Samsung recently announced that they have developed an 8GB microSD (Secure Digital) memory card. Ideally suited for mobile phones, this fingernail-sized card can store up to 2,000 MP3's or approximately 5 DVD-quality movies.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced semiconductor technology solutions, today announced that it has developed an 8Gigabyte (GB) microSD (Secure Digital) memory card, a size optimal for today’s multimedia mobile phones. Featuring the highest capacity today for a microSD card, the new fingernail-sized card is capable of storing 2,000 MP3 music files, 4,000 digital photos, or approximately 5 DVD-quality movies...

...With a read speed of 16 Megabytes (MBs) per second and a write speed of 6MB/s, Samsung’s 8GB microSD card well exceeds the Speed Class 4 SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) standard which requires a data write speed of 4MB/s. This is also much faster than the SD Speed Class 2 designation carried by most competing microSD cards currently on the market.
No word on pricing or availability. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, Samsung's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
At WinHEC 2007, SanDisk announced that their new 1.8-inch UATA solid state drive (SSD) has been certified by the Microsoft Windows Hardware Qualification Lab (WHQL). SanDisk's new SSD also scored very highly on the Windows Experience Index, indicating that Windows Vista will run optimally when installed on the drive.
SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK) today announced that the Microsoft Windows Hardware Qualification Lab (WHQL) has certified the new SanDisk 1.8-inch UATA solid state drive (SSD), which is being used as a substitute for hard drives in selected laptop computers. The product also earned a high score on the Windows Experience Index, indicating that it is suited to a variety of Microsoft Windows Vista applications.

The announcement was made at the 2007 Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC 2007) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where SanDisk is showcasing its comprehensive line of storage products for use in computing systems. On display at the exhibition are the SanDisk SSD products - which also include the 2.5-inch SATA SSD - as well as USB flash drives, the SD card family, uDOC memory modules and other flash-based storage products.
If you'd like to read more, SanDisk's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Sandisk has announced that they're partnered with Microsoft to develop a replacement for their existing U3 Smart Technology. Expanding upon U3's current capabilities, this new hardware and software based solution will let users store data, applications and their own custom computing environment on a flash storage device.
Microsoft and SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today announced they have signed an agreement to deliver a next-generation software and hardware solution to place application programs and personal customization on USB flash drives and flash memory cards, expanding on and replacing SanDisk’s existing U3 Smart Technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will develop a new software experience and SanDisk will develop new hardware capabilities, including the addition of TrustedFlash security technology. SanDisk will incorporate the combined software and hardware solution on removable flash memory cards and Cruzer USB flash drives. The new offering is expected to be commercially available starting in the second half of 2008.
While U3 has been around for a few years, the technology really hasn't taken off. Hopefully, with Microsoft's help, Sandisk can make this new technology go mainstream. If you'd like to read more, Sandisk's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Lexar sent out a press release this morning, announcing their latest USB flash drive, the JumpDrive Secure II Plus. Building upon the original JumpDrive Secure II, the Plus includes a built-in capacity meter. With this meter, users can see how much storage space is available without plugging the drive into a computer.

Lexar, a world leader in advanced digital media technologies, today announced the introduction of JumpDrive Secure II Plus, a sleek, high-capacity USB flash drive designed for safely storing, transferring, and sharing multimedia and more. It offers the same advanced security software as original JumpDrive Secure II, including 256-bit AES encryption, but now includes an innovative, built-in capacity meter for ultimate convenience. Ideal for college students and traveling professionals, JumpDrive Secure II Plus is compatible with both PCs and Macintosh computers, and offers premium features at an affordable price.
The JumpDrive Secure II Plus is available now in capacities of MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB. An 8GB version will also be available in the near future. If you'd like to read more, Lexar's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Earlier today, Memorex unveiled a new version of the TravelDrive for 2007. Boasting a "sport utility" inspired look, the new TravelDrive features a jack-knife design, security software and Readyboost capabilities.

Memorex, a portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN), today announced a new addition to its popular line of USB flash drives. The latest Memorex TravelDrive combines today’s most popular flash drive features in a distinctive sport utility design. Sporting a range of off-road inspired colors, Memorex equipped its new TravelDrive with a jack-knife design, security software and Readyboost capabilities for use with Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system. With up to 8GB of capacity, the all-new TravelDrive allows consumers to capture, save and share their digital files in an ultra-portable, stylish and secure device.
Memorex's new TravelDrive will be available beginning in May in capacities of 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB. Prices range from $19.99 to $129.99 depending on capacity. If you'd like to read more, Memorex's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment