memory card
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Eye-Fi's 4GB Geo X2 WiFi SDHC card now shipping for $70
We heard that the Apple Store-exclusive Geo X2 would start shipping to Americans at some point in May, and it looks like the time is now for those who've been patiently waiting. Eye-Fi's latest Class 6, WiFi-enabled SDHC card packs 4GB of space, an 802.11n module and auto-geotagging for those who can't make heads or tails of their latest gallery of vacation shots. It can be headed your way any moment... so long as you're cool with handing over your name, address, credit card number, favorite TV drama from 1988 and $69.95 (plus tax, where applicable). Oh, life and its choices. [Thanks, Christopher]
Sony announces faster Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX, children's eyes light up with glee
Can you handle an even faster Memory Stick? It's the Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX series, which Sony is speeding up but, curiously, isn't tacking any more random letters to the already ridiculous name. The cards offer maximum capacity of 32GB and transfer rates of 30MB/s, and while Sony doesn't indicate whether that's a read or a write speed (we're guessing read) they should handily out-class even high-class SD-based storage options. Naturally, though, you'll be paying for that performance, with 8GB prices starting at $59.99. No word on how Sony will differentiate these faster cards from the current crop of unnecessarily long-named storage options falling under the Pro-HG Duo HX moniker, but we'll find out when they hit retailers later this summer.
Android support for memory card app storage is finally 'coming soon'
One of the biggest complaints with Android since the dawn of civilization is that the expansive plains of storage available on microSD cards have been left under-utilized; coldly ignored by the OS while it did everything it could to stuff the measly couple-hundred megs of internal storage with apps. Soon that problem will finally be rectified, with a Google representative closing the long-running Issue 1151. The issue, which covers external installation of apps, was opened in October of 2008 and since then was voted on by 2561 people, all of whom want Google to set their memory cards free. Exactly when this functionality is coming it remains to be seen, but the "coming soon" note in comment 535 is very encouraging. Froyo, anyone? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
SanDisk ships 32GB microSDHC card for $200
Our 16GB microSDHC card has been treating us well since shipping early last year, but obviously no capacity is capacious enough. SanDisk has just announced that a Class 2, 32GB version of its microSDHC card is now shipping (remember that "something big" thing?), bringing gobs and gobs (and gobs) of storage space to whatever phones still support it. SanDisk claims that this is the first of its kind, but you can bet that other memory outfits won't be far behind in matching it. It should be hitting e-tailers momentarily for $199.99 (and around £200 if you're in the UK, we're told), which is almost certainly more than the (subsidized) price of the phone you'll be sliding it into.
CompactFlash 5.0 specification promises faster speeds, crazy 'theoretical' storage
If there's one thing that sounds more impressive than actual capabilities, it's theoretical capabilities -- and it looks like the CompactFlash Association has come through on both counts with its new CF5.0 specifications. While any actual cards or cameras supporting the spec are still a ways off, the new standard does pave the way for 48-bit addressing (up from 28-bit), along with an increased data transfer unit size of 32MB/s (up from 128KB/s) and, best of all, a theoretical maximum capacity of 144 petabytes (up from a mere 137GB with the current spec). Other advancements include a so-called "Video Performance Guarantee" aimed at professional video cameras, and a new Interface Electrical Specification that complies better with the ATA standard, and promises to allow for "easier and better" card design.
SanDisk ships 64GB Ultra SDXC card for $350
Here's hoping you didn't pull the trigger on of the world's first SDXC cards to ship, 'cause if so, you just paid a painful premium. Nary two months after Panasonic served up the first 32GB and 64GB SDXC cards to the masses, SanDisk has stepped in to ship its highest capacity Secure Digital card ever in the 64GB Ultra SDXC. Said device boasts a 15MB/sec read speed, a Class 4 speed rating and an exFAT file structure that helps you capture 1080p clips without any glitches or hangups. It's also based around the minty fresh SD 3.0 specification, so make sure that you pick up an SDXC reader or a device that specifically supports the format (you know, like ASUS' Eee PC T101MT). If you're finally ready to leap, this one's available now for the not-quite-reasonable price of $349.99, though if we were you, we'd wait for the rest of the competition to hit the ship button and drive down the MSRP.
Kingston whips out speedy Class 10 16GB microSDHC card
While some camps are pumping out larger microSDHC cards, Kingston's done the world a favor by working on speed instead. The result is this Class 10 16GB microSDHC card -- possibly the world's fastest of its kind (at a minimum data transfer rate of 10MB/s). Who would need this, you ask? Well, there's the speed freak in your own self that you're trying to suppress, for starters, and don't forget all those snazzy phones that can do 1080p video recording. As with most nice things in life, this blistering card will cost you a fair bit -- $138 for the card sans adapters. Oh, go on, it's totally worth your liver.
