FXI Technologies, a Norwegian-based company unveiled a new USB which could function as a pocket-sized computer.

The code name for this USB prototype is "Cotton Candy" which derives from the fact that the USB's weight is equal to the weight of the popular sweet treat, weighing around 21 grams. The USB is run through Android and its function is described as "any-screen computing" because it is capable of turning devices like the TV, laptop, phone, tablets, or set-top box into a terminal due to the Android OS. This revolutionary USB has a dual core 1.2GHz Samsung Exynos ARM CPU (similar with Samsung Galaxy S II), 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth capability, HDMI-out, and microSD card slot for expandable memory. It has a USB 2.0 connecter on one end and the other end contains an HDMI jack.

In terms of connecting to an HDTV, the USB will utilize the HDMI-out port for video and USB for power. The USB also utilizes its Bluetooth function in order to connect to a keyboard, mouse, or tablet in order to control the OS. The USB also has an output of up to 1080p and is capable of having a full HD screen display of the Android 2.3 OS in native resolution. It is also capable of playing local 1080p video or stream HD videos from the Internet. Upon plugging the USB to a Mac or PC, it would recognize it as a normal USB device. Users can then launch the software and run the Android system in a secure window while running the desktop OS outside of the window. Files can also be transferred through dragging them through both windows.

Borgar Ljosland, the CEO of FXI demonstrated how the Cotton Candy works when he plugged it into his Mac. The transition to an Android OS was done in only a matter of seconds. Ljosland also discussed the future of the Cotton Candy as it plans to expand more in terms of being used to other devices such as tablets, smartphones, or even in iPhones and iPads in the near future. The CEO also mentioned that the main purpose of the Cotton Candy is to provide a "unique and complete computing experience" through the use of this gadget.

Presently, the Cotton Candy USB runs on Anrdoid 2.3 but it could also carry Ubuntu Linux and future models could run Windows 8. The company has not yet decided on the selling price for the Cotton Candy but it is estimated to be less than US$200.

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