The Home Control Switch allows you to plug in a lamp or other mains gizmo and then turn it on both remotely, via the app, or locally, via a button on the box itself. Alternatively, you can have it trigger automatically, when the Motion Sensor spots movement, either turning lights or other devices on when you walk into range, or off when you leave the room.

Belkin only has these two devices so far, but promises that a remote garage door opener, door lock, lighting controls and a baby monitor – with streaming audio – are in the pipeline. The company has also done a deal with electric lock company Kwikset, whose Home Connect security locks will also gain WeMo support: users will be able to lock or unlock remotely, as well as see the current security status on-screen.

The Belkin Home Control Switch and Motion Sensor will go on sale this coming summer, priced at $49.99 for the switch and $99.99 for both devices in a bundle. The control app will be a free download when it arrives in the App Store.

The dock has various ports that allow simultaneous connection to multiple devices. It has has three USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, one HDMI port, one 3.5mm audio port, one gigabit Ethernet port, and two Thunderbolt ports that support daisy-chaining. Users can connect multiple USB devices, watch movies in Full HD 1080p, and transfer copious data in seconds.

And given the use of Thunderbolt technology, the Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock offers data transfer rates of up to 10Gbps bi-directionally. It is expected to ship in September at select retailers worldwide as well as on Belkin.com. The device is priced at $299.

The grip has an external shutter button and will work with the iPod touch and iPhone models. The grip plugs into the charge connector of the device and has a tripod mount integrated. The grip has video and camera modes and is compatible with many cases. It works in conjunction with a free app called LiveAction app and the LiveAction Camera Grip sells for $49.99.

The other accessory for the iPhone camera is the LiveAction Camera Remote. This is a wireless remote that uses Bluetooth to activate the shutter on your iPhone or iPod without having to touch it. It has buttons for photos and video and will work with a case on the smartphone. It sells for $49.99 and requires the LiveAction app.

The Belkin LiveAction Camera Remote lets you take both photos and videos with your iPhone remotely, featuring a dedicated button for each function. It also packs a small stand that you can detach to prop up your iPhone to just the right angle, but it’s hard to tell how secure it would be given its small size.

The device connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth and works with Belkin’s LiveAction camera app, which you can download from iTunes for free. Pictures of the device showed up at the FCC today, but there’s no word on pricing or availability just yet.

[via Wireless Goodness]

It has four HDMI ports on the back that you can plug into on the component side and it will shoot that content to the receiver attached to the TV or projector up to 100-feet away. The AV 4 supports full 1080p resolution, 3D video, and 5.1 surround sound. That means you lose none of your home theater features by using the wireless system.

Another really good feature of the AV 4 is that it has an infrared emitter that allows you to control all of your devices by remote even if they are inside a cabinet or in another room. That means you can use your existing remote controls. It also uses 5GHz wireless spectrum and works with Blu-ray streaming. The receiver can be sat on a table or wall mounted. The AV 4 will ship in October for $249.99. The part number for the AV 4 is F7D4515.

The model number for the keyboard folio is F5L090 and is sells for $99.99. The keyboard inside the case has Belkin TruType keys for comfortable typing and a feel more like a computer keyboard. The case is designed to prop the screen of the iPad 2 up at different angles to allow you to work with whatever is most comfortable to you.

The keyboard runs on a battery that is good for 60-hours of use. The battery inside the case charges via a micro USB port and works with standard charging cables. The keys of the keyboard have 1.7mm of travel for fast typing and accuracy. The case should be available now.

[via Belkin]

The set-top box also supports Dolby 5.1 surround sound for home theater quality sound and video. The system will allow you to stream Blu-ray movies from your notebook to your TV and the system uses dual bands for the most optimized streaming no matter how congested your home network is. The dual-band wireless supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

The caveats to the device is that a laptop with Intel WiDi technology inside is required. If your notebook lacks that tech the ScreenCast TV will not work. If your machine is ready, you will be able to order the ScreenCast TV for $129 in mid-July.

“As people add more connected devices to their home network and the demand for streaming high-definition movies, downloading music, playing games, and sending emails continues to increase, a router that can manage these connections is essential to unlock the true potential of your electronic family,” stated Mike Chen, Belkin’s General Manager for Networking. “Belkin’s newest routers are designed to give you the strongest Internet signal at the farthest distance in your home so your devices work where you live, not where your router lives.”

Ok. Now here are the specs:

Belkin N150 Wireless Router – $34.99

· Wireless speeds of up to 150 Mbps
· Wireless coverage at twice the speed of G technology
· Easy Setup and preset security

Belkin N300 Wireless N Router – $49.99

· Wireless speeds of up to 300 Mbps
· Easy Setup and preset security
· Self-Healing App to detect network problems

Belkin N450 Wireless N+ Router – $69.99

· Wireless speeds of up to 450 Mbps
· Gigabit for ultra-fast file sharing
· Self-Healing App to detect network problems
· Easy Setup and preset security

