LAS VEGAS — A new gadget by iTwin makes web browsing on public computers and networks private, and makes it possible to browse restricted websites while traveling, or on computers with limited access.

The iTwin Connect is a tiny USB device made up of two identical halves. To use the Connect, you detach one end and plug it into your home or office PC, and then carry the other, the "key," around with you for browsing on the go. When you're ready to browse, plug the key into another computer to create a secure VPN (virtual personal network) tunnel to the home or office computer where the other end is connected.

Using the device's "Teleport Me" function, all the internet traffic on the computer you have the key plugged into will be directed through the computer you have the other end of the device connected to, essentially allowing you to access the internet through that computer rather than the PC you're currently sitting in front of.

What that means is if your office has Facebook blocked on its computers, you can still play FarmVille on your lunch break using your home computer. When traveling abroad, you can still access the U.S. version of websites, a must if you want to access sites such as Hulu that require a U.S.-based IP. It also means that you're ensured a secure connection while browsing the web in public places such as an open network in a hotel or coffee shop.

If you can't leave your home or office computer on, iTwin also offers the feature through its own dedicated network servers in the U.S, a feature that could be particularly handy in a situation where you're traveling and it's not ideal to leave a computer running at home.

If your home computer is left on, you can use the Connect to access media servers at home or your computer's camera. Remote desktop functionality allows you to launch Windows Remote Desktop on your home computer, and Remote file access functionality gives you access to all the shared files on your home PC through Windows Explorer and applications on your computer.

All data transmitted through the iTwin Connect is encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption. Each time you pair together the two halves of the device, they generate a new crypto key for your next browsing session. iTwin also offers optional 2-factor authentication for the device.

The iTwin Connect is available today for $129 from the iTwin website and Amazon.

What do you think of the iTwin Connect? How would you use the device? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Image courtesy iTwin

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