usb-storage
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Ouya external USB storage beta incoming, sign up now
Ouya is preparing to unlock USB storage capabilities through a limited closed beta run, which will be rolled out in phases starting next week. Those who wish to participate in the closed beta may sign up through this page right now. Outside of USB storage, this update – which Ouya is calling "Ogopogo" – also adds videos to game pages, so developers can upload footage to better sell their experiences to prospective buyers. Then there are the requisite bug fixes that come with any update, including a fix for the HDMI wakeup issue that has been bothering some Ouya owners out there. Earlier this week, Ouya trumpeted a new milestone: 25,000 registered developers creating or have created Ouya games. Close to 500 games and apps exist on Ouya, which launched in July for $100. We spent a lot of time with the console, so if you'd like to know more our review is a great place to start.
Xbox 360 USB data storage limit doubled to 32GB
The recent Xbox 360 dashboard update for Fall 2012 quietly increased the flash drive storage capacity from the 16GB implemented in 2010 to 32GB. Although we had been made aware of this the week of the update, we just wanted to make sure this wasn't a glitch that would be reversed at a later date.Asked if the Xbox flash drive storage limit had officially increased from 16GB to 32GB during the most recent Xbox Live update, a Microsoft spokesperson told us, "Yes. The more our customers use their profile and download digital content, the larger the file size necessary to store that content and move it between consoles gets. Therefore we increased the size of the memory to enable our customers to take more of their Xbox profile with them on the go."
Kingmax intros UI-05 USB flash drive with glass ceiling, lets you see memory storage 'in action'
If you ever thought the world of flash storage was, well, a little pedestrian, then you've clearly never met Kingmax. The memory-maker likes to spice things up with world firsts, and exhibits an enthusiasm for the utilitarian product that can only be admired. The latest innovation? A USB drive with a glass ceiling. The UI-05, as it is known, lets you peer directly at the chip that holds your data, while keeping it waterproof and dust-proof, all in 8, 16 and 32GB denominations. Even better for you, that enthusiasm is backed up by pure faith, with the metal-cased pen drive easing nerves with a (not world first) five-year warranty. What Kingmax didn't let us see, however, was price and availability. There's a close-up shot right after the break, or you can jump to the source for more info.
Slackware 14.0 now available, freshens and simplifies a Linux vanguard
When it comes to Linux distributions, Slackware could well be called the archetype. It's not just one of the longest-serving releases at nearly 20 years old -- it's designed to be "pure" and cut back on customized apps, many graphical interface assistants and the requirement to download anything during the installation process. Pat Volkerding and team have nonetheless given us a bit of a break with the launch of Slackware 14.0. While many open-source fans will be downloading a copy for the more recent Linux 3.2.29 kernel and other updated packages, ease of use is the guiding principle for the new build: there's now a graphical NetworkManager interface to manage wired and wireless connections, for a start. In tandem with the newer kernel, updated versions of the KDE and Xfce desktop environments also result in much broader hardware support than many veteran users will remember. Slackware is now much more savvy about removable storage, accelerated 3D video, SATA and other features that have sometimes demanded command line trickery. Anyone can download the revamped distribution for free, including for ARM-based devices like the Raspberry Pi, although we'd consider springing for the $33 subscription to CD-based copies of Slackware to fund Volkerding's long-term efforts.
Victorinox Swiss Army Slim, Slim Duo USB drives begin shipping, won't get you into trouble with the TSA
For frequent business travelers, the days of carrying around a Swiss Army knife on your keychain were gone even before the TSA was born. Well, that familiar pocket multi-tool is back, in the form of Victorinox's Swiss Army Slim and Slim Duo. Both products pack a tool that many of us use far more often than scissors and knives: the USB flash drive. We first took a look at Victorinox's latest gadget at CES, but the colorful, waterproof storage devices are finally shipping, in capacities that range from 4GB ($40) all the way up to 128GB ($350) with the Slim Duo (which, as its name implies, includes a pair of 64GB drives). Both flavors are designed to let you file photos and presentations, not your fingernails -- but if you're looking to do both, Vic's got you covered there, too.
Cryptex flash drive uses combination lock sleeve, brings a whole new meaning to hardware encryption
256-bit AES not doing it for ya? Now you can replace that dedicated-processor encryption with actual mechanical hardware, thanks to the Cryptex flash drive and its five-wheel combination lock sleeve. Modeled in AutoCAD and constructed using various glistening metals, the Cryptex's five-digit combination will keep prying eyes far from you sensitive files -- and, well, it just looks insanely awesome. Like many shiny objects that seem too good to be true, it's barely more than a concept at this point, so you'll have to settle for the digital version for now.
