Gizmodo: USB

Thanko's Cooling Fan Keyboard Cools Your Over-Heated Wrists

Kit Eaton — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:40:00 EDT

Bless those guys at Thanko—they've been wondering what else to apply fan-cooling tech to, and have come up with this keyboard that cools something you never thought needed it: your wrists. The gizmo has three fans built into the wrist-rest area of a standard USB keyboard, ready to puff sweet air at your sweaty wrists at the flick of a switch. Bizarre. And if you want one, you'd better have really hot, sweaty arms indeed 'cause this thing takes up two USB ports. It looks pretty sturdy, mind you, and is out in Japan for about $62. [FarEastGizmos]

Brando's Chicken, Pork, Pizza and Watermelon USB Drives Are Phenomenally Delicious

Jason Chen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:40:00 EDT

It's been a while since Solid Alliance charmed us with their food-shaped USB drives, but Brando's shot back with edible-looking disks of their own. At our count, there's chicken, hot wings, a slab of pork, a pizza slice, a burger, a watermelon slice, a strawberry, cookies and biscuits—all lifelike enough that your kid would accidentally put it in his mouth. Best of all, these hold 4GB worth of junk and cost only $28. Has anyone made a bacon USB drive yet? Huge gallery after the jump.

[Pizza]
[Meat]
[Fruit]
[Cookies]

The Neutered USB Humping Dog On Sale Now

Jason Chen — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EDT

The Crunching Dog—a sadly neutered version of the humping dog—is finally on sale. All it takes is $9.99 for you to get a cheap plastic dog to show you that you're worthless because you'll never do as many situps or do them as fast as this crappy toy from Japan. Seriously though, how can something with a dong THAT huge even physically do situps? This is the excuse we're using to justify our own obesity, in case you were wondering. [ThinkGeek]

USB Watch is Deconstructed Electronic Geekiness In Action

Kit Eaton — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:09:00 EDT

This concept USB watch, dubbed "Timeless" is either a fabulously ironic piece of deconstructivist electronic art, or a geeky overload. Whichever way you look at it, it's kinda neat: basically it's a simple digital watch, with an internal battery that's charged when you plug it into a USB socket. And then the same USB socket plugs back into the watch face, secured with PCB mount-style latches, with the ribbon cable as a strap. It's a concept... but I could rattle off a pretty long list of people I know who'd probably love to own one. [DesignBrothers via CoolestGadgets]

Brando's USB LED Message Board Displays Obscene Messages To Your Workmates

Jason Chen — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EDT

Are your coworkers always giving you a hard time about being away from your desk and not knowing where you are? Grab this $27 LED Message Board from Brando and always have a sign showing where you are. Sure, a Post-it or a mini-whiteboard would accomplish the same thing, but are they USB? Do they light up with red dotted letters? Are they that much more hilarious when the words "Fuck off Phil" scroll across their body? We think not. [Brando]

Brando's USB Fidget Sports Toy is Designed to Waste Your Time

Kit Eaton — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:27:00 EDT

In the world of USB gizmos there's the useful, the strange and now the totally and utterly useless. Brando's "Fidget" toys are designed to replace doodling as a time-wasting activity in the office, or something like that anyway. They're mini USB devices in the shape of different sports balls, that come with a desktop mini-game that you control simply by tapping on the ball. The game's bleeping and repetitiveness may either de-stress you, or distress you: but you'll have to find that out for yourself. There's soccer, golf and basketball to choose from, they play with Windows, and will cost just $14 when on sale at the end of July. [Brando]

Sawed-Off USB Flash Drives Going on Sale

Sean Fallon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EDT

The sawed-off USB flash drive concept actually hit back in April, but that version was a DIY project. It was a simple hack, but if making an effort does not appeal to you, designer Windell Oskay has teamed up with Fred to produce "Hacked!" a 2GB production version of the flash drive. A price has not been determined, but it should hit the shelves soon. [Fred via Likecool]

USB Multi-Cleaner Keeps You Healthy And Tidy

Matt Hickey — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:50 EDT

We've seen our share of so-called air purifiers, and desktop vacuums, but when they combine into a maximum cleaning tool, and it's powered by USB, you get to see it here. It sits on your desk, quietly sucking up all the dust coming your way from your filthy co-workers. And to make sure you don't share yours with them, it quickly transforms into a small hand-held vacuum cleaner with brush, just to keep your desk and keyboard clean. Save your health, and your USB ports! Bonus "Can you see what's wrong with this picture?" photo after the jump.

