USB News
May 31, 2007
Traxdata Yego, the European subsidiary of Taiwan-based storage media company RITEK, has launched the Yego USB stick, a flash drive that also functions as a USB hub thanks to it having two USB ports. The 2GB USB drive provides additional storage and users can connect to a number of digital devices via the USB port. The makes it easy to ...
Traxdata Yego announces new USB drive and hub
by Jan HarrisTraxdata Yego, the European subsidiary of Taiwan-based storage media company RITEK, has launched the Yego USB stick, a flash drive that also functions as a USB hub thanks to it having two USB ports. The 2GB USB drive provides additional storage and users can connect to a number of digital devices via the USB port. The makes it easy to ...
Samsung announces F300 ultra thin music phone
by Janet Harris
Samsung Electronics has launched the Samsung F300, the world's first mobile phone with a double-face design featuring two LCD screens. One screen is embedded in the front of the phone, one in the rear.
The device, which is part of Samsung's new Ultra series, is also known as 'Ultra Music'. ...
May 29, 2007
Yoggie Security Systems has announced the Yoggie Pico - comprising 13 security applications on a miniature Linux-based computer contained in a USB stick. The Yoggie Pico, an Intel Pentium level 520 MHz platform, offloads all security applications onto the USB stick allowing Internet traffic to be screened before it is allowed to enter the computer. Yoggie Pico provides protection from hacking, ...
Yoggie releases first security suite on a USB Stick
by Jan HarrisYoggie Security Systems has announced the Yoggie Pico - comprising 13 security applications on a miniature Linux-based computer contained in a USB stick. The Yoggie Pico, an Intel Pentium level 520 MHz platform, offloads all security applications onto the USB stick allowing Internet traffic to be screened before it is allowed to enter the computer. Yoggie Pico provides protection from hacking, ...
Panasonic first with 12.2mp and 28mm wide-angle
by Janet Harris
Panasonic has added to its LUMIX range of digital cameras with the introduction of the slim and lightweight LUMIX DMC-FX100.
The LUMIX DMC-FX100 is the first camera in the world to feature 12.2 megapixel resolution with a 28mm wide-angle lens. The camera has a 2.5-inch LCD screen.
The LEICA DC lens ...
May 25, 2007
The European Parliament has voted through a compromise agreement on roaming charges for call phone calls in Europe, which could come into effect next month. A compromise on rates was reached between MEPs and the European presidency earlier in May, and the agreement has now been voted through by a strong majority. The European wholesale rate, which one operator can charge another ...
MEPs vote to cut roaming charges
by Brian TurnerThe European Parliament has voted through a compromise agreement on roaming charges for call phone calls in Europe, which could come into effect next month. A compromise on rates was reached between MEPs and the European presidency earlier in May, and the agreement has now been voted through by a strong majority. The European wholesale rate, which one operator can charge another ...
VOIP Features Perfect for SMB
by Kathryn LangVOIP is a great option to get for any business. The ability to use the internet for a phone service is opening up many doors, particularly for the small business market. It can be especially beneficial if the right features are included in the over all service. Shopping around with the different providers will help you ...
Take the HDTV Plunge
by Kathryn LangThe wait for HDTV may finally be coming to the end. Many consumers have put off investing in the technology. They have preferred to wait out the glitches, the changes, and the costs. With the eventuality of all HDTV all the time lurking ever nearer, it may be that the wait is over. The glitches are almost ...
Imation enhances USB flash drives
by Jan HarrisImation Corp has added extra security to its Pivot Flash Drive, upgrading it to 256-Bit AES Encryption. The drive, which is targeted at mobile business professionals, has an innovative jackknife design, durable rubberized casing, password protection and up to 4GB of capacity. Current Pivot Flash Drive users can upgrade from 128- to 256-bit encryption by registering online at http://www.imation.com/flash . Imation has ...
Orange UK launches SPV E650
by Janet Harris
Orange UK recently launched the SPV E650 smartphone - the first Windows Mobile 6.0 device on the UK market.