PSA: Xbox 360 USB storage update now available
The Xbox 360 system update enabling USB storage is live and ready to help you explore the joyous world of non-proprietary storage options. Rules are the same as previously noted: USB devices need to be over 1GB, but can only use 16GB of available storage. Users can use two sticks at once for 32GB, but can switch out units any time, limiting their storage potential by how many USB devices they've got lying around. The update takes approximately five minutes with a standard cable connection. For those who don't believe in internets, the update will also be available on the branded 16 GB Xbox 360 USB sticks set to debut in May.
GameStop listing shows SanDisk's Xbox 360-branded USB drives at outrageous prices
GameStop listings are about as accurate as a 14th century musket -- especially when it comes to release dates -- but that didn't keep news site GameSpot from capping the above screenshot. As you can no doubt read, the picture suggests that SanDisk will indeed release a specially-branded 8GB USB flash drive alongside the Xbox 360's USB storage update -- but at twice the normal price for a drive of that capacity. Our red hot rage at this injustice is tempered somewhat knowing there's no concrete proof the $40 figure is correct, but knowing SanDisk (and, frankly, Microsoft's own propensity for overpriced storage) we wouldn't be surprised to see several green thumbdrives pulling a premium at retail next week. Once more for the record: as long as it's larger than 1GB, smaller than 16GB and you format it using the Xbox 360 menus, any USB flash drive will do. Update: According to Major Nelson, it seems that USB flash drives larger than 16GB will work with the Xbox 360 update, but only 16GB of the drive's space will be available for the Xbox 360 to use. Thanks, willowtwf!
Xbox 360 getting USB storage support in Spring 2010 firmware update
Are we gazing onto the cusp of a new horizon, one where our Xbox 360 storage needs aren't shackled to overpriced proprietary hard drives? Probably not quite. Our best friends at Joystiq have managed to obtain documents (corroborated with multiple sources) showing that the folks in Redmond are mulling over an option to enable USB mass storage support for its game machine. To elaborate, that means downloaded Xbox Live and Arcade games, DLC, other associated game files, and even installed disc-based games can be saved to an external HDD of your choosing. The documents further elaborate that the storage device itself must be 1GB or more; a system partition of 512MB is required, and by default beyond that the consumer partition (i.e. your games and the like) will occupy the remainder of the drive or 16GB, whichever is smaller -- and unfortunately, that's as much as you're gonna get. This could be another way for Microsoft to, alongside the rumored Valhalla motherboard, trim some fat for a slimmer future... but given the size constraints, we're guessing it's more likely to be a more spacious alternative to Memory Units than the main HDD itself. Word has it the feature will be rolled out in a Spring 2010 firmware update -- that is, if Microsoft keeps to its paperwork here. Excited? We are. Read the full documentation over at Joystiq.
Pogoplug second generation unboxing
We hope you like pink. Cloud Engines' new iteration of Pogoplug just landed on our doorstep, oddly enough packed with an unopened pack of microwavable popcorn (something tells us we're missing a joke here). We're still in the plugging-in-and-testing phase, but no point in depriving you of the unboxing fun while we do that, right? Right. Enjoy the gallery below. %Gallery-79946%
Pogoplug second generation debuts, coming this holiday with enhanced web interface
Well, well, looks like Cloud Engines, Inc. is doing what it can to poise Pogoplug as a much more consumer-friendly device, both in hardware design and expanded web interface. The second generation Pogoplug solves one of our chief complaints of the first -- namely, four USB ports instead of just one -- while at the same time still sticking with ethernet as its sole internet connection of choice. It's also much more stylish in design, with an elongated clear casing and a pink strip of plastic serving as the faceplate, stand, and the cable organizer. A bit bulkier, sure, but it's certainly something we don't mind being seen on our desk. As far as the new UI goes, it's a simple drag-and-drop interface, multimedia slide shows (worth it if you have good taste in music, but the statistics aren't in your favor), and options for instant sharing to Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, via links to the specifically selected pogoplug content. It can autosync with popular multimedia apps like iTunes, Windows Media Player, and iPhoto. One nice bonus is direct playback of video from the interface -- works on iPhone, too, but in both cases it's a pretty low res presentation. At $129, it's a little costlier than the old model, but the company's promising no additional service fees. It's coming out in time for this holiday season. Fan of the first generation hardware? The good news is that it'll be updated with all the new features, giving you the same experience minus the new style and extra USB ports. The bad news is, the older model's on the outs -- from now on, it's a second generation world. We're looking forward to some serious sit-down time here, but in the meantime, please check out images from our brief hands-on at an event earlier this week -- press release is after the break, too, if you're interested.
