Wireless connectivity seems to have gone beyond accessing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Entertainment buffs can now enjoy wireless music with this latest offering. Aluratek has just released its new addition to the Bump speaker lineup entitled AUWS01F. Packed with its USB transmitter, the device allows users to seamlessly stream music from their Mac or PC.

Users need to insert the plug-and-play USB dongle to their computer and then turn on the Bump remote speaker. Up to 4 hours of wireless songs can be played on a single charge. The 2.4GHz USB wireless transmitter is said to render high-quality connection without wires.

The included li-ion polymer battery delivers prolonged usage. Moreover, the Bump is compatible with several MP3players and other audio offerings with a 3.5mm auxiliary jack. Users can utilize their Windows 2000 or higher, or Mac OS 9X or later for this Aluratek device.

The AUWS01F Bump wireless speaker with USB transmitter can be snapped up through ALuratek’s online store for $79.99 (approx Rs. 3,600).

Sharing files while also managing torrents and accessing data remotely in addition to backing up the computer – well when listed, these may seem too many tasks at one go. But for Iomega’s latest wireless data station exhibited at the ongoing CES, these come effortlessly. At least that’s what the company claims. Yes, the Iomega iConnect device apparently does all this and more.

Transforming the users’ USB hard drives and flash drives into ’smart’ network storage, this new device has been fashioned to make file sharing easier than ever before. Giving users a simple way to bring all their USB storage into their network, the powerful yet inexpensive device comes minus onboard storage. It simplifies connection and access to files even over the Internet.

The device is also easy to set up. Users simply need to connect the iConnect to their router following which they can plug external USB drives or USB Flash drives into any of the four USB ports on the data station. This set-up enables users to gain enhanced storage on their network for saving and sharing of files.

They can also exploit the capabilities of UPnP DLNA Certified AV media server that streams photos, audio content and videos to a array of media devices or a torrent download manager for managing peer-to-peer file
transfers. With Time Machine support for Apple users, the device also encompasses features like device-to-device replication for data protection and print serving to the network.

“For computer users with plenty of USB-connected storage devices, the new Iomega iConnect Wireless Data Station is great way to save money and make your USB storage drives ’smart’ at the same time,” explained Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega and the Consumer and Small Business Products Division of EMC. “For less than $100, users now have a NAS device that offers everything from remote access to torrent download capability to a built-in iTunes and media server. The iConnect Wireless Data Station is a great way to utilize what you already own in a whole new way.”

Putting to use the EMC LifeLine software, the device is enabled for cross-platform support with Windows, Mac and Linux computers. The interface is easy to understand and includes all the latest multimedia servings as well as remote access features. The device allows both Gigabit Ethernet and wireless connectivity in either a wired or wireless (802.11b/g/n wireless protocol) configuration. With the remote access feature, users can connect securely from any location to administer and access the device via a personalized web address. The device is also simple to expand while the QuikTransfer button on the front of the device renders easy one-touch copying.

Boasting of print Serving with superior print sharing capability for up to two USB printers, the device also includes photo slideshow capabilities courtesy an integrated tool based on the Cooliris technology. Users can also automatically transfer images from digital cameras through one of the four USB ports on the device thanks to the Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP).

The wireless data station comes complete with a host of backup and security software. This comprises of native security support with robust username and password authorized access, RSA, BSAFE encryption security technology, the Iomega Protection Suite of software and more. The device is compatible to Windows, Mac OS, and Linux PCs. As for the interface, its localized for 11 languages namely English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, German, and Russian.

The new Iomega iConnect Wireless Data Station on demonstration at the CES is expected to hit shelves worldwide starting February, 2010. Priced for just $99.99, it is backed by a three-year warranty with product registration.

Tech-industry sources are now focused on when Apple is launching the tablet, and what it will be like, rather than if the device even exists. The Wall Street Journal has an interview with one of the people claiming to have inside information on the elusive product, while another person “briefed on the matter” claims Apple is working on two different material finishes for the tablet’s enclosure.
MacRumors points out to the WSJ report citing people briefed by Apple saying the Mac maker “plans to unveil a new multimedia tablet device later this month,” but doesn't plan on shipping the product until March. “While the shipping time hasn't been finalized and could change, people briefed on the matter said the new tablet devicewill come with a 10- to 11-inch touch screen,” the report (subscription required) adds.

“[...] People briefed on the matter said the new product will come with a 10 to 11-inch touch screen—which would make it closer in size to Apple's line of MacBook laptops than its smart phone,” the same source reveals.

One of these people, apparently briefed by Apple on a deeper level, has reportedly learned that the Mac maker is experimenting with two different case materials for the tablet’s shell. It is unclear whether the company will choose one of them once it’s satisfied with the performance, or both of them, for design variety.

It is also being speculated that Apple is testing these materials to come out with multiple versions of the device at different price points. The product is expected to ship with a $1,000 price tag, justifying its multifunction nature for video, gaming, ebook functionality, etc.

Going by the latest rumors, Apple is set to unveil the new product at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco on the 27th, this month.

SanDisk has announced that the SanDisk Cruzer Enterprise is the first secure USB flash drive to fully support Apple Mac OS X computers. Available now, SanDisk Cruzer Enterprise helps IT professionals more effectively protect information on company-issued secure USB drives in Macintosh environments.
"SanDisk Cruzer Enterprise is ideal for the millions of business users who use Macs at home or in the office," said Yariv Fishman, senior manager, product marketing management, enterprise division, SanDisk. "It combines a simple, user-friendly interfacewith the addition of SanDisk's tough security and ultra-fast transfer speeds. It's the first secure USB flash drive that provides full Mac support by allowing initialization of the drive directly on a Mac platform."

Cruzer Enterprise in Mac OS X and Windows PC environments has the same features and data security- even if used in both environments. The device can be initialized from either a Macintosh or Windows computer, where users can:

* Log in and shut down access to the encrypted storage area
* Change and manage passwords
* Change contact information, language and other preferences
* Launch online support, view current firmware and drive information

Available in 1-, 2-, 4- and 8GB configurations, Cruzer Enterprise supports Apple Macintosh computers running Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger" and Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard." Cruzer Enterprise safeguards all files stored on the drive with advanced hardware-based 256-bit AES USB encryption, which combined with advanced password protection will make it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access data if the drive is lost or stolen. Existing Cruzer Enterprise users can download a firmware update at http://www.sandisk-enterprise.com/macupdater.No official pricing or time of availability has been released yet.