SanDisk has introduced the world's first backup USB flash drive with simple backup software activation at the touch of a button.With capacities up to 64 GB, 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 touch of a button, with no software installation required. The drive protects onboard digital content with a dual layer of security, including password-protected access control and ultra-secure AES hardware-based encryption.

With no cables required or software to install, the new SanDisk Ultra Backup USB flash drive will 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. PC-users can download a variety of both free and paid software, games and content by visiting www.u3.com, or byaccessing 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 SanDisk Ultra Backup drive will be available in April 2009 with a five-year limited warranty, in capacities from 8 GB - 64 GB with MSRPs ranging between $39.99 and $199.99.

Transcend introduces two new 8 GB ultra-compact USB flash drives, namely JetFlash V90C and JetFlash V90P, in India. The latest versions of the JetFlash V90P and V90C combine distinctive faceplate designs and ultra-portable convenience for people who need an elegant way to carry data while on the move.Transcend's V90C flash drive features distinctive spectral lines that appear to move when light catches it at differentangles, with rotating high-strength USB connectors for long-term reliability. The V90P flash drive boasts an extremely slim and stylish metal body with a genuine black mother-of-pearl faceplate. As is the property of the the material, each mother of pearl piece has a unique pattern on it.

With a 3 year warranty, the drives are priced at Rs.1,600 each.

Micron this week announced it has been working with Sun Microsystems to develop a new single-level cell (SLC) NAND technology the company claims "dramatically extends the lifespan of flash-based storage." Just how dramatic? According to Micron, production devices are capable of one million write cycles, offering the highest available write and erase cycling of any NAND technology currently available.

"Micron is pleased to work with Sun on this landmark achievement, enabling the use of flash in new applications that were previously not possible because of the inherent write/erase cycle limitations of standard SLC and MLC NAND," said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron’s memory group. "We expect this technology to revolutionize theenterprise storage hierarchy and be adopted by a wide range of transaction-intensive applications, including solid state drives and storage systems, disk caching, as well as networking and industrial applications."

Micron said it is sampling its Enterprise NAND in densities up to 32Gb (that's gigabits, not gigabytes), with volume production on slate for the first quarter of 2009. The company also plans to unveil SLC and multi-level cell (MLC) enterprise versions of its 34nm NAND process early next year.

eSATA ports are starting to become more mainstream in mid to low end motherboards, and OCZ thinks the time is right to start adding on non hard drive based peripherals. Its new lineup of memory sticks will do just that and come in 8, 16, and 32GB capacities. The new drives will both communicate and receive their power from the eSATA port. To ensure backwards compatibility they have also included a rear mounted mini USB connection which will allow users to plug the device into laptops or other USB only machines.

No official benchmarks are have been taken by us, but the company is reportedly boasting read speeds of up to 90MB/s, and writes speeds as fast as 30MB/s. No comment has yet been madeon pricing, but it will likely be in the same ballpark as its USB brethren.

It certainly is an interesting idea, but I can’t help but wonder if this type of device is really necessary with USB 3.0 right around the corner. USB 3.0 has a maximum theoretical throughput of 4.8Gbps which would easily max out most flash memory keys several times over.

Would you be interested in an eSATA flash drive? Hit the jump and let us know.

SanDisk has announced that the SanDisk Cruzer Enterprise is the first secure USB flash drive to fully support Apple Mac OS X computers. Available now, SanDisk Cruzer Enterprise helps IT professionals more effectively protect information on company-issued secure USB drives in Macintosh environments.
"SanDisk Cruzer Enterprise is ideal for the millions of business users who use Macs at home or in the office," said Yariv Fishman, senior manager, product marketing management, enterprise division, SanDisk. "It combines a simple, user-friendly interfacewith the addition of SanDisk's tough security and ultra-fast transfer speeds. It's the first secure USB flash drive that provides full Mac support by allowing initialization of the drive directly on a Mac platform."

