Belkin Joins Freescale in Making First WUSB Hub

Belkin has introduced the Belkin CableFree USB Hub - the first implementation of Freescale's UWB wireless technology in a U.S. product. Beginning in early spring 2006, Belkin will offer this four-port hub that will enable immediate high-speed wireless connectivity for any USB device without requiring software.

One would assume that the CableFree USB Hub would require at least an AC adapter for power, so it wouldn't be truly anchor-free, but it sure would beat stringing cable across the room. The effective range of the hub was not announced - nor was the price. As far as UWB goes, here's a quote from the announcement:

Freescale's UWB solutions enable high rate transfer of video, audio, and data streams wirelessly. At rates 100 times faster than Bluetooth(TM) technology and with wire-like quality, UWB brings a new wireless option to auto, consumer electronics, and PC/peripheral manufacturers. Using UWB, for example, an MPEG2 movie or HDTV stream can be broadcast in real time wirelessly.

That's pretty impressive.