The new Extreme SDHC card from SanDisk comes in 4/8/16/32GB capacities and boasts speeds of up to 30MB/s, which SanDisk claims as the world's fastest.

These cards are designed for HD video and are marketed with the new MacBook Pros in mind, since Apple's new laptops finally (finally!) have SD card slots. 30MB/s is easily fast enough to comfortably boot an OS from the card slot, which we already know is possible. Plus, with all the new DSLRs capable of taking HD video, more space and faster speeds might be of considerable use to photographers and videographers. The cards will be available this August for an undisclosed price. Press release follows. [SanDisk]

SANDISK UNVEILS WORLD'S FASTEST 32GB SDHC CARD

30MB/s Read & Write Speeds and 32GB Storage Capacity Help
Photography and Video Enthusiasts Do More With Their DSLRs

32GB CardPMA, Sydney, June 25, 2009 – SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today introduced the fastest 32-gigabyte (GB)1 SDHC™ card on the market. The 32GB SanDisk Extreme® SDHC™ card at up to 30 megabytes per second (MB/s)2 read and write speeds combines industry-leading performance with massive storage capacity, helping digital photography enthusiasts utilize the advanced features of today's DSLR cameras.

"The market for entry to mid-level DSLR cameras is growing, and SDHC is becoming the de-facto card format for these devices," said Susan Park, director, retail product marketing, SanDisk. "Our card's 32GB of storage and up to 30MB/s read & write speeds enable DSLR users to shoot without worrying about storage or speed limitations. SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards provide consumers with a more enjoyable user experience, letting them focus on what is really important – the images that they are capturing."

Lightning-Fast Write Speed Captures Images Quickly
A memory card's write speed plays a crucial role in the overall system of the camera when taking pictures in rapid succession. If a card cannot process data quickly enough then the burst mode shooting may pause unexpectedly as the card catches up to the camera. Burst mode bottlenecks can lead to missing "the" shot, especially at sporting or other fast-motion events. The SanDisk Extreme SDHC card offers maximum data-transfer rates, giving consumers a memory card fast enough to unlock the full capabilities of their DSLRs.

The 32GB SanDisk Extreme SDHC card adheres to the SD Association's new Class 10 specification, which exceeds requirement for today's high definition (AVCHD) video recording. The card offers a sustained write speed fast enough to ensure high-definition video recording and capacity capable of storing 160 minutes of full HD 1920x1080 pixels at 24Mb/s data transfer rate.

Big Files Require Big Storage
Recently-released DSLR camera models like the Nikon D90 and D5000 offer consumers the ability to record HD videos, producing large files that can fill lesser-capacity cards quickly. Today's high-megapixel DSLRs also can generate massive still images like those produced in the RAW format used by professional photographers who want to take advantage of the enhanced picture quality and flexibility that RAW allows during post production.

RAW images demand up to ten times as much storage space as regular JPEG images, and when taken in rapid succession during burst mode can quickly fill smaller storage cards. The 32GB SanDisk Extreme SDHC card can store up to 2500 RAW3 images, providing photographers with piece of mind and confidence that they will not run out of space for their images.

Renowned for their world-class durability, SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards guarantee operation at extended temperatures ranging from minus 13 F (minus 25 C) to 185 F (85 C). SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards are fully compatible with any camera, card reader or other device that supports SDHC cards.

When placed in SanDisk's new ImageMate® Multi-Card USB 2.0 reader/writer, the SanDisk Extreme SDHC card transfers images and video to a computer at rates of up to 30MB/s. The card's fast data transfer rates enable photographers operating under tight deadlines to maximize critical workflow and enter post production as quickly as possible.

Class 10 Performance Sets a New Standard
An SD™ card's speed Class is based on its minimum data-transfer rate, and is used to ensure high-quality video recording standards. The SD Association added Class 10 as part of the SD 3.0 specification released earlier this year. The SanDisk Extreme SDHC card's performance exceeds the requirements of even the highest-quality AVCHD video recording device, and is currently the fastest Class 10 card in the world.

