Gadgets: Hubs for mobile devices

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Satechi has launched two on-the-go hubs for mobile devices, making your life easier.

Connecting accessories to devices like iPads and iPhones has never been simple. The limitations can be attributed to the access the devices provide, along with the accessories available. Satechi’s new Mobile XR Hubs enable users to connect, power, play and charge devices and accessories with ease.

The first, the Satechi The Mobile XR Hub with Audio ($44.99), brings back something Apple took away from us years ago: the 3.5mm audio jack. Now you have the wired connection to deliver high-quality sound through wired headsets (remember those!).

Along with audio support, the Mobile XR Hub with Audio supplies built-in mic functionality for recordings, calls or whatever is needed from a mic. The hub also supplies 10Gbps data transfer and pass-through charging while the other ports are in use. You get video output with XR/AR Glasses and a USB C Hub for XR Glasses.

The other new item, the Mobile XR Hub with microSD ($44.99), gives your mobile device a memory card slot (the card is not included) to transfer videos and photos to the card. This can be used to share photos with other devices or free up digital space.

The audio model measures 2.42-by-0.93-by-0.35 inches, with 0.56 ounces of weight and 0.57 ounces for the memory card version, making them pocket-sized portable devices.

The Mobile XR Hub with Audio has three ports: one USB-C PD Port, which supports up to 100-watt charging, and USB 2.0 data and audio support. A second USB-C port supports 4K @ 60Hz visuals on an external monitor and USB 3.0 up to 10 Gbps speeds. The 3.5 mm audio port provides input and output, along with volume control.

The Mobile XR Hub with microSD has the same USB-C features and support. However, remove the audio support and swap in the Micro SD UHS-I memory card reader with transfer speeds up to 33MBs.

Both hubs connect to the devices with a built-in USB-C connection. They supply up to 27 watts of pass-through power for iPhones, 45 for Nintendo Switch, and 100 for laptops.

The Satechi site has a complete list of compatible devices.

https://satechi.net/products/mobile-xr-hub-with-microsd

https://satechi.net/products/mobile-xr-hub-with-audio

Satechi also has the new Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure for portable high-speed storage.

It has fast transfer speeds with Gen 2 USB-C technology, which transfers files faster than traditional SATA SSDs. The new enclosure is optimized to read 2230mm NVMe solid-state drives with speeds up to 10Gbps.

It installs your hard drives tool-free. Slide to remove the magnetic cover from the enclosure and install the SSD at a 45-degree angle. Then pull back the included silicone pin and push down on the SSD, which is secured with the silicone pin. Once it is in place, align the grooves and slide the cover back onto the enclosure. The installation process takes less than a minute, making it easy to have multiple SSDs for swapping them.

Note: The NVMe SSD drive is sold separately. A quick search found them starting at $97.99 for a 1TB drive.

The Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure also enables Apple ProRes Log on iPhone 15/16 Pro, a high-quality video format that enhances shooting and post-editing capabilities. Small and compact, it measures 1.8 by 1.2 by 0.5 inches/1.2 ounces and stores easily. It also includes a lanyard cable.

There are a few specifics about the enclosure supplied by Satechi: It is only compatible with the 2230-size NVMe drives, and the NVMe drive must be formatted to ExFAT or APFS before use with an iOS device. The Satechi site has step-by-step instructions and videos posted for Mac and Windows users.

https://satechi.net/products/mini-nvme-ssd-enclosure $59.99