Belkin CableFree USB Hub Delayed

During CES 2006 in January, one of the more innovative products talked about was the Belkin CableFree USB Hub.

Belkin announces 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. This is the first UWB-enabled product to be introduced in the U.S. market. The CableFree USB Hub’s wireless functionality is enabled by Freescale Semiconductor’s ((NYSE:FSL, FSL.B) Ultra-Wideband technology.

The idea is a Hub that you could plug your USB devices into, and the computer could then access from another room in the house. As my desktop is on the main floor of the house, and my USB peripherals are in the basement, this is custom designed to meet someone with my needs. I would love it just to have access to my USB hard drive.

Well, the good news is that it is coming, and we're going to do a review of it. The bad news is that it was originally slated for an April release, and now it looks more like summer. I received this today:

Due to general manufacturing delays, we've pushed back the launch of our CableFree USB Hub and Dongle set. It will now be shipping in early July.

With any new technology, there are bound to be some speed bumps along the way. While there have been plenty of guesses as to what wireless technology this device uses, no one really knows in the end. Now, we have to wait a few more months. I hate having to be patient!

--Jonas