Availability:
The SanDisk Extreme SDHC 32GB cards will be shipping worldwide to major retailers in August. Also in August, the current 4, 8 and 16GB capacity SanDisk Extreme SDHC cards will be upgraded from Class 6 to Class 104.

About SanDisk:
SanDisk Corporation is the global leader in flash memory cards – from research, manufacturing and product design to consumer branding and retail distribution. SanDisk's product portfolio includes flash memory cards for mobile phones, digital cameras and camcorders; digital audio/video players; USB flash drives for consumers and the enterprise; embedded memory for mobile devices; and solid state drives for computers. SanDisk (www.sandisk.com/corporate) is a Silicon Valley-based S&P 500 company with more than half its sales outside of the United States.

WD's new NAS drives, the My Book World Edition II, packs either 2 or 4TB of storage in a dual-drive RAID array. It seems like a pretty solid system for those dangerously paranoid about the safety of their data.

The My Books can connect either as an NAS through ethernet or simply as an external drive through USB, and both the 2TB and 4TB versions contain two drives to watch each other's backs in case one fails. So really, you're getting either 1TB or 2TB of space, respectively, since one drive is used as backup. They're available now and retail for either $400 (2TB) or $700 (4TB). Press release to follow. [Western Digital]

WD'S NEW DUAL-DRIVE MY BOOK® WORLD EDITION™ II NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM ADDS EXTRA LEVEL OF PROTECTION
FOR A FAMILY'S VALUABLE DATA

Offers an Easy, Double-Safe Way to Backup Computers and Share Media
Throughout the Home

LAKE FOREST, Calif. - June 24, 2009 - WD® (NYSE: WDC), the world's leader in external storage solutions, today introduced its newly redesigned My Book® World Edition™ II dual- drive network storage system in capacities of up to 4 TB. With the double protection of two Mirrored (RAID 1) drives and continuous backup software, the My Book World Edition II network storage system provides an extra-safe place for users to back up and store the data and digital media from all the computers on their network in one central location. Available now at select retailers and the WD online store, the new dual-drive systems join the recently introduced (Feb. 2009) My Book World Edition and are compatible with PC and Mac® computers.

According to a July 2008 report by research firm Parks Associates, the number of households worldwide with data networks will grow from around 170 million in 2008 to 240 million by year-end 2012. The firm also reports that the average broadband household will see its digital media storage needs grow to nearly 900 GB by year-end 2012. In addition, consumers indicate that the most important feature for a network-attached storage (NAS) device is the amount of available storage. With its massive 4 TB capacity, the My Book World Edition II network storage system will serve this rapidly growing need for home data storage.

The My Book World Edition II network storage system uses RAID 1 (Mirrored1) technology to automatically and continuously maintain a second copy of user's data. If one drive in the two-drive system ever fails, the system continues to run and the data is safe. In addition, the new
My Book World Edition II network hard drive includes software that simplifies the task of setting up automatic and continuous data backup for all the PCs in the home. The My Book World Edition II storage systems ship in Mirrored mode and use half the capacity for file redundancy.

With its media server capabilities and fast transfer speeds, this high-capacity system makes it simple to build a centralized digital media library that everyone can easily share. Music, photos and videos can be streamed directly from the My Book World Edition II storage system to any PC, Mac or connected DLNA® media player (such as TVs, Microsoft® Xbox 360 and Sony® PlayStation®3 game consoles or wireless digital pictures frames) using the integrated UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) media server and iTunes® Music server software. Users can also securely access their files from anywhere in the world through the Internet using the free MioNet® remote access service included with every My Book World Edition II storage system.

"Families have more and more digital media like movies, photos and music to store, share and protect. Having two drives inside the My Book World Edition II network storage system, instantaneously and automatically duplicating data, offers consumers the peace of mind of double safe, real-time protection of their valuable content," said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing for WD's branded products group. "Families can relax knowing their valuable media is backed up while enjoying the ability to stream their content to a plethora of different devices from PCs and Macs to PS3s, Xbox 360s and the latest connected TVs."

