Victorinox, the maker of the Swiss Army Knife, announced two new portable storage devices at the Consumer Electronics Show on Monday. The company unveiled the Slim 3.0 USB drive and the SSD pocket-knife and thumb-drive combo. The Slim 3.0 USB offers faster read and write speeds than a 2.0 USB flash drive and will be available in 128GB capacity. The SSD will be offered in a variety of storage models, ranging from 64GB to one terabyte. The device will come equipped with two knife bodies, between which the drive can easily be interchanged with one that is flight-friendly and the other includes traditional Swiss Army Knife implements of a blade, scissors, and screw driver. Victorinox touts the drive has the world’s smallest high-capacity SSD drive on the market to-date and the world’s only SSD device with one connector that fits into eSATA II / III and USB 2.0 / 3.0 connectors. Additionally, the device is the world’s only SSD device with a Bi-Stable graphic display for labeling contents. Both devices will be available in April 2012, Victorinox has not yet released information on pricing.

VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY UNVEILS POCKET-SIZED TERABYTE STORAGE DEVICE AT THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

Brand Redefines Portable Secure Storage with Launch of Victorinox SSD and Slim USB 3.0

Las Vegas (Jan. 9, 2012)-Today at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, iconic brand
Victorinox Swiss Army (VSA), the exclusive marketer of Victorinox USB Flash Memory devices, announced the launch of two new portable storage additions-the Victorinox SSD and Victorinox Slim 3.0. VSA brings more than 125 years of trusted precision, quality, function and versatility to its newest consumer electronics innovations, which is a burgeoning product category for the brand.

The Victorinox SSD (Solid State Drive) and Victorinox Slim 3.0 USBs offer unprecedented data storage capacity with security measures fit for protecting the most confidential of personal and professional documents. Eachpocket-sized device packs anywhere from 16GB to one terabyte of storage capacity, is equipped to withstand a range of environmental and daily use factors, and remains true to the Swiss Army legacy of flawlessly designed products that endure.

“The Victorinox Swiss Army brand is synonymous with everyday “survival” tools and we continue to evolve our product offerings in the electronics division to provide solutions for living in a technology-focused world,” said Andrea Huder, Head of Electronics for Victorinox. “The addition of the Victorinox SSD and Slim 3.0 to the flash USB line provides consumers with a quick and reliable way to store, transport and protect their personal and professional documents.”

The need for large capacity storage devices has skyrocketed as consumers and businesses access, catalog and maintain thousands of data-intensive applications as part of their everyday lives. The Victorinox SSD addresses this opportunity by holding a terabyte of storage-the equivalent of 220 million pages of text, almost two years of uninterrupted music or 330,000 3MB photos in a pocket-sized device. Some key features and benefitsof the Victorinox SSD include:

World’s smallest high-capacity SSD drive on the market to-date

Variety of storage capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 1 terabyte

World’s only SSD device with only one connector that fits into USB2/3 and eSATA 2/3 connectors

World’s only SSD device with a Bi-Stable graphic display (E-Paper software) for labeling contents

Handles automatic backup and synchronization issues in un-hacked AES 256 security (combination
hardware and software)

Each SSD comes equipped with two knife bodies, between which the drive can easily be
interchanged-one is flight-friendly and the other includes traditional Swiss Army Knife implements
(blade, scissors, nail file/screw driver combo)

The Victorinox Slim 3.0 also combines portable data storage with stylish design. Faster in read/write speeds than a 2.0 USB flash drive can offer, the 3.0 is available in four storage
128GB, and four timeless colors-black, Victorinox red, forest green and navy blue. Also available is the classic ruby with Swiss Army Knife implements (blade, scissors, nail file/screw driver combo)

At the show, VSA is also unveiling a new limited-edition collection that makes the technology of three existing solutions visible to the eye. Each product will have a transparent knife handle, exposing the internal hardware, and will be complemented by clear cube packaging that gives the appearance of the device floating in suspension. VSA only produced between 1,000 and 4,000 pieces of each limited edition product, which will be available in April 2012:

