Quantum Whale - Software Information Directory

The popular ToughTech is now super tiny!

Belkin this morning shook up its approach to its USB hub range with three models that put extra ports in unique locations. The Hub-To-Go is a rare convertible device that changes its role on the fly: while it includes a stable base with a tray for an MP3 player or other small devices, the 4-port hub detaches entirely to stow away for portable use. Its swiveling connector also lets it fit into notebooks and other systems without blocking nearby ports, Belkin says. The Hub-To-Go will sell in late August for $50 along with the Swivel Hub, which eliminates the base to lower the cost to $30.

Netgear this morning officially shipped its Storage Central Turbo network storage device. Intended as much for the home and work, the device loads up to two desktop-sized Serial ATA drives of the user’s choice and shares them across up to a gigabit Ethernet network. This lets it handle even live HD video streams in real-time, Netgear says.

Tekkeon this afternoon revealed the myPower ALL Plus, a successor to its previous multi-purpose charger. The Plus (also known as the MP3450) adds a USB port to charge a handheld device such as a camera, cellphone, or iPod while simultaneously powering most notebooks. When committed solely to a notebook, the charger can extend the useful run time by as much as four hours, Tekkeon says. Estimates also have the average portable media player lasting for an additional 42 hours, while cameras typically see an extra 12 hours. Two batteries at once can be used for even more power, the company notes.

Synchrotech has unveiled its MicroU2E USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard 34 | 54 Host Adapter, offering USB 2.0 Mode ExpressCard device support on USB 2.0 ports. The adapter features a small footprint that is slightly larger than a book of matches, accepting USB 2.0-based ExpressCards in either 34 or 54 form factors.

Apple today was shown to have filed a US patent that may point towards the future of its desktop mice. Originally submitted in March 2006, the patent would use a variant of the multi-touch concept behind the iPhone and apply it to a hand controller. An optical sensor built inside the mouse would map the surface and recognize contact from the user’s hand based on changes in the image. Information would then be translated to a flat grid in software that the computer can use to recognize the user’s intent, the patent says.

Fabrik today added to its drive options today with a 250GB version of its SimpleDrive mobile drive. Sharing the same Pininfarina-designed shell as the original, the USB 2.0 external disk is useful for carrying as much as 19 hours of HD video or 63,000 songs, by the company’s estimates. It ships with StorageSync for quicker incremental backups and access to a 2GB MyFabrik online account for extra backups and sharing files with others.

Tekkeon has launched a new power adapter which may greatly simplify charging for users with multiple portable devices. By itself the myCharger is a normal AC plug with a USB port, but in tandem with the company’s numerous adapter tips, it can charge phones by LG, Nokia, Blackberry, Motorola, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. Crucially, it can also charge iPods and iPhones without a special tip, since Apple’s own power cords connect directly to USB. Tips exist for other 5V electronics as well, including Bluetooth sets, digital cameras and handheld game consoles.

Birdstep Technology (OSE: BIRD) today announced the latest version of its RDM Embedded database management system. This new version includes data replication designed to meet market demand for applications requiring a 99.999% uptime guarantee and 24/7 data availability.
RDM Embedded has, over time, found itself embedded in over 20 million applications and appliances in all major markets serving high performance and critical needs. Over the past 20 years RDM Embedded has been used by over 20,000 developers in business critical applications spanning all major verticals.
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Puget Custom Computers successfully shipped its first batch of DDR3-integrated systems today, marking its first foray into the new specification and the first integrator to announce customizable systems utilizing the technology. The systems were built using Kingston’s low latency HyperX 1375Mhz modules and Asus’ P5K3 motherboards. The combination was rigorously tested and certified using Puget’s standard 47 point build process.
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