USB powered, right?

Can a USB Socket Power a Popcorn Maker?

Kit Eaton — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:50:00 EDT

Some guys over at Metacafe have posted this video of possibly the best USB gizmo ever. It's a DIY desktop USB popcorn maker. Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? It uses a minimum of parts, and "high intensity heater lights" driven only by the power from your PC. I was skeptical at first (and still am) but the electronics kind of make sense, and the video is convincing. If you're a bored cubicle-monkey and fancy trying it out for yourself, the video shows you how... and you could then cheer up those work days with a snack of DIY popcorn. What's your take, guys? Real or not? [Metacafe via Crunchgear]

Elgato Shrinks EyeTV Digital TV Dongle, Now MacBook Air-Friendly

Kit Eaton — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:46:00 EDT

Elgato has shrunk the tech in their Mac-friendly USB TV tuner dongles so that the latest EyeTV DTT Deluxe is much smaller. And as a result, it's now compatible with the MacBook Air's low ground-clearance. It's got a digital tuner inside that can do full HD, so it's just for those of you who can get DVB-T or Freeview, and apparently packs better image-processing for a less noisy picture. It also leaves the mini-DVI slot unblocked on an Air, and comes with a choice of aerials to suit the signal strength in your area. Available now for $125 in Europe. [Register Hardware]

Adorable iPod USB Stick Will Melt Any Apple Hater's Heart

matt buchanan — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EDT

Sure, you might loathe Apple with every fiber of your Windows-running being. But look at this iPod USB stick. It's so cute. How can you hate it? It comes in 1GB and 2GB flavors for £19.95 (about $40, damn weak dollar) and £24.95 ($50). Yep, still adorable. Awwww. No? You probably hated Wall-E too. [BoysStuff via Nerd Approved]

USB LED Light Tube Speaker is Like Bad Sci-Fi Prop For Your Desk

Kit Eaton — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:51:00 EDT

This transparent, glowing USB speaker is either missing one glowing arm to make it look like a flux capacitor, or has one arm too many to be the light on top of the TARDIS. It's weird. But if you're into EL-wire PC case modding, then I suppose this blue LED-lit USB speaker from Brando might be up your street. Measuring 5.9-inches long, it takes power from USB, has an audio-in socket and costs $22. [Brando]

Nyko Media Hub Beefs Up Newer, Wimpier PS3s

Mark Wilson — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:32:00 EDT

Those who threw down the extra cash for a first gen PlayStation 3 got a few bonuses in return—the newer 40GB version is shy a few USB ports, a memory card reader and hardware-based backwards compatibility. Nyko is solving two of these problems with their Media Hub, a 3-port USB hub with media card reader (SD and Memory Stick). Compatible with all available PS3s, the Media Hub snaps seamlessly onto consoles and works from a horizontal or vertical position. Expect the Media Hub to hit stores this August for $20. Sorry you're still jacked with the backwards compatibility stuff. [Nyko]

Brando USB, eSATA HDD Dock Gets One-Touch Backup Button

Kit Eaton — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:19:00 EDT

Previously it was double slots and eSATA, now the cartridge-style HDD dock gets a one-touch backup button. Makes it ideal for backing up your main drive to an old HDD you've got spare, and then bunging the backup in a cupboard until you need it. It's got eSATA and USB 2 connectivity and even comes with an internal SATA to external eSATA conversion bracket for your desktop PC. Takes both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, but though it plays nicely with PCs and Macs, the one-touch button only works with PCs. Available now for $53. [Brando]