The phone is manufactured by HTC and features WiFi and EDGE connectivity.
It has a 2.5in screen, with 240 x 320 resolution and 65,000 colours. A mirrored frame surrounds the screen and the keypad, ...
May 24, 2007
HHD Software has released USB Monitor for Windows Vista - a monitoring and analysing tool with logging capabilities. The monitoring software allows a user to spy, capture, view and analyse any USB device. It is compatible with Windows XP, 2000 and Vista operating systems. The system is designed to be easy to use, with a fully customisable user interface, configurable toolbars ...
USB Monitor 3ML for Windows Vista Released
by Jan HarrisHHD Software has released USB Monitor for Windows Vista - a monitoring and analysing tool with logging capabilities. The monitoring software allows a user to spy, capture, view and analyse any USB device. It is compatible with Windows XP, 2000 and Vista operating systems. The system is designed to be easy to use, with a fully customisable user interface, configurable toolbars ...
Nokia releases Navigator 6110
by Janet Harris
Nokia has followed up its top of the range N95 smartphone with the launch of the more affordable Navigator 6110.
The satnav device features a metallic trim and neat sliding action.
UK maps are provided by Route 66 on MicroSD card. An address or postcode can be entered to plan a route in seconds. ...
May 23, 2007
Kingston Technology has launched 'MobileLite', a 9-in-1 USB card reader. The reader is designed to help mobile consumers navigate multiple expansion memory card formats more easily, while moving between mobile devices such as cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and PCs. MobileLite features nine different card reading options, making it easy to move music, video, image and data files between cards ...
MobileLite USB Card Reader announced by Kingston
by Jan HarrisKingston Technology has launched 'MobileLite', a 9-in-1 USB card reader. The reader is designed to help mobile consumers navigate multiple expansion memory card formats more easily, while moving between mobile devices such as cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and PCs. MobileLite features nine different card reading options, making it easy to move music, video, image and data files between cards ...
GfK sees consumers moving from PDAs to Smartphones
by Janet Harris
New research from market research organisation GfK identifies a growing trend for consumers to switch to Smartphones as an alternative to PDAs.
GfK found that the volume of PDA sales in the UK declined by 35% in the first quarter of 2007 and the value of sales declined by ...
May 22, 2007
Semiconductor manufacturer Skyworks Solutions has partnered with LG Electronics to provide mobile connectivity to LG's record-selling Shine handset.
The Shine is LG's second model from the premium Black Label Series.
The handset will benefit from the SKY77340, a highly integrated quad-band EDGE power amplifier which supports the European and US ...
LG’s Shine features Skyworks’ power amplifier module
by Janet Harris
Semiconductor manufacturer Skyworks Solutions has partnered with LG Electronics to provide mobile connectivity to LG's record-selling Shine handset.
The Shine is LG's second model from the premium Black Label Series.
The handset will benefit from the SKY77340, a highly integrated quad-band EDGE power amplifier which supports the European and US ...Belkin details F5L009 Network USB Hub
by Jan HarrisBelkin has released details of its F5L009 Network USB Hub. The device is a five-port USB hub that will work with an existing W-Fi router, and allows five devices to be shared on a network. It provides wireless access to devices such as multifunction printers, hard drives and digital cameras by simulating a direct USB connection with a computer, but without ...
May 21, 2007
According to a report by In-Stat, "USB 2007: Wireless Finally Arrives", wired and wireless USB-enabled device shipments will grow at double-digit rates through 2011. The report suggests that standards-based wireless USB (WUSB) hubs and dongles will be available by mid-2007 and WUSB-enabled PCs, printers, cameras, and other peripherals by 2008. The first Certified WUSB devices will be dongle and hub products. ...
In-stat predicts double-digit growth for WUSB
by Jan HarrisAccording to a report by In-Stat, "USB 2007: Wireless Finally Arrives", wired and wireless USB-enabled device shipments will grow at double-digit rates through 2011. The report suggests that standards-based wireless USB (WUSB) hubs and dongles will be available by mid-2007 and WUSB-enabled PCs, printers, cameras, and other peripherals by 2008. The first Certified WUSB devices will be dongle and hub products. ...