Victorinox Secure-Featuring a removable USB flash drive with integrated biometric fingerprint
reader and loaded with proprietary Secure software, the device comes in 64GB and 128GB
capacities, and comes equipped with two knife bodies. The drive can easily be interchanged between
the flight-friendly body without implements and the non-flight model which includes scissors, blade,nail file with a screwdriver tip, and a combo LED/laser pointer

Victorinox Presentation Master-Also available in 64GB and 128GB capacities with flight-friendly and non-flight knife bodies, this removable USB flash drive features a Bluetooth remote control, laser pointer, biometric fingerprint reader, and is loaded with the Secure software

Victorinox Flash-Available in a 128GB capacity, equipped with flight and non-flight knife bodies, the Flash combines all the functionality of a Swiss Army Knife with a USB flash drive
VSA will be exhibiting at booth #36218, located in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. CES attendees are encouraged to stop by to learn more about new and existing Victorinox Flash USB Memory devices, view interactive demonstrations-including our “Beat the SSD” challenge, and meet personally with Swiss Management and Victorinox Swiss Army founding family members.

Pogoplug on Monday announced its new Pogoplug Cloud storage service that provides 5GB of free storage for new customers. Pogoplug will allow you to store music, movies and photos in the cloud and then stream the files down to your Android or iOS device. Like iCloud, Pogoplug Cloud also has an auto-upload feature that automatically sends new files to your Pogoplug account. We gave the service a quick test early Monday morning and liked that it took just a few seconds to get started. Once we registered and downloaded the iOS application, we chose to upload our camera roll to the service but found that it was a bit slow even over our Wi-Fi network. We liked the option to automatically upload new content over 3G or Wi-Fi, however, and Pogoplug’s web-based dashboard is clean and well designed. Users who need more than 5GB for media can also opt to sign up for 50GB of storage for $9.95 per month or 100GB of storage for $19.95 per month. Alternatively, unlimited cloud storage is available for free provided you purchase one of Pogoplug’s physical products, such as the $99 Pogoplug box or the $79 Pogoplug Mobile device. Pogoplug’s full press release follows after the break.

Pogoplug Introduces Free Cloud Storage for Mobile Phones
Share and Stream Directly From Your Phone

San Francisco, California – November 14, 2011 – Pogoplug, creators of the award-winning line of streaming and sharing devices, today unveiled a new service: Pogoplug Cloud. The service provides users with a secure online space to store personal content and instantly share and stream it from their mobile device.  Users sign up directly from any mobile phone, tablet or web browser and immediately receive their free 5GB Pogoplug Cloud.

Pogoplug is the only service to offer infinite expansion. Users can purchase additional online storage from Pogoplug, or host a private, unlimited cloud for no monthly fees by buying a Pogoplug box and connecting it to a home or office network.

Pogoplug Cloud enables users to:

1. Store: Automatically upload photos and videos from your mobile phone to your Pogoplug Cloud—no sync required.
2. Share: Instantly share anything in your cloud through email, Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Create shared folders and collaborate with friends and colleagues.
3. Stream: Stream HD videos, photos and music from your Pogoplug Cloud to your phone.

“Mobile users are asking for more storage for their devices,” said Daniel Putterman, CEO and co-founder of Cloud Engines. “We designed Pogoplug Cloud to give everyone the freedom to interact with all of their personal content straight from their mobile phone.”

Pricing and Availability

Pogoplug offers 5GB of free cloud storage. 50GB and 100GB of additional cloud storage are available for $9.95/month and $19.95/month, respectively. Pogoplug Cloud is available today at www.pogoplug.com. Pogoplug’s iOS and Android apps are FREE and available for download in the iTunes Store and Android Marketplace. The full range of Pogoplug hardware and software products are available at www.pogoplug.com.

