One of the only complaints I’ve heard about the new iPod shuffle is the fact that it’s sacrificed its standard USB port for a proprietary connection that runs over the headphone jack. While it simplifies the hardware of the shuffle, by only having one connector for data, power, and audio, it also means that you can’t use the shuffle as a memory stick without also making sure that you always have the proprietary dock cable on hand.
A Mac peripheral company called Thought Out has released a concept for an accessory they’ve codenamed the “KEY.” The premise is simple: on one side, it has the shuffle’s headphone connector, and on the other side it has a standard USB plug. Think of it as kind of like SendStation’s PocketDocks. Thought Out’s goal is to have the device small enough to fit on a keychain. If all goes according to plan, it’ll be available in early 2007 for around $22. Of course, it still means another dongle to carry around with you, but at least it’s slightly more compact than the shuffle’s new dock cable.
[via Engadget]