Kodak CMOS camera announced
by Janet Harris
Eastman Kodak is planning to release a camera and several Motorola cell phones incorporating its own CMOS sensor by the end of 2007.
Kodak, which has been developing a CMOS sensor with IBM technology, will release a 5-megapixel camera with the Kodak-developed CMOS chip by summer 2007 and Motorola-Kodak camera phones will ...US approves Apple iPhone
by Brian Turner
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Apple's iPhone and the device is now set for an expected launch in June. The exact launch date has not yet been disclosed.
The FCC carries out a range of tests on new devices to the market, for factors such as SAR (specific absorption rate), ...
May 19, 2007
Is your O/S and office software legal?
According to figures published by Microsoft, 35% of the software in the world is thought to be counterfeit or otherwise illegal. After years of unofficially tolerating piracy as a means of securing market share, Microsoft is now going on the offensive to make sure copies of its software ...
Micro$oft gets tough on pirates
by BGonaSTICKIs your O/S and office software legal?
According to figures published by Microsoft, 35% of the software in the world is thought to be counterfeit or otherwise illegal. After years of unofficially tolerating piracy as a means of securing market share, Microsoft is now going on the offensive to make sure copies of its software ...
May 18, 2007
Intersil has introduced the ISL54200 USB 2.0 high/full-speed multiplexer suitable for use with MP3s, personal media players, cellphones, PDAs and other digital devices. The ISL54200 has a wider supply voltage range, higher bandwidth and better insertion loss characteristics than alternative products on the market and provides a flexible, high-performance solution for interfacing USB and non-USB portable devices. Flexibility is provided by ...
Intersil introduces USB 2.0 multiplexer
by Jan HarrisIntersil has introduced the ISL54200 USB 2.0 high/full-speed multiplexer suitable for use with MP3s, personal media players, cellphones, PDAs and other digital devices. The ISL54200 has a wider supply voltage range, higher bandwidth and better insertion loss characteristics than alternative products on the market and provides a flexible, high-performance solution for interfacing USB and non-USB portable devices. Flexibility is provided by ...
Motorola introduces Moto Q9 smartphone
by Janet Harris
Motorola has introduced the high-speed Moto Q9, which features Windows Mobile 6 OS, quad-band 3G and HSDPA to allow tunes and documents to be downloaded at broadband speeds while on the move.
With a specially crafted, QWERTY board, users can communicate via emails, texts and instant chat, using the device's eight inboxes ...IPTV Bringing Companies Together
by Kathryn LangCompanies are beginning to scramble to secure their spot in the IPTV revolution. Many of these companies are looking to mergers and acquisitions in order to restructure their current infrastructures. The idea is that by reordering a company it will be in a position to provide telcos with one-stop shopping for everything needed to compete in IPTV. The ...
VOIP Helps to Develop the World
by Kathryn LangVOIP is aiding the growth of developing countries by providing an inexpensive communications line between companies in that country and consultants around the globe. Government run and regulated phone companies have hinder the expansion of development because of the cost they have placed on communications in order to ensure revenues. ShoreCap Exchange, a non-profit organization that provides (and helps ...
HDTV Finds Clarity
by Kathryn LangFinding the right HDTV set is only half the battle. Getting it set up at your home can often prove to be the most frustrating part of making the expensive investment. Many people have done the research, questioned the salesmen, and made the choice that would suit their checkbooks and lifestyles, only to get the set home and find ...
May 17, 2007
Jungo, a leading provider of residential and business gateway software platforms and applications, has released version 1.01 of its USBTester product - a software tool which enables USB developers to validate devices for USB compatibility, Chapter 9 conformance and mass storage functionality and performance. The latest version has enhanced functionality, including the ability to export tests logs in XML format. Mass ...
