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Intel to Announce USB 3.0 Support for Next Platform?

Judging by the reactions of the media outlets, everyone seems to be overly excited by the rumor that Intel intends to launch its first native USB 3.0 silicon and to ship it with the Cougar Point reference motherboard. However, this doesn't necessarily mean Intel will integrate USB 3.0 into the chipset level. The reason for the change of heart could be that Intel sees Light Peak still has a long road ahead before it becomes a standard and that the chip giant probably wants a share in the lucrative discrete USB 3.0 solution market that is largely dominated by Renesas. To date, Renesas and Fresco Logic are shipping USB 3.0 host silicons in significant quantity. In fact, nearly all the USB 3.0 host chips shipped to Asus, Gigabyte and ASRock are from Renesas; only a small quantity comes from Fresco Logic. ASMedia, VLI and other IC makers seem to be having some problems with USB 3.0 driver stack, a major obstacle before they can get their chips approved by the USB-IF. Of course, if the rumor (i.e. chipset integration) is true, this coupled with AMD's confirmed plan to support USB 3.0 will most likely push the SuperSpeed interface towards mainstream a year earlier than expected. We are keeping our fingers crossed until IDF 2010. Permanent Link

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Finally, DisplayLink has met its match. SMSC Semiconductor said its ViewSpan 5G USB 3.0 remote graphics technology is ready for sampling. There's also a USB 2.0 version, but it isn't anything to write home about. Like DisplayLink's solution, SMSC ViewSpan 5G consists of a discrete USB device controller that connects to the display and a piece of software that handles the compression on a USB host system. Our best guess is that there would be now be less compression involved as USB 3.0 can provide at least 300MB/s of bandwidth to the USB video sub-system. If DisplayLink can manage 1080p with only USB 2.0, it only makes sense we can expect silk smooth video at beyond HD over multiple high-res monitors. Docking stations, secondary monitors, mini display, thin-clients will be the battleground for SMSC and DisplayLink. The former company also intends to integrate USB 3.0 display, Ethernet, audio and flash media into one chip in 2012. SMSC will be showcasing the ViewSpan 5G USB 3.0 interface during IDF 2010 beginning September 13th. Permanent Link

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Besides Bluetooth, Creative is also embracing its proprietary 2.4Ghz RF for wireless music streaming. There's in fact an entire ecosystem bearing the Sound Blaster logo that includes a starter kit, a speaker set, a pair of headphones, a rock-lookalike waterproof speaker and now, a soundbar. The Creative D220W - unlike the D200 Bluetooth variant - receives lossless tunes from a USB dongle connected to either Mac or PC up to 100 feet away. The Sound Blaster Wireless doesn't piggyback WiFi so you don't have to worry about network congestion. Though, you may have to watch out if you have a lot of RF-based wireless gadgets. The Creative D220W soundbar has a pretty sleek form factor with a strong European styling. Encased in the glossy black shell are some high-end amplifiers and drivers that reportedly deliver deep bass and excellent sonic quality. But Creative didn't give us any specs for the speaker. For just $169.99 MSRP, the D220W is pretty affordable for wireless lossless music streaming considering the package already comes with the wireless USB transmitter. Permanent Link

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The number of people suffering from Repetitive Stress Injury and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is on the rise and so too is the number of “ergonomic” mice available in the marketplace. Ergonomic mice are certainly nothing new; however SmartFish and their ErgoMotion Laser Mouse is certainly a new twist on the old way of accomplishing things as it looks a heck of a lot like a normal mouse. As a sufferer of bilateral CTS my question is does it work and is their any downsides? Read on for my full review. Permanent Link

