By Caitlyn Muncy

There are times when all of our grand technology runs out of juice, all at once. The only problem being that we don’t have enough USB charge ports available to us to charge everything at once. FastMac finally has their U-Sockets shipping out as you read this. A U-Socket has all the normal capabilities for three-pronged ports, but also has USB charge ports as well.

These super charger outlets can be installed on any pre-existing outlet, which makes for a very easy transfer. This is definitely the first of it’s kind on the market, and will improve the lives of gadget and gizmo-lovers across the states. Hopefully there are some designed for those around the globe who have a different shaped socket. These are only going to cost $19.95, and will help you charge everything when it needs to be charged instead of one at a time.

[ FastMac ] VIA [ UberGizmo ]

There have been LCDs on the market for a while now that only need a single USB port co power and connectivity. We got our hands on one of the largest of this kind of monitor from iMo called the Monster 10-inch an liked the thing well enough. A new and significantly larger LCD has surfaced that needs only one USB cable for power and connectivity from a company called Green House in Japan.

The giant USB monitor has a screen that is 15.6-inches and needs only 5W of power to operate. That means the single USB cable powers the thing. The resolution for the screen is 1366 x 768 and it has a 400:1 contrast ratio and 220cd/m2 brightness rating. The screen physically measures in at 377.7 x 141.8 x 287.8mm and weighs 1.2kg.

If you want tons of screen space, you can connect as many as six of these screens to your computer at one time. The model number for the display is GH-USD16K and it is slated to hit the Japanese website of the maker this month for the equivalent of $215. There is no word on the LCD coming to the US or anywhere outside Japan at this time.

Via CrunchGear

Combining devices, gadgets, or ideas into one useful object is something that more companies should try and implement. Of course, getting the idea out of the concept stage is tough, especially if you’re a designer that hasn’t been picked up by a huge company. For Wonchul Hwang, the concept design for the AA USB is something that many people would probably find some use in.

The AA USB, which as you might have guessed from the name is a combination of a AA battery and USB drive, is meant to function as a standard USB stick, but then be installed into a battery-powered device when necessary. When the device is plugged into your computer, it will recharge itself, while able to store your necessary data. Unplugging it, you’ll be able to put it into a flashlight, radio, or other device that uses AA batteries, just like a “normal” battery.

Transitioning the device from a USB drive to the AA battery is as simple as a twist. There will be LED indicators on the side of the USB AA which will show how much energy is left in the small battery, letting you know how much energy is left. Anyone think this could be something they’d use every day?

[via Yanko Design]

Korg has refreshed its range of entry-level USB controllers at NAMM 2011 this week, with three new models offering straightforward control of music apps like GarageBand and Logic. The Korg nanoSERIES2 consists of the nanoKEY2, nanoPAD2 and nanoKONTROL2, each getting power and data via a single USB connection, and offering various combinations of keys, buttons and sliders.

The nanoKEY2 is the most traditional of the three, with 25 velocity-sensing keys, while the nanoPAD2 is targeted at drum line input, with 16 pads and an X-Y touchpad. Finally, the nanoKONTROL2 has a range of knobs, switches, and faders, and is designed to sit in front of the average laptop.

All three can be used simultaneously – assuming you have enough USB ports on your computer – and work with PCs and Macs. As for software, Avid Pro Tools, Apple Logic, GarageBand, MOTU Digital Performer, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live and Cakewalk SONOR should all work out of the box, but the nanoSERIES2 can also pump out regular CC messages for more esoteric apps. No word on pricing, but we’re expecting the three to be reasonably inexpensive.

While the second generation iPad hasn’t been announced yet, there’s already folks talking about when the tablet device will launch. With as many rumors already swirling around, a release date is something we’ve been expecting to hear for quite some time now. According to MacNotes.de, the iPad is set to launch either the first or second Saturday in April, the 2nd of 9th respectively. Of note, the original German headline suggests that the 9th is a more likely date than the 2nd.

The report from MacNotes.de is coming from the site’s trusted source, and suggests that the second version of the tablet will follow a similar release pattern as the first iPad. It will launch in the United States in April, but the international release will probably be held off until some time in July. Furthermore, the report says that Apple will be handling initial sales themselves, for as long as six months, before the company lets retail partners, like Walmart, get their hands on it.