Jungo provides tool to test USB compatibility
by Jan HarrisJungo, a leading provider of residential and business gateway software platforms and applications, has released version 1.01 of its USBTester product - a software tool which enables USB developers to validate devices for USB compatibility, Chapter 9 conformance and mass storage functionality and performance. The latest version has enhanced functionality, including the ability to export tests logs in XML format. Mass ...
Pantech adds Bluetooth to tiny C3
by Janet Harris
Pantech Wireless has released the Pantech C3b, which builds on the success of the Pantech C3 - the world's smallest camera flip phone.
The C3b includes Bluetooth functionality and will be available to AT&T subscribers.
The Pantech C3b has the same compact form factor as the Bluetooth-less C3, measuring just 2.72 inches tall, ...Elgato's USB stick accelerates Apple TV exports
by Jan HarrisElgato Systems has released the Turbo.264 USB hardware encoder which converts video files to high quality H.264 (MP4) format for iPod, Apple TV, and Sony PSP. The device accelerates exports by a factor of 4 on an Intel Core 2 Duo up to a factor of 10 on a Power PC G4. Turbo.264 acts as a virtual co-processor, dealing with the ...
May 16, 2007
MagnaChip Semiconductor recently launched two new high-performance CMOS image sensors for mobile phone cameras.
The first of these is the MC521EA, a 1/4" optical format 2 megapixel (1600 x 1200) CMOS sensor with integrated advanced image processing, one time programmable, non-volatile memory enabling unique module serialisation and calibration, a MIPI (Mobile ...
MagnaChip announces CMOS image sensor
by Janet Harris
MagnaChip Semiconductor recently launched two new high-performance CMOS image sensors for mobile phone cameras.
The first of these is the MC521EA, a 1/4" optical format 2 megapixel (1600 x 1200) CMOS sensor with integrated advanced image processing, one time programmable, non-volatile memory enabling unique module serialisation and calibration, a MIPI (Mobile ...
May 15, 2007
The release of MRG's report into IPTV services - which has Len Feldman, director of IPTV Analysis for MRG, declaring that IPTV subscribers could reach 66 million by 2011, and generating over $20 billion in revenues - certainly offers an optimistic outlook for IPTV services. And let's not forget, IPTV is seriously the media platform of the future. That's not ...
IPTV growth forecasts – foreshadowed
by Brian TurnerThe release of MRG's report into IPTV services - which has Len Feldman, director of IPTV Analysis for MRG, declaring that IPTV subscribers could reach 66 million by 2011, and generating over $20 billion in revenues - certainly offers an optimistic outlook for IPTV services. And let's not forget, IPTV is seriously the media platform of the future. That's not ...
USB MP3 pen features hidden recorder
by Jan HarrisThe Thanko USB pen looks like an everyday pen, but includes a hidden voice recorder and MP3 player. The pen comes in either 512-MB or 1-GB capacity, and will hold between 32 and 68 hours of audio. It connects to a computer via USB, allowing audio, MP3s and other data files to be transferred. The battery lasts for around three hours per ...
World’s first solar-powered mobile phone announced
by Janet Harris
Hi-Tech Wealth Inc has announced the launch of the S116 - the world’s first commercialised solar-powered mobile phone.
The phone's battery provides 40 minutes of talk time after being exposed to direct sunlight for 60 minutes.
Even after exposure to weak light such as sunlight on an overcast day, indoor lighting ...HDTV Affecting the Weather
by Kathryn LangFinally, the viewers will get to see the weather as it really appears live and in person. The Weather Channel, which is based out of Atlanta, Georgia, has broken ground on a new studio that is part of its transformation into HDTV. The $50 million effort will combine new technology, equipment, studio space, and endless hours of training for ...
May 14, 2007
GN, the headset manufacturer, has released the Jabra GN2000 USB headset which is fully compatibility with Microsoft Office Communicator 2007. The Jabra GN2000 USB headset is the first in a range of products from GN which will work seamlessly with Microsoft's unified communications software. The headset delivers market-leading audio quality and is designed to be easy to use with its plug-and-play ...
