Author Archive: Matt

SanDisk announce new range of USB flash drives

Lots of news and announcements come out of CES and today SanDisk sent us over some of their latest news.

One-click backup devices themselves are not terribly new, however, as USB flash drive capacities continue to double every few months it’s now become possible to backup vast amounts of data and a USB key that’ll fit in your pocket. SanDisk aim to exploit this with their new Cruzer USB Flash Drive which will feature software that’ll back up your system at the press of a button and will, furthermore, AES encrypt that data.

SanDisk today introduced an innovative new family of SanDisk USB flash drives, including the world’s first backup USB flash drive with simple backup software activation at the touch of a button. The SanDisk Ultra Backup USB portable flash drive is the first offering of the company’s new SanDisk Ultra USB product line. With capacities up to 64GB the SanDisk Ultra Backup USB flash drive is designed to protect computer users’ photos, music, videos, personal and business documents, and other types of digital files, with the simple touch of a button. No software installation is needed. The drive protects onboard digital content with a dual layer of security, including password-protected access control and ultra-secure AES hardware-based encryption.

The new SanDisk USB product family includes three different product lines:

1. The popular SanDisk Cruzer USB flash drive which provides simple, reliable and portable storage, plus access to a variety of U3 applications.
2. The SanDisk Ultra Backup USB flash drive offers the added protection and peace of mind that consumers expect from the minds behind flash memory.
3. The SanDisk Extreme Contour provides increased security protection and higher performance levels, enclosed in a sleek, elegant industrial design.

SanDisk Ultra Backup USB Flash Drive: Back up critical files with the simple touch of a button

With no cables required, or any complicated software to install, the new SanDisk Ultra Backup USB flash drive is a complete backup solution that provides an incredibly easy way to protect digital files. It uses patent-pending backup technology with capacities up to 64GB, large enough to back up average consumer requirements, as well as critical small business files and documents. In addition to one’s digital personal life, these products protect critical work files with a dual layer of both password protection and AES hardware encryption. This ensures content stays private and secure (via data scrambling at the flash controller level) when the drives are either physically removed for portability, or stored away for safe keeping.

The explosion in global sales of laptops and mobile devices has exponentially increased the vulnerability of digital files. Computer users can quickly lose precious photos, music, videos and professional work files due to drops, spills, theft, viruses and other incidents. PC Magazine (www.pcmag.com) conducted a research study on annualized notebook failure rates published in July 2008 which found that more than 24 percent of business notebooks need repair each year due to failures.

“Like flossing our teeth or balancing our checkbooks, when it comes to backing up our digital files, even though people know they should do it, they simply don’t – and that behavior is putting many consumers’ precious digital content at serious risk,” said Kent Perry, director of USB product marketing, SanDisk. “We’re delivering incredibly simple backup to protect people’s most valuable digital content at Main Street prices. With our wide array of capacities and price points, consumers can even choose to store particular file types like digital music or photos on different USB flash drives.”

 

A 2008 Consumer Electronics Association market research report, titled “Amassing Digital Fortunes: A Digital Storage Study,” found the average U.S. online adult has nearly 1,800 files stored, and plans to store another 1,060 digital files during the next year. This amounts to approximately 30GB³ of content that needs to be backed up. The study found that digital photos are considered to be the most valuable because of their irreplaceable natures.

 

SanDisk Cruzer USB Flash Drive: Reliable storage with a new contemporary look

The SanDisk Cruzer has been redesigned with a contemporary look as part of the new SanDisk USB family of flash drives. These portable, reliable drives are designed to share consumers’ digital world with ease, with up to 32GB of storage for simple sharing of photos, videos and other files.

The entire new SanDisk USB family introduces an iconic new design language developed by global innovation firm frog design. Signature design elements include juxtaposed L shapes that create a dynamic, yet balanced, composition, a bright red USB connector and a simple cap-less design, which exposes the USB connector for use via a dynamic sliding mechanism. When plugged in to a host device, a glowing, amber-colored LED light alerts users that the drives are ready for reading or writing data.

