FlashMemory
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Norcent announces DCC-1025 / DCS-760 digicams, slew of storage accessories
Hot on the heels of Norcent unveiling its forthcoming lineup of HDTVs, the company has announced that we'll be seeing its photogenic side as well, as the DCS-760 ($199) and DCC-1025 digicams make their debut at CES along with a slew of storage-related accessories. The 10.1-megapixel DCC-1025 ($179; DC-1020 pictured) reportedly sports a "champagne colored, brushed metal finish," 2.5-inch "scratch-resistant" LCD monitor, 3x optical zoom (and 4x of the practically worthless digital variety), 14 pre-selected scene modes, red-eye reduction, 640 x 480 MPEG4 movie mode, NTSC / PAL compatibility, 32MB of internal memory, SD / MMC slot, and AV out to boot. The more compact DCS-760 features a seven-megapixel sensor, "high-end design," 15 scene modes, VGA movie mode, 2.5-inch LTPS monitor, and the same 3x optical zoom and SD / MMC slot as the larger sibling. Making sure your digicam is fully prepared for a long day of shooting, the firm is also unveiling its SD Duo, Micro SD Trio, and Micro SD Reader / Adapter; the SD Duo combines SD and USB support, while the Micro SD Trio adds microSD, and neither unit needs a card reader to interface with any USB-equipped PC. As if that weren't enough, it's also showing off a 1GB ($19.99) / 2GB ($29.99) USB Pen Drive that rocks a LED indicator light and a "twist to open" cap to curb that "missing lid" syndrome so often associated with flash drives. While the DCS-760 won't be available until the Spring, everything else is available right now, and will be out on display in just a few days at CES.Read - Norcent DCS-760Read - Norcent DCC-1025Read - Norcent SD Storage lineupRead - Norcent USB Pen Drive
Goodbye flash memory, hello "phase-change" memory?
If IBM, Macronix, and Qimond have their way, the now ubiquitous flash memory could soon be on its way out, replaced by the new-and-improved "phase-change" memory developed by the trio of companies. While complete details on this catchily-named new memory are under wraps until the big unveiling at this week's International Electronic Devices Meeting in San Francisco, according to the AFP, it's supposedly 500 to 1,000 times faster than conventional flash memory and uses about half as much power to boot. According to IBM senior manager Spike Narayan, that'll allow for the non-volatile memory to replace replace hard drives and pave the way for instant-on computers, as well as let you "carry your own fancy computer application in your hand." While these three memory makers aren't the first to jump on the phase change bandwagon, if those numbers are to be believed, their RAM would seem to seem to leave the others in the dust. Whether it's as fast to show up on the market or not, we'll have to wait and see.
EverGreen kit cleans your flash memory card reader
Well, it only makes sense given that over the last quarter century our cleansing techniques have gone from blowing into Nintendo cartridges to CD cleaning kits, and finally now to the most modern equivalent: a set of cleaning cards for your memory card reader from EverGreen. We don't exactly know how this works, other than you're supposed to insert these dummy cards into your reader and presto-chango, some cleansing happens. We've never exactly had a situation where we'd need to use a device like this, but then again, we never expected to need floor-cleaning robots either -- but such is the price we pay to have the future here, now.
Sandisk selling "special edition" SD cards for Wii at a premium
Everyone's heard about PS3s getting resold on eBay for ridiculous amounts, but there's more than just black market markups these days. Sandisk is openly executing some "smart business" with its Wii-branded SD cards, too. The flash memory company is selling "special edition" cards in capacities ranging from half a gig all the way up to 2GB, with prices that go from $35 to $90, respectively. By comparison, PriceGrabber.com says that the lowest you can get an ordinary 512MB SD card is $10, while the cheapo 2GB SD cards come in at $27. From what we can tell, the only difference between these SD cards and any plain-vanilla SD card is that this one says "For Wii" on it and comes in the exact same shade of white as your new console. If that's not worth triple the price, we're not sure what is.[Via TG Daily]
ATP intros 4GB ProMax MMCplus HC flash card
While the NAND-based MMCplus format hasn't exactly reached SD status in terms of universal acceptance and recognition, ATP is unveiling a 4GB high capacity (HC) flavor to level up with its 4GB ProMax SDHC card. It sports a speed rating of 166x (25MB per second) and was designed to "maximize the performance of next generation digital devices requiring larger capacities and higher transfer rates" such as quick-shooting DSLRs. The card is also resistant to "water and extreme temperatures," but similar to shoving an SDHC card into an SD-only reader, the HC format can't be utilized by earlier MMCplus readers. Unsurprisingly, pricing and release information isn't readily available, but you'll probably see these in memory shops soon.
