For added advantage, both the 16GB as well as the 32GB JetFlash V20 versions come along with Transcend’s JetFlash elite software suite that can be installed to run directly from the JetFlash drive when user plugs it in. This software includes attributes such as Website AutoLogin, PC-Lock, Mobile Favorites, Secret-Zip, DataBackup, Online Update.

Microsoft missing the cloud with Windows on a USB stick

Manufacturers and software developers increasingly see portable computing in our future. Thin clients and public terminals that draw personal settings from remote profiles are one approach, and the portable app movement spearheaded by SanDisk's U3 technology and flash drives is another. Riffing off SanDisk's concept of "bring it all with you," reports now say that Microsoft is extending SanDisk's approach to the rest of Windows with a new "StartKey" product. By the end of the year, StartKey portable flash drives could store a user's Windows profile, applications, and settings, or even an entire bootable installation.

Microsoft's plan is to provide a complete suite of tools for consumers and developers to help push the portable computing paradigm into the mainstream. In addition to USB flash drives, StartKey technology could work on other flash memory types like SD cards, or any other new storage format of the week. An SDK will be provided to developers so they can enable their own applications to plug into the platform and go portable.

While U3 currently allows users to bring apps like Firefox on a USB keychain, including all their bookmarks, passwords, and history, Microsoft's SmartKey would extend this same functionality to the rest of Windows. Users will be able to bring their desktop wallpaper, applications, contacts, data, and preferences on a flash storage device and turn any compatible Windows machine into their own personal workspace.

Corsair Announces New 16GB 'GT' High Performance USB 2.0 Flash Drive at CEBIT 2008

Corsair GT USB Drive Provides Up To 4X Faster Transfer Speeds than Standard USB Drives

Fremont, CA, February 28, 2008 - Corsair® http://www.corsair.com, a worldwide leader in high performance computer and flash memory products, announced a new 16GB high performance "GT" Flash Voyager USB 2.0 drive. The new Corsair 16GB GT Flash Voyager USB drive will be debuted at the CeBIT 2008 Show next week in Hanover, Germany on Corsair's stand (Booth 40 in Hall 21).

High Performance USB Solutions for Transporting & Backing-up Critical Data

The new Flash Voyager GT USB drive provides data transfer rates that are up to 4X faster than standard USB 2.0 drives. Whether transporting office files, pictures or even full-length movies, you can "store-n-go" faster with the Corsair GT USB line. The drive has been optimized to take full advantage of its advanced flash controller technology as well as the screened and hand-selected NAND flash chips.

Mouser – Development platform for Vinculum embedded USB host designs

The FTDI V-EVAL hardware development platform for Vinculum VNC1L-based embedded USB host designs is now stocked by Mouser following a distribution deal with its manufacturer Future Technology Devices International Limited (FTDI) a leading supplier of silicon and software solutions for the Universal Serial Bus (USB).

Supplied as a complete kit, the platform includes the V-EVAL development board, power supply, USB A/B cable, and a USB gender change for use with USB slave applications. A downloadable human interface class (HID) example project for PIC, in C language, is also available.

The board provides two USB host / slave ports and multiple I/O port connectors, as well as an inbuilt Vinculum USB device programmer, terminal emulator, and command monitor. In addition to the USB ports, board connectors provide access to the UART, SPI, and FIFO interfaces.? Five user-programmable switches, five user-programmable LEDs, and five status LEDs are included with PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors. To ease circuit design, a large array of 800 0.1-inch pitch holes is provided. This prototyping area can be used to add additional components to the board for testing complete designs.

Fingerprint-Protected USB Sticks Cracked

"Manufacturers of USB sticks and cards with fingerprint readers promise us that their data safes can only be opened with the right fingerprint. In their tests, heise Security found that it is easy to bypass the authentication and get access to the protected data. This works by sending a single USB command, using the open source tool PLscsi, that changes the accessible partition. They found the vulnerability in several USB sticks that use the same chipset. The article concludes: 'The fingerprint sensors in the products mentioned above apparently only serve one purpose: they mislead interested buyers. They do not provide any significant level of protection. We can only recommend that these products not be purchased.'"

Single Board Computer includes 8 GB USB solid-state drive.

Based on 1.4 GHz PowerPC MPC7448 processor, 6U single-slot VME Model C108 is intended for military embedded applications. Soldered USB SSD features integral disk controller for high-speed USB port data transfers, and provides automatic wear leveling and auto block management. In addition to 1 GB ECC-protected fast SDRAM, C108 features 128 MB Flash, 32 MB of Boot Flash, and up to 4 GB of high-density Flash memory. Unit also includes GigE port, 2 Fast Ethernet ports, and 16 discrete I/O channels.
 

Pocket PC Tech’s Lil’ Sync USB Mobile Power Pack

The other day I took my IPAQ hx2415 out of my bag and it wouldn’t turn on because I had inadvertently allowed the battery to get too low. I was disappointed that I would not be able to use my Pocket PC that day until I remembered that I had the Lil’ Sync USB Mobile Power Pack in my gadget bag.

Pocket PC Tech’s Lil’ Sync USB Mobile Power Pack is a fairly simple little gizmo that packs a powerful punch. One end of the Power Pack has a mini USB port that is used to charge up its 4400 mA capacity Li-Ion battery and the other end of it has a standard USB port that is used to power a mobile device. On the front are three indicator lights and an on/off switch.

