Pliant Technology, developer of Enterprise Flash Drives (EFDs), a new class of high-performance, high-reliability storage drives, today announced the availability of its first family of products. Pliant's Lightning EFDs integrate an advanced software architecture and a proprietary ASIC controller design to dramatically improve performance and reliability of storage and IT systems, while significantly reducing cost, space requirements and energy consumption.

Pliant's Lightning EFDs enable enterprise data centers, financial services organizations, high-performance computing (HPC) environments, and digital media applications to 'do more for less,' by providing IT managers and system architects with breakthrough levels of performance, reliability and efficiency. Lightning EFDs deliver the industry's highest sustained performance with the most predictable performance profile across a wide range of read/write workloads, and have been specifically designed for demanding, mission-critical 24x7 applications.

Quick-draw Flash storage specialist PhotoFast introduced mini SATA flash drives (essentially compact SATA SSDs that plug into the connectors). The G-Monster mini-SATA and G-Monster mini-DOM drives are about as big as cartridges of retro portable game consoles, measuring 45 x 37 x 7.5 mm and weighing 10 g. They come in capacities of 32 and 64 GB, and offer reasonably good transfer rates at 110 MB/s (read) and 60 MB/s (write). With the standard arrangement of SATA data and power connectors, the G-Monster mini-SATA should plug into any SATA drive docks/enclosures. Apart from being a portable storage medium, it can also be tucked away as a system drive for a NAS server. The G-Monster mini-DOM on the other hand, can plug directly into one of the motherboard's SATA ports, and draw power using its 5V adapter. The two will hit shelves in October. Pictured below are (in order) G-Monster mini-SATA and G-Monster mini-DOM.

Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, recently announced its alliance with Trend Micro, Inc., a global leader in Internet content security, to offer advanced Trend Micro USB Security software preloaded on its newest USB flash drive, the JetFlash V15. With this powerful combination of Transcend hardware and industry-leading Trend Micro software, users can now share, store and manage valuable data more safely and securely than ever.

Trend Micro USB Security is a unique software program specially developed to protect against malicious content in files transferred to USB Flash Drives. With its easy-to-use interface and simple one-step activation process, Trend Micro USB Security protects the JetFlash V85 from the first moment it is connected. Upon finding threats, the software will alert the user and move all dangerous files to a hidden quarantine folder. Additionally, when the JetFlash V85 is plugged into a computer with Internet access, Trend Micro USB Security will automatically download and install the latest security updates directly onto the drive. Thanks to its powerful Trend Micro USB Security built-in software, Transcend's JetFlash V85 AntiVirus USB Flash Drive can freely be used in any computer with no danger of malicious data hitching a ride while transferring files.

Buffalo Japan announced a series of secure USB flash drives with capacities ranging between 16 and 32 GB. Products include RUF2-HSCxxGUW, RUF2-HSC32GW, and RUF2-HSCL-U16G (where "xx" is 16 or 32, indicating capacity in GB; pictured in the same order below). Selling points include the security features: SecureLock, which makes it a key for the computer, data encryption, and a native anti-virus solution from TrendMicro that scans files when its being copied, and quarantines infected files into a separate folder. The drive also lets you maintain a usage log of the drive, which tracks every file moved in or accessed. The RUF2-HSC32GUW will sell for 39800 JPY (US $420), the 16 GB variant at 29800 JPY ($320), RUF2-HSC32GW for 38800 JPY ($415), and RUF2-HSCL-U16G at 22800 JPY ($250). The drive will hit stores in Japan by mid-July

A-DATA Technology today unveiled a brand-new swivel-designed C903 USB Flash Drive. Accentuated by its glossy, metallic swivel casing with a distinctive asymmetric contour therein, C903 is delicately designed to bring out the minimalist style with an innovative touch.

Unlike conventional swivel-designed USB flash drives, the unique asymmetric outer casing of C903 protects the USB connector and serves as a lock mechanism to prevent the connector from sticking out due to constant turning and wearing. The same design also enables users to turn and store the USB connector properly in place with much of an ease.

Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced its alliance with Trend Micro, Inc., a global leader in Internet content security, to offer advanced Trend Micro USB Security software preloaded on its newest USB flash drive, the JetFlash V15. With this powerful combination of Transcend hardware and industry-leading Trend Micro software, users can now share, store and manage valuable data more safely and securely than ever.

