Definition of Dongle
First, I plugged the 3-inch dongle into the HDMI input on the back of my TV and plugged it into its power source. The dongle currently only supports three major video platforms: YouTube, Netflix, and Google Play. Security dongles are typically used to prevent unauthorized use and copying of certain forms of software. Initially, ports such as serial port or parallel port were used, most are now in USB format. “Dongle.” dictionary Merriam-Webster.com, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dongle. Retrieved 14 January 2022. There are different accounts of the etymology of the word “dongle”; In a 1999 paper, Schneck noted that the origin was unclear, but that it could be a distortion of the word “dangle” (since these devices “hang” from a connection on a PC). [3] The Google Chromecast is perhaps one of the easiest to use streaming dongles on the market. In data processing, the term was originally synonymous with software protection dongles – a form of digital hardware rights management in which software only works when a particular dongle – which usually contains a license key or other cryptographic protection mechanism – is connected to the computer while it is running. Google has released a brand new streaming dongle – the Chromecast with Google TV. A dongle is a small piece of computer hardware that is connected to a port on another device to provide it with additional functionality or to allow switching to such a device that adds functionality. [1] Subscribe to America`s largest dictionary and get thousands of additional definitions and advanced search – ad-free! Chromecasts are designed to stream media from the internet, but you can also use these dongles to transfer files stored on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
These sample phrases are automatically selected from various online information sources to reflect the current use of the word “dongle.” The opinions expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us your feedback. From the mid to late 2010s, the dongle`s form factor was expanded to include digital media players with a small stick-like form factor — such as Chromecast and Fire TV Stick — that can be connected directly to an HDMI port on a TV or AV receiver (powered by a micro-USB connection to the TV itself or a power adapter). unlike a larger set-top box. Single-board computers such as the Intel Compute Stick were also manufactured in the same way. [5] [6] The company removed the ubiquitous headphone jack from its smartphones, forced the introduction of Bluetooth headphones, and eliminated some ports in favor of finesse and optimized design, allowing users to rely on dongles to connect accessories. A 1992 advertisement in Rainbow Technologies` Byte magazine claimed that dongles were invented and named after a person named “Don Gall,” spawning an urban legend. Linguist Ben Zimmer noted that the claim was likely a byproduct of their “ironic” marketing style and was “so grossly false that the company fortunately admitted it as a marketing ploy when it came under pressure from Eric S. Raymond, who maintains the jargon file, an online lexicon of pirate slang.” [3] [4] Galaxy SmartTagSamsung extends its SmartThings Find technology with a tile-like standalone dongle. Google`s new hot dongle isn`t going to become a Roku replacement for me. Our team at The Usage has selected the best laptops.
The term has since been applied to other forms of devices with a similar form factor, such as:.