USB Hub/Paperclip holder/Fish Tank, May be Worst USB Gizmo Ever

Kit Eaton — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:51:00 EDT

A four-way, USB 2.0 hub. A magnetic paperclip holder. A fake fish tank. A seven-color LED illuminator. Mix them all together, and what have you got? Yes: possibly the worst USB gizmo ever. I mean, what's next? A USB hub with built-in electric dog-polisher? I don't know though: if you're a collector of USB naffness then maybe you'd prize this thing... available now for $20. [Gadget4All]

Official Star Wars USB Hubs May be Best USB Products Ever

Kit Eaton — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:09:00 EDT

Forget Dr Who's TARDIS, sci-fi USB hub fans (come on... you know who you are) are going to go bonkers over these official R2D2 and Vader USB hubs. R2's head moves, he lights up and emits genuine Star Wars sound effects every three minutes, while Vader just seems to have the sound effects and glowing eyes. *Shiver*... menacing. Of course they also have four full-speed USB sockets on the front, and come with three feet of USB cable. Available in July for around $66... but that's in Japan, USB hub fans. [JapanStarWars via Technabob]

Firefox 3.0 USB Lets You Take Your Browser Everywhere

Elaine Chow — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EDT

Those of you who need Firefox 3 on the go can now get a portable USB edition of the browser from PortableApps.com. The download lets you launch Firefox from your USB and lets you bring all your extensions and bookmarks with you while making sure that the computer you're using doesn't end up saving your info. The file is 8MB and free (though, as with all open source stuff, I'm sure the folks at PortableApps would love it if you threw them a few bucks). [Portable Apps]

4GB Camcorder USB Pen Captures Your Thoughts On Paper, Video

Jack Loftus — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EDT

Camcorder pens often sacrifice the whole "writing" thing in the name of capturing video, but this one from BrickHouse Security does write, and has considerably bigger storage capacity than previous video pens, too. It's a big pricey, but if you're into the whole Maxwell Smart lifestyle it could make a nice, voyeuristic addition to your repertoire. Two hours of battery time per charge, 30 hours of audio and/or video (4GB), and a potential restraining order are available to you for $250. [BrickStone Security via GeekAlerts]

Air-Conditioned Tie 2.0 From Thanko Knot Very Fabulous, Really

AddyDugdale — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:40:00 EDT

Those egg-heads from Thanko have spent the best part of a year banging their large, domed cerebelli together, tackling what is without doubt the biggest question that the human race faces this millennium: how to upgrade their air-conditioned tie. And this is what they came up with—hiding the fan grille behind the fabric. Let us stop on this Friday morning (day, slow, news, a, it's, yeah. Now make a sentence out of that) and consider the evidence:

Old Tie.New tie.Old tie.New tie.

Repeat ad infinitum (rather like Thanko's R&D department does with its products.) [Akihabara News]

Climb Every Mountain, Ford Every Data-Stream with USB Flash Drive Carabiner

Kit Eaton — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:58:00 EDT

This gizmo from Brando is a carabiner with a USB flash drive embedded in it. M'kay. Handy for... um... snapping onto your notebook case, and securing it to your climbing harness as you tackle the north face of the Eiger? Actually no, because despite supporting Windows, OS X and Linux, it won't support you: I'm sure I should be able to see a "do not use for climbing" sign on it somewhere. It's got 4GB of storage, comes in six colors and is $32. [Brando]

Nintendo's Working on Improved Wii Storage? Maybe?

Jason Chen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:59:00 EDT

Nintendo's Laurent Fischer recently got in trouble when he said only "geeks" and "otaku" want more space on their Wii to store stuff. Now he has to not only apologize, but say that Nintendo knows "there is an issue in this," and that they're working on something. Maybe. Laurent follows up that with a quote saying they have "no plan to issue hardware," which kinda makes knowing that there's an issue a useless point. [Games Industry via Kotaku - Image Credit]

Sony Ericsson's HSPA Modems Triple-Up as Card Readers, GPS Receiver

Kit Eaton — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:20:00 EDT

Sony Ericsson is joining the mobile internet dongle game with the new MD400 and MD400g USB modems. Both are pretty diminutive, and pack a folding antenna and retracting USB plug to keep the size down, and both have HSPA connectivity with 7.2Mb/s download and 2.0Mb/s upload speeds.