Belkin N600 DB Wireless Dual Band N+ Router – $79.99
· Wireless speeds of up to 300Mbps (2.4 Ghz) + 300Mbps (5 Ghz)
· Simultaneous dual-band operating on 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands
· One USB port for wireless printing or storage
· Self-Healing App to automatically resolve potential network problems
· Video Mover App for wireless streaming of video content throughout the house
· Print Zone App allows you to print from anywhere in the home
· Memory Safe™ App automatically backs up files to your external hard drive
· Easy Setup and preset security

Belkin N750 DB Wireless Dual Band N+ Router – $129.99
· Wireless speeds of up to 300Mbps (2.4 Ghz) + 450Mbps (5 Ghz)
· Simultaneous dual-band operating on 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands
· Two USB ports for more media sharing or wireless printing
· Self-Healing App automatically resolves potential network problems
· Video mover App for wireless streaming of video content throughout the house
· Print Zone App allows you to print from anywhere in the home
· Memory Safe™ App automatically backs up files to your external hard drive
· Easy Setup and preset security

R3 Media Network

Editor’s Choice
Google offers sacked Nokia engineers a lifeline
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Twitter 2.0 for Android [REVIEW]

SlashPhone
Belkin Introducing Verizon iPhone 4 Case Line
Nokia Announces Partnership With Windows Phone
WP7′s Copy and Paste Update Might Come in March

Android Community
Twitter 2.0 for Android [REVIEW]
Immersion unveils MOTIV Haptics dev platform for Android
Microsoft Tags now used in USA Today paper
Nokia passes on Android because there “are too many players”
ViewSonic V350 dual-SIM smartphone and ViewPad 10Pro Win7/Froyo slate revealed
Waves of Impact and No Lines for Verizon’s iPhone
Samsung Galaxy Tab Maintenance Update EA24

SlashGear
Vodafone Webbox internet keyboard plugs into your TV [Video]
MacBook Air Sandy Bridge refresh tipped for June
Analysis: Nokia’s Huge Bet On Windows Phone 7 is All or Nothing [ON TIME ANALYSIS]
Nokia Microsoft partnership video
Samsung rebrands Exynos processor family: Hummingbird flies away
Apple iPhone 5 and iPad 2 NFC rumors debunked by analyst that prompted them
Google offers sacked Nokia engineers a lifeline
MeeGo hardware “repurposed” for Windows Phone; no WP7 update for N8 or E7
Nokia: Big Windows Phone push in 2012; Increased R&D in low-end devices
Nokia allowed to modify Windows Phone while rival OEMs locked out
Windows Phone kills Symbian as Nokia strategy shifts
GeoHot forced to hand over HDD to Sony
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PowerTrekk fuel cell charger charges gadgets anywhere
Nokia confirms “substantial reductions in employment around the world”
Antec rocks us with the rockus 2.1 speaker system
Nokia considering Microsoft and MeeGo for future tablets
Onkyo Unveils Entry-level AV Receivers
MeeGo focus shifts to “future disruption in mobile ecosystem”
“Weeks and months” before Nokia Windows Phone hardware reveal
Swingline unveils Stack-and-Shred paper shredder
Nokia CEO: Xbox Live on Nokia phones
Steve Ballmer: “Nokia will do unique things on top of Windows Phone 7″
Sharkoon Scorpio 1000 ATX mid-tower case debuts
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Nokia: “Success requires speed. We will be swift”
Nokia announces Windows Phone partnership [FEATURED]
BlackBerry PlayBook Android app support coming in 2H 2011 tip insiders
ViewSonic dual-SIM V350 phone & dual-OS ViewPad 10Pro tablet outed
Nokia Windows Phone: Everything you need to know [FEATURED]

To see more Daily Slash posts, click here: [The Daily Slash] or here: [SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up]

The ProFit armband is a case that attaches to the arm with a neoprene design for comfort and to keep the smartphone out of the way, but accessible when working out. The clear front cover allows you to control the phone when it is inside the case.

The Grip Vue is a case with a light texture that you can see through and comes in clear or purple for $24.99. The Groove Grip s a silicone case with a wave like pattern on it that sells for $19.99. All of the cases will also fit the AT&T iPhone.

Razer and Belkin have worked together to develop a new version of that Nostromo keypad called the Razer Nostromo Gaming Keypad. The thing looks a lot like the old Nostromo gamers are familiar with but the new gaming keypad has the familiar Razer logo and blue backlighting. The Nostromo has an ergonomic form factor with 16-keys.

The Nostromo has 16 of the famous Razer Hyperesponse keys that can be programmed to anything you want them to be. The shape of the gaming keypad is designed to be more comfortable in the hand for long gaming sessions. The directional thumb pad is made for response and fast actuation and can be used for movement and as a modifier for expanding the functions on the keypad. The Razer software makes programming easy. The thing will ship on 11-29 and will sell for $69.99.

The Grip 360 + Stand is an all in one solution that has three different ways to be used. It can be used as a carrying case, a handheld case, and as a stand. It has a flexible hand strap on the back of the case making it easy to hold. That strap rotates 360-degrees, it can be removed, and a stand attached to the back allowing for multiple viewing angles.

The FlipBlade is a compact support with a cool design that reminds me of the official keyboard accessory minus the keyboard. It can be used to hold the iPad in portrait or landscape modes. The Grip 360 + Stand sells for $69.99, the Grip 360 only is $59.99, and the FlipBlade sells for $29.99.

