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'BadUSB' malware highlights the danger of plugging random mystery drives into your computer

Submitted by Derek Kessler on Thu, 07/31/2014 - 17:11

Another day, another apocalyptic prognostication of computer security doom, this time focusing on the omnipresent USB connection. It's called 'BadUSB', and it's a malware proof-of-concept created by security researchers Karsten Nohl and Jakob Lell that exploits a flaw in and resides in the firmware that controls the basic function of USB devices. The researchers claim that it's not a problem that can be patched, saying that they're "exploiting the very way that USB is designed," but in the end all they've done is highlight that you shouldn't go around plugging USB drives, devices, or whatnot that you don't trust into your computer.

First renders of the reversible USB 3.1 cable released

Submitted by Simon Sage on Wed, 04/02/2014 - 09:53

We’ve become accustomed to knowing one end of a USB cable has to go into a computer or charger, and the other end goes into your phone, but there is a future where you can use either end in either thingie, and this is what that utopian paradise looks like. The USB Implementers Forum is showing off two USB 3.1 connector standards today.

USB 3.1 vs Thunderbolt - the battle is on!

Submitted by Peter Cohen on Thu, 08/01/2013 - 15:54

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group on Wednesday announced that it has completed the USB 3.1 specification. Most notably, USB 3.1 supports data transfer speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), the same raw transfer speed as the Thunderbolt interface found on all currently shipping Macs. The group is sponsoring developer conferences in the U.S., Asia and Europe to spread information about USB 3.1, according to a press release.

Oopsmark USB Wrist Cuffs at Macworld|iWorld 2013

Submitted by Rene Ritchie on Sun, 02/03/2013 - 12:43

Jesse Herbert of oopsmark was making leather wine carriers you could sling from a bicycle when an idea struck him -- he could use the leftover bits of leather to make accessories. But not just any accessories -- smart accessories. Somewhere between steampunk and cyberpunk, came a set of wrist bands with USB keys stowed on them.

At Macworld|iWorld 2013 Jesse showed us his work and told us his story.

Counterfeit Lightning cables and adaptors on route from China seized in Anchorage

Submitted by chrisoldroyd on Sat, 01/05/2013 - 03:55

The U.S. Customs and Border protection (CBP) carried out a routine inspection in Anchorage earlier this week and uncovered a massive haul of counterfeit Apple accessories. The collection of accessories included mostly Apple’s new Lightning USB cables and adapters. The counterfeit products had been flown in from China and were due to distributed around the United States.

Elegantly charge your iPhone and iPad with the Converge USB charging hub

Submitted by Georgia on Sun, 04/08/2012 - 15:34

The Converge USB charging hub from Think Geek is a fun, futon-inspired stand for your iPhone, iPod tour or iPad. Working on an Apple mobile blog like iMore means you start to amass a lot of Apple mobile devices and even if I'm only using an iPhone and an iPad every day, keeping them both charged in an easy, elegant way has proven to be more of a challenge than I originally imagined. Converge looks like a great way to do just that.

iTether returns as Tether, a new HTML 5 iPhone tethering service

Submitted by chrisoldroyd on Sat, 03/10/2012 - 04:49

A few tethering applications have appeared in the App Store only to be pulled very soon after. One such application was iTether, it appeared back in November 2011 and was pulled on the same day it launched. The app cost $14.99 and used USB to connect your Mac to your iPhone to use its data connection. The app bypassed the usual carrier tethering charges which probably explains why it was pulled.

iTether app brings USB tethering to iPhone without the need for a tethering plan

Submitted by chrisoldroyd on Tue, 11/29/2011 - 04:07

The iTether app has arrived in the app store and it enables a user to tether their iPhone to a Mac or PC and use its data connection. The app does not appear to require a tethering data plan with your carrier so it is really a surprise that this app has been approved by Apple; it may be that its life is short lived. If you have been waiting for a way to tether your iPhone without the need to jailbreak or pay extra for the privilege, don’t hang about with this one.

Griffin PowerJolt dual USB charger for iPhone - accessory review

Submitted by Georgia on Tue, 04/05/2011 - 13:55

The Griffin PowerJolt dual USB charger solves an age old problem: you and your significant other have both depleted the batteries on your iPhone and yet your car only offers one charging socket. Who gets to use it? Or worse: you're in the middle of that big family summer trip and not only have both parents worn down their iPhones, all the kids in the back are near empty on their iPod touches as well. Do you get your internet or do they get the movies that keep them quiet and you sane for the remainder of the trip?

While I can't claim the Griffin PowerJolt dual USB charger will save relationships and family trips, this simple adapter will at least hold power hungry creatures at bay for twice as long. Read on to find out how!

iOS 4.2 bugs: iPad Camera Kit no longer supports as many USB devices?

Submitted by Georgia on Sat, 12/04/2010 - 09:42

Since the iPad doesn't have a USB port or SSD card slot (can I say "grrrr!' again?) Apple sells a Camera Kit that's supposed to let you plug in your camera or card and transfer your pictures and video -- but also used to work for low power USB keyboards and Skype/VoIP headsets. I say "used to" because with iOS 4.2 that no longer seems to be the case.

Mark Gurman from 9to5mac has done some tests:

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