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USB On-the-Go Go Go Go

Posted by Hemos on from the swap-those-files-biznatch dept.

abhikhurana writes " There is an interesting article on CNET about a new USB standard called USB On-the-Go. Apparently this new technology is an offshoot of USB2 and it can remove the limitation of the master slave operation of normal USB devices, where you need a Host PC (the Master) to talk with the peripherals (the slaves). So using this, theoretically you can print using your digital camera directly on your printer or maybe connect two PDAs together to exchange some files. One thing that the article doesn't mention though is the speed one can expect from such a connection. If its as fast as USB2 then I think it can also act as the replacement for NICs for interconnecting two PCs. But considering that many wireless technologies like bluetooth offer similar opertational capabilities,albeit they are much slower, can USB On-the-Go really be a success? "

2 of 223 comments (clear)

  1. Yeah, but isn't bluetooth insecure? by PhysicsGenius · · Score: 0, Troll
    That's pretty much right out.

    As for USB, there's a problem. Recall your electronics. A rapidly oscillating charge creates electromagnetic waves, i.e. radio. For normal computer devices this is no big deal. But for high speed USB, conducted over an unshielded cable, this means that all your data is going to be transmitted out to the world, just like it would be over 802.11b.

    I think I'll stick with null-modem cables.

  2. You can already do this by SexyKellyOsbourne · · Score: 0, Troll

    Though it requires a bit of know-how, as it's an undocumented feature, USB cables can be put into crosslink mode.

    All you have to do is take a USB cable, cut off the small (non-USB) connector end, and attach another USB cable connector in its place with the wires connecting backwards. Next, take the other original end of the USB cable, cut it off, and put it on backwards.

    Voila.