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Credit Card USBs (and other flat models) are now available in USB 3.0
2 months
Most of us have used universal serial bus technology at some point. Whether using a flash drive to store files or a USB adapter to transfer files from one device to another, they allow us to work more efficiently and communicate with ease.
There have been a number of innovations in this area of technology, and we’re here to offer credit card USB’s and other flat models in USB 3.0. Before we get into the specifics on the various models available, let’s review a few facts to help you better understand your requirements as you shop for the one to best meet your unique needs.
· USB drives have two forms: regular full-sized and UDP (USB Disk in Package).
· UDP is much smaller, thin, and flat. It is also very durable – dust, moisture, and shock resistant
· UDP combines all the components of a normal USB drive (memory, controller, etc.) into one compact unit.
· All of our mini-flat USBs use UDP chips (e.g. Credit Card Drives).
· USB 3.0 is a newer version of the USB standard that allows data transfer at up to 10x the speed (referred to as SuperSpeed).
· Up until recently, USB 3.0 was only available in the full-sized form of USB drives.
· USB 3.0 is now available on UDP products. This means all of USBDirect.ca’s smallest drives can use SuperSpeed technology. This affects our entire Mini-Flat category including many popular USBs such as: Credit Card 01, Flat Key 01, and Mini-Me.
· Previously available USB drives remain unchanged and can still be produced: Swivel 01, The Titan, Jetsetter, etc.
Mini Flat Stick USBs
While USB sticks are capable of holding a lot of data considering their standard size, advancements have allowed for them to be made more compact than ever. Although our mini flat stick USBs are small, they are able to hold all the largest memory sizes. These products come with a five year warranty, and, when properly cared for, can last a lifetime.
Credit Card 3.0 USB
You can now store your USB with your credit cards in your purse or wallet! The credit card 3.0 USB allows you to enjoy full colour photos on each side, making it easy to spot when you need it. Within it, you have access to the fastest USB memory. It fits easily in your wallet and is available in:
Flat Key USB
Keep track of your USB on your keychain with our flat key USB. You’re able to customize your storage with options ranging from 1 to 64 GB, and it’s even great for promotional efforts as the surface of the key-shaped product has room for your logo. This can impress colleagues and clients alike.
Mini Me Circle USB
There are many new shapes and sizes of USBs on the market, and the Mini Me Circle USB has a unique design. It’s very small and made of metal, and this helps ensure good durability. Its high-tech look and rounded tip makes it an impressive way to store your data and save space in your laptop bag.
Swivel 01 USB Drive 3.0
We’re all unique, and the Swivel 01 USB drive 3.0 is available in green, red, blue and classic black. Its surface is very broad and brushed metallic, and this makes it simple to effectively add your logo for promotional campaigns. Whether you want to offer someone a unique and thoughtful gift or impress new potential clients, this can be a great way to shine. Data storage capacities range up to 64 GB depending on your unique needs.
3D NAND flash output set to expand in 2H17
3 months
Josephine Lien, Taipei; Jessie Shen, DIGITIMES [Tuesday 18 April 2017]
The global output of 3D NAND flash memory chips is set to expand substantially in the second half of 2017, and will exceed that of 2D NAND chips in the fourth quarter of the year, according to industry sources.
Major NAND flash suppliers including Samsung Electronics, Micron Technology and Toshiba have rolled out 64-layer 3D NAND flash products, said the sources. SK Hynix has even introduced what the company claims is the industry’s first 72-layer 3D NAND flash chips.
Nevertheless, yield rates for these major suppliers’ 3D NAND technology have been unstable since 2017, the sources pointed out. Meanwhile, as the chipmakers put increased focus on transitioning to 3D NAND, their output for 2D NAND has reduced substantially. As a result, the global supply of NAND flash memory has been tight since 2017, but the chip shortage is expected to ease in the second half of 2017, the sources said.
Samsung, which has relatively stable yield rates for 3D NAND technology, is expected to scale up its output of 3D NAND chips significantly between May and June, the sources indicated. The vendor will likely start operating a new plant in Pyeongtaek in July to further expand its 3D NAND production capacity.
Meanwhile, yield rates for other NAND flash vendors’ 3D NAND technology are set to improve substantially boosting their chip shipments in the second half of 2017, the sources indicated. Micron, for example, will start producing 64-layer 3D NAND chips in the second quarter with mass shipments ready for the second half of the year.
With major chipmakers gearing up for mass shipments, the global output of 3D NAND chips is expected to exceed that of 2D chips in the fourth quarter of 2017, according to the sources.
USB Technology Making Breakthroughs in HIV Management
7 months
by Daniel Rubin
in USB Technology
Whether you or someone you care about suffers with HIV, you know how frustrating it can be to wait days for lab results to come back. However, collaborative work that has been done by the Imperial College London and DNA Electronics, a tech company, offers new hope. With an impressive accuracy rating of 95 percent, they have created a USB device that can measure patient’s HIV levels in as soon as just 30 minutes.