Apple Bumper

The Cupertino company’s own case for the iPhone 4 is more accurately a rubber band that fits around the outer edge and gives some degree of knock protection while leaving the front and rear of the smartphone open.  Button and switch access is preserved, as is the headphone port and dock connector.  Buying one yourself would normally cost $29.

Belkin Shield Micra

The Shield Micra is a thin, skin-like case that adds little bulk to the iPhone 4.  It has cut-out holes for the controls, headphones socket and dock connector, together with the camera on the back.  It would normally retail for $25.

Griffin Reveal Etch

The Griffin Reveal Etch for iPhone 4 is another skin-style case, with rubberized edges and a hard polycarbonate back panel.  It too has cut-outs for the controls and ports, and adds 1.6mm to all the dimensions of the Apple smartphone.  It would normally retail for $29.99.

Griffin Motif

The Motif is made from a smoked polyurethane plastic that’s stiffer than a regular silicone case but more flexible than the polycarbonate back panel on the Griffin Reveal Etch.  It has a smooth finish and is scuff resistant, and includes cut-outs for the controls and ports.  It would normally retail for $19.99.

Incase Snap Case

The Incase Snap case for iPhone 4 is yet to get a product page on the company’s site, but judging by the existing iPhone 3GS/3G version it’s a simple clip on transparent back cover that protects the rear and edges of the handset.  That leaves the front and controls open, together with the ports.  We’re expecting it to retail for around $24.95.

Speck Fitted

The Speck Fitted case for iPhone 4 is another hard case, this time with a soft-touch coating.  It comes in two sections, front and rear, with the smartphone sandwiched in-between.  It retails for $29.95.

Speck Pixelskin HD

The Speck Pixelskin HD is a rubberized case which stretches to fit over the iPhone 4.  It has cut-outs for the ports and buttons, push-through volume controls and a repeating pixel pattern on the back with contrasting matte and gloss black plastic.  It retails for $29.95.

So, there are your choices: which will you go for?  Let us know in the comments!

The app follows word earlier today that Apple had begun refunding those who bought a Bumper through the official Apple Store online, with money automatically being returned to the payment method initially used (and including shipping and taxes).  However that does mean that those iPhone 4 owners won’t be able to choose a second case under Apple’s scheme, only get a refund for the Bumper they’ve already bought.

Right now there are only black cases available, and aside from the official Bumper you can take your pick from the Belkin Shield Micra, Griffin Motif, Griffin Reveal, Incase Snap Case, Speck Fitted and Speck PixelSkin HD.  Expected delivery time is three to five weeks, and the app checks your handset’s IMEI number so that you can’t get more than one.

In order to qualify, you need to have bought your iPhone 4 before September 30th (obviously that’s not a problem right now); however, if you bought it prior to July 23rd 2010 you need to apply for your free case no later than August 22nd.  Everyone else has 30 days from the point of purchase to apply.  You can download the app here [iTunes link].

That takes advantage of the 27-inch iMac’s Mini DisplayPort input, which basically allows it to work as a standalone display for an external source.  The AV360 is powered from a USB connection, supports HDCP and stereo audio.

However, while it will accept a 1080p HD input, the AV360 only actually outputs 720p HD to the iMac, which could be a disappointment for some hoping to use the full extent of the 2560 x 1440 display.  The Belkin AV360 will go on sale later this month, priced at $149.99.

Press Release:

Belkin Introduces AV360™ Mini DisplayPort Converter for 27″iMac

New converter brings HD content from game consoles, cable, or satellite TV boxes to 27″ iMac

(Playa Vista, CA) -June 21, 2010 – Belkin announces its new AV360 Mini DisplayPort Converter that adapts the signal from an HDMI® audio video source, such as a Blu-ray® player, Xbox®, PS3®, or cable box, to a DisplayPort-compatible signal. The new converter supports high-resolution video and audio, allowing customers to display HD content from external devices on the 27″ iMac.

AVAILABILITY
Belkin’s AV360 Mini DisplayPort Converter for 27″ iMac will be available in late June 2010 in North America, Europe, and Asia.

AV360 Mini DisplayPort Converter (F2CD007) – $149.99
Accepts full 1080p signal, provides 720p to iMac
Delivers stereo audio
HDCP-compliant
Includes the 4 ft. Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cable
Includes 4 ft. USB cable (powered by the USB connection)
Designed to complement supported Apple products
Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cable , 4 ft (male to male) (F2CD008tt1.5M) – $29.99
Male-to-male cable
Displays content from a MacBook to iMac for an extended desktop

There’s also the Conserve Smart AV, an “intelligent” multi-outlet power bar that recognizes when your TV is turned off and automatically does the same to whatever A/V equipment is plugged into its other five A/C ports (there are two more “dumb” ports for, say, DVRs you want to keep powered up).  Finally, the Conserve Socket is a simple plug that allows whatever’s plugged into it to be turned on for half an hour, three hours or six hours.

More details on each product below.  All are available now, priced at $29.99 for the Conserve Insight and Smart AV, $39.99 for the Conserve Valet, and $9.99 for the Conserve Socket.

