Resembling a popular retro gaming console, the Win-Stars 10 Port USB Hub is a 2.0 backwards compatible hub with a data transfer rate of up to 480Mbps.  Using a 5V/2A power adapter, the hub is capable of working with Microsoft Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista and Mac OS X or later.

Available in the above pictured black and also in silver, the WinStars USB Hub has yet to receive a street date or a price.  I like the design and it is attractive enough not to have to hide, though managing the cords coming out of it may be somewhat cumbersome.

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I have a Belkin USB Hub that is kind of like this one.  Combining a small storage box with a USB hub and a card reader is exactly what this is.  Good for keeping memory cards and other small gadgets out of eye sight, the USB hub called HuBox, has 3 USB inputs and one SD card reader slot.

What will soon come from Japan, there is yet to be any indication of an official release date or price point.

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The girl in the picture can’t even believe this USB monstrosity.  Costing over $200, you can’t even power this through your computer it runs so hot.  I can’t see the practicality of something like this but I have no doubts that someone else will.  I wanna see one of these explode.

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In what I would consider a flawed design in concept and execution, the Space Bar is a USB Hub/Keyboard Hider that most of us can easily do without.  My problem with the design is that while every once in a while you’ll want to plug one of your USB devices into the front of the hub, you’ll mostly want permanent devices like printers and such to be designated to the back.  This product has all of its 6 USB inputs out front, therefore making a mess of the area in which you’d have your keyboard.

The idea isn’t all that bad, but the USB inputs in the front makes it worthless to me.  However, the shelf aspect of the product is great for harboring digital cameras and other gadgets.  Available now for $42.

[via CoolHunting]

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It was just this past February when Verizon officially put their Hub touchscreen VoIP device up for sale.  At the time it required a 2-year contract and $200 to get aboard, which is and was one of the many barriers to the device’s success.  ‘Was’ I say?  That’s right, the Verizon Hub has already been discontinued purportedly due to floundering sales, poor technical support and probably a whole slew of other reasons.  Engadget received word back from the company, which falls just short of admitting the Hub’s demise.  It’s a bit of a shame considering how cool it could have been, but when a product is flawed it is quickly represented by sales numbers or in this case lack there of.

Verizon Wireless, like many companies, continually changes and updates the products and services it offers to customers. Our sales teams in all channels will continue to focus on providing our customers the latest and most innovative wireless products and services. Verizon Wireless will continue to support existing Verizon Hub customers with post-sale service or support.

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Last year was my first year at CES.  It’s also when I discovered that Las Vegas will milk you for every penny between your sofa’s pillows, which includes charging you not only for Internet access, but for any other computers added to the network in your hotel room.  Enter the Buffalo Ethernet Hub.  It’s powered by your computer’s USB port and can distribute your Internet connection to two connected computers.    Sure, a switch or router could accomplish the same feat but not without an external power supply.

Note: Mac computers can share their Internet connection over WiFi and Ethernet.

[via EverythingUSB]

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The Verizon Hub (aka touchscreen VOiP phone) went on sale yesterday.  To grab one you’ll need to sign a 2-year contract and drop $200.  This is the first time I’ve seen a contract required for a non cell phone device.  Well, looks like Verizon has found a way to curb land line attrition.

You can buy it here

Features:

• Chaperone – Track your kids cell phones
• Unlimited Nationwide Calling
• Text, Picture and Video Messaging
• V CAST – News and Sports, Entertainment, Food & Dining, Lifestyle
• Visual Voice Mail
• VZ Navigatorsm
• Weather & Traffic updates
• Directory – Business Search/People Search/Reverse Lookup
• Web Management Site – Manage your Verizon Hub remotely
• Movie Listings, Show times and Trailers, Movie Ticket Purchasing
• Calling Features – Caller ID/Call Forwarding/Do Not Disturb/Incoming Call Blocking/Call Waiting
• Virtual Command Center – 7″ Touch Screen
• Wi–Fi Ready
• Widget Shortcuts to Weather, Missed Call & Message Status, Calling Features, Time, Date and Calendar
• National Directory Assistance
• Intercom & Handset Paging
• Screensavers
• Set Backup Number
• International Call Block
• Contact List
• My Photos – Slideshow/Set Background
• Communications – Call Logs/Voicemail/Messages
• Pick Your Own Area Code
• Simultaneous Ring
• Star and # Pound Code Dialing
• Calendar – Day/Month Views/Create and Update Invites/View Family Schedule/Text Message Reminders
• Speakerphone
• Speed Dialing
• Anonymous Call Rejection
• Calculator

Verizon’s Hub, the home phone meets MID, got official a few days ago.  The device incorporates a touchscreen with what is presumably a VoIP phone, although Verizon fails to make it entirely clear.  Families – as Verizon likes to pitch it – can peruse movie trailers, check weather, get directions (and send them to their phone) and view traffic.  Additionally, Verizon Wireless customers can sync contacts and calendar information to their Verizon Wireless phones as well as connect applications to the device, such as VZ Navigator and Chaperone.

The Verizon Hub will go on sale on February 1st.

[Verizon]