As for details about the device itself, there’s nothing we haven’t heard before. The new tablet will supposedly feature a Retina Display, have a USB port, and dual cameras.

[via MacRumors]

By Chris Scott Barr

When it comes to your desktop, you rarely worry about having your keyboard and mouse stolen. After all, your desktop doesn’t often move from your desk, does it? If you’re a gamer who attends LAN parties, then you might be one of the few that does have to worry about your peripherals running off, and there’s a good chance that you don’t stick to the cheap stuff either. That’s why you need the Bunker.

This device is installed in one of your 5.25” bays and gives you four USB ports. What makes it different is that there is a door that swings shut over the ports, and locking. There is just enough room for your cable to stick out, but not for the plug to come through. This keeps your fancy gaming keyboard and mouse securely in place. For $25, it’s a must-have for LAN party-goers.

[ NZXT ]

New year, new bizarre Tokyoflash watch. The Kinsai Console is the latest special edition from the Japanese company, and this time around it’s based on a fan-voted concept called Bright Time. A full three separate screens are squeezed into the stainless steel casing, taking on hours and different portions of minutes.

Interestingly, the Kinsai Console’s battery is recharged via USB; a full charge takes around 3.5 hours and Tokyoflash reckons each charge should last 1 month. There are 300 charges in one battery and the battery is replaceable.

Some readers may get a faint whiff of Blockbusters – the old gameshow, not the DVD rental company – about the Kisai Console, which we think only adds to the retro charm. It’s available now, priced at $200.

NZXT has all sorts of computer gear and accessories. The company makes some of the cooler computer cases on the market and has a wide range of accessories for computer DIY types as well. The latest accessory from the company is the new Bunker USB Locking Device. This little device helps prevent your USB gear from being stolen at a LAN party or from a public computer.

The Bunker has four USN ports under a locking mesh lid. The idea is that you can plug in your mouse and keyboard and other gear using these ports and route the cables so that the peripherals can’t simply get unplugged and walk about the door with a thief.

The device fits into a vacant 5.25-inch drive bay and has four USB ports inside. It opens with one of those weird looking round keys that a vending machine uses. Pricing for the Bunker is unknown at this time.

Kingston has announced their plans for USB 3.0, and how the company plans to leverage the technology with a plethora of new products they will release in 2011. Making the announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the company has dedicated their products to USB 3.0, and plan on releasing devices that range in usage for prosumers, consumers, and enthusiasts alike.

The company says that they’ve seen plenty of adoption with their previously released HyperX MAX 3.0 external drive, along with their DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 external drive, and believe that they can further that success with heavy adoption of USB 3.0 in 2011. They will be releasing several USB 3.0 Flash drives, which includes the company’s fastest drive they’ve released yet.

The DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 will fall into the HyperXperience family of products, and be the company’s flagship device for the beginning of the year. Kingston will also release a USB 3.0 Flash drive that’s aimed specifically for the entry-level, leveraging the speed of USB 3.0 and the low price range. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Press Release

Kingston Digital Announces USB 3.0 Product Roadmap for 2011

· USB 3.0 Flash Drives Aimed at Enthusiasts, Prosumers and Consumers
· Family to Include High Performance and Smaller, Lower Cost Solutions to

Meet All Consumer Needs

International CES 2011, Las Vegas, NV & Fountain Valley, CA — January 5, 2011– Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, is boosting support for USB 3.0 in 2011 by revealing its roadmap at International CES 2011. Kingston® will develop a comprehensive suite of USB 3.0 Flash drive solutions to meet the needs of users of all levels as the technology becomes more widely accepted.

“We have already seen the successful adoption of our DataTraveler® Ultimate 3.0 and HyperX® MAX 3.0 External drive amongst early adopters demanding faster data transfer rates in portable form factors,” said Andrew Ewing, Flash drive business manager, Kingston. “As USB 3.0 technology grows and more platforms and computers support the USB 3.0 standard, we recognize the need to develop different solutions to address various target markets and help drive adoption.”

For enthusiasts and power users, Kingston will release its fastest USB 3.0 drive to date. The DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 will serve as the flagship model and be part of the HyperXperience™ line, a family of high-performance Kingston Flash products that will include SSDs, USBs and cards, to complement HyperX enthusiast memory modules.