Within the USB is placed a small chip, and this is used to detect the changes in acidity when an infected patient’s blood is placed on the device. The resulting electrical signal produces the results that are able to be read when the USB reader is connected to a computer or mobile device. In preliminary studies, the average amount of time it took to get a result was around 21 minutes.
When HIV was first discovered, it was highly unfamiliar, and it was feared to be a disease that offered no hope to anyone unfortunate enough to fall victim. However, what many fail to realize is that technology has allowed for those with HIV to enjoy normal lives with minimal complications. The important thing is that you keep track of the virus and understand it better.
Although this new technology has not yet hit the market, there are many reasons to be excited about it’s upcoming arrival. Aside from the fact that it’s so simple to use, it’s also a cost-effect way to monitor HIV. Furthermore, since the results come in so quickly, you can more effectively monitor how well your current medications are working to manage the illness.
You can live a normal life with HIV, and USB testing capabilities can put more power in your hands so you can keep HIV under control and live the quality of life you deserve.
Headphone Jack Could Be Replaced By USB-C
1 year
by Daniel Rubin
in USB Technology
Whether you have an older mp3 player or have advanced onto a smartphone or other type of mobile device, you likely are familiar with the headset jack. However, the 3.5 mm jack we’ve all become accustomed to could be a thing of the past. In a joint effort with LeEco, Intel is planning to introduce an innovative new product to the market. The new USB-C connector, they say, will offer a number of benefits for end users.
Trifecta of Smartphones
Intel has recently introduced the “trifecta of smartphones,” and they don’t include the standard port. Together with LeEco, they plan to create customer buzz in the development and an eventual shift toward the widespread use of their USB-C connector.
The Many Solutions
The Chinese company is confident they can convince users of the many benefits to the use of this new technology. For starters, the original headphone jacks were analog not multi-functional, and technology has largely surpassed this level of sophistication. Furthermore, the USB-C connector is capable of doing more than just allowing for the enjoyment of a digital connection. They can also use the device to take care of other tasks like charging machines including laptops.
The USB-C connector also offers users additional programmability and power, and this enables them to keep track of issues as important as their health. Various vital statistics including body temperature are able to be tracked and monitored, and Intel hopes to incorporate this potential into the growing industry of the development of fitness-tracking devices.
Leverages to USB-C Standard Capabilities
1 year
by Daniel Rubin
in USB News
We have largely come to rely on technology we use everyday, and it’s not often that we take the time to consider technicalities such as how our monitors connect with our computers. However, for the first time in two years, the Video Electronics Standards Association has made available to the public the most updated version of transfer protocol. The year 2014 put a heavy focus on 4K with version 1.3, but version 1.4 instead has shifted our focus onto new connection methods like USB-C that enable lossless compression and further leveraging.
New Advancements in 2016
Technology is constantly innovating, and consumers have a lot to get excited about for the remainder of 2016. With the new USB format, HDR and 8K videos can be displayed, and deep color can be delivered through both 8Kp60Hz HDR and 4Kp120Hz with HDR. The end result is the ability of DisplayPort to provide lots of information simultaneously for the user.
The new version of VESA’s 1.2 Display Stream Compression features bandwidth for 32 audio channels and ultra-high sampling rates. It’s not expected that the new technology will make much of a difference at this stage when it comes to inside the home where HDMI cables are still a strong force. However, they expect these new innovations can change the way people are able to enjoy infotainment systems that are growing in popularity in the automotive industry. While efforts are currently being made to get this technology on the market, it could be some time before customers can expect to see it on shelves.
USB-C Solution for Macbook Users
2 years
by Daniel Rubin
in USB News
If you’ve purchased a new Macbook, you likely were attracted to the high level of portability. In an increasingly busy society, we want to be able to easily access our data, and Macbook has made this possible. However, many users were frustrated with the fact that they had to be burdened with unwieldy adapters. A new solution has hit the market to allow you ultimate convenience.
Speed You Can Count On
We live in a world driven by instant gratification, and you often rely on quick data transfer and downloads in order to deliver on the job. With GoHub, you’ll have the speed you can count on as the product proudly features:
- Nano-sized flash drives
- Read transfer rates of 135MB/s
- Write transfer rates of 56MB/s
Just Clip and Go
GoHub, the world’s smallest USB-C hub, allows for you to gain an additional 128GB of storage for your Macbook, and you can even give your phone a quick charge on the go using the MacBook’s power adapter. What’s genius about the GoHub is that it’s able to be clipped onto your key chain.
Gone are the days when you had to lug around adapters in addition to your numerous other items of daily use. GoHub creators are essentially giving you the option to consolidate the items you’d normally carry on a typical day. Convenience is key in today’s busy world, and GoHub has proven to deliver.
