At SIGGRAPH 2017, NVIDIA introduced the latest version of their AI-based, GPU-enabled ray-tracing OptiX API. The company has been at the forefront of GPU-powered AI endeavors in a number of areas, including facial animation, anti-aliasing, denoising, and light transport. OptiX 5.0 brings a renewed focus on AI-based denoising.

AI training is still a brute-force scenario with finesse applied at the end: basically, NVIDIA took tens of thousands of image pairs of rendered images with one sample per pixel and a companion image of the same render with 4,000 rays per pixel, and used that to train the AI to predict what a denoised image looks like. Basically (and picking up the numbers NVIDIA used for its AI training), this means that in theory, users deploying OptiX 5.0 only need to render one sample per pixel of a given image, instead of the 4,000 rays per pixel that would be needed for its final presentation. Based on its learning, the AI will then be able to fill in the blanks towards finalizing the image, saving the need to render all that extra data. NVIDIA quotes a 157x improvement in render time using a DGX station with Optix 5.0 deployed against the same render on a CPU-based platform (2 x E5-2699 v4 @ 2.20GHz). The Optix 5.0 release also includes provisions for GPU-accelerated motion blur, which should do away with the need to render a frame multiple times and then applying a blur filter through a collage of the different frames. NVIDIA said OptiX 5.0 will be available in November. Check the press release after the break.

Amidst the cutting-edge innovations in NAS, networking, and IoT presented by QNAP Systems, Inc. at COMPUTEX 2017, the announcement of the world's first AMD Ryzen-based NAS took center stage and underlined QNAP's commitment to push the boundaries of NAS performance and functionality.

The new TS-x77 series leverages the incredible power of Ryzen, featuring processors with up to 8-cores/16-threads with Turbo Core up to 3.7 GHz to greatly boost virtualization performance. The TS-x77 is designed as a high-performance, highly-capable tiered storage geared for I/O intensive and virtualization applications, and also supports AMD Radeon and NVIDIA graphics cards to satisfy resource-demanding video editing and playback.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of highperformance DRAM modules and NAND Flash products,today launched industrial-grade ISDD361 SD cards. The cards employ meticulously-sorted and tested SLC NAND flash, and feature a hardened design optimized for extreme cold, heat, shock, and vibration. ISDD361 cards are meant for deployment in manufacturing, professional camcorder use, travel, photography, and military applications. They deliver up to 90 MB/s read and are available in capacities ranging from 256 MB to 16 GB.

ADATA uses only the best single-level cell Flash on industrial-grade SD cards. ISDD361 models employ SLC, which surpasses MLC and TLC (multi-level cell and triple-level cell) NAND flash in durability, longevity, and reliability. With ADATA A+ Testing methodology in place, users get SD cards with guaranteed quality, backed by a 3-year warranty.

Team Group, the world's leading memory brand, today announced the release of Go Card, a memory card made especially for action cameras. Team Group is continuously dedicated to satisfying our customers' needs in every respect. And now, to meet the huge demand for memory cards brought about by smart mobile devices, and consumers' requirements for speed and versatile usages, Team Group released Go Card, a memory card that has great versatility, excellent transfer performance and UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) compliant. Go Card is able to satisfy sports lovers by capturing and preserving all wonderful memories, while expanding the memory capacity of the action camera swiftly and easily.

Team Group's latest released GO Card is not only fast, high performance and rated UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3), it is also the best companion for action camera users. With the performance Full HD and 4K high quality video needed, users are able to capture in 4K ultra high quality or 240 frames per second. The read speed of GO Card is up to 90MB/s, and the write speed is up to 45 MB/s. When using GO Card, you can immediately enjoy the smooth recording and video playback experience, freely capture wonderful moments in life.

Transcend Information, Inc., a leading manufacturer of industrial-grade flash and DRAM products, is proud to announce the release of its industrial-grade SuperMLC microSD cards. Positioned between its SLC and MLC NAND flash offerings, Transcend's exclusive SuperMLC technology features a cost-effective solution that offers performance close to that of SLC NAND flash. The newly-released SuperMLC microSD cards boast high-performance, exceptional endurance, and wide temperature tolerance (-40°C to 85°C) at affordable prices, ideal for industrial applications such as medical devices, surveillance systems, and POS terminals.

