Samsung announces NaBee, wireless USB connector for digital cameras
Samsung has announced NaBee, a high-speed wireless communication device to connect USB-enabled digital still cameras and a PC. The device makes it possible to send pictures from your camera to your computer, without having to physically connect the two.
The way the gadget works is pretty simple, you attach one end of the communication device to your camera, and then a dongle to your actual computer. Your camera and computer are then able to communicate just as they would if they were actually attached with a USB cable.
The NaBee is powered by Alereon’s AL5000 Worldwide Wireless USB Chipset. “We are pleased to work with Samsung, a true worldwide leader in the consumer electronics and digital still camera world,” said Eric Broockman, CEO of Alereon. “As the wireless USB market continues to expand, working with global leaders like Samsung, is an important part of Alereon’s strategy in the Wireless USB space.”
The NaBee will be available in December of this year; no pricing information has been announced.
Currently I leave the USB cable for my camera permanently attached to by desktop. When I’m done taking photos for the day I always just attach my camera and download pictures. I have to say, that method has worked pretty well for me, and I’m not sure that being able to do it wirelessly is really much of an improvement. You still have to keep one of your USB ports in use (for the dongle), the only advantage is getting rid of the cable, but really, I don’t find a digital camera USB cable that cumbersome.
Besides the obvious cool factor of being able upload pictures from your couch, or off your nearby tripod…what real advantages do you see for this device? Would you buy one? What do you think an appropriate price would be?
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November 6th, 2008
I shoot (in the studio) with my camera connected to my laptop via USB cable. I would love to have a wireless connection. I would buy one.
November 11th, 2008
I shoot at a theater in high a traffic area where a tripod is unusable. My current laptop has been replaced once already due to tripping over the USB cord. If I had a wireless I wouldn’t have to worry about me or any guest tripping over it, and it would free up my range of motion. I would buy it and I would convince my company to buy if it was affordable. $50 seems fair.