Elecom introduces SDXC-compatible card reader, waits for you to afford SDXC cards
Panasonic's duo of SDXC cards should be shipping out this month, which means that you'll be needing a new card reader on the double. Of course, it's not like you're really about to pay upwards of $450 for 32GB of wicked fast Secure Digital storage (or $600 for the 64 gigger), but hey, it's hard to knock Elecom for being proactive. Said outfit has just released what looks to be the first multicard readers to openly support SDXC, with the MR-A001BK handling ten formats and the MR-A002 supporting a grand total of 32 -- some of which haven't been used regularly since Vikings ruled the north. Both are expected to ship in Japan later this month, with pricing set for ¥1,890 ($21) and ¥2,415 ($27) in order of mention.
Toshiba demonstrates 64GB SDXC, pledges spring release
We've known since August that Toshiba was working to rule the roost when it came to voluminous and speedy SDXC storage, and at CES it took the time to beat its chest again, indicating that its new 64GB SDXC cards have started shipping in samples, putting them on a crash-course with card slots sometime this spring. The 64GB cards offer 60MB/s reads and 35MB/s writes, which should be enough to keep up with the Jonses, and the company's upcoming 32 and 16GB SDHC should be dropping about the same time. Toshiba is claiming this is the world's first 64GB model, but we're only interested in retail releases, and Panasonic and its February-bound offering might have something to say about who gets there first. The race is on.
AirStash wireless SD card reader hands-on
Just as CES is wrapping up, we managed to get some hands-on time with the AirStash wireless SD card reader, which is targeted at iPhone OS devices (but does work with other WiFi-enabled devices). Like many of the mysterious products from Vegas we have no price, release date or battery life, but what we do know now is that it's indeed very light (1.5 ounces), fits nicely in our hands and supports up to 32GB SDHC cards. As for wireless connection the AirStash acts as a WiFi 802.11b/g access point -- a cunning way to dodge the Apple dock connector license fees or the lack of Bluetooth profiles. Sadly, the prototype wasn't working properly due to "some RF interference," but as you can see above, the AirStash is accessed via a browser (UI design not final). Sure, this would mean you'd lose Internet connection via WiFi, but if the AirStash is cheap enough, then we'll live with it. Let's hope they hurry up with the release, though. %Gallery-82619%
Panasonic shipping first SDXC cards next month for ungodly amounts of cash
Here we go, folks. Nearly a year to the day after the term "SDXC" cemented itself into our vernacular, Panasonic has announced the first two that'll ever ship to end users. Unless a competitor jumps in and steals the thunder before then, of course. Announced here in the desert, the outfit has proclaimed that a 48GB and 64GB SDXC card will begin shipping to fat-walleted consumers in February, bringing with it a Class 10 speed rating and maximum data transfer rates of 22MB/sec. You know what else they'll be bringing? Price tags that are guaranteed to make you simultaneously weep and hoot -- the 48GB model will list for $449.95, while the 64 gigger will go for $599.95. Tissues, anyone?
Sony announces line of SD memory cards -- no, really
We've heard rumors that Sony has some pretty interesting things in store for CES, but nothing that's hinted at anything like this shocker: Sony is producing a line of SD memory cards. Those will come in the form of both SD and mircoSD cards, the former of which run the gamut from 2GB to 32GB (all Class 4), while the latter will be available in 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB capacities. Is this the beginning of the end for Memory Stick? Not according to Sony, which assures us that the SD cards merely "complement" its existing Memory Stick line, and strengthen its position as a "full line media supplier." The folks at Sony don't even seem to have been able to bring themselves to show some pictures of the actual cards just yet, but you'll be able to see them for yourself when they roll out later this month, at prices ranging from $14.99 to $159.99.
AirStash expands your iPhone's storage, wirelessly
You may be able to get your iPhones and iPod Touches in 32GB flavors these days, but what's an unlucky early adopter stuck with an 8GB model to do? Get an AirStash, maybe, a device that pledges to add wireless storage to those devices and, potentially, make internal storage constraints a thing of the past. It looks like an oversized thumb drive, with a USB plug on one end and an SD slot on the other. Charge it up, dump some content on that memory card, throw it in your pocket and, according to the manufacturer, you'll be able to connect to it wirelessly from your handset -- and your friends too, if you like. There are some obvious security concerns here but right now we're going to completely ignore those because of the potential for greatness here, which we hope to see in the flesh in the next few days.