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Samsung is readying a new Certified Wireless USB solution that breathes new life into the dying UWB technology. The company cites the high-speed, low-power chipset - designated S3C2680/S5M8311 - will enable video content to be wirelessly streamed from a mobile electronics to a HDTV. Samsung has a diverse interest in consumer products to create their own eco system. If they want to, they could add the WUSB module into their arsenal of mobile headsets, cameras, HDTVs, notebooks, home theater, camcorders and etc. For Samsung WUSB solution to succeed, it must find its way into the company's smartphones, one of which can already sync video playback with HDTV. WiFi sucks too much battery to leave it on all the time. For this reason, Samsung WUSB module low consumption of less than 300mW should be appealing, but effective throughput is still an uncertainly. A high-end Toshiba laptop dock powered by Alereon manages to boast 1080p video output, though keep in mind that these docks usually aren't placed too far away from their host. Another potential market is the SD add-on whose primary competitor is the EyeFi. As of this writing, the chipset will go into mass production in Q4 yet there's no word on the pricing. Permanent Link

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Only one thing comes to mind after a glance at the new Sony Bloggie Touch: is it a smartphone? As the follow-up to last year's MHS-PM5, the $200 Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20 shares the same minimalist design as an iPhone and a Google Nexus. The front of the handheld camcorder is dominated by a 3" 230k-dot capacitive touch screen. So you do most of the navigations through swiping. There's only one button below the LCD. The power button is on one side while the HDMI connector is on the other. The flip-out USB connector is revealed by pressing on the release latch. Unfortunately, there's neither removable battery nor expandable memory slot. You will find a nice big lens on top of its curvy back brushed metal casing. And that's clearly distinguishes the Bloggie Touch from the competitors. The f2.8 lens has much needed auto-focus and macro mode. It can also record panoramic video with ease at twice the resolution compared to previous Bloggie. Sony cites the Bloggie Touch's low-light performance to be equally impressive thanks to the Exmor CMOS sensor. The on-board accelerometer allows video to be shot in both landscape and portrait mode - a feature first found on iPhone. We are still waiting for a mini-camcorder that does 1080p60 for those fast motion recording, but 1080p30 and 720p60 will have to suffice for now until Sony decides to quadruple the built-in 8GB memory (4GB also available) to 32GB. Still, we would suggest you check out the formidable Xacti VPC-PD2 (hint: optical zoom, built-in flash) first before making a decision. Permanent Link

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After five generations of nano, Apple now dumps physical button navigation in favor of multi-touch interface. The iPod nano's form factor is long due for an update, but that click-wheel is obviously standing between miniaturization and innovation. So it's logical to let go of the wheel. This move could signal the end for the legendary click-wheel should Apple also decide to phase out the iPod classic in near future. There's a lot to like about the new 6th generation iPod nano. With a tiny 1.54" touch-sensitive display and a size not much bigger than the shuffle, it looks a lot like those cheap photo frame keychains. The software interface is completely revamped, resulting in something that is reminiscent of iPhone's home screen. You are allowed to have 4 pages, each of which contain 4 icons. Like the iPod touch and iPhone, you can customize each screen by moving these icons around. Trying to scroll through the song list is by swiping in either up or down direction. During playback, the album art dominates the entire screen. Apple did remove a few things, notably the camcorder, H.264 video playback, and ability to run iPod games. FM radio, pedometer and VoiceOver stay. There are now seven colors to choose from, down from nine of previous generation. iPod nano 8GB will retail for $149 and the 16GB for $179. From the looks of it, the capable yet compact iPod nano 6G could cannibalize iPod shuffle even if the latter is now only $49. Permanent Link

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It isn't news that the touch has quickly overtaken nano as the most popular iPod. The Apple iPod touch has access to over 250,000 apps, many of which are games that go for less than $10 and some are even free. Now the iPod touch - as a portable game player - outsells combined worldwide sales of Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. In many ways, the iPod touch is just as important to Apple as iPhone. It isn't a surprise that Apple matches the new iPod touch 4 features with that of the infamous iPhone 4. Being only 0.28 inches thick, the fourth gen. iPod touch is basically razor-sharp version of iPhone 4, only without the phone part. The two now share the same Retina Display (another way to saying a 3.5" IPS-based LCD boasting 960 by 640 pixels); the same speedy Apple A4 chip; the same 3-axis gyroscope to make motion tracking more accurate; ability to record 720p video with its back camera; and ability to run FaceTime with its front camera. The iPod touch 4 will have iOS 4.1 built-in. However, future updates for touch will likely not be free whereas iPhone 4 will definitely get 'patches' and major iOS as free download. Pre-orders are available right now. 8GB will go for $229; 32GB for $299; and 64GB for $399. Curiously, Apple skipped 16GB altogether. Permanent Link