To combat against a rise in Autorun malware that infect removable drives and then spread across corporate networks that Trend Micro threat researchers discovered last year, a unique software program called Trend Micro USB Security was developed specifically to protect against malicious content in files transferred to a USB flash drive. With its easy-to-use interface and simple one-step activation process, Trend Micro USB Security protects the JetFlash V15 from the first moment it is plugged in. If threats are discovered, users will be alerted and all infected files will be quarantined.

Pretec, creator of the world's smallest USB drive and pioneer of SSD technology innovation, today introduced fresh line of 32 GB and 64 GB eSATA/USB dual interface solid-state drives compliant with the Power Over eSATA specification. In other words these SSDs do not need external power connector to operate normal and transfer data via either eSATA or USB. Another nifty feature of the new Pretec Cobra pocket SSDs are their super fast read and write speeds of 90 MB/s and 60 MB/s respectively. Considering the size and the mobility of the drives, these speeds are more than you can ever want. Unfortunately, Pretec didn't mention the price and availability date in their announcement.

Buffalo on Friday released fresh 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB and 8 GB USB flash drives with enhanced security features. The RUF2-HSCL-U series drives keep your private data safe thanks to a 256-bit AES encryption and built-in realtime scanning anti-virus software developed by Trend Micro. Buffalo said the drives could come out around the middle of this month, priced at $55, $76, $129 and $184 respectively.

SanDisk Corporation 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 64 gigabytes(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 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.

Besides the USB 3.0 demonstration, visitors attending the 2009 CES at Las Vegas may also take a look at PQI's booth, where the company will have on display their full range of Solid State Drives, USB Flash Drives (UFD), Memory Modules and Flash Memory Cards. Among these will be four brand new and never seen before products - 1.8-inch microSATA SSD S518, Express Card SSD S520, 2.5-inch SATAⅡ SSD S525 and e-SATA Combo Card S530. The 32GB Express Card SSD S520 utilizes PCMCIA form factor that supports both USB2 and PCI Express connectivity. Users have the option of using it as a portable USB flash drive or to extend their PC / laptop storage capacity. The 64GB e-SATA Combo Card S530 has an e-SATA connection interface and reaches a maximum read speed of 90MB/Sec. Finally, both PQI's 1.8-inch microSATA SSD S518 and 2.5-inch SATAⅡ SSD S525 are available with a maximum capacity of 128GB. They are also suitable for installation into PCs, laptops or mobile workstations. Expect more information on each drive at CES 2009.

Super Talent Technology, a leading manufacturer of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, today announced that their ultra-small Pico family of USB drives will now be offered in 16GB capacities, making it the world's tiniest line of 16GB USB drives.

16GB Pico drives will be offered in four different styles that use patented closing mechanisms: retractable Pico-B; lidless Pico-C; swivel Pico-D; and sliding lid Pico-E. The Pico family represents a momentous advance in storage miniaturization, accommodating up to 4,000 MP3 songs on a drive that weighs less than a quarter.

Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it is shipping its high-capacity 64GB DataTraveler 150 (DT150) USB Flash drive. DT150 offers the largest capacity in Kingston's entire line of DataTraveler USB drives and allows users the room and flexibility to backup important hard drive contents, and transport and share complete collections of music, videos, photos and documents in one convenient device.

"The new 64GB DataTraveler 150 takes transportable storage to the next level with big capacity in a small package," said Jaja Lin, Flash business development manager, Kingston. "As file sizes increase with digital media content such as music and photos, the need for USB Flash drives with high capacities will continue to rise. The DT150 certainly addresses those needs today."

The Flash Voyager Mini is the newest member of Corsair's Flash Voyager family of pocket USB drives. Utilizing an ergonomic rubberized housing and a cap-less retractable connector plug, the Voyager Mini is 100% water-resistant and shock proof, giving maximum security for all the data carried with the drive. The Flash Voyager Mini is compatibile with all USB 1.1/2.0 ports, comes with 10 year limited warranty and for now is only offered with 4GB of capacity. Find more at Corsair.

A-DATA Technology, a worldwide leader in high performance DRAM module and flash memory products, today announced its largest capacity USB flash drives in two models, the 32GB PD2 and PD9 that it is expanding its USB flash drive family lines with new 32GB capacity offerings.PD2 is the silver one & PD9 is the black one

Corsair today announced a new 16GB high performance "GT" Flash Voyager USB 2.0 drive. The new Corsair 16GB GT Flash Voyager USB drive will be debuted at the CeBIT 2008 Show next week in Hanover, Germany on Corsair's stand.