PNY and Olympus team up to release 2GB xD-Picture Card
If you've been holding off on picking up Fujifilm's 2GB xD card in hopes of future competition driving prices down, you're in luck. PNY is teaming up with Olympus to release a 2GB xD-picture card which can house "one thousand digital shots with a camera resolution of eight megapixels." It also touts compatibility with the "exclusive Olympus panorama option," but we're sure they're just stretching for reasons to pick this up over the much more abundant SD and CF alternatives. Regardless, if you're still in need of high-capacity xD storage, you can pick up the PNY xD-Picture Card Type M now for £61.00 ($117).[Via Camborg]
Two redesigned PSPs coming next Spring, say analysts
It's that time of the year again. Yep. Another analyst is talking about a PSP redesign, but this one's a bit more ambitious than the other ones: Paul-Jon McNealy of American Technical Research has predicted the appearance of two new models, one below $199 and one above. "Sony will likely introduce a refresh of the PSP hardware line, including a hard-disk drive PSP and a second PSP with no hard drive but with a significant amount of flash memory on board." Sounds a lot like the other rumor about a redesign.Considering how frequently these redesign reports pop up, I'm going to place my bet that a redesign will come out... eventually (no matter how often Sony denies it). Will it be next Spring, as predicted?[Via International Business Times]
Philips self-destructing MRAM on the way
Joining the ranks of quintessential kit that any spy (or CuteCircuit-equipped individual) should have on hand is Philips' self-destructing MRAM (magnetoresistive RAM). While securing data typically deals with some sort of password protection or biometrics, Philips' creation takes a page from the Mission: Impossible book by relying on magnetic loops remaining in flux to keep data accessible. Its MRAM chips are wrapped in two layers of soft, metallic foil -- one which is magnetized, and one that acts as a "keeper" by gathering flux from a permanent magnet and maintaining a closed loop surrounding the precious bytes. If a crazed data thief manages to crack open the enclosure and rip into the first layer of foil, all flux breaks loose and magnetic forces immediately raze any top secret files you may have been toting. If you just can't afford to spill those oh-so-privatized digital beans (or you simply enjoy that double agent lifestyle), keep an eye out for the presumably hush-hush release -- assuming, that is, this invention makes it from the patent stage into actual hardware.[Via New Scientist Tech]
Delkin takes burning on the go with DVD BurnAway
In a long overdue update to its original BurnAway device, Delkin is finally launching the new model to embrace the not-exactly-fresh technology known as DVD. While it doesn't get much of a facelift (externally or otherwise), this portable burner rocks a rechargeable battery, CD-R / RW and DVD±R / RW compatibility, music playback, and instant slideshow support via the built-in S-Video / composite outputs. The biggest boons here, however, are the twin flash memory slots -- supporting CompactFlash (I and II), MicroDrive, SD, MMC, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, MS Pro, and xD (with adapter, naturally) -- that bypass the computer entirely to allow direct card-to-CD / DVD burning. Of course, this could be utilized as a plain ole external burner for your PC, but where's the fun in that? While battery life is (frighteningly) not mentioned, we assume it stocks enough juice to burn at least a couple discs while road trippin', and the DVD BurnAway can be picked up anytime before your next pre-planned journey for $369.99.[Via MobileWhack]
Imation's USB bracelet goes 1GB
You know those USB flash drive bracelets no one is wearing? Well, consider 'em bumped to a full 1GB in your choice of 8 colors to match you collection of ironic T-shirts. And if you feel like branding your enslaved wage donkeys, you can even order in bulk replete with your own corporate logo. On sale in Japan starting September 21st. Good times.[Via Impress]
Samsung shipping high-capacity moviNAND memory samples
Samsung has announced that it's now shipping samples of its high-capacity moviNAND embedded flash memory solution, which it says will eliminate the need for for an external memory card slot in some mobile devices, namely cellphones, or give 'em a bit of extra breathing room when used in conjunction with memory cards. The system, currently available in 1GB and 2GB varieties, consists of some NAND flash memory, a multimedia card (MMC) controller, and onboard firmware, with transfer speeds promised to clock in at a speedy 52 megabytes per second. Mass production of the 1GB and 2GB moviNANDs is set to begin later this month, with 512MB and 4GB models rounding out the line-up by the end of the year. [Via Slashphone]
Samsung developing "PRAM" alternative to NAND flash memory
Classic Mac users might be familiar with the phrase: "did you zap the PRAM?" The commonly used fix-all seemed to smooth over a wide variety of troubles, but Samsung's new Phase-Change Random Access Memory has nothing to do with the Parameter RAM of yore. Instead, the new type of memory breathes fresh life into the world of non-volatile storage, with 30x the speed and 10x the lifetime of conventional NAND or NOR flash chips. Samsung just unveiled their first 512MB PRAM prototype PRAM chip, and plan to begin selling the memory in 2008. The chips cite spiffy tech specs like "vertical diodes" and "three-dimensional transistor structure" to keep size down, and the memory doesn't require old data to be erased before being written over. Supposedly the tech should be cheaper and smaller than NAND in the long-run -- which is considerable given the fact that Samsung also introduced a 32GB NAND chip today made with a 40nm process.[Via textually.org]
SanDisk's V-MATE: records video to what else, flash memory cards
Sandisk is plenty busy with new products at IFA in Berlin. Now, they've thrown down with a whole new product line-up by launching the V-MATE video recorder. And since SanDisk likey their flash memory, the V-Mate is designed to record directly to a wide variety of memory card formats from any composite video source such as your set-top box, DVD player, or TiVo. The V-MATE features a remote control, on-screen programming interface, and an infrared emitter to turn on your TV tuner device and select the right channel for programmed recording. And MPEG-4 compression delivers about 1.8 hours of playback per 1GB of flash at the V-MATE's maximum 640 x 480 recording resolution or up to 3.6-hours when the rez and bit rate are throttled back for the requirements of say, your cellphone display. Available in October for about $130.
