MacShrine

Today, Belkin announced its new CableFree USB Hub, the industry’s first USB Hub that does not require a cable to connect to the computer. This Hub allows people to place their laptop anywhere in the room while still maintaining wireless access to their USB devices, such as printers, scanners, hard drives, and MP3 players. Beginning in early spring 2006, Belkin will offer a four-port hub that will enable immediate high-speed wireless connectivity for any USB device without requiring software. The CableFree USB Hub gives desktop computer users the freedom to place their USB devices anywhere in the room without running long cables. Laptop users gain the freedom to roam wirelessly with their laptop around the room while still maintaining access to their stationary USB devices. Awesome news, let’s hope Apple includes this in future Macs.

According to an AP report, Citigroup Analyst Glen Yeung notes that Portal Player announced that it is planning to acquire a small company that is working on Wireless solutions for its digital audio devices chips. Portal Player is the supplier of the chip that is inside most of the current iPods and 90% of its revenue comes from Apple iPods. It would not be surprising if Apple uses this new wireless-enabled chip in its next generation of iPods as says the analyst. It is not the first time Apple has been rumoured to be planning a wireless enabled iPod. The first rumours started a short time after the company released its Airport Express home audio streaming solution about a year and a half ago.