Price and Availability

The new My Book World Edition II network storage systems are available now in 2 TB and 4 TB capacities at select retailers and WD's online store (www.shopwd.com). MSRP for the My Book World Edition II dual-drive storage system with 4 TB is $699.99 USD and 2 TB is $399.99 USD.

WD's new NAS drives, the My Book World Edition II, packs either 2 or 4TB of storage in a dual-drive RAID array. It seems like a pretty solid system for those dangerously paranoid about the safety of their data.

The My Books can connect either as an NAS through ethernet or simply as an external drive through USB, and both the 2TB and 4TB versions contain two drives to watch each other's backs in case one fails. So really, you're getting either 1TB or 2TB of space, respectively, since one drive is used as backup. They're available now and retail for either $400 (2TB) or $700 (4TB). Press release to follow. [Western Digital]

WD'S NEW DUAL-DRIVE MY BOOK® WORLD EDITION™ II NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM ADDS EXTRA LEVEL OF PROTECTION
FOR A FAMILY'S VALUABLE DATA

Offers an Easy, Double-Safe Way to Backup Computers and Share Media
Throughout the Home

LAKE FOREST, Calif. - June 24, 2009 - WD® (NYSE: WDC), the world's leader in external storage solutions, today introduced its newly redesigned My Book® World Edition™ II dual- drive network storage system in capacities of up to 4 TB. With the double protection of two Mirrored (RAID 1) drives and continuous backup software, the My Book World Edition II network storage system provides an extra-safe place for users to back up and store the data and digital media from all the computers on their network in one central location. Available now at select retailers and the WD online store, the new dual-drive systems join the recently introduced (Feb. 2009) My Book World Edition and are compatible with PC and Mac® computers.

According to a July 2008 report by research firm Parks Associates, the number of households worldwide with data networks will grow from around 170 million in 2008 to 240 million by year-end 2012. The firm also reports that the average broadband household will see its digital media storage needs grow to nearly 900 GB by year-end 2012. In addition, consumers indicate that the most important feature for a network-attached storage (NAS) device is the amount of available storage. With its massive 4 TB capacity, the My Book World Edition II network storage system will serve this rapidly growing need for home data storage.

The My Book World Edition II network storage system uses RAID 1 (Mirrored1) technology to automatically and continuously maintain a second copy of user's data. If one drive in the two-drive system ever fails, the system continues to run and the data is safe. In addition, the new
My Book World Edition II network hard drive includes software that simplifies the task of setting up automatic and continuous data backup for all the PCs in the home. The My Book World Edition II storage systems ship in Mirrored mode and use half the capacity for file redundancy.

With its media server capabilities and fast transfer speeds, this high-capacity system makes it simple to build a centralized digital media library that everyone can easily share. Music, photos and videos can be streamed directly from the My Book World Edition II storage system to any PC, Mac or connected DLNA® media player (such as TVs, Microsoft® Xbox 360 and Sony® PlayStation®3 game consoles or wireless digital pictures frames) using the integrated UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) media server and iTunes® Music server software. Users can also securely access their files from anywhere in the world through the Internet using the free MioNet® remote access service included with every My Book World Edition II storage system.

"Families have more and more digital media like movies, photos and music to store, share and protect. Having two drives inside the My Book World Edition II network storage system, instantaneously and automatically duplicating data, offers consumers the peace of mind of double safe, real-time protection of their valuable content," said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing for WD's branded products group. "Families can relax knowing their valuable media is backed up while enjoying the ability to stream their content to a plethora of different devices from PCs and Macs to PS3s, Xbox 360s and the latest connected TVs."

Price and Availability

The new My Book World Edition II network storage systems are available now in 2 TB and 4 TB capacities at select retailers and WD's online store (www.shopwd.com). MSRP for the My Book World Edition II dual-drive storage system with 4 TB is $699.99 USD and 2 TB is $399.99 USD.