In September 2010, Kingston released the DataTraveler Ultimate 3.0 (DTU30), its first USB 3.0 Flash drive using a SATA bridge chip to attain high data transfer rates. As single-chip controllers become available, Kingston will release a second generation of the DTU30, available in 16-, 32- and 64GB capacities. Single-chip controllers allow for better USB 3.0 compatibility and speed. Users will benefit from increased performance and lower costs in the next generation DTU30.

As more PCs ship with USB 3.0 capability later this year, particularly in late Q2/early Q3, Kingston will also launch an entry-level Flash drive to go with these systems. It will be aimed squarely at consumers with a lower capacity and price point to help drive mainstream adoption.

For more information visit www.kingston.com.

About Kingston Digital, Inc.

Kingston Digital, Inc. (“KDI”) is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit www.kingston.com or call 800-337-8410.
___________________

Kingston Digital Announces SDHC UHS-I UltimateXX

· Data Transfer Rate up to 60MB/sec. Read and 35MB/Sec. Write
· Designed to SD Association UHS-I Speed Class Specifications
· Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB Capacities

International CES 2011 Las Vegas, NV and Fountain Valley, CA — January 5, 2011 — Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the SDHC UHS-I UltimateXX memory cards. The highest speed class available today, the UltimateXX meets standards set by the Secure Digital Association for next-level performance in SD card technology.

Shipping later this month, Kingston’s UltimateXX memory cards are ideal for the serious photographer or videographer. Photographers will appreciate the ability to easily capture sequential shots that were once a challenge due to the speed limitations of memory. The UltimateXX also makes it easy to capture HD video. The performance of SDHC UHS-I memory card is optimized when paired with a UHS-I device, although the card is backwards compatible with Class 4, 6 and 10 equipment.

“Kingston is pleased to be one of the first manufacturers to offer SDHC UHS-I memory cards to our customers,” said Mike Kuppinger, Flash card product manager, Kingston®. “Being a member of the SD Association enhances our ability to bring new technology to market. As the devices that support SDHC UHS-I become prevalent, our UltimateXX cards are at the ready.”

Kingston’s UltimateXX line meets the SD Association standards for the UHS-I speed class with speeds up to 60MB/sec. read and 35MB/sec. write. At this performance level, the write speed of SDHC UHS-I memory cards is more than three times as fast as SDHC Class 10 cards. The UltimateXX product line will offer capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB.

Kingston SDHC UHS-1 UltimateXX Features and Specifications:

· Performance: 233x – up to 60MB/sec. read, and 35MB/sec. write
· Fast: ultra high-speed bus I (UHS-I)
· Compliant: with the SD Card Association specification version 3.01
· Secure: built-in write-protect switch prevents accidental data loss
· Compatible: with SDHC and SDXC host devices, not compatible with standard SD-enabled devices/readers

· Reliable: lifetime warranty
· Simple: as easy as plug-and-play
· Capacities*: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
· Dimensions: 0.94″ x 1.25″ x 0.08″ (24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm)
· Weight: 0.09oz (2.5g)
· Storage Temperatures: -40° F to 185° F (-40° C to 85° C)
· Operating Temperatures: -13° F to 185° F (-25° C to 85° C)
· Voltage: 3.3V
· File Format: FAT32

* Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston’s Flash Guide at kingston.com/flash_memory_guide.

Samson makes some nice microphones for computer users that are aimed at all sorts of needs. The mics allow a user to record their own music at home or make podcasts and video with better sound. The latest product from Samson has been unveiled at it s a very shiny and cool new USB studio microphone called the Meteor Mic.

The mic works for Skype and voice recognition software in addition to music and voice recording according to Samson. The Meteor Mic has a built-in stand that allows it to be positioned in several ways to best suit the recording environment. It also has a 1.8-inch headphone output for monitoring.

The mic comes with a soft carry bag and uses a single USB cable for connectivity and power. It will work with the iPad using a USB adapter. It has a 25mm diaphragm, cardioids pickup pattern, a frequency response of 20Hz to 20 kHz and supports CD quality sound recording. It will hit stores on April 15 for $99.