USB Flash Drives for iOS? Instant synchronization between our devices is now the new standard being developed by its biggest companies Internet. Η Apple, η Google, η Microsoft και όλοι, μας υπόσχονται έναν κόσμο όπου θα μπορούν να υπάρχουν τα αρχεία μας ταυτόχρονα στα τηλέφωνα μας, στα tablets μας, στο cloud μας, και στον ηλεκτρονικό υπολογιστής μας.
While sync for our photos is relatively easy to accomplish, our experience has shown that for larger files, such as our documents and our videos, synchronization can not always be done without being shredded and reassembled. We also all of us have occasionally resorted to sending a file to Dropbox as an interim solution to be able to transfer files from one device to another. Or even by sending our records to us by email.
Physical file transfer devices are still sometimes necessary as they are quite convenient and fast. For some time now, Android users have access to physical solutions such as dual USB flash drives, which are flash drives with built-in two slots, a standard USB slot for your computer and a micro-USB port for your mobile phone. These devices will allow you to save your files from your computer and then easily connect them to an Android phone and transfer your files to it.
Since these devices use a micro-USB port, iPhone and iPad users did not appreciate them until recently. Now, at least three companies offer flash drives equipped with slot-friendly iOS devices
We took a look at three of these new dual-USB flash drives, one from Leef, one from SanDisk, and one from Hyper. Each device is offered in various capacities between 8GB and 128GB. Each device also requires its own application, which you can download from the App Store, to have full functionality of the device. Without this application it will simply work like a conventional USB flash drive.
Because all three products work in the same way, we were able to judge each one through the same criteria, which are: a) the price, b) the ease of use offered by the physical design of the hardware, and c) the flexibility and quality of iOS applications. Here are the results.
Leef iBridge
The Leef iBridge is U-shaped, weighs about 14 grams, costs $60-$400 for 16GB-128GB capacity respectively, and is rated 8. One end is short and has a Lightning connector that fits easily into all iPhones and iPads. The other end is longer and ends with a plug USB 2.0. The device is provided with a cover covering both exposed connections, which converts the small hook shape into something similar to a carabiner.
The application iBridge iOS it starts automatically when the Lightning plug is inserted into your cell phone. The application menu has functions that are divided into three sections: File Transfer, Content View, and iBridge Camera. The latter allows you to take pictures that are then stored directly in the iBridge memory, skipping the storage on the device iOS. This feature is unique in iBridge, and was not found in the other applications tested.
The iBridge application easily creates backups of your camera files and then moves them from your iOS phone or tablet to the flash drive. You can also do the opposite by uploading video files, photos, music, or documents from your computer to your mobile. IBridge does not have a feature to back up your contacts, which is available on the other two devices that were tested.
You can also view files stored on iBridge directly on your phone or Tablet. We uploaded some videos to iBridge and played them with no problem. Any video file, audio file, or any document format supported by iPhone or iPad can play from iBridge. The Flash Disk consumes minimal electricity from the mobile device, and only when the unit is in use. So you can leave it connected as long as you like. Also, the flash disk curves and fits neatly around your device and does not bother even when connected to the power.
SanDisk iXpand
The SanDisk iXpand is a beautiful design device the size of a box of Tic Tac candies, weighs about 28 grams, costs $ 60- $ 200 for 16GB-128GB respectively and got a rating of 7. It comes with a clear plastic cover that covers the USB socket, but can be easily lost. The Lightning socket is located on top of a 25 cm long hard cable, which bends slightly upwards. This makes it difficult to connect to an iPhone and iPad at best.
Unlike the iBridge, the iXpand is armed with a 3.7-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which automatically recharges when the iXpand is inserted into the computer's USB port. A small LED on the side of the unit indicates battery power as well as during synchronization or data flow. The benefit of having a battery in the drive is that it does not absorb electricity from your phone or tablet.
The iXpand Sync application loads as soon as your device connects to the flash drive in its lighting socket. The application has a drop-down menu which includes practical icons that show, among other things, the remaining battery life, and the rest of the space on both the iOS device and the flash drive. Camera Sync copies all photos from your iPhone to the iXpand drive. It is quite intelligent and only copies photos taken after the last sync. You then have the option to delete the pictures on the phone to free up storage memory. There is also an option to backup your contacts, which are stored in vCard format. With a little hassle, vCard files can be imported into your computer program that has the address book.
Playing videos and music stored on the flash drive worked flawlessly. The files play just as perfectly as the ones you already have stored on the mobile. Any file format for videos, music, photos, documents and read on iOS, they open instantly directly from the drive. Transferring files in any direction requires just a few clicks to select the file(s) and the intended new location. A built-in tool encryptionς, το SanDisk SecureAccess σας επιτρέπει να βάλετε έναν κωδικό πρόσβασης που θα προστατεύει τα αρχεία σας στη μονάδα flash. Τα κρυπτογραφημένα αρχεία μπορούν να μεταφερθούν σε έναν υπολογιστή Mac ή PC, αλλά για να τα δείτε θα πρέπει να έχετε την δωρεάν εφαρμογή SanDisk.
In conclusion, even though the iXpand Lightning Link cable is awkward, the smart software available compensates its buyer.
Hyper Pro iStick
The Hyper iStick Pro comes in two colors, black and white, is distinguished for the simplicity of its design and use, costs $ 80- $ 350 in the corresponding 8GB-128GB capacity and gets a rating of 5. Its box is about 37 cm in size and has a slider on the top. Depending on how you push it, the USB port or the Lighting port pops up at both ends. The problem is that the thick body of the iStick makes it almost impossible to insert the Lightning plug into iPhones and iPads that have a slim case design.
IStick handles similar functions to other flash disks, backs up contacts, transfers photos, and moves files in any direction. But it lags behind the frivolous software. The basic file transfer process initially requires some confusion of trial and error. The backup files with your contacts are saved in flash in a proprietary format that cannot be read if transferred to your computer. Their reading is achieved only with the iStick application. Minor additions or deletions from contacts are not supported. Instead, double full backups are created. When transferring photos, the icons on the iStick surface appear only with their names and not as images, which reduces work efficiency.
At least the streaming media from iStick is flawless. Like other drives, iStick handles every video, audio, image and document format that iOS can read. In fact, streaming is the easiest feature of iStick. Also when the Stick connects to your iPhone or iPad it consumes the battery power of your mobile devices, no matter if the drive is in use or not.
SOHO's IStick is the legitimate American version of Gmobi iStick from Taiwan's Group PQI. Support for your software refers to the Chinese Gopod Group. In fact you will be disappointed if you request support beyond the user guide.
The above test and comparison is an article Wired