Kingston's latest USB flash drives are designed for business professionals who regularly need to transport large amounts of data. Both of them have an 8GB capacity. The DataTraveler II Plus - Migo Edition drive comes bundled with Migo software that lets you store your data and tools, so that you feel at "home" while using a guest computer. Its security software keeps your data safe and fully synchronized; while the Universal Mail Format allows you to access Windows based email programs. The DataTraveler 100 is a simple USB drive with a capless design. The DataTraveler II Plus Migo Edition and DataTraveler 100 are now available for $154 and $116 respectively.

OCZ Technology Group, today announced an exciting new addition to its award-winning lineup of flash drives. VBoost USB 2.0 Flash Drives are optimized for Windows Vista ReadyBoost. Vista ReadyBoost enables the OCZ VBoost to double as supplemental cache memory for faster retrieval and storage of system data and applications. By providing an instant supply of additional memory, this drive is a cost-effective alternative to expensive RAM upgrades.

Samsung Electronics, announced today that it has become the first to begin mass producing 16 gigabit (Gb) NAND flash, the highest capacity memory chip now available. The company said it will fabricate the devices in 51 nanometers (nm), the finest process technology to be used in memory mass production to date.

Corsair has just launched a new series of ultra-durable USB flash drives, nicknamed Survivor. Building on the massive success of the Flash Voyager line-up, the new (limited availability) Flash Survivor is an extremely durable, water resistant, drop-tested flash USB memory drive. The Corsair Flash Survivor USB drives are available in 4GB and 8GB capacities. The Survivor drives are made of extremely strong CNC-milled, 6061 Type 2 Aluminum, the same used in aircraft parts manufacturing. They are water resistant to 200m, protected from vibration or impact damage and work flawlessly with any USB 2.0 certified peripheral computer port (backward compatible with USB1.1). All Corsair Suvivor drives are also protected by a 10 year limited warranty.

Yet another cool-looking USB device: the USB poker chip. It holds 1GB of data, more than enough for most of your family pictures, the average music collection, or some critical office documents. Not only does the poker chip give you something to fiddle with in the middle of a heated poker game, it gives you a pre-loaded PC poker game for when you're lonely. There is no word as to how much this device will cost, but it should find itself in Target stores by the end of April.

Sandisk and Sony are now partnering up to push their SxS standard. The new flash based cards will be made for Sony's upcoming XDCAM EX high-def camcorders. Both companies claim the cards will have a normal transfer rate of 800 megabits per second and will be able to burst to a maximum speed of 2.5Gb/sec. The new SxS standard will also be compatible with the ExpressCard industry standard, which means that it can be easily used in notebook computers with an ExpressCard slot. Sandisk and Sony say the SxS cards will be available later this year. No pricing has been announced.

OCZ Technology Group, today introduced a new line of SDHC flash memory cards to their high performance Secure Digital family. OCZ SD High Capacity (SDHC) cards comply with the new SDA 2.00 specification to support capacities over 2GB. Available in 4GB and 8GB configurations, OCZ SDHC cards are ideal for the latest digital cameras and electronics.

OCZ Technology Group, Inc., today released the most innovative Secure Digital memory solution on the market, the new OCZ Trifecta SD card series. This unique combination of microSD, SD and a USB key in one unit creates a new way of sharing files between your mobile phone, MP3 player, digital camera, and PC. The ultra-convenient Trifecta card combines the storage use of microSD with the ability to be converted into a standard SD card that can also be plugged into any USB port for quick access on your desktop or notebook.

Corsair has a new line up of specially designed USB sticks. The first one is named Survivor, and it comes in two flavors - the ordinary one and the faster GT. The main feature of this aluminum made stick is that it can withstand severe mechanical abuse. In theory, you can use it underwater at 200 meters below sea level. They will available in 4 and 8 GB of capacity.The second one is for the one who fears that someone might find out their little secrets from their memory stick. Named PADLOCK, it has a special keyboard, which allows you to set a password. If you want to use the stick, you have 20 seconds to enter the password. Otherwise, if you don't enter, or enter the incorrect one, Windows won't even see the drive at all. The drive hasn't got any lockout mechanism or master code, so there is no limit in number of attempts to enter the right key.

Samsung Electronics, announced today that it has begun shipping samples of an eight gigabyte (GB) memory chip to major mobile electronics manufacturers - the highest density embedded flash memory developed to date. Samsung's high-density moviNAND memory solution consists of four 50-nanometer, 16Gigabit NAND flash memories, a high-speed MultiMediaCard (MMC) controller and associated firmware. It can store up to 2,000 songs or enough map data to implement global positioning system (GPS) and points of interest for the entire western world. In addition, it can also be used with removable media cards to permit virtually unlimited memory expansion.