They also have card-reader slots, for MemoryStick Micro and microSD cards. Most interestingly, the 400g version has integrated GPS and an NMEA 2.0 interface, so you can slip it into your PC or Mac, and pinpoint your location live in Google Maps. Available late this year, but you'll have to wait for pricing info. Full press release below.

SONY ERICSSON PRESS RELEASE June 17, 2008

Sony Ericsson launches two new dual function USB modems to keep you ahead of the game

Sony Ericsson unveils the MD400 and MD400g - the first HSPA USB modems of their kind from Sony Ericsson not only providing high speed broadband but also a combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and a microSD(TM) slot brought together in a stylish and attractive design. Apart from an in-built antenna, an innovative additional swivel antenna optimizes the performance when in use. When closed, it covers and protects the retractable USB connector. The MD400g also has an in-built GPS receiver which automatically shows the user's current location.

Singapore, 17th June 2008 - For people on the move keeping in touch via the internet with colleagues, clients, friends and family is a necessity. Now Sony Ericsson gives users the speed they need in a stylish way with its two new modems complete with HSPA technology. Users can receive 7.2Mb/s in download and up to 2.0Mb/s in upload speeds. This means that sending attachments via email such as images or video content can be sent up to five times faster than before.

"The MD400 and MD400g are high performance and stylish devices that enable you to have all your essentials at hand even when you are out of reach from broadband at home or in the office. The USBs are simple, quick to install and the multiple technologies guarantee internet access every time," said Johan Tysklind, marketing director mobile computing at Sony Ericsson. "The combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and the microSD(TM) slot really makes these products stand out from the crowd and the MD400g even includes a GPS receiver."

Sony Ericsson MD400/MD400g - the world on the move
HSPA technology - up to 7.2Mb/s download and 2.0Mb/s upload
First USB modem with combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
In-built antenna complemented with an additional swivel 'Diversity' antenna maximizes reception performance and boosts data transmission
Innovative mechanical design allows the swivel antenna to also protect the retractable USB connector when the modem is not in use
USB modem - can be used in any PC, laptop or desktop
In-built GPS receiver and GPS utility (MD400g) which can link directly in to Google Maps(TM) and mark current location
PlayNow shortcut link - just a click away from entertainment
Auto-install
Auto configuration
So whether you are a professional that needs internet access anytime of the day, a student away from the library or even someone taking advantage of nice weather in the park the MD400/MD400g range can give you the broadband access you need from any mobile location.

- ENDS -

At a glance:

MD400 Mobile Broadband USB Modem, MD400g Mobile Broadband GPS USB Modem

Compact size, 70 x 28 x 15 mm (open)

Weight 28g
Dual antenna solution featuring Receiver Diversity optimisation which ensures highest possible data rates. the USB connector retracts when the swivel antenna is folded. Completely closed it covers the port

Combo M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
GPS (MD400g): Integrated GPS receiver (NMEA 2.0 interface)
HSPA: Up to 7.2 Mb/s, downlink. Up to 2.0 Mb/s, uplink
HSPA/UMTS: Triple band 850/1900/2100 MHz
EDGE/GPRS: Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Operating Systems: MS Windows® 2000, XP, Vista, MAC-OS X supported
Features/Enablers: Sony Ericsson Wireless Manager
Auto-installation and auto-configuration: Multi color LED illumination indicating communication status (and GPS status - MD 400g)
25 supported languages
Sony Ericsson update services
Combo M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
In-built GPS receiver inc. GPS utility (MD400g)
PlayNow(TM) icon - a click away from entertainment
Colours: Exquisite Ebony, Lustrous White

Availability: Globally available Q4 2008

Legal
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant.
2) Talk, standby and video call times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2008.

