Toshiba takes on network-attached storage at IFA 2012 with Canvio Cloud Storage-- an external HDD allowing users to save and access data not only via PCs, but also internet-connected mobile devices.

A number of Canvio Link apps (PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Toshiba Smart TVs) allow users to upload files before accessing them remotely. The company says installation is easy, being a 3-step process.

Since it does not really involve a cloud-based service (despite the name), the Canvio Cloud Storage does Continue reading...

We have already seen Samsung's Ultra High Speed Class 1 (UHS-1) 16GB microSD card-- but at IFA 2012 the company has UHS-1 SD and microSD cards in 64GB capacities.

Available in "Plus" or "Pro" classes, the cards can handle read/write speeds of up to 80/40MB per second (SD) and 70/20MB per second (microSD).

The UHS-1 interface is ideal for LTE (Long Term Evolution) smartphones and tablets, allowing high-quality image and video playback directly from memory cards.

Currently only SDXC and SDHC cards Continue reading...

Toshiba launches a 3.5-inch HDD family with multi-terabyte capacities for the consumer market-- with 4 series (12 variant drives in total) offering up to 3TB of storage.

Manufactured using equipment from Western Digital, the drives come in 1.5, 2 and 3TB sizes with 6Gb/s SATA/IF and should be ideal for desktop PCs, external HDDs, digital video drives and TVs with integrated recording functions.

A "silent seek mode" promises more quiet drives, reducing noise by 1-2dB compared to other products. Continue reading...

Crucial launches a companion range to the m4 SSDs designed for customers on a tighter budget-- the Crucial v4, with pricing starting off from $50 for a 32GB SSD.

Available in 64, 128 and 256GB configurations, the v4 drives offer read speeds reaching 230MB/s and write speeds of up to 190MB/s for customers with SATA2-capable desktop PCs and laptops.

The Crucial v4 range is available now from select channel partners or directly through the company.

Go Crucial v4 SSDs

The European Commission (EC) antitrust watchdog serves charges to 13 optical disc drive makers in the European Economic Area (EEA) for allegedly forming a global price-fixing cartel, breaching of EU laws.

The charges accuse the unnamed companies of illegally co-ordinating bids on CD and DVD drives with at least 2 major PC OEMs for the past 5 years, price rigging the EC describes as as "one of the most serious breaches of EU antitrust rules."

Should it find the accused companies guilty the Commission Continue reading...

Drobo announces 2 storage devices ideal for small business and prosumer customers-- the Drobo 5D array and the first portable array from the company, the Drobo Mini.

Both offerings support Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 interconnect specifications.

The Drobo 5D aims for professional Adobe and Apple application users and carries up to five 3.5-inch hot-swappable SATA- or SAS-based 2TB HDDs/SSDs. It also has an internal mSATA SSD (for data-caching purposes) and a variable-speed fan.

Meanwhile the Drobo Continue reading...

Sony boosts XQD memory card speeds with the S Series-- read and write speeds reach 168MB/s, up from the 125MB/s of the first XQD generation and the maximum limit of Compact Flash cards (167MB/s).

Available in 64GB and 32GB sizes, the XQD S Series card takes advantage of the PCI-E Gen interfaces and Thunderbolt connections on PCs.

The XQD format is a SanDisk, Sony and Nikon co-development, and has the backing of the Compact Flash Association. So far only Sony sells QXD cards, and the only commercially Continue reading...

Customers wanting more security for their portable storage should be satisfied with the StarTech S2510BU3PW portable hard drive enclosure, providing data security through built-in touchpad.

Windows, Mac and Linux compatible, the enclosure supports 2.5" SATA HDDs and SSDs (up to 9.5mm in height) and offers real time 256-bit AES hardware encryption via high-speed 32-bit ARM-based controller. The built-in touchpad simplifies password entry while providing access to encrypted content.

The device is Continue reading...