14 DAY TRIAL // The Bluetooth specification is getting updated and even the transition to 3G and, of course, 4G is progressing quite readily. As such, it could be said that wireless connectivity technologies are in no shortage. Still, certain innovations may yet gain some ground, such as the TranferJet technology that Sony demonstrated at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. To apparently prove this, I-O Data has developed a so-called TransferJet USB dongle that should launch this month.
TranferJet is a feature that allows wireless transfers, at very short ranges of up to 3 cm, to be achieved at speeds much higher than what WiFi and Bluetooth transmission allow, though the security level is not as good. I-O Data aims to facilitate the initial adoption of this technology by means of the product known as USB2-TJC reader. This device will show up by the end of July, though it will be restricted to Japan.
This, of course, is not the only TransferJet solution out there, though technically it isn't out there yet. Since Sony is the actual inventor of the technology, it took care to add it to its VAIO F series of mobile computers and also came up with the Cyber-Shot bundles, which include readers. I-O Data's USB2-TJC is meant as a stand-alone solution and is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X systems. Still, to actually have any sort of use for it, one will need a special TransferJet memory Stick or a compatible Cyber-Shot camera.
According to Impress, the source of the report regarding I-O Data's plans, the dongle will cost ¥10,000, which is the equivalent of $115. Toshiba has also promised TransferJet-ready hardware by the end of the year, though nothing specific is known as of yet. What remains to be seen is whether the so-called standard ever becomes widespread.