[Sony Ericsson]

USB Tube Clock Possibly the Most Expensive Object from Brando Ever

AddyDugdale — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:50:00 EDT

Brando's tube clock with USB connection is, at $70, possibly the most 'spenny thing that Brando has ever produced. Six tubes display the hours, minutes and seconds, and it connects via USB to your laptop or computer. Lets not forget that B&W already made a Tube Clock, but it's three times the price of the Brando and not powered by USB. So way to go Brando for knockin' this one off. Bonus shot is below.

[Brando]

Kensington ShareCentral Spreads USB Love Between Two Computers

Benny Goldman — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT

The ShareCentral is a 5-port USB hub that allows two computers to share USB devices without a network. Just plug the devices in the $80 hub, plug the hub into both computers, and you can use your mouse, keyboard, hard drive or whatever on either computer with the flick of a switch. Best of all, it knows which computer is trying to print and automatically switches the printer to that machine, like a network device. It also comes in 1- and 2-port varieties, $40 and $60 respectively, full release after the jump. [Kensington]

Kensington® ShareCentral(TM) Brings Greater Convenience and Ease to
Home Computing Shared Tasks
Innovative Device Lets Families Share Projects among Computers
and USB Peripherals – With Just the Press of a Button

Redwood Shores, Calif. – June 16, 2008 – Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in delivering smart made simple(TM) computing accessories for the mobile consumer, today announced ShareCentral, an innovative USB peripheral sharing device for the home that lets family members instantly and effortlessly share up to five USB peripheral devices between any two computers with an easy press of a button. ShareCentral brings the cords and cables of external devices into one small, attractive desktop or wall mounted unit, allowing people to share their choice of peripherals and content in one easy fingertip motion, with no network required.

Recent Kensington research conducted by Markettools showed that more than 40% of households have 3 – 4 computers in their home belonging to different family members. A full 70% of these households have a dedicated computing space equipped with a stationary computer, as well as a variety of peripherals, that are shared by the whole family. These multiple-computer families have a screaming need to be able to easily share access to the peripherals they use the most including printers (50%), scanners (30%) and external disks drives (22%) so they can turn work, homework, photos and music gathered on notebooks, flash drives and iPod music players into polished, finished work meant for sharing with others.

"ShareCentral is a great example of our smart made simple design philosophy," said Frederic Frappereau, Global Product Marketing Manager at Kensington. "Everyone is mobile. Then they bring the day's data, photos and music back to one shared, usually cramped, home computing center which the entire family needs to access in those few hours between dinnertime and bedtime. Up until now, they spent that precious time switching out cords and cables to connect their computers to their peripherals. Now with ShareCentral, they can focus on sharing the content, to produce creative results of which they all can be proud."

Key features include

• Share up to five different USB peripherals – Instantly share access to multiple USB peripherals between two computers at the press of a button. Users gain instant access to their USB peripherals by plugging one simple USB cable into their computers. LED lights on the product indicate which computer has access.
• Easy to set up, simple and straightforward – ShareCentral is easy to set up and easy to use with no network or software required. Plug–n–play right out of the box!
• No more cord clutter – ShareCentral eliminates cable mess by connecting device cables into a central desktop unit; also wall mountable.
• Easy printer sharing –Simply press a button to switch the USB printer from one computer to another. ShareCentral 2 and ShareCentral 5 Automatic Print Sharing will detect and automatically switch to the computer that is trying to print, conveniently eliminating the need for any buttons to be pressed (available for Windows® XP and Windows Vista®).
• Adaptable and personal – All USB ports are independently controlled by a button and assignable to either computer. Each button comes with interchangeable magnetic keycaps for personalization to user's device and specifications.

The ShareCentral Collection

ShareCentral 5 (SKU K33901US) – No more plugging and unplugging computer devices. With Kensington ShareCentral 5, two computers can share a printer, hard drive, scanner—up to any five USB peripherals – and switch between them with the touch of a button. Suggested Retail Price $79.99

ShareCentral 2 (SKU K33900US) – With the Kensington ShareCentral 2, two computers can share a printer, hard drive, scanner—any two USB devices. Suggested Retail Price $59.99

ShareCentral 1 (SKU K33903US) – With the Kensington ShareCentral 1, two computers can share a printer or any USB device. Suggested Retail Price $39.99

The Kensington ShareCentral Collection is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com and will be available at major retailers at the end of the month.