The Hero feels more substantial than HTC's previous phones, but the hardware will be familiar to anyone who has used any of HTC's other Android hardware. It's just a bit, well, prettier.

Now, I know its shape is somewhat boatlike, and its chin—an HTC hallmark—has evolved into something closer to a whole jaw. But the version I held—the white one—had tasteful aluminum trim, clean lines and a shape that was generally more hand-friendly than the Dream, and slightly heftier than the Magic.

Software performance was very snappy, though the interface takes a while to figure out, at first. I'll post a video in a second, with a longer look.

The Hero feels more substantial than HTC's previous Android handsets, but the hardware—and the software, to a certain extent—will be familiar to anyone who's used the company's other hardware. It's all just a bit, well, prettier.

Now, I know its shape is somewhat boatlike, and its chin—an HTC hallmark—has evolved into something closer to a whole jaw. But the version I held—the white one—had tasteful aluminum trim, clean lines and a shape that was generally more hand-friendly than the Dream, and slightly heftier than the Magic.

Software performance was very snappy, though the interface takes a while to figure out at first. (I'll post a video in a second with a longer look. UPDATE: Check it out below. )

Screen input on the multitouch capacitive screen is accurate and quick, but the software doesn't seem quite as buttery smooth—especially during multitouch zooming—as the iPhone or Pre. The Android basics are all there, and the multiple homescreens are the same as they've always been, albeit populated with a pile of new HTC widgets.

On those widgets: Most of them are fine, drawing heavily from previous efforts by HTC on other platforms (weather and stock, for example, are almost identical to the versions for TF3D). We didn't have a chance to really test the social networking integration, since the display phones weren't loaded with much personal data, but in general, it looks a bit like webOS's Synergy. It's a little bit more fragmented in a way that I think people will like: instead of mandating a single flow of status updates, texts, call history or new photos from your contacts, it divides their activity into panels.

The Hero feels more substantial than HTC's previous Android handsets, but the hardware—and the software, to a certain extent—will be familiar to anyone who's used the company's other hardware. It's all just a bit, well, nicer.

Now, I know its shape is somewhat boatlike, and its chin—an HTC hallmark—has evolved into something closer to a jaw. But the version I held—the white one—had tasteful aluminum trim, clean lines and a shape that was generally more hand-friendly than the Dream, and slightly heftier than the Magic. Its Teflon coating isn't as slippery as it sounds, thankfully. I wasn't really in a position to drop test the phone to see if the finish is as durable as HTC says, so we'll have to take their word on that.

Software performance was very snappy, though the interface takes a while to figure out at first. Screen input on the multitouch capacitive screen is accurate and quick, but the software doesn't seem quite as buttery smooth—especially during multitouch zooming—as the iPhone or Pre. The Android basics are all there, and the multiple homescreens are the same as they've always been, albeit populated with a pile of new HTC widgets.

On those widgets: Most of them are fine, drawing heavily from previous efforts by HTC on other platforms (weather and stocks, for example, are almost identical to the versions for TF3D). We didn't have a chance to really test the social networking integration, since the display phones weren't loaded with much personal data. In general, it looks a bit like webOS's Synergy. It's a little bit more fragmented in a way that I think people will like: instead of mandating a single flow of status updates, texts, call history or new photos from your contacts, it divides their activity into panels. More on that here.

Finally, we've got Flash support. The implementation is patchy, at least for now. A quick trip to YouTube, as you can see in the gallery, displayed an oddly-sized video frame, and transitioned to a full-screen player when activated. It worked OK, although it was clear that the phone was straining. Playback wasn't totally smooth; it would suffice in a bind.

The Hero feels more substantial than HTC's previous Android handsets, but the hardware—and the software, to a certain extent—will be familiar to anyone who's used the company's other hardware. It's all just a bit, well, nicer.