Combining the benefits of both Single-Level Cell (SLC) and Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NAND flash, Transcend has successfully developed SuperMLC technology by reprogramming the two bits per cell of MLC into one bit per cell, greatly boosting its performance. The transfer speed of Transcend's new UHS-I Class 1 SuperMLC microSD cards can reach up to 95MB/s, double the speed of MLC flash chips. Although total capacity is reduced, SuperMLC offers a good balance for industrial applications that demand quality that is comparable to SLC NAND flash at a cost-effective price.

SanDisk Corporation, a global leader in flash storage solutions, today announced it has shipped more than two billion microSD cards since it started commercial shipment of the technology ten years ago. The company commemorates this milestone on the eve of Mobile World Congress Shanghai.

Invented by SanDisk in 2004, the microSD format was initially known as TransFlash. In 2005 SanDisk contributed the technology to the SD Card Association who renamed and released the final specifications for the microSD format on July 13, 2005. This format has become the most popular removable memory card in SanDisk's history. Collectively, SanDisk's two billion microSD cards could store an estimated 11,103 billion megabytes (MB)* worth of memory - the equivalent of more than 100MB of flash storage for every man, woman and child that ever lived on Earth.

SMART High Reliability Solutions ("SMART HRS"), a provider of current and next-generation solid-state storage solutions specializing in ruggedized, high-performance and high-capacity solid-state drives ("SSDs") for defense, aerospace and industrial markets, today announced its HRS-S3 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s SSD, which has been successfully sampling with key customers, is now available in volume quantities to qualified customers. As the latest in a robust line of products from SMART HRS that emphasizes the company's exclusive focus on solid-state storage solutions, the HRS-S3 is ideal for industrial temperature applications.

Building on the accomplishments of SMART HRS's long line of SSD products for the defense industry, the HRS-S3 SSD delivers performance metrics of 500MB/s sequential read and 400MB/s sequential write speeds while delivering 35K IOPS and 20K IOPS respectively during random operation. Using highly reliable single-level-cell (SLC) NAND Flash, the HRS-S3 is available in capacities ranging from 120 to 960GB.

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today introduced the Toshiba EXCERIA Pro SD Memory Card and Toshiba EXCERIA microSD Memory Card, two flash storage options equipped to unleash a device's full shooting potential to capture stunning images and immersive footage. Ideal for professional DSLR photographers and high action sports enthusiasts respectively, the EXCERIA Pro SD and EXCERIA microSD provide unparalleled performance with excellent read/write rates and ample storage to capture fast-action photos and 4K videos without delay.

"Recording the most important life moments shouldn't be limited by speed or space," said Maciek Brzeski, Vice President of Branded Storage Products, Toshiba Digital Product Division. "With the EXCERIA Pro and EXCERIA microSD, Toshiba delivers a memory card that specifically complements consumers' professional and mobile lifestyles." The EXCERIA Pro SD Memory Card allows professional photographers and videographers to maximize the potential of their UHS-II-enabled high performance cameras. With read speeds of up to 260MB/s and write speeds up to 240MB/s, the EXCERIA Pro SD card can transfer photos in less time than non-UHS II cards.

The Intel Compute Stick, a new pocket-sized computer based on a quad-core Intel Atom processor running Windows 8.1 with Bing, is available now through Intel Authorized Dealers for much of the world.

The Intel Compute Stick can transform any HDMI display into an entry computer capable of working with productivity apps, playing local or streamed content, driving basic digital signage or enabling thin clients. It will support Wireless 802.11 b/g/n, a microSD card for expandable memory, MicroUSB power supply and Bluetooth 4.0 for keyboard and mouse.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards is hosting a press conference today to launch two new products, the GIGABYTE X99-SOC Champion motherboard as well as a new GIGABYTE BRIX compact PC built around the new 5th Gen Intel Core processors. Held at the Neopolitan Ballroom of the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, USA, the press event also includes a live overclocking demonstration where the new motherboard will be put to the test by GIGABYTE's evangelist overclockers HiCookie, Sofos1990 and Dinos22. Currently holding the highest DDR4 memory frequency World Record, the GIGABYTE X99-SOC Champion will be overclocked on Liquid Nitrogen to see if a new world record can be achieved live at the event.