If you’re currently an active MobileMe subscriber, Apple may soon offer you an incentive to move all of your data over to its new iCloud service. From the day the service goes public until June 30th of next year users who move their data to iCloud will receive 25GB of free iCloud storage for as long as their iCloud account is active, 9to5 Mac reported on Monday. Every iCloud user will receive 5GB free from the get-go and and an additional 10GB will cost $20 per year. An extra 20GB will cost $40 per year and 50GB of added storage will set you back $100 annually. ICloud is still available only to developers but we have no doubt it will be fully live by the time Apple finalizes iOS 5 and launches its next iPhone, which is expected to occur in September or October.

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Today at CES, Lexar introduced its 32GB Class 10 microSD card designed for mobile devices. The new storage card is capable of reading data at 20MB per second and writing data at 10MB per second; which is double the write speed of the current batch of Class 4 cards (4MB per second).

“We’ve seen a steady rise in the sophistication of smart and mobile phones, and usage trends show a convergence between communication and entertainment,” said Jim Chan, product manager at Lexar Media. “Today’s users rely on their mobile devices, beyond talk and email, for capturing live moments and downloading their favorite content – whether it’s photos, music, or HD video – and they want the flexibility to store and share them on demand.”

The new card is available today on Amazon.com for $149.99. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Lexar Media Introduces the 32GB Class 10 High-Speed Mobile microSDHC Card for Mobile Phones

Las Vegas, NV, January 5, 2011 – Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today introduced the 32GB Class 10 Lexar® High-Speed Mobile microSDHC card. The 32GB Class 10 microSDHC card guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 10MB per second and a read speed up to 20MB per second¹, allowing users to quickly load files onto the card and transfer them between mobile phone and computer, and maximize their on-the-go mobile lifestyles. The 32GB Lexar High-Speed Mobile microSDHC card is part of a performance kit that includes a USB reader and mediamove^TM for Lexar Media sideload software for easy and quick file management. For additional information about the 32GB Lexar High-Speed Mobile microSDHC card, visitwww.lexar.com.

“We’ve seen a steady rise in the sophistication of smart and mobile phones, and usage trends show a convergence between communication and entertainment,” said Jim Chan, product marketing manager, Lexar Media. “Today’s users rely on their mobile devices, beyond talk and email, for capturing live moments and downloading their favorite content – whether it’s photos, music, or HD video – and they want the flexibility to store and share them on demand. It is with this knowledge that we’ve developed this convenient, all-in-one solution to enable users to not only capture moments and download content, but also to move these to a computer or social media sites easily.”

Multimedia file storage, including photos, music, videos, is the primary reason people purchase memory cards for their phones². The 32GB Lexar High-Speed Mobile microSDHC card enables users to not only store more multimedia files, but to also move large amounts of mobile content more quickly with its performance of Class 10. The card also includes pre-loaded software to allow users to manage their stored images and videos, sync content with their PC or Mac, and share them on the most popular social websites.

As a division of Micron Technology, Inc., Lexar Media is backed by Micron’s industry-leading memory technology, providing consumers with reliable, high-quality, award-winning products. Additionally, Lexar products are tested in the Lexar Quality Labs where all product designs undergo extensive testing to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability with more than 800 intended digital devices.

The 32GB Lexar High-Speed Mobile microSDHC card includes a ten-year limited warranty and the USB reader includes a one-year limited warranty.  The 32GB Lexar High-Speed Mobile microSDHC card is available now at Amazon.com and Lexar.com, with a MSRP of $149.99.

Hard drive company Seagate has upped the external storage ante with its 3 terabyte external hard disk offering. The external drive, officially known as the 3TB FreeAgent GoFlex Desk External Drive, offers connectivity via USB 2.0, Firewire 800 or USB 3.0 and carries a price tag of $249.99; that’s just north of $0.08 per gigabyte. The drive works with both PC and Mac platforms and includes a 2-year manufacturers warranty. Hit up the read link to check out Seagate’s latest creation.