LaCie's Network Space 2 will assimilate your data, resistance is futile
It's not as compellingly styled as the Starck Mobile Hard Drive, nor as ostentatious as the Golden Disk; in fact the Network Space 2 is visually identical to the earlier Network Space, featuring improvements where it counts: on the inside. The Network Space 2 can act as either an external drive over USB or as a NAS, with UPnP, DLNA, and iTunes compliance for media streaming -- but that's old hat. New is integrated torrent support for all of your non-copyrighted download needs and some enhanced eco-friendly tweaks, like the ability to power itself down at certain times of the day then wake-on-LAN when needed. Storage is still capped at 1TB and there's no RAID in here to protect your infos, but we're not expecting this one to stray too far from its predecessor's $160 mark when released before the end of the year. %Gallery-77270%
Cowon's UM1 thumb drive for lovers, stalkers
If you thought Cowon's iAudio E2 had reduced the digital audio player to its stylish, diminutive core, think again: With the UM1 the company takes things even one step further by eliminating the "audio player" from the DAP altogether, leaving us with an elegant USB thumb drive that stores up to 16GB (75,900 Korean Won, or about $64). Featuring a little loophole at the top for a chain and the inscription "Don't Forget Me," this is practically begging to be presented as a gift, packed full of specially picked MP3s for your sweetheart / object of obsessive stalking. Just keep in mind that he or she will then need something to listen to the tunes on.[Via DAP Review]
YuuWaa's hardware flash drives combine serious online storage with a silly name
There is certainly no shortage of backup solutions available for people with data that they'd rather not have disappear, and realistically that's probably everyone reading this, but there's always room for tech that makes the process easier. That's what YuuWaa's thumb drives pledge to do. Plug one into your PC (no Macs allowed) and you'll automatically be prompted to create an account and upload whatever you store on the drive. There are two models, a 4GB "Go" for €19.99 ($27) and a 8GB "Plus" flavor for €29.99 ($40), each offering twice their capacity in online storage -- storage that's free for half a year but thereafter costs between $3 and $6 a month to keep your files alive and, optionally, shared online. For that money you could just buy yourself a new thumb drive a few times a year, and we all know you can never have too many of those.[Via Everything USB]
VHS casette hacked into USB drive? Yes, please
Don't bother asking questions, just admit to yourself that you really might want one (if not several) of these. Using very few materials, you can make yourself a USB storage device which looks just like a VHS tape with a giant wire sticking out of it! It's not a terribly complicated affair -- connecting the USB cable to a thumb drive inside the tape, some simple circuit board wiring -- and presto! If you're willing to spend three or four hours and around $10-15 a pop, you could finally make use of your lonely, disused 227 collection. Check out an informative, educational video of the process after the break.
Pogoplug hands-on
The Pogoplug USB to NAS adapter is really in a class of its own. Not only does it do the obvious -- allow you to turn any USB hard drive into a NAS -- but it is also has a built in web server. But no, they didn't stop there, for $79 you also get (in our best Billy Mays voice) a web service accessible at Pogoplug.com that gives you the same convenient access to your files anywhere on the internet via either a web browser or the file manager of your choice. There is also a slick little iPhone app available for free.%Gallery-41194%
PogoPlug makes all your external USB HDDs network accessible
Look out Addonics -- PogoPlug is looking to steal your thunder here at CES by introducing a USB-to-NAS adapter of its own. Put as simply as possible, the device connects your USB hard drive to your internet router, and after a "simple" software setup, the files within said drive can be accessed from any internet-connected PC. As for pricing? Try $99 MSRP, or $79 if you buy in early. Full release, as usual, is after the break.
Addonics' USB-to-NAS adapter: all your external HDDs, now network accessible
Storage junkies, your dreams have just been made into reality. Addonics has just introduced a marvelous new piece of kit, the simple-yet-useful Network Attached Storage Adapter. This little box enables any USB hard drive to be placed onto a network for network access, essentially turning your stale USB HDDs into NAS drives. The device supports both SMB (Server Message Block) and the open source Samba network protocols, which allows for cross-platform access of shared data for most versions of OS X, Windows and Linux. For users not directly connected over the LAN, the adapter provides FTP access for up to eight simultaneous users anywhere in the world, and it can even be used as "a print server or as a BitTorrent file downloading appliance." Best of all? It's available right now for $55. Like we said, dream come true.
I-O Data's RHD2-U: up to 1TB of RAID disk
Another day -- another overnighted, 10 gigabytes of torrented data -- another external storage solution. The RHD2-U series is a departure from I-O Data's LANDISK NAS line-up. First off, this is not NAS, it's USB 2.0 attached and capable of delivering up to 1TB of disk via 2x 7200rpm hard drives tucked away in the enclosure. That opens up the possibility for RAID 0/1 if you really think those DivX flicks deserve the special treatment. It also features something called RHD (Relational HD), allowing the unit to host additional disks loaded up on I-O Data's cartridges. Hitting mid-December in Japan for ¥64,680 or about $556 for the full 1,000GB.[Via Impress]
