U-Socket: Power Outlet Meets USB

iPhone may be one of those must have gadgets, but most people do not just limit themselves to iPhone at home. Most people have other mp3 players and USB powered devices that they use at home and on the go. One way to charge these devices all the time is by using adapters. But not all gadgets today actually come with adapters. In that case you either have to buy adapters or use your USB cable to charge your iPhone. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could use your power outlet to charge your USB devices without needing anything extra? That’s where U-Socket comes in.

U-Socket is an innovative solution for those who plan to charge their devices using their USB cable. The kit was show-cased at MacWorld 2010 and generated quite a buzz. It can be used to charge your iPhone, iPod, and other USB compatible devices. Best of all, these USB plugs don’t suck electricity when no device is connected to them. So you won’t have to worry about wasting energy at home (video after the break).

Dan Frakes from MacWorld caught a demonstration of this unit at Macworld:

The specifications are pretty straight forward and what you would expect:

Input voltage: AC 100 to 240V 50/60Hz
USB input current: 80mA
Output voltage: USB: DC 5.0V 600mA
Operation temperature: -15 to 45 Degrees Celsius
Relative humidity: < 95%
Air pressure: 86 to 106kPa

According to FastMac, the process of installing this kit is not too complicated, and it really shouldn’t need to be. The bad news is that U-Socket is not available for shipment just yet. It is expected to be released by the end of Q1-10 however. If you happen to own many USB gadgets at home or in your office, U-Socket can be a life saver.