Belkin shows Thunderbolt Express Dock, WeMo automation gear
updated 10:40 am EST, Mon January 9, 2012
Dock gets pricing, late release date
Presenting at CES, Belkin has revealed more details about the Thunderbolt Express Dock, first made public last September. The dock connects via a single 10Gbps Thunderbolt cable, but substantially expands a computer's ports. Included are HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire 800, 3.5mm stereo, three USB 2.0, and two Thunderbolt (upstream and downstream) connections.
Belkin now says that the dock will cost $299, and that it will ship much later than originally anticipated. Whereas it was expected to ship this spring, Belkin is now saying it won't be available until September 2012. It may not be a serious issue however, as backing of the Thunderbolt standard continues to be limited mostly to Apple computers.
Today the company is introducing WeMo, a line of home automation peripherals that can be controlled through a free app for smartphones and tablets. The WeMo Home Control Switch ($50) must be plugged into both a device and a power source, but can then be used to turn the device on and off, whether manually or according to a set schedule. A bundle of the HCS with the WeMo Motion Sensor costs $100, but allows a device to be turned on an off whenever someone trips the sensor.
The WeMo line should begin shipping in summer this year. Belkin is still at work on a number of other WeMo modules; these will include a door lock, a garage door opener, a baby monitor, and specialized lighting controls. When these might arrive is unknown.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
USB 2?
Why no support for USB 3? Seems like a wasted opportunity.