GN launches USB headset for Microsoft office
by Jan HarrisGN, the headset manufacturer, has released the Jabra GN2000 USB headset which is fully compatibility with Microsoft Office Communicator 2007. The Jabra GN2000 USB headset is the first in a range of products from GN which will work seamlessly with Microsoft's unified communications software. The headset delivers market-leading audio quality and is designed to be easy to use with its plug-and-play ...
Haier's Elegance, the world's smallest mobile phone, is now available in the UK.
The curvy, black phone, which has a pearl-effect finish, measures just 9.1 x 3.5 x 1.8cm and weighs a mere 64g.
It's not short of features though and includes a tri-band GSM cellular link, FM radio, MP3 player, 1.1in, 96 ...
May 11, 2007
Microsoft and SanDisk have agreed to collaborate on the development of a next-generation software and hardware solution to place application programs and personal customisation on USB flash drives and flash memory cards. The new technology is an extension of SanDisk's existing U3 Smart Technology, and will replace the older version. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will develop new software ...
Microsoft and SanDisk collaborate on Next-Gen USB Flash
by Jan HarrisMicrosoft and SanDisk have agreed to collaborate on the development of a next-generation software and hardware solution to place application programs and personal customisation on USB flash drives and flash memory cards. The new technology is an extension of SanDisk's existing U3 Smart Technology, and will replace the older version. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will develop new software ...
Sony Ericsson introduces T650 and S500 camera phones
by Janet Harris
Sony Ericsson has announced two new phones with a design inspired by the natural world and the Nordic lights.
The Sony Ericsson T650 has a stainless steel finish, scratch-proof mineral glass and illumination effects on the keypad and side of the phone which interact with animations on the ...
May 10, 2007
Pantech has launched the innovative IM-R200 slider phone which features two LCD displays - one behind the other.
The main screen measures 2 inches and has a QVGA display while the secondary display is an 1.6-inch OLED.
The secondary display is a touchscreen which acts as a keypad, song playlist, or camera buttons.
The ...
Pantech provides dual-LCD phone
by Janet Harris
Pantech has launched the innovative IM-R200 slider phone which features two LCD displays - one behind the other.
The main screen measures 2 inches and has a QVGA display while the secondary display is an 1.6-inch OLED.
The secondary display is a touchscreen which acts as a keypad, song playlist, or camera buttons.
The ...
May 9, 2007
What's this? Yet more nonsense?
Well, sometimes it just feels like the remote won't do what it's supposed to. The first thing to do in this situation is to check if you've just been down the pub all evening and have stumbled home blind drunk.
You can eliminate this possibility quite easily by checking the front ...
Is your satellite setup haunted?
by BGonaSTICKWhat's this? Yet more nonsense?
Well, sometimes it just feels like the remote won't do what it's supposed to. The first thing to do in this situation is to check if you've just been down the pub all evening and have stumbled home blind drunk.
You can eliminate this possibility quite easily by checking the front ...Topfield TF7700 HSCI is a winner
by BGonaSTICK
USB Flash Card provides laptop data protection
by Jan HarrisData security provider Rover Technology Fusions has introduced Rover SPARC (Secure Personal Automatic Replication Card), a USB Flash card which provides an automatic backup for electronic files. The 2GB-capacity card incorporates solid-state Flash memory and IBM's Tivoli Continuous Data Protection for Files software. It is designed to provide continuous real-time protection of files and to minimise backup and recovery times. When the ...
Samsung announces SCH B750 video camera phone
by Janet Harris
Samsung is launching the SCH B750 video camera phone, with a twist open design similar to Nokia's N93 video phone.
The SCH B750 features a 3 megapixel camera with 8GB hard drive and 2.2 inch colour screen.
The phone also features an innovative shake sensor to turn of the device's ...
May 8, 2007
Sophos researchers have identified a new strain of malware which targets removable drives. The worm, called 'SillyFD-AA', attacks USB memory sticks and floppy disks creating hidden files called 'autorun.inf,' which ensure a copy of the worm runs the next time the affected devices are plugged into computers running Windows. The worm changes the title of Internet Explorer Windows to announce that ...