WD Introduces USB Drives

WD introduced its new My Passport Essential Portable USB Drives. Redesigned to complement WD’s popular My Book family of external drives, the drives introduce a sleek new form that feels good in your hand and fits neatly in a pocket or purse. Available now at select retailers across India the new My Passport Essential USB Drives feature a beautiful glossy black finish and put almost a third of a terabyte of digital storage in the palm of your hand.

Weighing in at less than 5 ounces, My Passport Essential Drives are light and compact to carry and because they are bus powered, they do not need an external power adapter. Equipped with sync and encryption software (Windows-compatible only), this lightweight drive with mega-capacity makes it easy to securely carry thousands of songs, or videos or photos.

WD Sync software allows consumers to take desktop content with them by simplifying the synchronization of essential personal files and Microsoft Outlook data on a PC. Should owners misplace the drive, they know their data is protected with 128-bit encryption. Google software on the drive allows users to quickly locate files with the Google Desktop Search search tool, manage photos with Picasa photo organizer software and simplify Web searches with the Google Toolbar search bar.

USB drive crackdown by US agency

Workers in the state of Washington's Division of Child Support are to get state-owned USB flash drives as part of a move to eliminate the use of unsanctioned thumb drives.

External flash drives used by field workers hold the names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of children served by the agency. They may also hold client tax documents, employer records, criminal histories and passport data.

The state began rolling out 200 SanDisk Cruzer drives late last year after recalling suspect devices used by workers in the agency's 10 field offices. Most of those had been purchased independently by employees, causing myriad problems for the agency, said Brian Main, the division's data security officer.

Western Digital rolls out colorful new My Passport Elite USB hard drives

Western Digital has never been one to skimp on color choices for its portable hard drives, and it now busted out the crayons yet again for its new batch of My Passport Elite USB drives. Available in bronze, titanium, westminster blue and cherry red, the drives each boast a "soft-touch finish" to keep 'em from slipping out of your hands, and weigh in at a mere 5 ounces. You'll also get a built-in capacity gauge to let you know how much space you have left, as well as the usual back-up software and security measures. If that sounds like the drive you've been looking for, you can grab a 250GB model now for $170, or move on up to a 320GB drive for an even $200.
 

ATEN's new Multimedia-aware KVMs introduce USB ports and more

KVMs are set to take on a bigger role as ATEN International's recent releases point to. The KVM manufacturer has released a KVM switch which also controls other peripherals as well and introduces audio ports.

The CS1732B and CS1734B are aimed at the SOHO users and allow up to four computers to be controlled from a single keyboard, mouse and monitor.

The solution is also compatible with legacy PS2 ports and USB devices as well as offering 2-port USB ports to which peripherals will be connected like printers, VoIP phones or even Webcams.

It also opens the way for potential KVM hacks since the USB ports will have direct access to the KVM.

KVMs are essential devices if you want to build a multi-monitor setup (like the one which we evaluated here).

They also have front LEDs and support widescreen resolutions.

Both KVMs are compatible with Sun and Mac Keyboards and support Linux and Vista; they also come with lifetime firmware upgrade service and are available for less than £85 + VAT

Walletex USB MediCard is thin, contains medical records

Walletex, whose already thrown its hat into the MP3-player ring is ready to tackle another item much in need of a digital upgrade — medical records. The closest the medical-record industry has gotten to technology is motorized shelving units that rotate the thousands upon thousands folders to help clerks get at them. The Walletex MediCard is looking to attack the paper-heavy medical-record industry by completely digitizing your information.

The MediCard appears to be an ID card at first, but it also contains a USB dongle that includes all of your medical records. The thin size allows it to be carried anywhere in case a medical emergency were to randomly arise.

This kind of a device does have its downsides. What if you lose your MediCard? Not only would the world know that you have hemorrhoids, but you would be without all of your medical records, at least until you buy a new MediCard.

Walletex USB MediCard is thin, contains medical records

Walletex, whose already thrown its hat into the MP3-player ring is ready to tackle another item much in need of a digital upgrade — medical records. The closest the medical-record industry has gotten to technology is motorized shelving units that rotate the thousands upon thousands folders to help clerks get at them. The Walletex MediCard is looking to attack the paper-heavy medical-record industry by completely digitizing your information.

The MediCard appears to be an ID card at first, but it also contains a USB dongle that includes all of your medical records. The thin size allows it to be carried anywhere in case a medical emergency were to randomly arise.

This kind of a device does have its downsides. What if you lose your MediCard? Not only would the world know that you have hemorrhoids, but you would be without all of your medical records, at least until you buy a new MediCard.

TI Launches High-Speed USB 2.0 On-The-Go Solution

TUSB6020 acts either as a function controller for a USB peripheral or as the host/peripheral in point-to-point or multipoint communications. Its idle mode operating at less than 100uA will extend battery life in consumer devices, such as mobile handsets, portable media players or video applications.

 

The TUSB6020 is a compact solution for space-conscious equipment and comes in the industry's smallest 5 mm x 5 mm package. It is compliant with the USB 2.0 OTG specification by the USB Implementer's Forum to help ensure interoperability with other USB devices.

 

In addition, the device integrated USB 2.0 PHY provides design flexibility with one-port operation at a low speed of 1.5 Mbps, full speed of 12 Mbps and high speed of 480 Mbps. The VLYNQ serial interface allows seamless interface to any VLYNQ-enabled application processor without loading the GPMC or EMIF ports.

USB Security System for $100

If you've got a problem getting your iPod stolen or just want a great way to secretly film your roommate check out this DVR security system from Swann Communications.

The DVR Guardian hooks up to a USB port and records live from up to 4 cameras directly to your hard drive. The $99 package comes with 2 cameras.

Check it out and get recording. You could be a viral video star! Press release after the cut.