Conserve Insight (F7C005) – $29.99

• Make better energy decisions: See how much different devices cost to use on a yearly or monthly basis
• Know your environmental impact: Shows power-plant CO2 emissions produced to use your device on a yearly or monthly basis
• Easy to read: 6 ft. cord allows you to read display at eye level or place on a table
• Customizable: Use the preloaded U.S. average electricity rate or enter your own rate off your electric bill;you can also set the CO2 emissions rate for your specific region
• Tracking feature: Tracks your actual device usage over time and projects the cost of operation

Conserve Smart AV (F7C007) – $29.99

• Simple setup: Plug your TV into the green socket and your AV peripherals into one of the five controlled outlets
• Saves energy automatically: The green socket detects the power state of your TV and automatically turns on/off DVD players, VCRs, game consoles, receivers, subwoofers, etc.
• Works with cable/satellite boxes: 2 Always-On Outlets for devices that need constant power
• Works with cable/satellite boxes: 2 Always-On Outlets for devices that need constant power
• Protects sensitive electronics: 1080 joules of surge protection ensure electronics are safe from power spikes or surges
• Saves space: Narrow footprint and wall-mounting holes make it easy to place behind furniture

Conserve Valet (F7C008) – $39.99

• Charge up to 4 mobile devices at the same time
• Frees up wall outlets: Replace up to 4 charging “bricks” with 1 clean power cord
• Saves energy by automatically turning off after devices are fully charged
• The product itself draws zero power when not in use-so you can keep your devices ready to go without wasting energy
• Designated charging spot: Always know where your mobile devices are and that they are fully charged
• Eliminates standby power: Doesn’t power until you hit the start button
• automatically turns off when you unplug all your devices
• Reduces clutter: Innovative storage area to hide messy cords
• Includes 2 cables: A USB to mini-USB cable and a USB to micro-USB cable are included

Conserve Socket (F7C009) – $9.99

• Easy to set: Choose 30 minutes, 3 hours, or 6 hours with a simple switch
• Safer home: Automatically shuts off space heaters, curling irons, etc.
• Saves energy: Completely cuts power after timer expires
• Multiple uses: Can be used with appliances and devices throughout the house

Press Release:

Save Energy with Four New Belkin Conserve Products

Energy readouts and controls help you make smarter usage decisions in the home
Detect your device’s energy waste in costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions with the Conserve Insight™ Energy Use Monitor

(Playa Vista, CA) – June 15, 2010 – To help people reduce their carbon footprint and lower their electricity bills, Belkin today announced four additions to its Conserve line of energy-saving accessories. Elegantly designed and easy to use, the Conserve Insight, Conserve Socket™, Conserve Valet™, and Conserve Smart AV™ make it easy to save energy and minimize your environmental impact.

With the size of the green marketplace estimated to reach $845 billion by 2015, energy management is emerging as an important new product category (Natural Marketing Institute). In a December 2009 survey conducted by Horizon Research and commissioned by Belkin, 81 percent of respondents indicated they would “make sure to reduce their household use of electricity that month if they noticed that their electricity bill was too high the previous month.” These are two of many findings that highlight people’s growing awareness of and desire to reduce energy consumption. Other important statistics include:

The average cost of energy wasted from home electronic entertainment devices left on but not in use is $76 per year.*
1.2 billion metric tons of CO2 is produced to generate electricity for one year of residential use in the U.S.†
100 billion kilowatt hours of electricity are consumed in the U.S. for standby power.‡
Recognizing this demand, Belkin’s new Conserve products aim to empower people to make better decisions around their energy usage. With its easy-to-read display, the Conserve Insight energy-use monitor helps you monitor your energy use by showing how much devices really cost-in watts, dollars, and carbon dioxide. Plug a device, such as a TV or microwave, into Conserve Insight to see the true impact to your wallet and the environment.

The Conserve Smart AV auto-off surge protector detects when your TV is turned on or off, and shuts down power to connected components-like video game consoles, DVD players, and home theater equipment-so that no energy is wasted when the TV is not turned on.

The Conserve Valet smart charging station is a convenient place to charge all of your mobile devices, and it also helps save energy by shutting off automatically when the devices are fully charged. (A charger left plugged into the wall can still draw power-even when no device is attached.) The Conserve Valet charges up to four devices such as cell phones, music players, and handheld video games, and it also reduces cable clutter.

The Conserve Socket power timer automatically shuts off power after a time interval you select. This helps save energy and makes a home safer by timing the power to devices such as curling irons, fans, and space heaters.

These four products join the Conserve Switch™ and the Conserve Surge, which enable energy conservation by reducing standby power in homes and offices.

The cases will include multiple units in the Grip family with and without straps and in different colors and patterns at $24.99 to $29.99. The Grip Vue case is the one you see pictured above. Belkin will also have a line of Shield cases with shock and impact resistance with minimal extra bulk ranging from $24.99 to $29.99.

The Belkin Verve series includes a case with a kickstand for watching media and a belt clip case as well as a folio case with a flip back front flap all at $29.99. A line of armbands for workouts will be offered as well as screen overlays in privacy, matte and clear options. All of the gear will land in late June.