Vertu V makes no concessions: $730 BT headset, $490 card reader, and $330 ballpoint pen
Because nothing says "I ain't afraid of no recession" like plopping down an excess amount of Benjamins for a Bluetooth earpiece, Vertu has unveiled its V accessories collection. $780 gets you a Bluetooth 2.1-compliant earpiece with 6 hours of charge time (same one we saw hit the FCC recently, we suspect), $490 for a USB memory card reader that as a consolation prize comes with a 2GB microSD card, and as for the ballpoint pen, asking price is a cool $330. For all three purchases, it's recommended you purchase the special leather case for protection -- and if these gifts are already comfortably in your price range, hey, why not? [Thanks, Shayjd]
Next-generation SD specification comes to light, 300MBps just around the corner
Believe it or not, we first heard of SDXC nearly a year ago. Aside from a highly guarded chip spotted at CeBIT, though, we've yet to see any of those cards in the flesh. Thankfully for the impatient among us, it seems as if the SD Specification 4.0 is well on its way to being hammered out, with the maximum data transfer rate scooting up from 104MB/sec to 300MB/sec. The actual scheme will also be changing from parallel to serial, with an unspecified amount of pins (more than 9, though) assisting in the speed increase. We're also told that the external dimensions of the cards will remain the same, and that backwards compatibility is of the utmost importance. We're guessing that newer cards will be able to rely on parallel transfers when used on older readers, while newer readers will accept data via the serial scheme; unfortunately, the nitty-gritty details have yet to be made public, but we're hoping for a serious coming-out party at next year's CES.
Datel sues Microsoft, wants its Xbox 360 market back
Seems like we just can't go a week without some corporate power plays or mudslinging making our pages. Back in October, Datel promised it would "remedy" the situation created by Microsoft's forthcoming (now present) Dashboard update locking out its higher capacity memory modules. The accessory company was the first (and only) third-party supplier of memory cards for the Xbox 360, but it seems that MS took a dislike to the MicroSD-expandable Max Memory units and has since taken the unusual step of downgrading the console to being able to read only chips up to 512MB, essentially taking Datel's 2GB+ wares out of commission. Yeah, classy. Datel's retaliation is in the finest Anglo-Saxon legal tradition, namely to assert antitrust concerns and to claim its right to act as a competitor to Microsoft in the memory market for Redmond's own console. It all sounds rather silly to us too, and could probably have been avoided by a rational compromise, but what's the fun in that?
Datel working on 'remedy' for its unauthorized Xbox 360 memory units
There was something of an outcry in the Xbox community when Microsoft announced that the upcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard Update would disable "unauthorized" memory units. Datel, a manufacturer of such devices, recently expressed its disappointment following the announcement. Fortunately, it looks like it takes more than that to keep a good company down, as Maxconsole.net reports that Datel intends to release a solution to the problem. In a letter to retailers, Datel stated it was "aware of the changes that are required to remedy this problem and will shortly release a solution in readiness for this potential update." Naturally, the company didn't elaborate on the necessary changes. Datel also didn't supply a precise release date for the updated memory units, saying only that they would be available "shortly." Still, it's good news for folks that want more memory for less-than-exorbitant prices. [Via Engadget]
Datel 'disappointed' by Xbox 360's unofficial memory unit lockout
Outlawed off-white accessory news now, with CVG relaying manufacturer Datel's unenthusiastic response to the the forthcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update, which intends to kill support for unauthorized, third-party memory units. Datel has said that it's "disappointed" by Microsoft's decision, one that it feels will limit consumers in "exercising their freedom of choice." Specifically, their freedom of choosing a memory solution that doesn't come from Microsoft.What to do if you're the owner of one of these bad boys? Unless you want to stay offline forever, you'll have to back up your data and transfer it to an official memory unit or hard drive. Failing that, you could just lift anchor in protest and set sail for Redmond, but we wouldn't suggest doing that unless you're English and living in 1983.
Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units
Don't worry, folks -- Microsoft knows you really hate those subversive little devils making third-party Memory Units, what with their 2GB and 4GB offerings for the Xbox 360. In an effort to stamp out these Doris Dogooders from your Xbox Live Experience™, Microsoft's Major Nelson announced on his blog yesterday that "When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work." In plain English, this means that any third-party Memory Unit you might have been using will be rendered useless. Mr. Hryb suggests moving any saves on said devices get moved to an authorized one, unless losing access to "stored profile or saves games" simply ain't no thang for you.
SanDisk ships world's first X4-based flash memory cards, humans wait for capacity increases
SanDisk was busy trumpeting the benefits of X4 technology way back in February, and now the company's tooting its own horn once more by shipping the planet's first memory cards based on the new tech. For those who've forgotten, X4 can hold four bits of data in each memory cell, which is twice as many as the cells in traditional MLC NAND memory chips. In theory, this stuff will allow for bigger capacities in the flash memory that we so dearly love, but for whatever reason (read: cost concerns), the first X4-based SDHC and Memory Stick PRO cards top out at just 16GB. Wake us up when we can slam a sub-$50 256GB SDHC card into our D90, okay?