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Toshiba has announced the birth of their 128 GB NAND flash memory module. The new flash storage chip “integrates sixteen 64Gbit NAND chips” onto a minuscule 17 x 22 x 1.4mm chip. Toshiba writes: “Demand continues to grow for large density chips that support high-resolution video and deliver enhanced storage, particularly in the area of embedded memories with a controller function that minimize development requirements and ease integration into system designs.” Let’s hope we see these new 128 GB beasts in slates and smartphones in the very near future. We’ve got the full press release for you after the bump.

[Via Slash Gear]

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES INDUSTRY’S LARGEST EMBEDDED NAND FLASH MEMORY MODULES

eMMC™ Compliant Embedded Memories Combine up to 128GB NAND and a Controller in a Single Package

IRVINE, Calif., June 16, 2010— Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc ., and its parent company Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced the launch of a 128-gigabyte (GB)1 embedded NAND flash memory module, the highest capacity yet achieved in the industry. The module is fully compliant with the latest e-MMC™ standard, and is designed for application in a wide range of digital consumer products, including smartphones, tablet PCs and digital video cameras. Samples will be available in September, and mass production will start in the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2010.

The new 128GB embedded device integrates sixteen 64Gbit (equal to 8GB) NAND chips fabricated with Toshiba’s cutting-edge 32nm process technology and a dedicated controller into a small package 17 x 22 x 1.4mm. Toshiba is the first company to succeed in combining sixteen 64Gbit NAND chips, and applied advanced chip thinning and layering technologies to realize individual chips that are only 30 micrometers thick.

Toshiba offers a comprehensive line-up of single-package embedded NAND Flash memories in densities from 2GB to 128GB. They integrate a controller to manage basic control functions for NAND applications, and are compatible with the JEDEC e-MMC™ Version 4.4 and its new features. New samples of 64GB chips will also be available from August.

Demand continues to grow for large density chips that support high-resolution video and deliver enhanced storage, particularly in the area of embedded memories with a controller function that minimize development requirements and ease integration into system designs. Toshiba has established itself as an innovator in this key area, and is now reinforcing its leadership by being first to announce a 128GB generation module.

Key Features: The JEDEC e-MMC™ V4.4 compliant interface handles essential functions, including writing block management, error correction and driver software. It simplifies system development, allowing manufacturers to minimize development costs and speed time to market for new and upgraded products. The 128GB device stacks sixteen 64Gbit chips fabricated with leading-edge 32nm process technology. Application of advanced chip thinning, layering and wire bonding technologies has allowed Toshiba to achieve individual chips only 30 micrometers thick, and to layer and bond them in a small package. The result is an embedded flash memory module with the industry’s highest density.

The new products are sealed in a small FBGA package only 17 x 22 x 1.4mm and has a signal layout compliant with the JEDEC eMMC™ V4.4.

Specifications e-MMC™ Interface JEDEC e-MMC™ V4.4 standard HS-MMC interface

Power Supply Voltage 2.7V to 3.6V (memory core); 1.65V to 1.95V / 2.7V to 3.6V (interface)

Bus width x1, x4, x8

Write Speed* 21MB per sec. (Sequential/Interleave Mode) 21MB per sec.6 (Sequential/No Interleave Mode)*

Read Speed* 46MB per sec. (Sequential Mode/Interleave Mode) 55MB per sec. (Sequential/No Interleave Mode)*

Temperature range -25degrees to +85degees Celsius

Package 153Ball FBGA (+84 support balls)

If you have terabytes of data you desperately need to upload to Amazon’s cloud storage service — and don’t feel like waiting the 2 months for the transfer to complete — you now have another option. FedEx. Amazon is allowing customers to FedEx mass storage devices to its Seattle, Virginia, or Dublin locations for direct, internal upload. Amazon will charge $80 per physical storage device sent, plus $2.49 for each hour it takes for the data to upload; you can check out the online calculator to see exactly how much FedEx’ing Amazon will cost you. Here’s what Amazon had to say about the new service:

“AWS Import/Export accelerates moving large amounts of data into and out of AWS using portable storage devices for transport. AWS transfers your data directly onto and off of storage devices using Amazon’s high-speed internal network and bypassing the Internet. For significant data sets, AWS Import/Export is often faster than Internet transfer and more cost effective than upgrading your connectivity.”