The most basic model, the Belkin Surf ($49.99) supports single-band 2.4GHz use and comes preconfigured with wireless security.  Once you spend a little more, though, things get more interesting: the Belkin Share ($79.99) has a USB 2.0 port for adding external storage or a printer, and has a Print Genie app for straightforward wireless printing together with an auto-backup app called Memory Safe.

As for the Belkin Play ($99.99) and Belkin Play Max ($129.99), they may sound like something from Durex’s line-up but they add in simultaneous dualband 2.4/5GHz use, one or two USB 2.0 ports respectively, and DLNA streaming via the Music Mover app while Daily DJ can create mood-based playlists automatically.  The Play Max also gets gigabit ethernet ports.

All four new routers – plus two new USB WiFi 802.11n adapters – will begin shipping in the US come April, Europe come early May, Canada in July and Asia Pacific in Q3 2010.

Press Release:

Belkin Presents a New Way of Thinking with the Introduction of Apps in New 802.11n Wireless Router Line

Wireless routers feature Easy Start and Self-Healing to get you online and keep you surfing

Innovative apps such as Print Genie, Music Mover™, and Daily DJ™ let you easily do the activities you want to do

Simultaneous Dual-Band N Play and Play Max Routers deliver the best speed and performance for streaming HD videos

(Playa Vista, CA) – March 24, 2010 – You can now do more with your photos, music, and videos with Belkin’s new wireless routers. Featuring fun and powerful applications, the Surf, Share, Play, and Play Max Wireless Routers enable you to play music, games, and HD videos as well as share photos and print wirelessly from anywhere in your home.

With the explosion of multimedia content, people are looking for new and richer experiences with their photos, music, and videos. In a recent IDC survey, 72% of respondents own a digital still camera and use it at least once a month in the home. As such, we can expect that more people will want to share their photos and videos in more places. According to Forrester, “the digital music market has grown substantially in the past few years and stands at $3 billion in the US in 2008.”* Similarly, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, almost 1 million homes in 2008 eliminated their cable TV to rely solely on the Internet for video entertainment. In recognizing these burgeoning needs, Belkin aims to create richer multimedia experiences to empower people to do the activities they want.

With apps designed to enhance your wireless experience, Belkin’s new line of routers are easy to set up and will keep you online. The Self-Healing app automatically detects and resolves network problems and runs routine maintenance scans to give you the clearest wireless channel.

The Share, Play, and Play Max Routers offer the Print Genie app that lets you wirelessly print from any computer on the network in your home while Memory Safe™ automatically backs up your photos and files to an external hard drive (sold separately)—so you can rest assured that your precious memories are protected.

With advanced Dual-Band N technology, Belkin’s Play and Play Max Routers provide the best speed and performance. Simultaneous networks eliminate interference and allow you to optimize performance for media-intensive activities, such as streaming HD movies, gaming online, and downloading large media files.

Apps on Play and Play Max let you do more with your music. Music Mover can play your entire music library on smart devices, like the Xbox® or PS3™, making your music just a touch away. The Daily DJ app serves up daily personalized playlists to match your mood. By analyzing the musical DNA of your music, Daily DJ creates playlists around three mood mixes: High-Energy, Steady Groove, and Kick Back. You can also create your own playlist by choosing a song and letting Daily DJ offer a new take on your favorite music.

AVAILABILITY:
US: April 2010
Europe: Starting in early May 2010
Asia Pacific: Q3 2010
Canada: July 2010

STATISTICS:
40% of people surveyed don’t know the wireless technology behind their networks (IDC, IDC’s 2009 Connected Home Survey: Consumer Confusion Means Vendor Opportunities, Doc # TB20091008, October 2009)

72% of survey respondents owned a digital still camera and used it at least once a month in the home (IDC, IDC’s 2009 Connected Home Survey: Consumer Confusion Means Vendor Opportunities, Doc # TB20091008, October 2009).

“The digital music market has grown substantially in the past few years and stands at $3 billion in the US and €1.3 billion in Western Europe in 2008.” (“The Global Landscape Of Online Music Stores And Services,” Forrester Research, Inc., April, 2009.)

Nearly 1 million U.S. homes in 2008 did not pay for TV, relying solely on Web TV, according to estimates from Parks Associates. (“More Households Cut the Cord on Cable,” The Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2009)

“As of early 2009, 78% of US Internet users watched online video in a typical month, putting online video clearly in the list of top five online activities with online heavyweights like email and search.” (“How Consumers Get Online Video To The TV,” Forrester Research, Inc., June, 2009.)

QUOTES:
Kurt Scherf, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Parks Associates:

“Belkin’s approach to studying user experiences and how people are interacting with their digital content is evident in how they’ve designed their new wireless routers. Features such as Easy Setup and its Music Mover app help people do the activities they want to do, and Belkin is communicating these benefits in a simple way such that people can understand.”
Jim Wagner, General Manager at Belkin:

“The explosion of digital content is heralding new opportunities, and this in itself is exciting. Using our consumer insight research, we learned that people want to do more with their photos, music, and videos throughout their home and across their network. Further, we found that while people had high aspirations for their network and media, unfortunately they were not buying routers capable of giving them the best of those experiences.
“With that in mind, we created a line of wireless routers based around the activities people want to do most. We made our Surf, Share, and Play Routers powerful enough to give great networking experiences, and we added easy-to-use apps to enable these activities. Now, even the most novice of consumer can create great experiences in their home and across their network.”