 

Swann Introduces Notebook Computer Based Surveillance System

New USB 2.0 DVR Guardian™ converts any notebook computer into a digital video recording surveillance system 

Santa Fe Springs, Calif. – (March 27, 2008) – Swann Communications, the global leader in security monitoring solutions, is proud to announce their latest innovation in DIY security: USB 2.0 DVR Guardian™. This compact, portable system turns any notebook computer into an advanced surveillance system capable of monitoring any home, office or retail space.
 

Transcend Launches 16GB JetFlash V85

Transcend Information, a manufacturer of flash memory products, has launched the 16GB JetFlash V85 in India. With its sleek and refined compact zinc-alloy body, the JetFlash V85 measures just 49.5mm long by 15.8mm wide and is 7.4mm thin. The JetFlash V85 has up to 16GB of storage space and comes bundled with Transcend's JetFlash elite software package.
 

 

Commenting on the launch, Austin Huang, regional head, sales, SAARC and APAC, Transcend, said, "USB flash drives have become ubiquitous today because of their ease of use, small size, reliability and cost-effectiveness. However, the users have an impending need for enhanced storage capacity as they like to carry around all their personal and office documents, music, images and videos for easy sharing and reliable accessibility. Transcend's new JetFlash V85 will cater to this requirement with its huge capacity of 16GB and classy look."

Shred Your Papers By USB Power

I think computer geeks just try to see what they can get to run off of USB, regardless of how pointless it is. Sure, a USB rocket launcher is pretty cool, provided you can build up your skills in aiming the darn thing (and your pets or co-workers don’t destroy your rockets), but the USB coffee warmer seems a bit extraneous to me – shouldn’t we be keeping potentially damaging liquids away from our computers?

Somewhere in between the useless and the cool lies the USB paper shredder, brought to my attention by DVICE. Powered by USB (or a battery backup), the paper-sized shredder can be conveniently found right by your computer, ready to destroy that document you just printed out and found four typos on. Of course, the small size means you can only shred a few pieces of paper before you have to empty the bin, so there is a downside.

I have a full size shredder near my desk, so I don’t know the usefulness of something like this for the home office, but in a small cubicle, where space is at a premium, or for the traveling computer (and shredder) user, this may be just what they’re looking for.

Sandisk and PNY unveil 32GB SDHC cards

Flash memory pioneers Sandisk and PNY have both shown off 32GB SDHC (secure digital high capacity) cards at the big photography show in Las Vegas.

While most people will understandably ask “what’s the point” with 1GB being enough to cater for all but the most compulsive photographers, it seems that growing use of digital cameras and camera-phones to record video images is viewed as the market for these kinds of capacities.

PNY has yet to offer its ones for sale, but Sandisk has priced its 32GB SDHC card, with a MicroMate USB 2.0 Reader thrown in, at $349.99. “Cameras also are increasingly used for recording video clips, which demand even more memory and capacity,” said Susan Park, senior product marketing manager for SanDisk Ultra II cards. “These mega-capacities in our SanDisk Ultra II line give users the worry-free ability to capture thousands of their memories and hours of HiDef video on a single card.”

It must be stressed, however, that SDHC cards are not necessarily compatible with all devices that have SD storage capability. Devices that do not specifically support SDHC will not recognise SDHC cards.

Certified wireless USB is a quantum leap in ease-of-use

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has adopted Certified Wireless USB as the wireless extension to USB. Using the WiMedia ultra wideband (UWB) protocol, Certified Wireless USB provides the same bandwidth as wired Hi-Speed USB. This bandwidth represents almost 500 times the throughput of other wireless standards, such as Bluetooth. Certified Wireless USB aims to bring to wireless products the simplicity, functionality, and intuitive user experience of wired USB. Products based on Certified Wireless USB technology are beginning to enter the market even now.

Wired USB is an extremely successful standard; literally billions of USB peripherals are manufactured worldwide. Unfortunately, this translates into billions of tangled wires. With Wireless USB, users can download pictures from a camera without digging out the memory card, upload songs to an MP3 player without a proprietary cable, and place a large printer where it's convenient rather than close enough for its cable to reach the computer.

Software tool puts USB interfaces on trial

USBTester enables USB developers to quickly validate their USB devices for USB functionality and compatibility.

The latest version of Jungo's popular software tool for testing USB interfaces now offers seamless integration with a range of hardware analysers including Ellisys USB Explorer 110 and 200 models.

 

Available from Direct Insight, USBTester enables USB developers to quickly validate their USB devices for USB functionality by connecting their USB device to a PC running the USBTester software and running USB test suites, checking for USB compatibility, Chapter 9 conformance, standard class driver functionality, performance and other relevant parameters in order to ensure a successful deployment.

USBTester allows users to run regression tests, functional tests, negative tests, stress tests and performance tests on the USB interface, thus reducing the cost of quality and increasing software quality and testing reliability, giving the ultimate confidence that the USB functionality is working, and making WHQL certification easy to achieve.
 

Secure USB flash courtesy of the US government

A FIRM CALLED Ironkey has entered the UK market through a channel deal with Simms International.

Originally funded by the US government, and if you can’t trust them who can you trust, the vendor makes what it claims is the most secure USB flash drive in the world.

In this crazy world of data leakage where ubiquitous flash has everyone in a tizzy about who’s carrying what info where, this gadget uses AES encryption, has duel channel SLC Nand flash, PKI and a crypto chip.

It’s even got a self destruct function which activates if it is being attacked or if you type in the wrong password ten times in a row. It’s got a file manager and firefox built in if you are the type that wants to surf privately. And it’s full of resin so it’s heavy and therefore feels expensive.

