Gadgets: Flash drive gets data from iOS devices to share, stream, more – MiamiHerald.com
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At a quick glance, you’ll think the PhotoFast’s i-FlashDrive HD is just another flash drive and it is, plus a whole lot more.
While one end of the drive is a standard USB connection, the other has an Apple 30-pin or lightning connection for your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 5.1 or 6.1.
This essentially gives iOS devices the USB port many users crave to get content on and off.
The pocket-sized device, about 2 inches long, is built with internal memory in choices of 8 ($99.99), 16 ($149.99), 32 ($199.99) or 64GB ($323.17) to store digital files.
It’s Apple certified, doesn’t require a battery or charge, and can be used with secured file encryption for keeping specific files private. Video can be played directly from the drive, which can also be used to backup valuable contact lists.
Other features include editing, deleting, renaming and direct Airplay streaming.
With the iOS connections, data can easily be shared on the iOS portable devices using the i-FlashDrive HD app (free) without the immediate need to connect to your computer.
The 16GB comes in two configurations, with and without Lightning adaptor, while the 32/64 GB models include the Lightning adaptor. Transfer rates can vary depending on your device. It’s rated to transfer at 10 MB per second on the USB side while the iPad 2 will go at 2.5 and the iPhone 4 1.5 MB/s with the 30-pin connection.
You cannot use the i-FlashDrive HD for charging or syncing.
Details: www.photofast.com
MOBILE WORKERS WILL LIKE THIS JABRA SPEAKERPHONE
The Jabra Speak 510 is the latest Bluetooth speakerphone from the company, which includes wireless ($179.95) and a corded ($149.95) option.
There really isn’t a lot to it; just pair it up with your smartphone (or tablet) like you would any other Bluetooth speaker for hands-free calls and functionality.
It’s plug-and-play with a computer. Select it as your speaker in your system preferences for a Skype chat or listening to music.
You can even pair it with multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices with the ability to easily switch back and forth. Either way, you’ll be really happy with how it sounds along with how simple it is to set up.
You’ll get about 15 hours of talk time before a charge is needed and there’s a status indicator that shows how much power is left. The round speaker is about 4 3/4 inches in diameter and is just 1-inch deep. Sound is delivered through a grill on the top so don’t use it as a drink coaster.
Jabra supplied me with an interesting detail from a study: mobile workers will account for 75 percent of the U.S. workforce by 2015, This percentage makes a portable speaker like this is essential if you’re like me and in that group.
Details: www.jabra.com
PANTONE-COLORED IPHONE CASE DOUBLES AS STAND
There still seems to be an endless line of new covers, cases and products for the latest round of Apple products, which will probably get old soon enough.