Play Max Wireless Router (F7D4301) – $129.99
Stream HD videos, play games online, and download large media files
Features high-speed Gigabit ports for media-intensive applications and simultaneous Dual-Band networks for maximum speed and coverage
Simultaneous 802.11n Dual-Band for speeds of up to 300Mbps*
2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
5GHz – Perfect for streaming media and video games
Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
2 USB ports to support external USB hard drives and USB printers
UPnP server
Pre-configured wireless security
Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ – 256-bit WPA®/WPA2® and 64/128 WEP encryption
VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
Compatible with Mac OS® X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, and Windows XP

Play Wireless Router (F7D4302) – $99.99
Provides the fastest, most reliable speeds for streaming video, playing music, and online gaming
Simultaneous 802.11n Dual-Band for speeds of up to 300Mbps*
2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
5GHz – Perfect for streaming media and video games
Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
1 USB port supports external USB hard drives or USB printers
Pre-configured wireless security
Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Share Wireless Router (F7D3302) – $79.99
Easily share and access documents, photos, and files from multiple computers
802.11n
2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
1 USB port supports external USB hard drives or USB printers
Pre-configured wireless security
Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Surf Wireless Router (F7D2301) – $49.99
Surf the Web, email, and instant message from anywhere in your home
802.11n
2.4GHz – Perfect for data and web traffic, and file- and picture-sharing
Dual-plane antenna positioning and unique implementation of MIMO technology provides three-dimensional coverage, which means consistent signal, even through walls and floors
Pre-configured wireless security
Wi-Fi Protected Setup – 256-bit WPA/WPA2 and 64/128 WEP encryption
VPN Support: PPTP and IPSec pass-through
Compatible with Mac OS X v10.6 and v10.5, and Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Play Wireless USB Adapter (F7D4101) – $69.99
Surf & Share Wireless USB Adapter (F7D2101) – $49.99
Connects your desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network
Provides optimal range and distance when paired with an 802.11n router
WPS security with the push of a button

APPLICATIONS:
Self Healing: Automatically detects and resolves network problems and runs routine maintenance scans to give you the clearest wireless channel. Available on Surf, Share, Play, and Play Max.

Memory Safe: Automatically backs up precious photos and important files to your external hard drive. Available on Share, Play, and Play Max.

Print Genie: Print wirelessly from any computer on the network from anywhere in your home. Available on Share, Play, and Play Max.

Music Mover: Play MP3s from your music library on your home stereo wirelessly. Connect your external hard drive on which you store your music to the router—and move music from your computer to your stereo through devices like Xbox 360® and PlayStation® 3. Available on Play and Play Max.

Music Labeler: Automatically identifies and labels your track with the correct title, artist, and genre. Available on Play and Play Max.

Daily DJ: Get daily personalized playlists from your music library based on your mood. Available on Play and Play Max.

Torrent Genie: Downloads large media files like movies, music, and games, even when your computer isn’t on. Available on Play Max.

Bit Boost™: Prioritizes traffic on your network for video, gaming, and VoIP, letting you easily select your most important data streams for seamless network traffic. Available on Play Max.

The new USB 3.0 gear will all be offered starting in April in the US and in starting in May in Canada. The products include the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 PCIe add-in card F4U023 that will sell for $79.99. It features dual USB 3.0 ports and supports up to 127 USB devices with cascading USB 3.0 hubs.

The F4U024 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 ExpressCard for notebooks will also sell for $79.99 and features dual USB 3.0 ports. The card is compliant with ExpressCard 1.0 specs and with additional hubs supports up to 127 USB devices. Belkin will also offer the F3U158-04 4-foot A-B USB 3.0 cable for $39.99 and an 8-foot version for $49.99. A USB 3.0 Micro-B cable in 4-foot length will sell for $39.99 and an 8-foot version will sell for $49.99.

Belkin has unveiled its new line of sleeves for the iPad and they look pretty darn cool. Belkin will be offering three sleeves including the Vue, Max, and Grip. The Vue is transparent, has an expandable pocket for other gear and accessories, and will sell for $39.99. The Max has a pleated design and will also hold other gear and collapses flat when not in use. It will sell for $39.99 as well.

The Grip sleeve will sell for $29.99 and has a surface that increases grip to help prevent drops while on the go. The silicone of the sleeve is etched with graphics. All three sleeves come in black or plum colors. Belkin will also be offering a screen overlay to protect from scratches for $19.99.

If your car lacks an input for your iPhone or iPod and you want to hear your digital tracks on the road, Belkin has announced that it is now shipping the TuneCast Auto Live FM transmitter. The system is a hardware and software combo that takes advantage of GPS to find the clearest unused frequency in your area to broadcast your playlist over.

The applications installed on the iPhone or iPod touch and does all of the tuning via the iPhone. That means you don’t have to change your presets. The app is free, but will only work with the TuneCast device. The TuneCast has a LCD screen and works with the nano and classic iPods as well. The device is available in America now for $79.99 and will hit other areas starting in March.

