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In-seat USB?

Posted on February 23, 2006 by Jeremy Toeman

USB portI really like USB.  I carry a USB drive with me at most times, it’s great for quick file transfers and I keep a lot of my “commonly copied files” on it for easy use.  I know, I’m not as creative as those who figured out how to boot XP from USB, but that’s a little out of my scope anyways.  By the way, I like my Lexar Jumpdrive apparently a lot more than this guy likes his “HAL 9000” drive.

I also have a USB (mini) cable with me, which I can use to charge my PPC6700 or BlackBerry (ugh, when I carry it – it’s awful – more some other time).  It also connects to my 8-in-1 flash drive adapter for reading various sticks/cards or to my digital camera for quick synch or webcam use.

With my flash drive!

So, when I flew Air Canada this morning, I was extremely surprised to see the USB port sitting in the back of the seat in front of me.  I tried plugging in a few things, with no response, but it left me extremely curious as to what I might be able to do with such a port.  If only I had the Barbie USB drive to try out!!!

By the way, if anyone from Air Canada is listening: if the screen is a touchscreen, how about using the USB port to let a traveler listen/watch their own media in-flight, with a simple touch-based interface?  I’ll help design a good one for free even!  Well, maybe not free, maybe a bunch of miles?

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Posted in General, Mobile Technology | 4 Comments
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4 thoughts on “In-seat USB?”

  1. Ed says:
    October 24, 2006 at 10:38 am

    A welcome suprise, I was able to use that port to charge my Moto RAZR using a mini USB cable. I’d be interested to see what else that baby can do 😀

    Reply
  2. AirCanadaTraveller says:
    January 20, 2007 at 12:49 am

    I recently flew on Air Canada as well, Was just every bit as curious as you as to what that USB port was for, I only have a digital Camera, and plugged it in, and Like Ed’s RAZR, my digital camera was charging the same was as it would on my home PC.

    But, there MUST be something it was designed for, I doubt its simply just for charging, as not everyone carries USB cables with them during travels. Im hell bent on finding out what its purpose is, so much so, that next time I fly I will ask one of the sexy stuardesses.

    Reply
  3. RJ says:
    February 23, 2007 at 9:11 pm

    Hi there!
    afaik, the usb port installed will be put to use in a future upgrade of the software on the seat-back systems (should be installed by the summer). It will allow passengers to use their own game-pads or joysticks to play the games that will be integrated into the system. Until then, it’s just a handy iPod charger, lol.

    Reply
  4. Emily says:
    December 29, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Hey, I’m travelling on a flight soon and I’m going to bring a USB iPod cable so i can watch my movies without draining batteries

    Oh you know what would be cool
    if you could plug in your iPod and watch it on the back of seat monitors.
    That would be the beast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

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About

Jeremy Toeman is a seasoned Product leader with over 20 years experience in the convergence of digital media, mobile entertainment, social entertainment, smart TV and consumer technology. Prior ventures and projects include CNET, Viggle/Dijit/Nextguide, Sling Media, VUDU, Clicker, DivX, Rovi, Mediabolic, Boxee, and many other consumer technology companies. This blog represents his personal opinion and outlook on things.

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