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While most external storage customers don't mind the fact their data is more vulnerable than if it was inside because of the added convenience / portability it offers; there is a group of people who want MORE protection than simply sticking the drive inside a case. For this group IoSafe has many makes and models. One such model is the 1TB SoloPro USB 3.0 model, which boasts not only tank like amour chassis, but water AND fire proof abilities! Lets see how good this tank really is! Read on for my full review. Permanent Link

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Those hoping to turn a netbook into a portable movie theater are setting themselves up for disappointment. Those severely underpowered netbook speakers are so lame that they alone create a new aftermarket opportunity for audio upgrades. As a follow-up to the Z205 clip-on speakers, Logitech's Laptop Speaker Z305 sound bar is a no-brainer way to give any netbook a boost. The extremely lightweight Logitech Z305 attaches to the back of the screen. This design is different than say the Z205 in that the Z305's speakers are actually facing away from the user. Logitech cites this bus-powered speaker projects sound more uniformly in all directions. Both forward- and backward-firing drivers provide sound output that is more tonally balanced. So you won't hear high and mid frequencies dropping out when you move to the side of the speaker. All Logitech wanted to do is to make a 360-degree sound system, but everything is still marketing hype for now. Still, let's hope the $59.99 is worth every penny. Permanent Link

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Featured ReviewsSeagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk 3TB External DriveSamsung HZ35W / WB650 Digital CameraSuper Talent SuperCrypt USB 3.0 Flash DriveSuper Talent USB 3.0 Express Flash DriveSIIG 4-port USB 3.0 HubUSB 3.0 NewsGigabyte USB 3.0 Mobos First to Support USB Attached SCSICentury Japan USB 3.0 RAID Cage Breaks 200MB/s Speed BarrierSamsung S2 Becomes True Native USB 3.0 Portable DrivesA-Data Nobility N004 SSD Gets Dual Interface TreatmentioSafe SoloPRO Backs up Your Data with USB 3.0 Disaster-proof DriveOther USB Gadget NewsDXG 3D Camcorder Drops HD for 3DSony NWZ-E450 Walkman is All About KaraokeMXI Security Stealth M600 Passes UK Gov't Security TestSamsung PL90 is Flip-version of Compact Point-n-shootLogitech G930 - First-class Gaming Headset, with First-class Price TagLogitech G510 Gaming Keyboard Offers Mix of G110, G15 and G19FlashRods' Flashy USB Hard Drives that You Can Almost DriveLogitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse Promises Lag-free Aiming PrecisionWD Elements Play is 1080p HD Media Player for Budget ConsciousNuForce Icon uDAC-2 24-bit / 96kHz USB DAC to Hit Retail AnytimeBootable Flash Drive Takes New Meaning with Dr. Marten's Inspired DriveNexcopy USB Duplicator Copies to 31 Flash Drives SimultaneouslyPhilips GoGear Connect PMP Joins Android GangToshiba Wireless USB Video Replicator Finally Goes Full HDMimobot Yoda Finally Makes Debut with Good-looking Pointy EarsNikon CoolPix S1100pj Projector Camera Gets USB Video Out OptionLogitech K800 Illuminated Keyboard Cuts the CordMicrosoft Arc Touch Mouse Surfaces, Confuses…NXT DyadUSB Platform Paves Way for Loud Notebook USB SpeakersSanyo Xacti VPC-PD2 Gives Handheld Camcorder Optical Zoom & FlashMosKeyto & WriteCard - Some Svelte and Functional Flash Drives from LaCieDream Cheeky O.I.C. USB Missile LauncherKodak EasyShare M590 Point-n-Shoot Camera Approaches Credit Card SizeJVC Picsio Video Camera Returns with Touch-screen and Water-proof BodyImation Link "Driver-less" Wireless USB AV Kit Powered by AlereonPhotoFast iPADock for Apple Fanboy FamilyPermanent Link