So far, so normal, but Belkin have given the Music Receiver memory for up to six devices, which means there’ll be less re-pairing to be done if more than one person wants to stream to it (or, equally likely, you want to use various different Bluetooth devices).  We’re guessing only one can be actively connected at any one time, however.

Otherwise it’s simple to set up – as long as whatever you’re plugging it into has 3.5mm or RCA stereo inputs, since Belkin include both cables – and range is up to 33ft.  The Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver is available now in the US, priced at $49.99; it’ll arrive in Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia come March 2010.

The recall covers 68,700 of the surge protectors that were sold from September 2003 through December 2007 for around $50. The models covered in the recall include the F9G930-10, F9G930v10, F9G930-10-W and F9G930-10-SN, which were all built in 2003.

The reason for the recall is that the plastic casing around the 360-degree rotating outlets can break down and pose a risk of electric shock. Belkin reports that it has received seven complaints of the cracking issue and no reports of injury. Belkin will replace the affected surge protectors at its costs. Grey versions including models F9G930-10-GRY and F9G930fc10G-CL are not part of the recall.

The cable is set to hit the market in the U.S. on October 23 and it will make it across the pond to Europe and Asia in Q1 2010. The cable can be pre-ordered on Amazon now according to Belkin. The cable allows users to quickly and easily migrate music, photos, movies and other content to a new machine. The cable also supports the migration of user accounts, settings, and email contacts and messages.

The transfer cable needs only three steps including installing software connecting the cable, and following on-screen prompts. Belkin promises that transfers are faster than burning CDs or using the network for the transfer. The software included with the cable will also provide a post-migration report after the transfer to show files moved and files left behind. The cable is 8-feet long and support 32 and 64-bit Windows 7.

The surge protector is designed to shut off six of its outlets automatically after a specified period of being on. The idea is to eliminate standby power consumption on desktop computer components. According to Belkin, power consumption of desktop gear accounts for almost half of the IT energy costs in most businesses.

The surge protector also has two always on outlets that remain powered while the others turn off. If leaving early, workers can also turn off the six outlets by pressing an on/off switch built-in. The conserve Surge with Timer is available now for $34.99.

The Home Base device will automatically back each computer on the network up to one of the connected external hard drives. The device can also automatically upload new photos to a Flickr or Picasa account. Game consoles like the PS3 or Xbox can also be accessed wirelessly using the Home Base as well.

The device will retail for $129.99 and is compatible with 802.11b/g/n wireless network. It features push-button WPS security service for preventing unauthorized access to your content. The USB ports also support shared printers.

Belkin says that the existing N Wireless Routers, N+ wireless router, N Wireless notebook Card, N Wireless USB Adapter, N Wireless USB adapter, and N Wireless ExpressCard Adapter are all compliant with the ratified specification. If you were worried that your Belkin 802.11n gear may be obsolete now that the spec is ratified, you are golden.

The line of compliant 802.11n products has been shipping all around the world for a while now and includes that cool Wireless N vision router that has all the nifty graphics for looking in on your network. Belkin points out that all the products are already compliant and need no updates.

All of the cases are set to debut in mid-September. The new line includes the Grip Vue for the nano selling for $24.99 and the touch version sells for $29.99. The cases are made of TPU plastic and are translucent and scratch resistant. A ClearScreen protector is included as well. The FastFit for nano and touch sell for $29.99 and are designed for one-hand fastening with an armband style.

Belkin has also unveiled a Hand Band for the iPod nano at $24.99 that is designed for holding while walking or running. A new line of Grip Ergo cases have also been introduced with a hand strap for the touch at $24.99 along with a line of polycarbonate hard cases for the players starting at $19.99 and going up to $29.99. Belkin is also unveiling leather cases for both the touch and nano as well.

The Headphone Adapter is really simple and makes it so you can use any headphone or earbud pair that requires a 3.5mm headphone jack. You can even use VoiceOver through this add-on.

This new adapter will be available sometime this week in the U.S. and in August for Europe, Australia and Asia. Expected cost is about $20, making it definitely cheap enough to be worth the investment.

“Last year, Belkin announced FlyWire™, a wireless HD transmitter that delivers high-definition video and audio wirelessly to any TV, anywhere in your home. We realize that its retail price of $1499 would be out of line given the current state of the economy. With that in mind, we’ve opted to halt production of FlyWire. We will no longer be introducing FlyWire to the market at this time. We know there will be some disappointed folks out there, but our end goal is to introduce products that are accessible and that make sense in the current environment.” Belkin official statement 

The FlyWire promised to transmit 108op/24 Full HD video between multiple sources and an HDTV or projector, while still preserving HDCP for copyright-protected content.  Announced all the way back at CES 2008, it was only ever going to appeal to high-end users looking to declutter their A/V rooms.

Wireless HDMI and cable-free Full HD still seem to be a long way off.  A number of PC-to-HDTV systems are either available or in the pipeline – Atlona announced a USB to VGA/HDMI adapter this week, while the ASUS Eee Keyboard nettop has optional wireless HDMI – but standalone setups, especially those supporting 1080p, are still conspicuous by their absence.

