Uploadable USB pedometers may be new, but they’re already seeing prime time in wellness. A combination of advanced accelerometer functionality and automated data upload are solving a long term concern over the accuracy of self-reported data. It’s now possible to accurately gauge and reward improved participation in a fitness program.

CoreHealth Technologies is one of the first wellness suppliers to integrate this technology. “Our health challenges are easy to administer and participate in… an inspirational approach that has proven effective,” comments CEO Anne Marie Kirby, “but USB pedometers add a whole new dimension. Users simply plug the pedometer into the computer, a greeting comes up asking if the steps are to be uploaded, and then the website opens to show the participants their achievement in the health challenge. It’s the ultimate in convenience. Anyone can do it.”

CoreHealth’s motivational software for online fitness, weight loss, nutrition, and other challenges is used throughout the world by organizations with 1000 or more employees. Participants have used pedometers before, but never with such convenience. “We find pedometers can increase success,” states Jeff Goreski, Implementation Specialist. “Now participants can be fully engaged regardless of age or computer skill. This new technology has opened wide doors for prevention.”

The USB pedometers use specialized technology exclusive to Pacific Rim Wellness. A full week of steps information is retained within the device, so people don’t have to upload daily to accurately report, and a new accelerometer monitors and stores fitness intensity. Users simply connect to the computer once a week to update their personal fitness record. “Pedometers now offer uncompromised accountability and accuracy for health and wellness programs,” comments Pacific Rim Wellness administrator Robert Dyke.

“Our greatest concern was affordability,” Anne Marie explained. “Our total wellness package sells to large employers and insurers for only $10 per participant, and that’s for a whole year! We couldn’t have a costly pedometer option, but we needed the advanced functionality. Pacific Rim Wellness had the exclusive technology and an aggressive price point.”

Technology is fast integrating with wellness for robust programs today’s businesses can afford. “Our clients generate as much as $25 return for every $1 investment,” states Anne Marie, “that is a significant improvement in a company’s ability to compete. Still, many organizations rely on insurers, EAPs, and health providers for their wellness. These suppliers have long sought verifiable accuracy in the programs they fund. Now they have it.”

Source: CoreHealth Technologies Inc.


Buffalo ships first SuperSpeed USB 3.0 external hard drive

The DriveStation(TM) HD-HXU3 Offers Lightning Fast Transfer Speeds in a Robust, Stylish Design

Buffalo Technology announced the first SuperSpeed USB 3.0 external storage solution. The DriveStation HD-HXU3 is ideal for creative professionals, computer power users and digital content creators, delivering transfer rates up to 625 MB per second (or five Gbits per second) for the quick transfer and storage of high-resolution graphics, digital audio/video, large multimedia files, photos and more.

DriveStation HD-HXU3

“Innovation has always been Buffalo Technology’s core value and the new DriveStation HD-HXU3 combines both USB 3.0 performance, and the latest hard disk technology to give consumers the fastest, and most reliable solution on the market,” said Ralph Spagnola, vice president of sales at Buffalo Technology. “The DriveStation HD-HXU3 delivers on Buffalo’s ongoing commitment in delivering high quality, robust storage solutions to meet the high demands of today’s consumers.”

The DriveStation USB 3.0 storage solution is backward-compatible and works with all USB 2.0 enabled computers and notebooks, as well as forthcoming USB 3.0 models. Available in 1.0TB, 1.5TB and 2.0TB capacities, the DriveStation(TM) HD-HXU3 with SuperSpeed USB gives users the ability to quickly back-up and store important data and other digital assets.

In conjunction with the new SuperSpeed USB DriveStation, Buffalo has released a two-port USB 3.0 PCI Express Interface Card IFC-PCIE2U3. The USB 3.0 PCI Express Interface Card allows users to upgrade their PC or Mac to utilize SuperSpeed USB for faster data transfer speeds than ever before. The DriveStation HD-HXU3 gives users the ability to quickly back up important data and store office work, digital photos, music and movies in one central location.

Included with each DriveStation USB 3.0 HD-HXU3 storage solution is Memeo’s award-winning backup package. Memeo AutoBackup software gives you the power to securely and automatically manage and backup your files in real-time. No need for manual or scheduled backups, Memeo AutoBackup will find any new or updated file instantly and automatically, copying them to the drive so that you have a safe copy. After the initial setup, you never have to look at it again.

Pricing and Availability

The DriveStation USB 3.0 HD-HXU3 is backed by a limited one-year warranty that includes toll-free 24/7 technical support and is available now at estimated street prices of $199.99 for 1TB (HD-HX1.0TU3), $249.99 for 1.5TB (HD-HX1.5TU3) and $399.99 for 2.0TB (HD-HX2.0TU3).

Source: Buffalo Technology


The newest development in ZoomSwitch(TM) technology, the ZoomSwitch ZMS20-UC(TM), is optimized for unified communications functionality and provides users even more control over phone and computer communications. Building on ZoomSwitch’s popular ZMS10 technology, the new ZMS20-UC offers an enhanced set of features inspired by the latest trends in business communications.

The current trend towards unified communications in the workplace and at home demands equipment that allows for multi-functionality across a variety of platforms. The popularity of applications such as internet telephony, online music, unified messaging, and voice, video, and web conferencing have increased the demand for a headset or handset to be used seamlessly between a desk phone and computer. ZoomSwitch products provide businesses a great advantage, since it allows them to leverage existing headset technology by expanding functionality without the need for costly hardware replacements.

Innovative ZoomSwitch technology allows users to access phone and computer communications through their existing wireless office headset, corded office headset, or telephone handset, thus eliminating the need for one headset or handset for phone communication and another for computer applications. Users can now seamlessly switch between a desk phone and computer at the touch of a button. The ZoomSwitch provides additional privacy and security in an office setting by giving people the ability to listen to online content and conduct softphone conversations through their headset or telephone handset.