Cruzer Enterprise in Mac OS X and Windows PC environments has the same features and data security- even if used in both environments. The device can be initialized from either a Macintosh or Windows computer, where users can:

* Log in and shut down access to the encrypted storage area
* Change and manage passwords
* Change contact information, language and other preferences
* Launch online support, view current firmware and drive information

Available in 1-, 2-, 4- and 8GB configurations, Cruzer Enterprise supports Apple Macintosh computers running Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger" and Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard." Cruzer Enterprise safeguards all files stored on the drive with advanced hardware-based 256-bit AES USB encryption, which combined with advanced password protection will make it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access data if the drive is lost or stolen. Existing Cruzer Enterprise users can download a firmware update at http://www.sandisk-enterprise.com/macupdater.No official pricing or time of availability has been released yet.

Toshiba, has launched of 16GB microSDHC card offering the largest capacity available in the market.

The company has also extended its range of memory card solutions by adding ultra fast read/write 8GB and 16GB SDHC cards to its line-up. Mass production of the new SDHC cards will start in December, with production of the new microSDHC slated to start in January 2009.All the new SDHC memory cards comply with the SD memory standard Ver. 2.00, and the two new SDHC cards announced today support class 6 ultra fast read/write speed - a maximum write speed of 20MB per second, delivering high performance for continuous shooting of still images and recording video images. The new microSDHC can be used with an adapter that allows it to be used in SDHC slots.

Kanguru has developed a new breed of flash drive eliciting one of those 'Why hasn't someone thought of this before?' moments. The new drive, which the company calls e-Flash, combines both eSATA and USB connectivity on a standard sized thumb drive.

"We’ve combined the fastest connectivity with the most universal connection for the best of both worlds,” said Nate Cote, VP of Product Management at Kanguru Solutions. “The ultra-fast transfer speed, high capacity and small size combine to make it a great portable solution for users that want the next generation of unbelievable performance."

Kanguru says the eSATA connection comes powered so that it requires no extra power, but the company also tosses in an "eSATA + Power bracket and an eSATA + Power cable for easy hookup to the computer you use it most on." The flash drive also comes preloaded with Hotswap! software.The Kanguru e-Flash currently comes in 16GB and 32GB capacities ($85 and $120 respectively), with a 64GB planned for January 2009. The drive's aluminum casing can also be personalized with a custom engraving.

Transcend announces the availability of its renowned 2.5″ portable hard drives StoreJet 25C and StoreJet 25M in a whooping 500 GB storage capacities in India. These hard drives are a combination of magnificent storage capacity, good looks and portability.

Mr. Austin Huang, Regional Head - Sales, SAARC & APAC, Transcend, said, “With broadband Internet connections becoming increasingly faster and mini-sized notebook fever catching on, portable hard disk drives are in huge demand as well. As the storage capacity of notebook hard drives is limited, notebook users must rely on external storage devices with greater capacity hard drives to keep up with their growing storage requirements. Transcend understands the needs of mobile computer users, and offers a complete line of slim, durable, and ultra-portable 2.5″ hard drives.”

Transcend’s 2.5″ portable hard drives have been designed to suit the users personal preferences. Its elegant design expresses your individuality as well as fashion sense and also bundles up rugged anti-shock/anti-slip protection.The hard drives come with StoreJet elite software package that includes features like Website AutoLogin, Secret-Zip 256-bit AES file encryption, Mobile Favorites with NoTrace Internet browsing, Mobile E-mail, Online Update and intelligent backup scheduling/security/file compression functions. It equips a high-speed USB2.0 interface that offers maximum data transfer rates of 480Mb per second and a plug-and-play convenience. Thus it offers compatibility with most of the PCs and Desktops.

The 173 grams stainless steel StoreJet 25C features Hi-Speed USB 2.0 compliant and USB 1.1 backwards compatible, ultra-portability, powered via the USB port, no external power or battery needed, LED indicates Power ON and data transfer activity, USB DC 5 Volt, 2.5 inch SATA hard disk and measures 124mm x 78mm x 14mm.

The StoreJet 25M mobile meets the US military drop-test standards MIL-STD-810F with advanced two-stage anti-shock technology. Some of its features include Hi-Speed USB 2.0 compliant and USB 1.1 backwards compatible, LED indicates power on and data access, SATA hard drive, operating voltage of DC 5V from USB port, 134mm × 80.8mm × 18.8mm dimensions and weighs 206 grams.

