Updated Accessory maker Belkin has launched a USB hub that uses the wireless version of the popular peripheral plug technology.

Belkin's Wireless USB Hub: USB-over-next-gen Wi-Fi

The unit's specifications and look have changed a bit since we reported on the prototype. Originally intended to be a shiny black slab of a product, the better to tie in with Belkin's N1 802.11n next-gen Wi-Fi router, the Wireless USB Hub has been tweaked to look at home with the N1 Vision Belkin announced last week.

But - and here's the crucial point, and one we missed earlier, ahem - the wireless is Wireless USB, not Wi-Fi.

Related stories

• USB set to go to 3 for HD
• Belkin wrestles with wireless HDMI
• Ion drives USB deck to digitise cassettes
• Wanna stick USB 2.0 to your network?
• Dell, ThinkPad laptops first on official Wireless USB kit list
• Peak readies three-in-one Flash card
• Ion mixes it up with second-gen USB turntables
• Belkin builds download 'speedometer' into next-gen Wi-Fi box
• Wi-Fi group launches 802.11n compatibility brand
• Belkin 802.11n hub to link up USB add-ons remotely
• How to get your Wi-Fi working again

The hub connects wireless to a add-in Wireless USB dongle that comes bundled with the product and which you connect to your PC. Then you can send documents to a connected printer or back-up files to an external hard drive, all as if they were connected directly to said computer. Belkin claimed it operates at distances of up to 30ft.

Belkin's Wireless USB Hub: PC-friendly WUSB adaptor included

The Wireless USB Hub goes on sale late August, Belkin said, for $200. The European roll-out will follow soon after, the company said.

More comments…