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

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Earlier this week, CyberLink officially announced their new remote media access web service, CyberLink Live. By installing their free media server software, users can remotely access video, audio, photos and even live TV via the CyberLink Live website. Best of all, this service is free.
CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW), a world leader in digital home solutions, today launched CyberLink Live website (www.cyberlinklive.com) to provide a means of personal media remote access and sharing consumer-generated content over the internet.

"CyberLink Live is a step forward in our vision of a complete digital lifestyle," said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. "Based on our existing multimedia and network technologies for the digital home, CyberLink Live place-shifts a user's content from their home PCs, so they can remotely access their media on any web-browsing device. We are building an ecosystem of digital media entertainment from inside the home that can reach out to anywhere in the world."
If you'd like to check it out, head on over to the CyberLink Live website and create an account. Otherwise, more information can be found here. Add a comment
Similar to their efforts with Blu-ray, the MPEG LA has announced plans to create a joint HD DVD patent license. At this point, the group has put out a call for patents that are essential to the HD DVD Standard.
MPEG LA, LLC, world leader in one-stop technology standards patent licensing, today issued a call for patents and patent applications that are essential to the HD DVD Standard in order to facilitate creation of a joint HD DVD patent license.

"Continuing in its mission to respond to the market's need for fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory access to patents essential to defined technologies, MPEG LA is pleased to accept an invitation to facilitate this effort so that users may have the benefit of a convenient marketplace licensing alternative to assist them with implementation of their technology choices," said MPEG LA Chief Executive Officer Larry Horn.
The MPEG LA will be accepting submissions through the end of June and currently plans to meet with essential patent holders in September. If you'd like to read more, the MPEG LA's entire press release can be found here (PDF). Add a comment
Universal has finally responded to reports that they were ending their exclusive HD DVD contact. According to a recent article by heise.de, the company has stated that they've not ended their contract nor do they plan to support Blu-ray. Translated from German:
After representatives of the Blu ray advocate had maintained Pioneer, universal Home Entertainment had stepped out of the exclusive contract with the Hp-DVD-camp and/or its largest representatives on the hardware side Toshiba, announced themselves now to Wayne borrows to word, Executive Vice President Commercial operation the Studios. In a statement opposite it communicated heise on-line that this rumor was “completely wrong” and universal will not change the sides, in order to support in the future the competition format Blu ray Disc.
With Blu-ray dominating the market, it wouldn't surprise me if Universal was testing the water. For now though, it appears that they're sticking with HD DVD. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Plextor Europe sent out a press release earlier today, announcing a new 18x multi-format DVD writer, the PX-810SA. Along with support for Serial ATA, the drive features 18x DVD±R, 10x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds.

Plextor, the personal storage and high reliability optical drive manufacturer, today announces the latest DVD-RW drive from its new PX-800 series: the Serial-ATA PX-810SA. At 18x, it is still one of the fastest drives in the world [-Plextor was the first manufacturer to launch 18x products with the PX-760 series]. It also incorporates multi-format (DVD+/-R & DVD-RAM) technology to satisfy the demand for high-end SATA drives from enthusiast/professional users.
No word on price yet. However, the PX-810SA is scheduled to ship in early June 2007. More information is available on Plextor's website. Add a comment
While details are sketchy at this point, the German website, heise.de, has reported that Universal has ended its exclusive HD DVD contract. Translated from German:
In the context of a press meeting representatives of the Blu ray advocate maintained Pioneer that universal Home Entertainment stepped out of the exclusive contract with the Hp-DVD-camp and/or its largest representatives on the hardware side Toshiba. Thus the Studio quit the agreement, the notice is not only not effective allegedly already. If this report should be confirmed, thereby the way would be free for film publications on the competition medium Blu ray Disc for universal (in the long run). Above all however the hp DVD graduation Group would lose their only remaining exclusive supporter after Paramount and Warner under Hollywood Studios.
At this point, Universal has not confirmed nor denied this report. If this is true though, it probably means the end for HD DVD. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment
While Blu-ray and HD DVD have been busy, battling it out, HD VMD has slowing been gaining support. In a recent press release, NME announced that they've formed partnership with independent distributor and production companyAnthem Pictures.
New Medium Enterprises (NME)(OTC Bulletin Board: NMEN), the company bringing affordable HD homeentertainment to the globe through HD VMD (Versatile Multilayer Disc),announces title releases on the HD VMD format into the US market followinga recent partnership with independent distributor and production companyAnthem Pictures. Anthem Pictures, one of the most respected independentproducers and distributors within the industry, has developed world-widerecognition through its large distribution network selling in every countrywith recent releases such as Mother Ghost starring James Franco (Spiderman1,2 & 3) and Kevin Pollack (The Usual Suspects, Casino), Soldier of God andfuture release Two:Thirteen. Catalogue titles include Zalma King's Red ShoeDiaries starring David Duchovni (X-Files).
I think NME has made a smart move by catering to smaller, independent companies like Anthem Pictures. For these companies, HD VMD offer an affordable alternative to Blu-ray and HD VMD. Nevertheless, is HD VMD is going to succeed, they're going to need the support of Hollywood's major film studios. If you'd like to read more, NME's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Pioneer has announced that they will be shipping their new Blu-ray combo drive to European retailers by the end of May. The drive is expected to cost about €250.
The BCD-S02 will read both single and dual-layer Blu-ray disc formats and provide high-speed read and write compatibility for a wide range of DVD and CD discs . The drive will be available though our distribution network for around €250.

You’ll have the choice of both black and beige colour options.

The new drives provide a cost-efficient, high-performance and simple method for you to experience Blu-ray entertainment on your home PC.
More information, including a full list of specs, can be found here. Add a comment