USB Hard Drive has 320 GB storage capacity.

Weighing less than 5 oz, pocket-sized My Passport(TM) Essential(TM) Portable USB Drive is bus-powered device that does not need any external power adapter. WD Sync(TM) software allows users to take desktop content with them by simplifying synchronization of files and MS Outlook® data on any PC, while Google(TM) software allows them to quickly locate files with Google Desktop Search(TM) search tool. Picasa(TM) photo organizer software helps manage photos.

Digitisers and DMM expand USB modules

The USB-4065 DMM offers 6.5 digits of resolution at up to 10 readings per second and up to 3000 readings per second at lower resolutions.

With +/-300V of isolation, current measurements up to 3A and two- or four-wire resistance measurements, the USB-4065 offers a complete multimeter solution for portable 6.5-digit measurement needs.

Each of these instruments includes its own soft front panel, which provides an interactive, familiar interface to get up and running quickly.

For data logging applications, engineers can easily combine the USB-5132/5133 digitisers or the USB-4065 6.5-digit DMM with LabView SignalExpress measurement software.

Together, this intuitive software and the bus-powered architecture of these new instruments are extending the ease of use and performance of portable measurements.

SanDisk 8GB Ultra II SDHC Memory Card With Built-In USB

I don’t have the 8-gigger, obviously, but I love the dual functionality of my 1GB SanDisk Ultra II SD card. You see, it looks like a regular SD card by day, but then you can actually bend it in half to reveal a flat USB connector. In this way, you can have the contents read just about anywhere with an available USB port. Not all computers have built-in SD card readers.

 

This is even more true when it comes to the SDHC format. Most people don’t have integrated readers in their laptops, so the new Ultra II SDHC card from SanDisk is an absolute godsend. Like its predecessors, it has a built-in USB connector, but unlike its predecessors, this one is loaded with a full eight gigabytes of storage capacity. This makes it an excellent solution for people with high-megapixel cameras or HD camcorders. Or how about the Asus Eee PC?

The SanDisk Ultra II 8GB SDHC memory card is set to launch next month with an asking price of $99.

Roll it out for the USB Roll-Up Drum Kit

Frankly, it's far more satisfying to whack a full-sized drum kit than a sliver of soft plastic that claims to reproduce the real thing. However, coming from Hong Kong e-tailer Brando, nothing is sacred in the tech space. So (drum roll, please), get ready for a rollout of the USB Roll-Up Drum Kit (US$42).

We're assuming that sensitivity on this is almost nil since it resembles a mouse mat far more than a working instrument. However, if you're aspiring to be a drummer on a budget, this could be a (temporary) solution. Otherwise, if all you really want is to feel like a rock superstar, we'd suggest getting the far more elegant and fun-filled Guitar Hero III game for the PC or any of the game consoles.

Serial to USB module takes top design award

The grand prize winner receives a US $1000 cash award, and SchmartBoard will manufacture and market a SchmartModule product with the winner's name on it.

SchmartBoard has named the winners of its second annual Schmartie Awards.

 

Schmartie Award participants, as a part of the SchmartDeveloper programme, posted electronic circuit designs with a bill of materials that included the correct SchmartBoards (prototype boards) to the company's "SchmartDeveloper" website.

The grand prize winner receives a US $1000 cash prize, and SchmartBoard will manufacture and market a SchmartModule product with the winner's name on it.

In addition, the winner will receive a commission on each of these product sold.

The grand prize went to Giannis Kedros of Thessaloniki, Greece for his serial to USB module.

The second prize was won by Charles Wenzel of Austin, Texas, USA, who wins a DSO8502 500MHz digital oscilloscope from Link Instruments for his low jitter quadrature clock.
 

Wireless USB controller meets UWB specs

Harnessing WiMedia UWB technology, the L800 interoperates with other wireless USB products at transfer speeds reaching up to 480Mbit/s.

LucidPort Technology's L800 wireless USB controller has been certified by the WiMedia Alliance to conform to the WiMedia ultrawideband specification.

 

The L800 is a general purpose device controller chip for adding wireless USB functionality to peripheral designs.

It supports all compliant packet sizes, burst sizes, transfer sizes, and number of endpoints.

It manages all the functions required by the WiMedia and Certified Wireless USB protocols, including beaconing, encryption, and association.

This makes the L800 ideal for use in printers, scanners, digital camcorders, media players, and other peripherals.

Harnessing WiMedia UWB technology, the L800 interoperates with other wireless USB products at transfer speeds reaching up to 480Mbit/s.

Kingston does mobile multi card reader

A 2GB Flash drive for reading mobile phone memory cards was launched by Kingston Technology at Mobile World in Barcelona.

It’s “all in one,” has a mouthful of a name being called the DataTraveler Micro Reader and reads microSD, microSDHC, or Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards.

“Digital content can now be enjoyed on the phone without the need for cables,” which is great and the 2GB version costs £14.30 ex vat or 1GB for under a tenner plus vat, which is cheap.

Kirsty Miller, European Flash Product Marketing Manager, Kingston Technology. “We believe the DT Micro Reader (they've shortened the name already!) will be well received by the mobile community as a smart single-solution to navigate the plethora of devices and card
formats on the market today.”

Great use of the word plethora.

Kingston introduces new USB drive with built-in card reader

Kingston Technology introduced its DataTraveler Micro Reader, which is an all-in-one USB flash drive and reader that can store, transfer and read content on mobile memory cards.