Mouse-Calculator-Numeric Keypad Mashup is From Canon, Confusingly

Kit Eaton — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:40:00 EDT

Forget DSLRs: Canon has a new gizmo for us. The "industry's first" mouse with a calculator and numeric keypad is a 1000dpi optical USB mouse that flips open to a full keypad and 10-digit LCD screen. And yes, you read that correctly: the LS-100TKM is from Canon, not Brando. Strange... but if you're an accounting type who needs a calculator and keypad for your notebook, this might be the ticket. Available in Japan at first for around $32, in early July. [Impress]

AMD and Nvidia Creating Own Spec to Compete Against USB 3.0

Adrian Covert — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:50:00 EDT

AMD and Nvidia have decided they're done waiting for Intel to give them the data they need to create USB 3.0 compliant products, and plan to launch their own spec to launch against the USB 3.0 data protocol. Intel says they haven't finalized the spec and want to prevent people from developing hardware based on multiple versions. AMD and Nvidia aren't satisfied with such an answer and feel Intel is trying to gain a sizeable lead on market share. They will apparently have their first clandestine meeting next week. I wonder if "HD DVD" will be the secret password. [CNET via Daily Tech]

Nintendo Wii to Score "USB Devices"

Mark Wilson — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:37:00 EDT

While we've heard rumors of Nintendo manufacturing a USB hard drive to compliment the Wii, a new job advertisement adds even more credence to the speculation. Posted three days ago, the ad calls for a "Software/Hardware Tester" who can implement a "test plan for Wii's USB devices." So a hard drive is probably on its way, but could Nintendo be cooking up something else? Oooh, maybe corded Wiimote! At long last!! [PCWorld]

Brando 3-in-1 Data Dock Saves Case Space With Multi-Use Trays

Kit Eaton — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:48:00 EDT

For those of you with desktop PCs crammed to the gills with peripherals, this slot-loading data dock from Brando might be a neat space-saver solution. It takes up just one 3.5-inch drive bay, but has three interchangeable sleds: one for 2.5-inch SATA HDDs, one with a 4-way USB hub and one a multi-type card reader. You simply chose which you need at the time, and slide it into one of the two slots. Cleverly each aluminum-frame sled also functions as an independent USB peripheral, making them pretty useful portable accessories too. Available now for $69. [Brando]

ASUSTeK and RealTek Collaborate on Wireless USB Monitors

Jason Chen — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Wireless monitors are in their infancy now, but ASUS and Realtek are teaming up to make a new product series based on Wireless USB. The monitor has an integrated Wireless USB module from Realtek—a technology that's also just barely making it mainstream—and will be able to pair with a Wireless USB Host Wire Adapter or Wireless Host Controller Interface that's plugged into your PC. Unless you really, really need a wireless monitor, hold out until reviews come in to see if it's worth your money. [Yahoo]

HDD Plug-in Dock Gets Some Two-Slot, eSATA Action

Kit Eaton — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:55:00 EDT

First there was the strangely Nintendo cartridge-like USB HDD dock, then there was the USB hub version. Now the strange external drive dock has got two slots for either 3.5- or 2.5-inch SATA drives, and also connects to your PC via eSata. There's one connection for each, mind you, so you'd better have a few slots free—though you can fall back on the USB option. Available soon for $107.56. [GeekStuff4U via Akihabaranews]

Glowing, Flashing USB Speakers are Ahem Bullet-shaped

Kit Eaton — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:20:00 EDT

Okay, okay: I know what they look like, but since the official description is "bullet-like," that's what I'm sticking with. These 7.5-inch tall, cylindrical, smooth-tipped speakers are USB bus-powered and have music-reactive color-changing LEDS in the top, making them "very nice to listen to your favorite music at night" apparently. They pump out 2 x 2W and 2 x 1W of sounds from 150Hz to 20kHz. Available now for a mere $20. [Gadget4All via Geek Alerts]