The new SanDisk USB family will continue to have U3™ Smart technology, developed by SanDisk, which allows applications to run from a SanDisk USB flash drive without having to be installed on a computer.⁴ PC-users can download a variety of both free and paid software, games and content by visiting www.u3.com, or by accessing the SanDisk USB Program Wizard in the U3 Launchpad. Among other bonus applications available for download is the Veoh^™ Web Player for SanDisk, which enables users to watch, download and share Internet video content.

The various product lines of SanDisk USB flash drives will continue to include the sleek and high-performance SanDisk Extreme Contour as its high-end storage solution for maximum security and speed. This showpiece of innovative design sports super-fast data transfer speeds at 25MB/second read and 18MB/second write.⁵ It also includes superior security with 256-bit AES USB hardware encryption and password-protected access control.

 

Pricing and Availability

The new SanDisk USB flash drives will first become available in April 2009.⁶ The SanDisk Cruzer drive will be available in capacities of 4GB-32GB with MSRPs ranging between $24.99 and $99.99. The SanDisk Ultra Backup drive will be available in capacities of 8GB-64GB with MSRPs ranging between $39.99 and $199.99. The SanDisk Extreme Contour USB flash drive is available in major retailers today.

Posted by: Matt

Samsung to release SMX-F34 YouTube friendly camcorder

It’s actually a question that we get asked frequently about Camcorders here at tracyandmatt; "Does this camcorder work properly with YouTube?".

While the answer to that question is invariably ‘yes’, it normally depends on the software that you use to process video but Samsung aim to simplify the process and are releasing the SMX-F34 which has a YouTube optimised recording mode.

Samsung, leaders in innovation and digital imaging, is pleased to announce the launch of the SMX-F34 digital camcorder – the successor to the company’s popular VP-MX20 compact edition – offering users substantial battery life of up to three hours, world-class Schneider optics, as well as added features and functionality, including built-in memory, digital still photo capability, and Samsung’s 42x Intelli-Zoom.

Image Processor

Featuring a high-performance 680K pixel CCD sensor, the SMX-F34 delivers a resolution of 720×480 and also incorporates Samsung’s new image processor which drastically enhances the overall digital imaging experience for the end user. Samsung’s new image processor yields higher-quality video, 3-D Noise Reduction, Face Detection for up to five subjects, a brighter 2.7 inch LCD display, as well as H.264 compression. It also reduces power consumption, which translates to longer battery life. On a single charge, consumers can record up to three hours of uninterrupted video – a beneficial feature for those who wish to shoot for extended periods of time.

Web & Mobile shooting mode

The SMX-F34 is also the ideal camcorder for the YouTube™ videographer who shares their content with friends and family by uploading video to the Web. Featuring a Web & Mobile shooting mode, users can set the SMX-F34 to record in the exact format and resolution required by YouTube™, resulting in faster upload times. By selecting the Web & Mobile mode, the camcorder’s resolution is automatically adjusted to 640×480 (H.264 / AAC / MP4) and optimized for use on Web sites. Furthermore, unlike other camcorders, users can easily import video from the SMX-F34 and play it on MP3 players and other portable multimedia players supporting H.264, without having to convert the files.

Still Photos

An additional feature that separates the SMX-F34 from its VP-MX20 sibling is its ability to capture digital still photos. A dedicated Photo mode allows consumers to use the SMX-F34 camcorder as a digital camera, snapping 800×600 resolution images. When coupled with the camcorder’s high-quality, Schneider lens, and improved Advanced Image Stabilization, users can rest assured that they’ll be able to capture life the way they see it, with stunning colour and clarity

On-board Memory

The SMX-F34 features a memory card slot for SD/SDHC and MMC+ and also offers 16GB of internal flash memory. Samsung is the first digital imaging company to apply H.264 compression to standard definition video, which considerably extends record times. Thanks to H.264 compression, users can record up to eight hours of standard definition video directly to the camcorder’s internal 16GB flash memory without having to rely on a memory card.

“With the SMX-F34, Samsung has given consumers of any skill level the ability to incorporate digital video into their everyday lives with style,” said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing, Samsung Digital Imaging Division.