The DataTraveler Micro Reader is enhanced for Windows ReadyBoost, and features onboard Flash memory up to 4GB and an expansion slot to read microSD, microSDHC, or Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards.

The 1GB version is available at a MSRP of US$19.25 in the US.

Sierra Wireless debuts new USB modem and ExpressCard

Compass(TM)885 USB modem and AirCard(R) 885E ExpressCard deliver HSPA
    mobile broadband access and user-friendly features in more compact
    designs

    Mobile World Congress, BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 11 /CNW/ - Sierra Wireless
(NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) has added two new products to its lineup of HSPA
mobile broadband modems. The AirCard(R) 885E ExpressCard and the Compass(TM)
885 USB modem are small, full-featured, and offer the latest high-speed mobile
broadband technology for use worldwide. Both products are on display for the
first time this week in the Sierra Wireless pavilion (AV99) at Mobile World
Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
    The Sierra Wireless Compass(TM) 885 tri-band USB modem for HSPA networks
packs more features in a smaller volume than any current counterpart. Designed
to offer a flawless user experience, the Compass 885 USB modem includes
TRU-Install(TM) software installation to simplify setup, a microSD memory card
slot to expand its functionality, and a laptop clip accessory to provide
flexibility in use. Compatible with mobile broadband networks worldwide, the
Compass 885 USB modem is the only product in its class to include a connector
for an external antenna, allowing users in remote areas or fringe network
coverage to extend and strengthen their connection to the network.
    With a more compact ExpressCard design, the AirCard 885E is an ideal
wireless modem for people who regularly travel with a notebook computer that
includes an ExpressCard slot. Its durable, fixed antenna design with no moving
parts offers a reliable wireless connection, and with TRU-Install software
installation, customers are up and running quickly with no need for an
installation CD.

Brackets simplify access to USB headers

SeaLatch brackets use motherboard headers to easily add USB ports to systems.

 

"Most customers have unused USB headers on their motherboard", states Marc Foster, Director of Sales at Sealevel Systems.

"This new product line of SeaLatch brackets makes it easy for them to use these headers to easily add USB ports to their systems".

"As an added benefit, the brackets use SeaLatch locking USB ports which provide customers the ability to protect against accidental cable disconnection".

The SeaLatch bracket product line provides three mounting options for adding USB type A ports: a low profile PCI bracket, a standard PCI bracket, and a panel mount bracket.

All products in the line have an integrated 2mm 4-pin Molex header that connects to the motherboard header on the host system.

Sealevel has internal USB connector cables available as optional accessory items.

The PCI bracket and low profile PCI bracket simply use the respective PCI/low profile PCI slots as a mounting platform.

The brackets do not transmit any data via the PCIbus.

The PCI bracket is also available in a dual connector model that has two SeaLatch locking USB Type A connectors.

The panel mount bracket is secured directly to the enclosure.
 

Box your aggression with this USB Boxer

Every now and then, everyone experiences the need to punch that annoying someone in the face. But being peace-loving folk at CNET Asia, we'd suggesting mentally chanting a few "Ooomms" and keeping in mind that whoever it is probably isn't worth the energy.

There is a second option. This one lets you work out all that aggression on your keyboard, which translates into some real action punches thrown by an interactive USB boxer at a speed ball. There're even realistic boxing ring sounds and crowd support, though we doubt there're swear words. In fact, you'll probably be so caught up in the different game modes, you won't even remember what you were mad at in the first place. Best of all, for US$53.98, this anger management therapy won't cost you a law suit.

How to lock down USB devices

Despite all the attention paid by enterprises and vendors alike to data leaks that occur over email or the Web, the truth is that sensitive corporate data is far more likely to end up in someone else's hands through a lost laptop, CD, or USB drive. Here are just a few real-world examples:

Temperature measurement and control in USB module

The TEMPpoint DT9872 from Data Translation is a 48 channel unit specifically for RTD temperature measurement and control, connecting up to 48 4-wire RTDs to a PC via a USB interface

Designed with the process environment in mind, this unit offers maximum accuracy and signal integrity.

 

Each channel has a dedicated 24-bit A/D converter, ensuring high-precision measurements without the need for multiplexers or amplifiers.

1000V channel to channel isolation provides reliable protection and Kelvin sensing helps to eliminate measurement errors.

Screw terminals allow quick and easy connection of all 2, 3 and 4 wire RTDs as well as voltage inputs.

The unit has 8 opto-isolated digital inputs and 8 opto-isolated digital outputs available for driving relays directly.

The hardware is complimented by a ready-to-measure software application for viewing, graphing, logging and analysing up to 48 individual signals.

The application allows limit checking as well as monitoring and control.

Data can be exported to other applications such as Excel or MATLAB.

The application is based on Measure Foundry and users can modify and customise it suit their specific requirements if they have a copy of Measure Foundry software.
 

Computerised Canine Enjoys Your USB

Our Guest Blogger, Luke McKinney , investigates science, gadgetry and alcohol - frequently simultaneously. He has written for Cracked.com, the Creative Science Quarterly and CRAM Teen Science magazine, among others. Luke wanted to share his latest funny invention finds with the readers of china-usb-stick.com.

Here's his article:

* * * * *
The motto of the intrepid inventor is "Build it, and they will come. With cash." Never has that saying been truer than with the USB Humping Dog, a gadget so technically pointless as to make a shaved kiwi look like a scalpel.

