Introducing the PC on a USB

Published on Tuesday, 29 November 2011 15:21

	By Andrew Roach Follow @_AsktheExperts_

It's never been easier to access a computer and the web from anywhere in the world, but why limit your access through archaic PCs or cumbersome, unwieldy iPhones when you can now turn any screen into a computer with just a USB device?

Norwegian software firm FXI Technologies have released the “Cotton Candy” device which would allow the user to transfer apps and files and access them on a screen much like the cloud storage system that has taken the Internet by storm over the past year.

The device uses the Android OS and comes with all the components needed for any machine including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even HD video and MPEG sound files. This super-tech cocktail means that the Cotton Candy USB can play and use any mainstream media file around which will certainly keep users entertained wherever they go.

In the original press release, FXI founder Borgar Ljosland said: “Today’s device functionality is often limited by the size of the screen it inhabits.”

“We believe these usage scenarios will be easily adopted by consumers and USB connected computing devices will make an ideal companion for the multitude of digital devices and screens people touch daily,” Ljosland added.

FXI recently demonstrated the USB showing off its performance and potential. Initially, the device’s HD qualities were shown by playing Youtube videos on a HDMI TV before playing a few videos in 3D.

After this, the focus shifted to computer performance where the USB was loaded onto both PC and Mac’s and a game of the ever-present Angry Birds app remarkably worked on both platforms without any major hitches.

Jon Peddle, of Jon Peddle and Associates, said that “with the broad acceptance of Cloud computing and the advancement in processor technologies, the concept of a “screenless PC” is a natural evolution in the form factor of computing devices.”

There is one major hurdle however that FXI needs to cross and that is the USB has no official license from Google to use the Android system so it means that any apps need to be side loaded for them to work properly on the device.

The Cotton Candy stick is currently expected to be on sale in the second half of 2012 and provided it can live up to its versatile nature, it could see the start of a new evolution in portable electronics.