Nonda’s Kickstarter Hub Plus wants to charge your MacBook, add support for 4K displays, and more
As in any disruptive technology, the objective of the 12 inch Apple MacBook, is to shift focus to a better way of using technology, in this particular case, wireless connectivity, as opposite to wired. The choice of a single USB-C port was initially met with mixed feelings, which is common, with anything new, like the Apple Watch, and other innovations, past, present and future.
As we move forward with trends that will someday lead us to a completely, or at the very least, largely wireless future, backward compatibility is a reality that for now we can’t escape.
Nonda’s Hub+, A Palo Alto kickstarter project, has recently exceeded its initial campaign goal of $35,000, gaining as much as $203,000 in funds to turn its new device into reality.
Designed with users of the new MacBook in mind, the Hub+ matches the look and color of the latest Apple devices, almost as if it were designed by Apple itself, with available exteriors in Apple signature colors: Gold, Silver and Space Gray.
Looks however, are just the tip of the iceberg, as the functionality that this little device brings are unlike any USB hub on the market.
The device includes two USB-C ports, one SDXC card reader, one mDP 1.2 video output, supporting 4k, 60Hz resolution, three USB-A charging ports, and a built in Lithium-Ion battery.
Yes: this tiny device will function as a 400 mAh Battery for phone and USB charging. This of course does not mean that we can start charging up MacBooks on the go. Charging a laptop’s battery presents considerable challenges in respect to what it means to charge smaller devices like smartphones.
On the side of wired connectivity, the ability to add external 4K displays, as well as external hard drives and other devices simultaneously, all the while being able to charge multiple iOS devices, makes this accessory highly desirable, even if you don’t have a 12 inch MacBook, as it eliminates the need for multiple power outlets, on the go.
Hub+ is not the first product created by Nonda. iHere, is another cool accessory that doubles as lost items finder, and trigger for a variety of actions, from taking pictures, to recording sound, to finding your car.
With 33 days to go before the end of the campaign, Hub+ is already a hot item, estimated to reach consumers sometime next month.