"But how can this be proof that anything can succeed?" you ask, clutching your blueprints, "Surely this computer-copulating-contraption is just another doomed misfire destined to be landfilled along with the Hannah Montana Tooth Tunes toothbrushes and the E.T. cartridges?" Not so, my friends, because this isn't just the USB Dog humper - this is the USB Dog humper 2.0. People did complain about the original invention - not about its existence, its lack of functions, or even the fact that it's a device whose only mechanical function is to use electricity and provide nothing in return. No, they complained that it didn't look like the dog was enjoying it enough.

USB Card Reader Squeezes in a Thermometer and Digital Clock Too

This gadget from Polar is a multifunction card reader that distinguishes itself from all the others with a dust-proof sliding lid and a built-in clock (wow!) and thermometer. It is an analog thermometer, but what the heck: everything else is digital nowadays, so its nice to see some cheapo mashup analogness. The reader supports SD, MMC, T-Flash and MemorySticks of all varieties, is USB 2.0 for speed, and if its triangular goodness appeals to you, you can find it in black, white and orange for US$15.

Pen Drives: Keeping all your documents safe!

A pen drive is that magical device with which you can keep your work safe and lets you carry your document without any hassle. Take your work home or to your office, you have the option of accessing your documents on the go.

In the past few years we have seen many technological changes taking place. Floppy disk drive was transformed into much smaller drives called Pen drives. This in turn helps us in storing our data and carrying it safely for further use. The tech-savvy people always pined for something that can easily store huge amount of files and documents, for this “Pen Drives” came as a solution. Transporting data has become easier with this small yet power packed device.

Corsair Rolls Out 32GB USB Flash Drives

Remember when a 1-Gbyte USB flash drive was exciting news? Well, those days are long gone. Corsair has just introduced its 32-GB USB flash drives, the Flash Voyager and Flash Survivor, and will be officially showing them at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show.

Corsair is positioning the two drives as the ultimate solution for storing, transporting and backing up crucial user data. The company says that both drives can hold over 16 full-length high-definition movies or an entire season of a TV series. Each drive is bundled with a lanyard and USB extension cable and preloads security software and drivers. Both are backed by a 10-year limited warranty.

A nice feature of both the Voyager and Survivor is that they are bootable, which means that users can store full versions of operating systems and apps. That allows users to "recreate" the neces-sary software environments to troubleshoot system problems.

The Flash Voyager comes in a proprietary full-rubber covering, while the Flash Survivor is encased in a waterproof aluminium shell. The Flash Voyager 32GB will retail for $239 (list), and the Flash Survivor 32GB will be priced at $259.99. Both products are shipping.

SanDisk offers online USB drive backup

SanDisk has unveiled a USB Flash drive that automatically backs up every file copied to the drive to an online server.

The company claims that its Cruzer Titanium Plus provides users with the " best of both worlds" as data is always available.

Users can access files as usual by plugging the drive into a computer, or access backed-up files through any computer connected to the internet if they forget the drive or it is lost or stolen.

The Cruzer comes with six months' free online backup, after which it costs $29.99 a year.

After opening a personal password-protected online account, any files copied to the drive are automatically backed up online.

If the computer is not online when files are copied to the drive, the backup will take place the next time there is an internet connection.

Samsung multi-function printers scan direct to USB

Unfortunately, one of the least used features on all-in-one multi-function printers and heavy duty copier/scanner/printer machines is the scan function because it’s simply too complicated.  If you’re lucky, IT will set up your email account as a preconfigured setting and they’ll teach you how to scan a document to your email inbox.  If you’re geeky enough to go and figure out how to key in your own email, then you might be one of the other two people in the building that uses the scan functionality.  But most people simply keep paper copies and do everything the way they’ve always done it by making more copies and storing them in a file cabinet if they’re organized enough.  Well Samsung might actually change this with their direct to USB multi-function printers.

One of the features I’ve searched long and hard for is a scan-to-USB feature.  I’ve asked representatives from Xerox and every other copier company that offers multi-function copiers with little luck.  I’ve asked HP for this feature and no luck there either.  But last week as I went through Samsung’s CES booth, I thought I’d check out their color multifunction printers and I notice a nice little USB port in the front of them.  The Samsung representative explained that the USB port can act as a print source or scan destination and I thought FINALLY we’ve made scanning easy.

Flash USB 2.0 Drives are available in 32 GB capacities.

All-rubber Flash Voyager(TM) and aluminum-encased, waterproof Flash Survivor(TM) offer capabilities required for storing, transporting, and backing-up critical data. Both drives are bootable, enabling users to store full versions of operating systems and applications in order to re-create necessary software environments to troubleshoot system problems. Each product is supplied with lanyard, preloaded security software/driver, and USB extension cable.
 

Sony introduces rival to wireless USB

TransferJet offers a theoretical maximum data-transfer rate of 560Mbps in the 4.48GHz band, although its real-world application will see rates closer to 375Mbps. It operates only at a distance of 3cm or less, because of its low-powered nature.

Wireless USB, on the other hand, offers a maximum rate of 480Mbps within a distance of 3m but, as it uses a variety of spectrum bands, it could theoretically suffer from greater radio interference as a result.

Sony is pushing TransferJet, which it unveiled last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, as ideal for transferring data from devices like mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders to television sets, where images or footage will be displayed simply by touching the host device to the TV. Another application suggested by Sony is downloading music over a cellular network, then transferring the content by touch from the phone to a personal music player.

Vodafone and Huawei Launch Smallest HSUPA USB Stick

Europe UK : Vodafone UK and Huawei Technologies ("Huawei"), a leader in providing next generation telecommunications network solutions for operators around the world, today have launched the next generation of USB device, the Vodafone Mobile Broadband USB Modem Stick or E172. Boasting High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) technologies and innovative design, it will be available to Vodafone UK's customers.