“This is a camcorder that anyone can pick up and use without feeling intimidated, and which offers a full suite of features that would typically demand a higher price tag. Without breaking the bank, Samsung gives consumers the ability to leverage high-performance optics and imaging technologies that will enhance their overall digital imaging experience and encourage them to explore digital video for all that it has to offer.”

The SMX-F34 will feature Samsung’s exclusive swivel hand-grip, which effortlessly adjusts for regular and low angle shooting. The SMX-F34 will be available from leading high street and online retailers from March 2009. Customers requiring further information should call 0845 726 7864 or visit samsungcamera.co.uk

Posted by: Matt

Sony enters Digital Photo Frame market

In their press announcement at CES, Sony have announced that they are entering the digital photo frame market with a range of models from 7" up to 10". Sony have even taken the technology from their Bravia HD LCD televisions in order to include advanced image processing as well as some cool features such as red-eye reduction and soft filter to give your photos a more professional look.

New photo frames by Sony: pretty as a picture

Beautiful images, great design, fun features… and so easy to use

• New-generation Super Photo LCD panel (up to 10-inch) for unmatched detail, contrast and brightness
• Biggest-ever 2GB capacity stores up to 4,000 images
• Expanded choice of Auto Touch-up functions corrects common picture problems
• Friendly user interface & easy-to-use new picture search finds stored photos in moments
• Creative & wide range of slideshow, calendar, clock and fun viewing modes

Now there are even more reasons to show off your treasured memories. The new range of ‘S-Frame’ digital photo frames by Sony boasts best-ever HD picture quality plus a wide range of fun, easy-to-use viewing features.

With luxurious styling and a choice of screen sizes – from 7 inches up to a massive 10 inches – you’ll find the perfect photo frame to flatter any interior.

Just slip in the media card from virtually any digital camera or connect a PC to transfer your photo collection. X-Series frames include an extra-large 2GB memory, capable of storing up to 4,000 photos (NB: images are saved at 2 megapixel resolution to increase effective capacity).

Range-topping X-Series models feature a Super Photo LCD panel. This newly-developed LCD displays incredibly natural, detail-packed images with extremely high contrast and reduced glare. You’ll see the difference with deep, rich, blacks and opulent shadow tones, even in bright viewing conditions thanks to the Jet black feature.

Featured on all X- and V-Series models, the BIONZ imaging processor brings your pictures to life with exquisite detail, vivid colour and natural tones. This powerful image processing engine also accommodates large image files with ease, displaying the highest-resolution photos in moments when other photo frames struggle to keep up.

Powered by the BIONZ processor, Auto Touch-Up (X- and V-Series) now fixes an even wider range of common image problems. Red-eye, soft focus, skin blemishes and other faults can be fixed instantly to give your pictures even more sparkle, with no PC needed thanks to the Exposure correction.

Viewing options are wider and more accessible than ever before. There’s a huge range of new slideshow modes, including clock, calendar, ‘time machine’ (slideshow with date of photo), scrapbook and creative view modes to show off your images. You can even create your own calendar with the desired picture for each month and add a reminder (for example birthday or anniversary) via icons or directly add text

Easy-to-use new picture search functions (X- and V-Series) make it easy to track down your favourite photo from hundreds or thousands. Stored images can be browsed by events, markers or folders, helping you pinpoint the right picture in moments. If you copy a folder from your PC it will keep the name making it much easier to find the picture of your holiday in the Caribbean.

All S-Frame models feature an auto-orientation sensor. This intelligently ‘flips’ images so they’re always displayed with correct orientation, whether the frame is placed in portrait or landscape positions.

A new alarm clock function lets you wake up to your favourite pictures. There’s also a new auto-dimmer (X- and V-Series) that reduces panel brightness when room lighting levels are reduced so no waste of energy, in term of eco friendly as well you can choose the time when you want it on or off.

X- and V-Series models can be connected to any HD Ready television, letting you enjoy big-screen slideshows with musical accompaniment.

The new range of S-Frame digital photo frames by Sony is available from April 2009.

Naturally, we’ll be trying to get our hands some of these photo frames to review.

Posted by: Matt