Plugging In Your USB Made Simple
2 years
by Daniel Rubin
in USB News
We’ve all been there. You attempt to plug in your flash drive, but it won’t fit. You then try flipping it a few times until it finally is able to find it’s way in. This can prove frustrating, especially if you’re trying to access your data in a poorly-lit environment. There are a few tips many don’t realize, however, to make it simple to plug your USB cords in correctly the first time every time.
The Metal Seam
The number-one trick is to look or feel for the metal seam that runs down the middle of your USB connector. Once you’ve located it, you have identified the side that will face down when you plug it in. It’s just that simple.
Additional Considerations
If you prefer, there’s another indicator of which way to plug in your USB connector. On the plastic portion, most companies feature a logo, and this would indicate the part of the connector that would be facing up. Keep in mind, however, that not all USB cords have this logo.
It’s also important to note that the device you’re plugging into may not feature standardized placements. Therefore, the opposite may be true of the aforementioned tips. Furthermore, for slots that are vertical, you’d want the seam to face left on standard devices. Although it can throw you for a loop when you do encounter a device with nonstandard placements, you only have to make the determination once before you know the solution for future reference.
Charging Your Android or iOS Device Just Got Easier
2 years
by Daniel Rubin
in USB News
Let’s face it. We’re constantly plugging and unplugging our mobile devices for a charge. Over time, this has been known to cause damage. New magnetic chargers designed to address this issue have recently been released by aMagic, a company based in Hong Kong. Consumers have the choice of microUSB magnetic form and Lightning magnetic cable, and a number of additional benefits can be taken advantage of by acquiring the new technology.
Magnetic Plug for Reversible Charging
While the new MagCable does not support USB C, it does feature a magnetic plug that allows for reversible charging, allowing the user to effectively charge their device from the other direction. Just a few of the other benefits of the MagCable include:
- Neodymium magnet connecting cable that’s said to have the capability to deliver magnetic power at temperatures as high as 200C
- Fast charging option
- One meter in length
- Resistance from damage through use of magnetic plug
- “Smart indicator” that displays charging status and allows owner to find their phone easily in dark settings
An Affordable Price
All of these features can currently be acquired for the modest price of just $12 or £8 when purchased as a Kickstarter project. The microUSB or Lightning adapter tip cable can be added for $15. While aMagic is still making arrangements to make this innovative new product available offline, it has been reported that all Kickstarter backers will have the ability to receive shipments beginning in November.
Seniors USB Stick
2 years
by Daniel Rubin
in USB News
Finally, something useful!!
Soon it will become compulsory for senior citizens to carry not only their ID, but also their insurance documents, their prescription list, a compact version of their medical file, the statement declaring if they want to be resuscitated after a heart attack, stroke, etc., etc. Consequently, a lot of paperwork will have to be carried when a senior citizen goes out the front door OR when they Travel! Specifically for this purpose, a special “Senior USB Stick” has been developed for easy portability and storage.
Take a look below….
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Apple Inc. Orders A Record Number Of New iPhones… But what does it mean for the USB Market?
2 years
by Daniel Rubin
in USB News
This week the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has placed orders with its manufacturing companies to produce a staggering and record breaking number of next generation iPhones, to be offered to the public after its reported release early this fall. Somewhere between 85 million to 90 million new devices will be made available immediately after the expected September launch. The number is up quite a bit from last year, considering Apple Inc. sold 74.5 million iPhones in the current fiscal Q1 2015.
What this means for Apple is that they believe the new iPhone (let’s call it the iPhone 6s) will be another record breaking launch and holiday season. Personally, I am betting that the company knows its new features and technologies will be groundbreaking, causing a rush to their stores to buy the latest model.
But what does this mean for USB drives and the rest of the memory market? As an industry insider I can confidently report that year-over-year, the July/August order by Apple creates a drain on the global supply of RAM memory, effectively driving the price of said RAM upwards. Many industries use the same RAM memory inside its devices; from iPhones, to Samsung’s and all other smartphones, to cars, household and industrial appliances, to USB drives like the ones we make at USB Direct. So when the big-boy on the block (Apple) decides to make their biggest single pre-order ever, you’d better bet it’s going to hit all other markets for a period of time.
Historically, the increase comes in early August, settles in September, then begins to decline back towards its pre-jump values by mid-October (give or take a few weeks). It usually takes until early to mid December to get prices back to where they were in July (now), and sometimes it takes even longer.
So if you are going to need USB drives between now and December of this year, I would recommend getting in front of this prediction by getting your orders in now. USB Direct holds price quotes for 2 weeks, and always shops the market to offer the best value for your purchase.
We’ll keep an eye on the RAM market and report back as things begin to progress in reflection of the Apple news.
– Daniel Rubin, CEO – USB Direct Inc.
– Sources: Wall Street Journal, Photo: martinhajek.com