The E172 enables uplink speeds of up to 2Mbps and download rates of 7.2 Mbps. Within Vodafone's HSPA network, the device will facilitate fast internet browsing, instant access and the uninterrupted ability both to upload and download data. Combining cutting edge technologies with sleek design, Vodafone's customers can look forward to enjoying high-speed wireless access, both at home and on the go. The plug-and-play featured devices are compatible with Windows (Vista and XP) and Mac OSX, whether run on a PC, laptop or handheld device.

The Vodafone E172 is the world's slimmest and smallest HSUPA USB stick, and was designed with the elegance of a sleek white piano in mind. Highly portable, is perfect for mobile users, and built-in features ensure that the USB's cap cannot be dropped or lost.
 

Hauppauge offers PayTV on Windows

HauppaugeDigital has introduced a USB card reader module for its range of TV viewing cards, allowing owners to watch subscription channels on their PCs.

The new module, known as the WinTV-CI accepts any subscription TV CAM (Common Access Module) and valid viewing card to unscramble pay TV on Freeview and satellite for the first time.

Available immediately, the WinTV-CI is priced at £79.99 and will decode UK broadcast services, in full-screen digital quality, including Top-UP TV and Setanta Sports, both on Freeview, but not Sky's services, due to lack of compatible Common Access Module (CAM).

The WinTV CI module will also decode dozens of satellite
services broadcast across Europe.

In order to use this service on your PC, you will need an aerial or satellite dish, PC with TV card, the new WinTV CI module, CAM module and a valid viewing card.
 

 

Cool, useful, goofy gadgets debut at Consumer Electronics Show

LAS VEGAS - It's wrong to call them the good, the bad and the ugly. But you could call them the cool, the useful and the downright goofy.

With more than 2,700 companies from around the globe showing off their latest and greatest products, there's always plenty to see at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show.

Sure, there are the biggest of big screens and cell phones and computers of every shape, size and color.

But then there's all the other stuff that's just as cool, useful or goofy.

Here's a small sampling, straight from the exhibit halls of CES last week in Las Vegas.

MCU starter kit gains full USB stack

Thesycon's USB device software stack enables developers to easily add USB device functionality to embedded systems incorporating Renesas H8S/H8SX USB microcontrollers.

Renesas Technology Europe and its alliance partner Thesycon have announced the immediate availability of a complete USB stack support for the H8SX/1664-based RSK1664 Renesas starter kit (RSK).

 

The H8SX/1664 features a USB function and a 50DMIPS H8SX CISC CPU core.

From the PC side, Thesycon provides a generic USB device driver for Windows, called USBIO.

This allows Windows application developers to control any kind of USB device.

No DDK development is required.

Thesycon's USB device software stack implements the core functionality of a USB device and optionally provides device class specific protocols.

It enables developers to easily add USB device functionality to embedded systems incorporating Renesas H8S/H8SX USB microcontrollers.

 

DisplayLink Brings USB Multi-Display Connectivity to the Mac

New DisplayLink software enables USB based multiple displays for Intel based Mac users;
Kensington debuts Mac docking station and Dual USB adapter

SAN FRANCISCO and PALO ALTO, CALIF.– DisplayLink today announced the availability of its USB network display technology for Mac OS X, allowing Intel-based Mac users to, for the first time, connect additional displays to their computers using USB 2.0.

USB multi-monitor capability expands a computer’s work area freeing users to be more creative, productive, and to enjoy the full capabilities of their Mac. For example:

* Mac mini users can, for the first time, view their content on up to four displays.
* MacBook and MacBook Pro users can experience desktop convenience with the first ever USB graphics universal notebook docks.
* iMac and Mac Pro users can use DisplayLink-based products to expand their visual workspace by adding up to four additional displays with the ease of USB and with instantaneous mouse and keyboard response, 32-bit true-color graphics and DVD-quality video performance.

USB Adapter allows mobile data exchange and access.

Odyssey(TM) Mobile USB Adapter for Odyssey(TM) removable hard disk solution allows data exchange and access without need for a docking station. Portable device includes snap on/off mechanism that connects to cartridge, providing data access and read/write compatibility. Blue LED indicates power and activity. Transferring data at up to 32 MB/sec, it has life expectancy of more than 5,000 insertions or removals.

The Vulnerability Disclosure Game: Are We More Secure?

Do you remember the original premise of the disclosure game? By publicly announcing vulnerabilities in products we will force the vendors to be more responsive in fixing them, and security will be better. Remember that one? Tell me, dear reader, after 10 years of flash-alerts, rushed patch cycles and zero-day attacks, do you think security has gotten better?

I think there are a few places where we can see signs of improvement. I know that Microsoft, Oracle and others have spent huge amounts of money improving the security of their software. Never mind the fact that 99.99 percent of the computer users in the world would rather they had spent that money making their software cheaper or faster, I suppose it's a great thing to see that software security is being taken seriously. Security has gotten more expensive. But do you think security has gotten better?

OGI Releases New USB Laser Marker Technology

OGI Systems Ltd, a technology provider for the diamond industry, has launched a new USB Laser Marker, part of the Plug ‘n’ Play USB technology in which OGI specializes.

 

The new model has a micro footprint for laser marking technology and comes with the latest rough planning software from OGI. It also boasts increased efficiency, allowing each stone to be marked in only a few seconds, the company said.