SillyFD-AA Worm Targets USB Sticks
by Jan HarrisSophos researchers have identified a new strain of malware which targets removable drives. The worm, called 'SillyFD-AA', attacks USB memory sticks and floppy disks creating hidden files called 'autorun.inf,' which ensure a copy of the worm runs the next time the affected devices are plugged into computers running Windows. The worm changes the title of Internet Explorer Windows to announce that ...
E-TEN launches X500+ PC phone
by Janet Harris
E-TEN Information Systems has introduced the X500+ high-resolution (VGA) Pocket PC Phone with Windows Mobile 6.
The phone's VGA display provides up to four times the resolution of E-TEN's previous offerings, providing sharper and more detailed images on the larger screen-area.
The ultra-thin smartphone also features an Auto-Macro camera for photographs and home-video ...
May 3, 2007
Gefen, a manufacturer of A/V equipment, cabling, and home theatre accessories, is planning to release a 4-port wireless USB hub. The wireless Ultra Wide Band (UWB) receiver takes up one USB port on a computer, and the hub can operate up to 60ft away from a dongle connected to a PC. The system provides transfer rates of up to 70 Mbps ...
Gefen releases 4-port wireless USB hub
by Jan HarrisGefen, a manufacturer of A/V equipment, cabling, and home theatre accessories, is planning to release a 4-port wireless USB hub. The wireless Ultra Wide Band (UWB) receiver takes up one USB port on a computer, and the hub can operate up to 60ft away from a dongle connected to a PC. The system provides transfer rates of up to 70 Mbps ...
RIM debuts BlackBerry Curve
by Janet Harris
Research In Motion is launching its smallest Blackberry to feature a QWERTY keyboard.
The sleek BlackBerry Curve weighs 110 grams, is 10.6cm long by 6.1cm wide, and 1.52cm deep.
The smartphone features wireless e-mail, music and video capability, a 2-megapixel camera with 5X zoom and built-in flash, advanced media manager program and photo ...Fly Mobile launches prepay phones in UK
by Janet Harris
Handset manufacturer Fly Mobile is introducing its prepay handsets to the UK. The company has previously focused on the Russian and Indian markets.
The first Fly Mobile handset for the UK is the SL 500i slider phone.
The pink version of the phone is available from Argos for £59.99, while ...
May 2, 2007
According to GFI Software, an international developer of network security, 65% of companies underestimate the security risks posed by the use of USB sticks, flash drives, iPods and PDAs on company networks. GFI Software announced the results of a survey conducted among 370 UK companies at the InfoSecurity 2007 tradeshow, which was held at Olympia, London in April. The research, which ...
65% of companies underestimate USB security risks
by Jan HarrisAccording to GFI Software, an international developer of network security, 65% of companies underestimate the security risks posed by the use of USB sticks, flash drives, iPods and PDAs on company networks. GFI Software announced the results of a survey conducted among 370 UK companies at the InfoSecurity 2007 tradeshow, which was held at Olympia, London in April. The research, which ...
May 1, 2007
LG Electronics has launched the LG-KS10 HSDPA smartphone in Italy.
The LG-KS10 is designed to appeal to consumers who require a PC-like environment on their phones.
The slim slider phone features a Symbian OS and users can view any website with the original page layout on its 2.4-inch wide LCD screen, rather ...
LG launches KS10 smartphone in Italy
by Janet Harris
LG Electronics has launched the LG-KS10 HSDPA smartphone in Italy.
The LG-KS10 is designed to appeal to consumers who require a PC-like environment on their phones.
The slim slider phone features a Symbian OS and users can view any website with the original page layout on its 2.4-inch wide LCD screen, rather ...USB camcorder makes video sharing easy
by Jan HarrisPure Digital, which manufactures disposable cameras sold in drugstores, has released Flip Video, a pocket-sized camcorder designed so that its footage can be easily uploaded onto the Internet. Flip Video comes with a built-in USB arm and software for editing and uploading onto video sharing sites such as Google's YouTube site or Grouper, an online video site owned by Sony. ...