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PhotoFast is a name often associated with innovations, particularly in niche USB adapters. It's the same company that came up with the idea of a JBOD microSD card reader and a flushed USB 3.0 ExpressCard. Now PhotoFast is back again with iPADock - a dock that is universally compatible with any iDevices. This is the kind of device for everyone in the iFamily owning more than one iPhone and iPad. The PhotoFast iPADock has two full-sized slots for iPads. There are two smaller slots for two iPhones or iPods. Swap out the iPads and you can sync and charge up to four iPhones or six iPod nanos simultaneously. Besides a versatile dock, the iPADock also doubles a USB 2.0 hub and a multi-card reader - presumably iPad-compatible. The massive accessory comes with a 4A power brick in order to power all these. PhotoFast is currently taking pre-orders for $80 if you want the iPADock by the end of September. But better check out the video first after the jump. Permanent Link

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When it comes to storage the old motto "Bigger. Faster. Better. MORE!" is in full effect; or at least Seagate seems to think so as their FreeAgent GoFlex Desk just got a huge storage boost! Today I am going to look at their all new THREE Terabyte version of their Desk version which not only boast customizability but an industry leading capacity. To me the questions I want answered are: is this down right awe inspiringly huge portable storage device as good (or better) as its little brother the GoFlex Portable; and does all that size come with any downsides? Let's find out! Permanent Link

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After months of waiting, Alereon NoWire HDTV Kit is picked up by Imation, which renames the Wireless USB video adapter to Link. Imation didn't mention the Link Wireless A/V Extender as a Certified Wireless USB device, largely because the UWB-based protocol is now relegated to niche interface. The Imation Link consists of a WUSB transmitter and a shark fin-lookalike receiver with a HDMI output on the back. The said transmitter is a USB dongle that can send lossless 720p video (courtesy of DisplayLink) over UWB waveband to the receiver. There shouldn't be any lag in frame rate since the application usually involves a laptop and the receiver (usually near the HDTV) in line of sight of each other. Unless the wireless distance is over 30 feet, you shouldn't see any performance degradation. Though, if you up the output to 1080p, Imation Link can only manage photo stills at this resolution. Imation Link is competing with Intel WiDi; the only difference is that the Link is trying to grab third party PC/Mac accessory market while WiDi can only be found on most recent Windows 7 laptops. The Imation Link Wireless AV Extender is immediately available for $149.99 on Amazon. Permanent Link

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A-Data Nobility N004 Dual Interface is shaping up to be the next hot trend in storage. The 2.5" SSD appears to be yet another commodity external drive, but it's actually a speedy SSD with SATA-II sitting alongside USB 3.0. What makes this special is that while you need a $40 USB 3.0 enclosure to convert a regular SSD into an external drive, the A-Data N004 provides instant SuperSpeed connectivity. The plush aluminum chassis should offer at least some protection, but with capacity up to 256GB, N004 could turn out to be insanely expensive so we would recommend at least a silicone case. The 70g A-Data Nobility N004 combo with 8-channel technology is truly a speed demon. If you are going to install it as your primary drive, you will see a very impressive performance jump to 250MB/s and 180MB/s for sequential read and write respectively. For those with enough dose to afford the N004 as backup drive, you can expect read and write speed up to 200MB/s and 170MB/s respectively. A-Data got all these benchmarks from CrystalDiskMark. If we have to choose, the A-Data N004 might be a better choice than the OCZ Enyo though the latter (rated at 260MB/s read & 200MB/s write) is even faster. Permanent Link

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