[via Engadget]

Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from plugging an ethernet switch or hub into the remote Gigabit Powerline unit, sharing the connectivity between multiple devices.  You can also buy an individual adapter, at which point Belkin say Gigle’s xtendnet system kicks in; this, it promises, boosts network stability and performance “by creating a transparent mesh network”.

The Belkin Gigabit Powerline HD adapters are compatible with existing HomePlug AV devices.  The kit, F5D4076, is available now, priced at $149.99; no word on what the price will be for the individual adapters.

The devices also charge up your iPhone at the same time and hold it upright by means of a flexible neck. Music-listening is capable on both devices and you can take calls just by pressing a large button on the TuneBase itself.

The TuneBase Direct is the cheaper option at $69.99 and provides a 3.5mm port that you can use to connect it to your car’s auxiliary-in jack. The TuneBase FM costs slightly more at $89.99 and uses an FM channel to transmit your audio through your car’s sound system. You can get the Belkin TuneBase Direct early this month and the TuneBase FM in the middle of July.

The two new products are called the Micro Auto Charger and the Dual Auto Charger. Both devices work by plugging into the DC power plug in your car and offer up connections for your various devices.

The Micro Auto Charger is quite small and features one USB port that can charge one device at 1 amp. The Dual Auto Charger, on the other hand, is a bit larger and features two USB ports that can charge at either 1 amp or 500 milliamps. It also includes a charge and sync cable for use with iPods and iPhones. You can get the Dual Auto Charger now for $29.99 while the Micro Auto Charger will be available at the beginning of next month for $14.99.

[via Geek.com]

This means that companies can pay small amounts of money to people in exchange for performing very repetitive tasks such as when Belkin’s Mike Bayard asking for people to write a positive five star review for their products. In exchange for 65 US cents (44p) people will write a review for the Belkin product as if they had owned it and give the best possible rating. None of these people own or use any of the products they are asked to rate.

This process of boosting the user popularity of a particular product is called “astroturfing.” While it is not a new way of gaining reputation, such a large company has never been so outright open about participating in such behavior. In defense of their actions, business development representative “Bayard” has “created dozens of jobs on the Mechanical Turk site.” Since the news of Belkin’s actions all of the job requests have been deleted for the Mechanical Turk website with no official statement from the company.

This new cable plugs into your USB port and will move your personal files between computer types with just a few clicks. Everything from your movies, music, documents and preferences can be moved from your PC to your new Mac. It is compatible with PCs running XP or Vista and Macs running Tiger or Leopard.

While you could make this transfer manually, it can be complicated for many and this makes the transition go much smoother. You can get the Belkin “Switch-to-Mac” cable now for $50.

The Belkin FlyWire Wireless HD box has been delayed. Debuted back at CES 2008, the box was supposed to start shipping this month. But that now seems to be out of the question. We won’t even being seeing the FlyWire in action at the 2009 CES!

We want to wirelessly send a 1080p Blu-ray signal! It sounds pretty cool! All of this waiting business is just no fun. But I guess there is light at the end of the tunnel. Melody Chalaban, a a Belkin spokeswoman talked to Engadget about the Belkin device, noting it’s being delayed because of “compliance issues” and will be available in “late January 2009.”

[via Electronic House]

CAT6a patch cords, patch panels, keystones and bulk cabling will all be available.  Each meet all TIA/EIA-568-B.2-10 requirements in both “channel” and “permanent link” configurations, including alien crosstalk, return loss, insertion loss, propagation delay and delay skew.  Patch cables will be available in 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 20 and 25 foot lengths, while bulk cable will come in 1000ft reels.

Obviously you’ll need some 10-gigabit compatible hardware to make best use of these Belkin cables.  Plugging them into your standard 10/100 router and expecting blazing transfer speeds just isn’t going to work.  The new Belkin 6a cables and hardware will go on sale in November 2008.

The Pixelated Sleeve is made from neoprene and is a rather small size, with the UMPC market in mind. It features a fractal pattern in lavender and gray. It’s a pretty design that is slightly feminine without knocking you over the head with it. And the asymmetrical zipper makes retrieving your laptop from a larger bag an easy task.

The Quilted Carry Case is 7″ and is available in several colors including Techno Blue, Plum Berry and Basic Black, so you have plenty of options with which to coordinate. It features a matching lining and unzips on the side. They’re both pretty light and can stand up to some abuse. Most importantly, your computer will be safe. Both sleeves retail for $29.99 and will be available from Target soon.

[via Gearlog]

The band is made of a comfortable waterproof neoprene, so in the event that it rains a lot or you just have a downpour of sweat, the band is still safe. The armband is meant to keep your iPod/iPhone protected as well.

It even has a built-in pocket to slip your key into, so you won’t have an annoying jingling with every step you take. The list price is for $19.99 but you can pick it up on Amazon for $10.51.

[via gadgetgrid]

This new model from Belkin is wide enough to even hold the larger 17” laptops.  It also features an adjustable height, to get your laptop at a comfortable angle for you.

This isn’t out just yet and they don’t say when it will be, but it is listed as coming soon.  Once it is released it will be sold for $39.99.

[via everythingusb]