Now, I know its shape is somewhat boatlike, and its chin—an HTC hallmark—has evolved into something closer to a jaw. But the version I held—the white one—had tasteful aluminum trim, clean lines and a shape that was generally more hand-friendly than the Dream, and slightly heftier than the Magic. Its Teflon coating isn't as slippery as it sounds, thankfully. I wasn't really in a position to drop test the phone to see if the finish is as durable as HTC says, so we'll have to take their word on that.

Software performance was very snappy, though the interface takes a while to figure out at first. Screen input on the multitouch capacitive screen is accurate and quick, but the software doesn't seem quite as buttery smooth—especially during multitouch zooming—as the iPhone or Pre. The Android basics are all there, and the multiple homescreens are the same as they've always been, albeit populated with a pile of new HTC widgets.

On those widgets: Most of them are fine, drawing heavily from previous efforts by HTC on other platforms (weather and stocks, for example, are almost identical to the versions for TF3D). We didn't have a chance to really test the social networking integration, since the display phones weren't loaded with much personal data. In general, it looks a bit like webOS's Synergy. It's a little bit more fragmented in a way that I think people will like: instead of mandating a single flow of status updates, texts, call history or new photos from your contacts, it divides their activity into panels. More on that here.

Finally, we've got Flash support. The implementation is patchy, at least for now. A quick trip to YouTube, as you can see in the gallery, displayed an oddly-sized video frame, and transitioned to a full-screen player when double tapped. It worked OK, although it was clear that the phone was straining. Playback wasn't totally smooth; it would suffice in a bind. Flash ads and animations works more smoothly, and Adobe says that many games are playable.

At Cedia UK, JVC is showing off its 32-inch LT-32WX50, which appears to be a close relation to the 7mm-thick GD-32X1 we heard about earlier this month. It's extremely thin, and carries it well.

Though I see hints of a protruding buttocks, as is the main issue with the GD-32X1, the set is admirably wispy. And aside from its svelteness and light source, the 1080p TV boasts a few notable features—namely, its 100Hz refresh rate, 4000:1 contrast ratio and apparent support for some kind of direct digital media playback, as evidenced by its built-in SD slot and USB ports. Since it was shown at a British event, pricing and availability are UK-only, but a helpful indicator:

As expected, HTC has dropped the details on a new Android phone—the leaked-to-all-hell Hero, no less. And HTC's fantastic, also-leaked Android interface overhaul is here, too: it's called Sense.

First, some specs: We've got a 3.2-inch HVGA (480x320) screen, coated with some kind of anti-print treatment; a five megapixel camera with autofocus; AGPS; a digital compass; a gravity sensor; a 3.5mm headphone jack (seriously!) and a dedicated search button. More on that later.

The Hero's got some hardware benefits over the Dream and Magic, sure, but the software is the star here: Sense, as HTC is caling their new interface, reaches deeper than their usual first-layer aesthetic overhauls, like Touchflo 3D for Windows Mobile. Aside from its new widget interface, it catches Android up to some of the touted features of WebOS on the Pre and iPhone 3.0—specifically, system-wide search and socila network (Facebook, Flickr, etc) integration. HTC's take on Facebook integration is a little more intrusive, even, adding status updates to a "feed" for each of your friends alongside text messages, calls and MMSes.

It won't be available until later this summer in Europe in July and Asia later in the summer, but US availability won't come until "later this year."

Watch this post for more info; a hands-on is (hopefully) forthcoming.

[HTC—Pic via Engadget]

As expected, HTC has dropped the details on a new Android phone—the leaked-to-all-hell Hero, no less. And HTC's fantastic, also-leaked Android interface overhaul is here, too: it's called Sense, and it's deep. Oh, and it's got Flash support.

Yes, it's the first Android phone with Flash—and it'll come out more than two months before Adobe's solution is set for wide release. Some specs: We've got a 3.2-inch HVGA (480x320) screen, coated with some kind of anti-print treatment; a five megapixel camera with autofocus; AGPS; a digital compass; a gravity sensor; a 3.5mm headphone jack (seriously!) and a dedicated search button. On the brains'n'guts front, we've got 512MB of storage, expandable by microSD, 288MB of RAM, and a 528MHz Qualcomm processor. Powering the handset is a 1350 mAh battery.