The plug and play functionality of the ZoomSwitch allows the device to be connected to a computer and phone using the supplied USB cable and 4P4C (RJ9) handset cord. The ZoomSwitch is compatible with all major headset brands and models that are made to connect to a telephone handset or headset port (RJ9 jack), and has been tested extensively with Plantronics® products. It has been tested to work and sound great with products such as Skype, Microsoft Office Communicator, Cisco IP Communicator, IBM Sametime, Avaya One X, Google Voice, Dragon Naturally Speaking and many more. ZMS20-UC features a Cisco direct connect phone compatibility switch. Plug and play with Windows, Mac and other operating systems.

The ZMS20-UC increases ease of use by including a volume control and mute button directly on the device. Users are now able to control computer volume with a dial on the side of the ZoomSwitch UC. The mute button, conveniently-located on the top of the device, provides the ability to quickly mute the mic.

The ZoomSwitch’s simple design also features a large button to toggle between phone mode and USB (PC) mode, and a bright LED light indicates which mode is in use; red for USB and green for phone.

The ZoomSwitch ZMS20-UC is listed at $74.95.

Source: ZoomSwitch


Star Wars 4GB Flash Drives

Drive Vader

Darth Vader’s head comes off. In the movies, his helmet was a two-part, life saving device. But it still (mostly) came off. If you have a LEGO Vader, his head comes off. And now, there’s another version of Vader with the removable noggin. But this one holds a secret – inside Darth’s neck is a USB plug, because inside his body is a USB drive. But that’s not all – he’s joined by three other friends. Together, they form Team Star Wars 4GB Flash Drives! Role call!

Star Wars 4GB Flash Drives

First up is the aforementioned Vader. He’s joined by his little buddy Yoda. Their wing man, and lady favorite, Boba Fett has their back. And tagging along is that annoying, head banging little brother, random Storm Trooper. Each Star Wars 4GB Flash Drive is made of space age plastic and hold 4GB (hence the name). So buy all 4, or else face the wrath of Darth Lucas (i.e. if you don’t buy them, he’ll make Star Wars: The Jar-Jar Years).

Star Wars 4GB Flash Drives

* Republic approved thumb drive storage devices.
* Provides 4GB of storage (just in case you couldn’t guess).
* Dimensions: 3″ tall.

Price: $39.99 Where to buy: ThinkGeek.com


DataTraveler Locker+ Allows Portable Security at Lower Cost

Kingston Digital, Inc. announced the release of the DataTraveler® Locker+ USB Flash drive. The DataTraveler Locker+ allows companies of any size to secure mobile data with the ease and confidence of knowing that their data is encrypted and safe. The DataTraveler Locker+ also comes at a lower cost in times of shrinking IT budgets, making it ideal for budget-conscious companies.

KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY DATATRAVELER

“Kingston created this drive to address the rise in data loss and theft which has been a growing problem with expensive consequences. This device gives companies a solution that is not only affordable but provides peace of mind in securing mobile data,” said Mark Akoubian, business manager, Secure USB Products, Kingston®. “The DataTraveler Locker+ encrypts 100 percent of the contents and is available at a price point that is very attractive for all entities looking to comply with corporate security policies.”

Data on the Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ is secured with 256-bit hardware-based AES encryption. Access to the drive’s contents is through a simple to use interface requiring a complex password. The likelihood of successful brute force attacks on the DataTraveler Locker+ is reduced as the drive locks down and reformats after 10 incorrect password attempts.

The 100 percent encrypted DataTraveler Locker+ ships in up to 32GB capacity. For companies in need of a partitionable area on the USB drive for public sharing (e.g., within an office setting), Kingston offers the DataTraveler Locker which allows both a public and encrypted zone. Kingston also ships the DataTraveler Vault – Privacy Edition for enterprise and government customers requiring a speedier, more robust Flash drive. It is also waterproof and Trade Agreements Act-compliant. For more information visit http:///www.kingston.com.

Kingston DataTraveler Locker+ USB Flash Drive

Part Number Capacity and Features MSRP (U.S. only).

DTL+/4GB DataTraveler Locker+ 4GB $36.00
DTL+/8GB DataTraveler Locker+ 8GB $50.00
DTL+/16GB DataTraveler Locker+ 16GB $100.00
DTL+/32GB DataTraveler Locker+ 32GB $200.00

DataTraveler Locker+ Features and Specifications:
– Full Encryption: 100 percent of stored data is protected by 256-bit AES hardware-based encryption
– Secure: drive locks down and reformats after 10 intrusion attempts
– Enforced password protection: complex password is user set with minimum characteristics to prevent unauthorized access
– Easy to use: no admin rights or application installation required
– Guaranteed: five-year warranty with 24/7 customer support
– Dimensions: 2.58″ x 0.71″ x 0.41″ (65.76mm x 17.98mm x 10.7mm)
– Capacities*: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
– Compatibility: designed to USB 2.0 specifications
– Operating Temperature: 32 degrees F to 140 degrees F (0 degrees C to 60 degrees C)
– Storage Temperature: -4 degrees F to 185 degrees F (-20 degrees to 85 degrees C)
– Minimum System Requirements:
– USB 2.0 compliant and 1.1 compatible
– Two (2) free consecutive drive letters required for use***

* Some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. For more information, please consult Kingston’s Flash Memory Guide at Kingston.com/Flash_Memory_Guide.

** Does not support ReadyBoost(TM).

*** First free drive letters after physical devices such as system partition, optical drives, etc.

Source: Kingston Technology