Adding insult to injury: USB 3G modems won't fit in the MacBook Air

Ouch, we just tested and confirmed that one of the smallest (and thus likeliest to fit) USB EV-DO modems around, the Sprint / Novatel U727, won't even come close to fitting in the cramped, foldaway USB port on the MacBook Air. Most flash drives will probably be okay, but it looks like 3G users might need powered USB hubs or a USB extension cable to get online where WiFi isn't available (read: most places). Of course, your mileage may vary -- we recommend testing your modem of choice on a live machine in an Apple store before dropping any coin.

EazzzY USB stick camera concept, for taking pretend pictures

Our mediocre efforts at "photography" are bad enough with a full-on viewfinder, so we shudder to think what might come out at the other end of a session with this here artsy EazzzY USB camera stick concept -- which is exactly why we're so interested. Designed by Sungwoo Park and featured over on Yanko Design, EazzzY probably hasn't a chance at ever making it to market, but we can imagine quite a few hipster types that'd jump at the chance to do some shooting-from-the-hip with this colorful thing. And that's really what matters.

Controllers protect USB interfaces

New from Maxim Integrated Products are the MAX4987AE and MAX4987BE overvoltage-protection (OVP) controllers with internal overcurrent protection.

 

These devices integrate low-capacitance (3pF, typical) diodes to provide robust, +/-15kV ESD protection (Human Body Model) for High-Speed USB and USB (full-speed or low-speed) D+/D- signals.

The MAX4987AE and MAX4987BE are ideal for space-constrained applications, such as cellphones, smartphones, PDAs, MP3 players and portable video players that are attached to USB ports for connectivity or charging.

To reduce external component count and save space, the MAX4987AE and MAX4987BE integrate a low-on-resistance N-channel FET that protects low-voltage systems from overvoltages up to 28V.

Fairchild Semiconductor’s Motion-SPM™ and USB Switch Earn “Product of the Year” Awards from EN-Genius Network

SAN JOSE -- Fairchild Semiconductor’s (NYSE: FCS) FSBB30CH60B Motion-SPM won “Best Development in Power Modules” and the FSUSB30 USB Switch won the “Most Innovative USB Product” from EN-Genius Network.

 

The FSBB30CH60B is a highly efficient and highly integrated power module for motion control. Integrating three fully tested HVICs, one LVIC, six NPT IGBTs, six FRDs and three bootstrap diodes into a compact 44mm X 26.8mm Mini-DIP package, these Motion-SPM devices offer superior inverter-based control for energy-efficient 3-phase motors. They are ideal for home appliances and industrial motors up to 3kW.

 

“This family of modules from Fairchild has gotten better and better, said Paul McGoldrick, Editor-in-Chief, EN-Genius Network. “They are so specialized that as a motor or appliance OEM you truly have to buy into them. The notion of having just one ground in a 3-kW system, for example, (optocoupler free) is worth its price already! The modules replace 22 discrete components -- and an almighty headache in providing a discrete solution.”

Data acquisition systems USB-AD, USB-PIO: Where is the measurement device?

An absolutely brilliant and unique idea has been launched by BMC Messsysteme GmbH (bmcm), longtime manufacturer for innovative measurement technology "made in Germany". The analog USB measuring system USB-AD and the digital I/O interface USB-PIO have been compressed extremely and integrated into a Sub-D connector housing.

What some might consider as an incomplete delivery is the real clou: Customers, who order a USB device at bmcm for analog or digital measurement data acquisition, receive a red USB cable with an attached 25- or 37-pole Sub-D connector. That's supposed to be all? No, of course not! A "Software Collection" CD is included as well. Everybody who is not discouraged until now, and connects the USB cable to the PC, will see that into the red plastic housing of the Sub-D connector highly compressed measurement technology has been put: the USB data acquisition system.

Two types of the measurement devices in plug housing are available: With the USB-AD up to 16 analog signals can be sampled in the +/-5V measuring range with 12Bit resolution. In addition, one analog output and four digital inputs and outputs each are provided. For exclusively digital applications the USB-PIO features 24 digital lines, which are switched between input and output in groups of 8.

Microsoft LifeCam VX-7000 USB Webcam Review

Quote from the review: "About 15 years ago, AT&T had a commercial where they talked about exciting future consumer technologies; things like movies on demand, digital video recording, and my favorite, video phone calls, Star Trek style. The premise of the commercial was that AT&T was going to bring you this exciting future, so you should give the company lots of money now. As it turns out, the commercial was wrong, but the ideas were correct; we have on demand, we have DVR, and - thanks to instant messaging, VoIP, and webcams, we have video phone calls. This concept is something Microsoft understands very well - they've integrated a group of programs around a few different webcams, including the subject of today's review, the VX-7000 USB webcam. Today we'll be seeing whether or not this video package makes the video phone dream an easy-to-use reality. "

MosKeyto: a USB drive so small, you'll forget its plugged in

This tiny thing is the LaCie MosKeyto, a seriously wee USB flash drive designed to be left plugged into your computer. You won't even notice it's there!

I'd be worried of it going in the USB port and me not being able to get it out, but I assume they designed it so you don't need long nails to pop it out. It's available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities, and you could essentially use it as a second internal hard drive in your laptop if you wanted.

Iomega Portable Hard Drives Hit USB 3.0

Do you own a computer with USB 3.0 ports? Probably not. You will, though -- and when you do, you'll want USB 3.0 devices so you can take advantage of the sizable speed boost.

USB 3.0-equipped peripherals, like USB 3.0 PCs, remain somewhat exotic. But here's some good news: Iomega is announcing that it's going to replace all its current USB 2.1 portable hard drives with USB 3.0 models. The transition starts with new versions of the company's 500GB and 1TB eGo drives, due in October. It says its other models will follow suit, starting in the first quarter of next year.