At CES 2021 I had the pleasure of meeting a company that has possibly fixed one of THE most annoying issues with the iPad – the lack of connectivity ports.
Fledging, a USA-based company has unveiled the Hubble for iPad hub and case – so right out the box you get multi-port connectivity AND protection for your beloved iPad.
Hubble’s hub connections include a travel switch for saving iPad power when not on, a USB-C port for charging, a USB-C port for data transfer, a USB-A port for data transfer, an SD card reader, a microSD card reader, a 4K 60Hz HDMI port, and a 3.5 millimeter audio jack for the majority of the world who isn’t ready to be pushed to entirely wireless audio.
The hub is fully integrated into the aerospace aluminum alloy case, available in silver and space gray to match the iPad. That cases includes magnetic charging support for the Apple Pencil and a magnetic folding cover for protecting the iPad or propping it up for easy use. Magnetic keyboards are fully supported through Bluetooth or wired connectivity. It’s peace of mind that looks and feels just like your iPad.
Fledging, as a company, in my opinion, has the right focus in place. Yeah creating useful products is fundamental to any customer facing business, but when CEO Ethan Summers says,
We want to continue redefining how the entire industry designs products. Every single product should build in form, function, and a fair price from the start. We’ve done this with SSDs for Mac, SSD enclosures, and now the Hubble team is doing it for the iPad.
You KNOW these folks Get It! The form, function and quality put into the Hubble for iPad speaks for itself.
As it should be, the Hubble for iPad is very straightforward to put into use – unlock the clasps at the end of the hub, pull the hub from the case, slide your iPad into the case, then slide the hub back then re-lock the clasps. Done!
I told Ethan that my personal use case for the Hubble for iPad is going to focus on mobile content creation, photography and video production. Instead of carrying around a whole bunch of random cables and hubs I can now use the Hubble, with it's integrated SD slot and HDMI port to transfer data from my mirrorless camera. Also with that integrated HDMI port I can easily cast my iPad display to a larger monitor for viewing. My workflow has just become THAT much easier thanks to the Hubble for iPad.
Fledging launched Hubble for iPad commercially during CES 2021. For iPad Pro, the 11-inch version retails for $100 while the 12.9-inch retails for $110. The iPad Air version retails for $100. All sizes are available in silver and space gray.
Go check them out at fledging.net and to see the interview I did with Ethan Summers check out the video HERE.
Disclaimer: Fledging provided me the Hubble for iPad to review.
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