This $82 USB cable hides a Wi-Fi microcontroller inside its connector

Hacknect is a Kickstarter USB cable that hides an ESP32-S3, Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth LE, and microSD storage inside a normal-looking connector.

It still works as a standard charging/data cable, but also supports browser-controlled remote payloads and programmable HID behavior.

The open-source project has already passed its funding goal and is scheduled to ship in August if development stays on track.

Its low cost and discreet design make it useful for automation and security testing, while also raising familiar dual-use concerns.