Toshiba's TransMemory flash drives reach 16GB, go U3
We're not so massively fond of the whole U3 machine-independent application and computing package thing, but if there's one thing we can get behind, it's a big ol' damned flash memory drive. Toshiba's new TransMemory line, which they're launching in November in sizes from 512MB to 4GB, are all well and good, but only the 16GB Limited Edition due in December would have gotten get us through the year (what with the occasional Vista build and Leopard beta and all). Of course, as with the other 8GB+ flash memory drives, we leave it to Toshiba to ensure we aren't extorted for five or more figures in order to get our unworthy hands on one.[Via FarEastGizmos]
Get ready for 8 gig Nanos
NAND flash, it is the magic inside of the iPod nano. Thanks to NAND flash memory Apple is able to make those tiny little devices, and now Samsung has announced that they are mass manufacturing 8 gig NAND flash chips. What's that mean to you? Well, it most likely means that sometime within 6 months there will be an 8 gig iPod nano. Wait, there's more! Samsung believes that they will be producing a 16 gig chip by Christmas, so larger capacity nanos for all.I expect it will be a good Christmas for Apple.
Spansion announces plans for increased handset security
With cellphones becoming more and more computer-like, that invariably means that they're also susceptible to some decidedly computer-like problems; we're talking viruses, DoS attacks, and other headaches. Though far from the first to address the problem, Spansion is promising a new level of security for handsets by implementing security measures directly within the Flash memory subsystem. In addition to warding off threats, Spansion says their system will also enable data recovery, as well as allow for secure mobile financial transactions and access control for things like using a cellphone to open a car door or start a car. A Software Development Kit (SDK) should be available before the end of the year, with the actual security controller available in something called the Spansion Multi Chip Package (MCP) sometime in the first half of 2007. No word yet on any handset manufactures that have signed on to offer the system, however.
Samsung's Q1-SSD UMPC now with NAND: only $2,430
We understand, and are even tempted by Samsung's new Q30-SSD laptop announced today flaunting that hot but pricey 32GB of solid-state NAND flash drive action. But slapping that pup into the Q1 UMPC for any reason other than the rights to another "World's First [insert product category]" placard to prop-up at trade-shows is just, well, overkill. Yeah, the Q1-SSD's instant-on media feature should now be faster (not exactly instant judging by reviews) but is that really worth the bump from an already expensive $1200 US green equiv in Korea to $2,430 -- nearly five times the target price for this market segment!? Still, these high-capacity flash drives with lower power consumption, better shock protection, and faster data access are indeed the future of ultra-portable computing. Golf-claps all around Sammy, for this glimpse into the future.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Revolution to support external HDDs & other 3rd party storage devices
During a recent conversation with CNN (focused on cheaper game prices), Nintendo President Satoru Iwata suggested that the Revolution would support a multitude of storage options. Referring to the console's USB ports, Iwata confirmed that "practically any storage method can be used."The Nintendo Revolution will not feature an internal hard drive. Instead, the unit will utilize 512 MB of flash memory and built-in SD memory card support. In addition, Iwata's remarks imply that Nintendo intends to, ultimately, leave the best storage solution up to the consumer's discretion — a freedom that could give Nintendo an edge (in terms of consumer satisfaction) over Sony and Microsoft. For example, a quick search on Circuit City's website yields Seagate's 160 GB external drive for only $60 (with rebate). Compare that to Microsoft's $100, 20 GB 360 HDD (also manufactured by Seagate). No contest.Memory options will be important for gamers looking to stockpile the Revolution's Virtual Console titles. Iwata noted that aside from classic games, Nintendo plans to issue new titles through the download service as well. But does the storage freedom mean a loss of security for Nintendo? That is, will this decision increase the prevalence of homebrew apps, including emulators that already run all of those classic games, on the Revolution? It's a tough call.[Thanks for the artwork & additional info Rosco!]
