Seagate Technology plc, a world leader in storage solutions, today announced the launch of Seagate Innov8, the world’s first USB-powered desktop hard drive. Seagate Innov8 features innovation from the inside out with its industry-leading 8TB capacity, trend-setting Ignition Boost Technology and expressive design.

There is still an abundance of consumer electronics that require an external power supply, placing a premium on power outlets. With advancements in USB 3.1 technology, major manufacturers like Apple® are beginning to rely on one connection-type for everything. Today, with the introduction of Seagate’s new Ignition Boost Technology, Innov8 is the world’s first 8TB desktop hard drive that does not need to be plugged into a power outlet. Similar to a standard car requiring a battery kick to start the engine, Ignition Boost together with USB 3.1 enables Innov8 to thrive off bus power. No dedicated power source or adapter required.

QNAP Systems, Inc. today released the world’s first M.2 SSD-based NAS - the TBS-453A NASbook. Featuring a quad-core Intel® processor and using M.2 SSDs for storage, the TBS-453A not only provides full NAS functionalities with RAID protection in an ultra-compact size, but can also act as a physical network switch and share network access with multiple users. With its compact, near-silent design, dual HDMI output, and 4K display, the TBS-453A NASbook can fit in anywhere to boost the productivity and connectivity of small offices.

"M.2 SSDs are now used in thin-and-light laptops and small-form-factor PCs. Remarkably small in size, they deliver high performance with zero noise and are expected to become more affordable as they become more popular," said Jason Hsu, Product Manager of QNAP, adding "In light of M.2 SSD’s benefits, we are proud to present the industry-first TBS-453A M.2 SSD NASbook to provide users with a portable yet versatile NAS.”

ASUSTOR Inc., a leading innovator and provider of network storage solutions, has announced the launch of two economical entry-level multimedia NAS devices in the AS3202T and AS3204T. This new series of devices utilizes the newest generation Intel Celeron 1.6GHz quad-core processors and are equipped with 2GB of dual-channel memory along with support for Intel AES-NI encryption instructions. This allows the devices to use hardware encryption technology to increase the overall performance and access speeds to large amounts of encrypted data while also satisfying user needs for high performance storage, backup, remote access and security.

The AS3202T and AS3204T both provide a rich variety of connection interfaces allowing users to connect various peripheral devices to the NAS to expand functionality. The HDMI port and infrared receiver can be paired with the ASUSTOR Portal App and official ASUSTOR remote control to turn the NAS into a multimedia player and hub that is as easy to operate as a TV. Also worth mentioning, is that the AS3202T and AS3204T both feature a stylish modern diamond plate finished exterior which allows it to seamlessly fit into users’ living rooms and be used in combination with existing Hi-Fi home entertainment systems. Users can centrally store all of their digital multimedia on the NAS (photos, music, movies) and play it all back on demand, enjoying a comprehensive home multimedia experience.

CDRLabs has taken an in depth look at OCZ's new TLC NAND-based SSD, the Trion 150. Designed to deliver a superior balance of performance, reliability and value, the Trion 150 is an easy and affordable way for entry-level users to enhance their mobile or desktop systems. Powered by the same Toshiba TC58 controller found in the Trion 100 and available with up to 960GB of the company's new 15nm TLC NAND flash, the drive is capable of 550MB/s read and 530MB/s write speeds for faster boot ups, file transfers, and system responsiveness. The Trion 150 is also optimized for lower energy consumption which translates into longer battery life to keep you up and running longer.

Team Group Inc., the world’s leading memory brand, today released the all new microSDXC UHS-II U3 high speed memory card, which officially pushed the storage performance of small portable devices up to 250/100MB/s. Team Group chooses to release microSDXC UHS-II U3, a small card to meet consumers’ usage needs. With the included free SD 4.0 UHS-II SD card adapter, consumers are allowed to freely use on digital cameras, dashboard cameras, cell phones and various other devices, and offers the perfect balance in performance and usefulness.

Team Group’s all new SD 4.0 microSDXC UHS-II U3 ultra high speed memory card is completely compliant with SDA’s specification, and also downward compatible with microSD interface and UHS-1/Class 10 standard. The read/write speed is up to 250/100 MB/s, which is specific for the ever growing action cameras, dashboard camera for car or motorcycle, etc. It is the best storage medium which offers higher resolution, higher frames per second and higher data streaming rates for Full HD or even breathtaking Ultra HD 4K quality.

Synology Inc. today announced the release of DS416slim, a 4-bay NAS server aimed at home users and professionals in need of a compact, energy-saving, and easily transportable storage solution. It can host up to four 2.5" hard drives for a total of 8TB available data.

"Despite its diminutive form factor and incredibly light weight of roughly 700 grams, DS416slim provides all of the powerful features you'd expect from a Synology NAS server. The small size makes it perfect for users without much space for in need of a reliable file server", said Jason Fan, Product Manager at Synology Inc. DS416slim's longest side measures less than 15 cm and will fit everywhere, whether it's a small student room or a busy office desk. It can also be easily transported to serve as a local file and backup servers during off-site assignments.

Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the new 200GB Lexar High-Performance microSDXC UHS-I memory card. Designed for sports camcorders, tablets, and smartphones, the UHS-I, U1 microSDXC card has read transfer speeds up to  95MB per second (633x) and can capture up to 17 hours of 4K and Full HD video; 33,000 photos; or 28,000 songs.

“Professional and everyday photographers are now more passionate about shooting high-quality video, on everything from digital SLRs to sports and aerial cameras, said Steffi Ho, product marketing manager, Lexar. “With the Lexar 200GB microSDXC UHS-I card, photographers can continue to capture and store large amounts of content on the go, without having to worry about running out of space.”

The 200GB Lexar High-Performance 633x microSDXC UHS-I card comes with a USB 3.0 reader, which allows for high-speed file transfer of photos and videos from the card to a PC or Mac®. The reader is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports and comes with a one-year limited warranty.