The Hero will be available later this summer in Europe in July and Asia later in the summer, but US availability won't come until "later this year."

[HTC]

HTC SENSE™ DEBUTS ON NEW HTC HERO™

HTC Hero is the world's first Android-based phone with a
customized user interface

HTC Sense to be integrated across a portfolio of
phones beginning with HTC Hero

LONDON – June 24, 2009 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of mobile phones, today debuted HTC Sense™, an intuitive and seamless experience that will be introduced across a portfolio of phones beginning with the new HTC Hero™. With its distinct design and powerful capabilities fully integrated with HTC Sense, Hero introduces a unique blend of form and function that takes Android to new heights.
HTC Sense is focused on putting people at the centre by making your phone work in a more simple and natural way. This experience revolves around three fundamental principles that were designed by quietly listening and observing how people live and communicate.
"HTC Hero introduces a more natural way for reaching out to the people and accessing your important information, not by following the status quo of today's phones, but by following how you communicate and live your life," said Peter Chou, Chief Executive Officer, HTC Corporation. "HTC Sense is a distinct experience created to make HTC phones more simple for people to use, leaving them saying, ‘it just makes sense.'"

HTC Hero
HTC Hero continues HTC's leadership in cutting-edge design that focuses on introducing a variety of distinct devices to represent your own individuality. Boasting bevelled edges and an angled bottom, the HTC Hero is contoured to fit comfortably in your hand and against your face while you're on a call. The HTC Hero is built to last beginning with an anti-fingerprint screen coating for improved smudge resistance and a longer lasting, clearer display. The white HTC Hero includes an industry-first, Teflon coating, resulting in an improved, durable white surface that is soft to the touch.
With its 3.2-inch HVGA display, the HTC Hero is optimized for Web, multimedia and other content while maintaining a small size and weight that fits comfortably in your hand. It also boasts a broad variety of hardware features including a GPS, digital compass, gravity-sensor, 3.5mm stereo headset jack, a 5 mega-pixel autofocus camera and expandable MicroSD memory. HTC Hero also includes a dedicated Search button that goes beyond basic search, providing you with a more natural, contextual search experience that enables you to search through Twitter, locate people in your contact list, find emails in your inbox or search in any other area in Hero.

HTC Sense
Built on a culture of innovation and a passion to enhance people's lives, HTC shapes the mobile experience around the individual. Debuting on the HTC Hero and available on all new HTC devices moving forward, Sense delivers on three basic principles: Make it Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected.

Make It Mine
Make It Mine, is about feeling your HTC phone was created for and by you. To do this, HTC encourages you to dictate and organize how you want to access the people and content in your life in a way that fits best for you. For some, this means adding glance view widgets that push content like twitter feeds, weather and other content to the surface while others may want quick access to business-focused information like email, calendar and world-times. HTC is also introducing a new profile feature called ‘scenes' that enables you to create different customized content profiles around specific functions or times in your life.

Stay Close
Today, staying in touch with the people in your life means managing a variety of communication channels and applications ranging from phone calls, emails, texts, photos, status updates and more. HTC Sense takes a different approach by integrating these communication channels and applications into one single view enabling you to stay closer to your important people. With HTC Sense, friends' Facebook status updates and photos along with their Flickr photos are included along side their text messages, emails and call history in a single view.

Discover the Unexpected
Many of the most memorable moments in your life are experienced, not explained. HTC Sense is focused on providing a variety of these simple yet innovative experiences on your HTC phone that will sometimes bring you moments of joy and delight. It can be something as basic as turning the phone over to silence a ring or as simple as improving the smart dialler for making calls quicker. HTC Sense also includes perspectives, a new way for viewing your content such as email, photos, Twitter, music and more in different ways.

Availability
The HTC Hero will be available to people across Europe in July and in Asia later in the summer. A distinct North American version will be available later in 2009.