The StoreJet 25C and StoreJet 25M hard drives are priced at Rs.13,300 each. Both come with a two year warranty.

AIGO has just launched their Vodafone McLaren Mercedes U Disk MP4-22 pen drive in India. The streamlined design features include F1's sleek body design and body conscious "MP4-22" that reflects the color of the USB memory.It has a Host USB 1.1/USB 2.0, which is compatible for all users and doesn’t require extra drivers. The drive employs a lightweight (10g) design with a push-slider to pop the USB connector. According to the company the drive will consume minimum power with data reliability.Priced at Rs. 2,100 with a one year warranty for 2GB of space the drive will be available in all major electronic stores.

Transcend introduced its new ultra-tiny USB flash drive called JetFlash T5. The compact and rugged JetFlash T5 measures 29.9mm x 15.3mm x 6.1mm (L x W x D) and resists bending, stress, vibration, shock and full water submersion.

Sporting an eye-catching two-tone color schemes with intricate hexagon patterns, the ultra-light T5 can be used as a mobile phone dongle or a keychain fob.

The compact and durable T5 USB flash drive lets you transfer, store and share files quickly and easily. It is compatible with High-Speed USB 2.0.Transcend’s JetFlash elite software tools are capable of converting your T5 into a key to automatically log on to website accounts or lock a computer to prevent unauthorized access. The software also allows you to browse your favorite bookmarked websites as well as check your emails from any compatible computer which includes Internet Favorites and Mobile Email functions.

The JetFlash T5 USB flash drive is now available in 2GB (Orange/Black) and 4GB (White/Black) storage capacities.

Just insert your pen drive in the USB port, now a autorun window(usually it includes Open to view Files and
Take no action options) will open to choose the program that will run your pen drive but just ignore it by clicking the Cancel button right after the OK buttonNow go to Start -> Run.. and type cmd to open the Command Prompt window. Now go to My Computer and Check the Drive letter of your USB drive or Pen Drive.(If it is written Kingston(I:), then I: will be the drive letter)
In the Command Window(cmd), type the drive letter(as above is I:) and now hit enter. Then type the dir/w/o/a/p and Hit Enter

Now you will get a list of files that are in your pen drive. In the list, search if anyone of the following do exist.

1. Autorun.inf
2. New Folder.exe
3. Bha.vbs
4. Iexplore.vbs
5. Info.exe
6. New_Folder.exe
7. Ravmon.exe
8. RVHost.exe or any other files with .exe Extension.

If you find any one of the file names as above, Run the command attrib -h -r -s -a *.* and Hit Enter. Now Delete each File using the following Command del filename. Now just scan your USB drive with the anti virus you have to ensure that you made your Pen Drive free of Virus :D

IronKey Inc have announced that their IronKey self destructing USB flash memory drive featuring military grade AES 256-bit CBC-Mode encryption, the 4GB model of which we featured a while ago here on TFTS, is now available with double the previous capacity.

Adding to the IronKey range, which already consists of 1GB, 2GB and the aforementioned 4GB range, the new 8GB capacity IronKey, like its stable mates, comes with hardware based, military grade encryption and also offers protection against ‘brute force’ attacks – the drive integral Cryptochip serving to erase all encrypted data held on the drive courtesy of its Flash Trash (cool title) technology which comes into force after a policy determined number of failed login attempts.The IronKey also comes with a suite of applications including portable Firefox, IronKey Password Manager, RSA SecurID and a Secure Sessions service as well as a programmable policy settings allowing IronKey administrators to turn these applications off or on as desired.

‘Our virtual desktop customers have been eagerly awaiting IronKey 8GB drives because they are deploying large Windows desktops which rapidly wear out ordinary flash drives and most importantly need to be secured,’ said John Jefferies, vice president of product marketing at IronKey. ‘Running virtual desktops from flash drives demands high performance with superior reliability which is why customers are choosing to deliver mobile desktops and business continuity solutions on IronKey.’

The 8GB capacity IronKey USB Flash Drive has just been made available for $299.

IronKey