As always, “AWS is not responsible for damages associated with loss or inadvertent disclosure of data; or the loss, damage, or destruction of the physical hardware. You should always retain a back-up copy of your data.”

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See also: This article’s headline.

[Via Giz]

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Solid state hard drives are amazing. SSDs deliver a level of performance and stability that their spinning, magnetic counterparts simply can not compete with. The problem? The cost per gigabyte, at the moment, is off the charts. Enter Seagate’s new hybrid hard drives. The new disks combines a 4GB Nand flash chip, 32MB’s of cache, and a 250, 320, or 500GB 7,200 RPM 2.5-inch SATA drive to create this new class of drives. How’s performance you ask? Hybrids typically perform 80% faster than a standard 7,200 RPM disk and 20% faster than a standard 10,000 RPM disk. Although hybrids still aren’t quite as fast as full SSD hard disks — on average they are about 6 seconds slower — the cost per gigabyte is far more approachable. Currently, a 500 GB hybrid drive can be pre-ordered from PROVANTAGE for a manageable $133. Let’s review: $133 for a 500 GB laptop hard drive that is, in all likelihood, over 80% faster than what we are currently using…sign us up!

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Here at BGR we need to be portable. Armed with a laptop, our favorite mobile device (or two), a mobile hotspot, and camera, we enjoy being mobile, agile, and hostile… when necessary. Agility and hostility come naturally to the BGR crew, but mobility is something we continuously work on. And what is the key to being mobile? A really, really ridiculously good bag. Our swag-bag of choice these days is the Timbuk2 H.A.L. (we have no idea what that stands for). The H.A.L. is specifically designed for people who carry a lot of equipment and are very active. The form-fitted straps provide easy access to your laptop while the bag is slung from one shoulder, the zippers are thick and don’t get jammed or caught, and we can’t seem to kill, or mangle, the nylon fabric that the pack is constructed from. The bag has a ton of storage space and compartments — several hidden — and can accommodate up to a 14.35” wide laptop in its armored compartment (14.35” wide is big enough to fit most 15” laptops as laptops are measured on the diagonal). Simply put: it’s a great bag. We’ve got a propaganda video from Timbuk2 queued up after the break… just in case you don’t want to take our word for it.

This post is part of our “Live Like A Genius” content series sponsored by Buick and the all-new 2010 LaCrosse.

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DSLR owners feeling limited by their old and slow Compact Flash card will be happy to know that the Compact Flash Association has finalized the specifications for CF 5.0. The new CF5.0 specifications offer some notable improvements for this popular form of storage including:

• 48 bit Addressing which will allow capacities up to 144PB
• Efficient data transfer supporting 32MB per transfer versus 128K per transfer
• Improved Data Set Management Command/Trim to allow for more efficient cleanup of unused space on memory card (LBA’s)
• Identification of Device CFA Specification Version Number which will make it easier for host to determine card capabilities
• Performance Control that provides a quality of service framework for card performance (optional)
• Video Performance Guarantee that provides a quality of service for video capture applications to ensure quality recordings with no dropped frames (optional)

The new specifications can be downloaded from the CFA’s website for a small fee and interested manufacturers can begin the process of building the next generation of CF storage media and compatible photographic equipment. No word on when CF5.0 compatible products will begin to make their way into the retail marketplace; until then, we will have to dream of all the things you could do with a CF5.0 card in the next generation Canon 7D.

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[Via PocketLint]

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Ever since the iPhone and iPod touch were released, it seems like a trend that its memory capacity doubles every single year: 8GB, 16GB and 32GB for the iPhone and twice that for the iPod touch. Now that Toshiba can pack 64GB of NAND flash memory onto a single chip, it’s easy for us to imagine this technology finding its way into the next generation iPhone and iPod touch. If you’ve been one of those people holding off on buying an iPhone or iPod touch because of your massive iTunes library, your decision might get a little easier this coming summer.

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