Earth Trek Phone Stand is USB Hub, Card Reader Too

Kit Eaton — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:10:00 EDT

Sure, this all-in-one from Earth Trek is no good-looking gadget stand like the iClooly, but it'd be hard to beat it for convenience. You can use it to prop up your cellphone (though how does it stick on? ... magic? love? glue?) and also charge it through a range of swappable connectors. It's also a three-way USB hub, and you can even jam in a range of memory cards from microSD to MemoryStick Pro Duo. Looks like the perfect thing to fling in your laptop bag when you're off on a trip. It's available in black or white, but there's no info on price. [Akihabaranews]

Egg Speakers Provide Hours Of Wobbly Fun

Elaine Chow — Sat, 31 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT

In case you were dying for a pair of egg-shaped speakers but the Sony Rolly just didn't seem... wobbly enough, Brando is now offering an ovoid sound system that'll fulfill your whimsical music listening needs. The speakers come in black or red, twist open for enhanced bass output, and run for several hours off of a USB-rechargeable battery. They also totter, but don't fall, if you flick them—a feature sure to entertain you on those ultra boring days at the office. Available at Brando for $15 a piece. [Technabob]

Brando USB DJ Plasma Tube Light Dances To Your Tunes, Won't Slay Sith

Kit Eaton — Mon, 26 May 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Brando's latest USB gizmo is an 8.5-inch high plasma tube that's an adjustable-brightness desk lamp. But flick a switch, and it pulses mesmerically in time to the sound of your music... or to the sound of you making "Vwummmm. Vwummm.... Cssshhsh!" noises as you sit there wishing it was four feet longer and had real cutting power. Sadly it doesn't, but this piece of desktop lighting fun is available now for $15, in blue, green or red. [Brando]

Mimobot Designer Flash Drives Grow to 8GB

matt buchanan — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:30:00 EDT

If lack of storage was the major reason you were holding off on dropping the coin for a mimobot designer flash drive (which I have a soft spot for even though the price/value ratio is slightly outside of this reality), get ready to open up your tri-fold wallet, they've just started offering 8GB drives. They're $140, about double what you'd pay for a Cruzer Contour, which has its own design premium. But they are really cute. [Mimoco]

IOGEAR USB Net ShareStation Brings USB Over the Network

Jason Chen — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Sharing USB Printers over the network is old hat, but IOGEAR's USB Net ShareStation lets you share just about every USB device you've got. There's external hard drives, flash drives, card readers, USB webcams, USB Speakers and USB printers, all extensible over the 10/100 port to your network. There's also a built-in USB 2.0 hub extension so you can shove in four devices to use. Definitely useful if you've got an old printer that doesn't have networking features, or if you want to have access to a webcam you hid in someone's bathroom. [IOGEAR]

Seagate Showcase 1TB DVR Extender Records 12 HD Streams at Once (Now You Just Need 12 CableCards)

Benny Goldman — Mon, 19 May 2008 07:59:23 EDT

Seagate is taking their first crack at external DVR storage with the Showcase line of HDDs. The Showcase drives range in size from 250GB to 1TB, work with both eSATA and USB connections, and can record a whopping 12 HD streams simultaneously. For now, Motorola cable boxes are the only ones compatible with the Showcase, so TiVo owners and others should hold off until we hear more. They'll be on sale this fall, full release after the jump. [Seagate]

THE CABLE SHOW '08, New Orleans — May 19, 2008 — At NCTA's Cable Show, Seagate Technology (NYSE:STX) announced it will introduce its Seagate® Showcase™ storage solution, a new series of products that extends the storage capacity of your Digital Video Recorder (DVR), so you never have to say goodbye to your favorite movies and television shows. Seagate also announced that the Showcase family of products will be designed to be compatible with Motorola's market leading e-SATA capable high-definition (HD) digital video recorder (DVR) set-top portfolio.

The new Showcase™ products will provide television and movie fans with the ability to store even more shows, movies and sporting events. With initial capacities up to 1TB, consumers will be able to keep up to 200 hours of additional HD movies or 1,000 hours of additional standard definition television. You'll never have to choose between your kids' favorite shows or the big game. Plug-and-play capability, via standard USB 2.0 or eSATA connection, makes setup easy while the stylish design fits seamlessly into entertainment centers and complements the look of existing A/V equipment.

"Today's consumers are constantly demanding more storage for high-definition video and high-fidelity audio - and they want it as part of their home entertainment system," said Patrick King, senior vice president of Seagate's Consumer Solutions Division. "We believe that the Seagate Showcase product line will take its place alongside the receiver, speaker system and television as a must-have component for the entertainment center. We are pleased to be working with Motorola to enable an enjoyable consumer experience."

"As consumer video consumption continues to increase at exponential rates, Motorola strives to provide flexible and cost-effective solutions" commented Larry Robinson, vice president, Set Top Product Management at Motorola. "By demonstrating interoperability with the Seagate Showcase storage solution we are offering consumers additional compelling storage options for their entertainment content."

The new Showcase family will feature Seagate's recently announced Pipeline HD™ Series of hard drives purpose-built for DVRs. Seagate Pipeline HD™ Series hard drives are the gold standard in high definition performance and capacity with bedroom-quiet acoustics, low power operation and the ability to support up to 12 simultaneous HD streams. The drives are Windows Vista Certified, making them an ideal solution for Home Media Centers.

Seagate is working with Motorola, the leader in digital set-tops with over 73 million shipped, to deliver external storage solutions for DVRs. By connecting a Seagate Showcase product with its included eSATA cable, the capacity of these DVRs can instantly be increased - eliminating the need to delete your favorite movies or shows. The 1TB Seagate Showcase drive can be seen exclusively in the Motorola booth # 1405 during The Cable Show '08 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

Availability

Seagate Showcase™ products are scheduled to be available for purchase on the Seagate website beginning in the third calendar quarter of 2008.

Hardbox External Hard Drive Hides Your Illiteracy With a Book Called Hardbox

Jason Chen — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:10:00 EDT

This Hardbox enclosure from Korean company Sarotech looks even more book-like than the Western Digital MyBook drives that have been around for a few years. There are two status indicator lights on the front, behind which sits 3.5-inch SATA drives that connect to your PC via USB. It's great for hiding the fact that you don't have any books but have loads of external hard drives. That is, until someone looks closer and realizes you've read a book called Hardbox. Maybe Hardbox means something different in Korean. [Sarotech via AVING via Oh Gizmo]

WowWee Chatterbot Looks Like Robot Hell-Hound, Does Friendly Banter

Kit Eaton — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:40:00 EDT

Move over iBuddy and Availbot, the masters of robo-companionship toys have arrived on scene. This is a WowWee Chatterbot, a USB-powered desktop companion that reacts with some motion and a bit of chattering to "trigger" words typed into emails, IM, calendar entries and the like. It's not as smart as Robosapien, of course: basically it just spouts out jokes and bits of commentary. Because we all like hellish dogs with eerie eyes responding to our typing, don't we? The video reveals the toy in action.

If the doggy version is a touch too scary for you there's also an Angel and Devil, and a Fairy Godfather version, and I'm hoping they're somewhat friendlier. The little guys were apparently shown at CES earlier this year, but we've only just caught sight of them now, in this Slashgear review. It does look like their sensitivity is a bit off, since they seem to miss some trigger words, but that's the sort of thing that may be addressed in a software update at a later date.

At least these animated toys have another function besides annoying you as you type: they have a speaker and battery-powered action so you can plug in an MP3 player and use them standalone. They're PC and Mac compatible, and are available for $49.99. [Chatterbots Online via Slashgear]

Smart Dog USB Hub Has Four Paws, Four Ports and a Radio

AddyDugdale — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

This Smart Dog USB hub is a bit of a three-in-one marvel. As well as the four USB ports, the bow-wow acts as a shonky computer speaker. Then, if you rip the head off this iridescent puppy, you've got yourself a portable radio with autoscan capability. Cost is $19.15. [Gearlog via UberGizmo]