From January 6th until the 8th, GIGABYTE will be showcasing their latest hardware solutions at the Neopolitan Ballroom of the Caesars Palace including 10 custom made demo systems especially for CES by system builders such as Cyberpower, iBuypower, Origin PC, Maingear, XOTIC PC, Falcon NW and Digital Storm. A few case mods will also be on display from renowned case modders Richard Surroz, Bob Stewart and Larry Andersen.

Patriot, a leading manufacturer of computer memory, USB/flash and mobile accessories, added two new additions to its LX Series of SDXC and microSDXC cards reaching new capacities making it easier than ever before to capture images and record in high definition.

Compliant with the latest SD Association 3.0 specifications consumers are able to capture images and video in real time without having to worry about delay or storage. The perfect item for an aspiring photographer or a seasoned veteran using the latest equipment, it is fast enough to record in HD 1920 x 1080 and has a read speed of up to 80 MB/s and a write speed of up to 20 MB/s. Its write protection switch prevents users from accidentally deleting videos or images. The Patriot LX Class 10 SDXC memory cards are available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB and are backed by a 5 year warranty.

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today introduced EXCERIA UHS-I SD Memory Cards, a new line of EXCERIA products focused on continuous shooting and full HD (including 4K resolution) video, a perfect fit for professional or amateur photographers in a wide-range of sizes at an affordable price.

Great for professional DSLR photographers, videographers and content creators who demand high-performance tools, these EXCERIA SD cards offer faster write speeds than Class 10 SD cards, have greater mobile storage capacity (up to 128GB) than other EXCERIA products and include UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) support for 4K2K video recording and playback. With EXCERIA UHS-I SD cards, digital pros, enthusiast photographers and amateurs can enjoy fast-motion capture and playback of high-resolution content, plus the benefits of high-speed continuous shooting, real-time full HD video recording and the time-saving value of lightning-fast data transfers for large files. With EXCERIA, backing up 1,000 photographs takes only one-third the time needed by other UHS-I SD cards.

The SD Association (SDA), a global ecosystem of companies setting industry-leading memory card standards, announced an enhanced iSDIO specification offering a SD memory card with TransferJet contactless communications. Products using the specification will be simple to use and feature secure connections for quick peer-to-peer data transfer.

The data recorded on an iSDIO TransferJet memory card can now be wirelessly communicated between TransferJet equipped devices. Typical devices capable of supporting this contactless communication include personal computers, smartphones and printers. The specification also facilitates the contactless data transfer between other iSDIO TransferJet memory cards used in any type of device.

PNY, the leading manufacturer of memory products and PC Peripherals, has officially announced the release of the new package of HP microSDXC C10 (64G) cards for unlimited storage space for your mobile devices. Now increase the storage capacity of your digital camera, smartphones and tablet PCs. Do more with HP microSDXC cards, which ensures reliable, high-capacity performance that allows you to store HD videos, graphic rich images, songs, movies, apps and more.

In today's mobile world, digital media can be accessed through all mobile devices and we're all trying to store more and more content. Available in 8-64 GB capacity, HP microSD C10 maximizes your mobile entertainment so that you can download and store a huge number of media files without running out of memory space. The HP microSDXC C10 cards give you the ability to store up to 5 and14 hours of full HD and HD videos, 11, 837 songs and 28,445 images. High speed flash memory ensures you capture, record and store digital content with up to 10MB/sec transfer speed and Class 10 speed rating. Expand your device's memory space simply by plugging in the HP microSD C10 card and enjoy portable storage at school or work.

ADATA Technology Co., Ltd., will be displaying a complete industrial, commercial and server grade storage solutions, which includes customizable ISSS312 SSD, wide temperature industrial storage and latest DDR4 server DIMMs at Flash Memory Summit. Starting from August 5th to 7th, ADATA invite you to experience the variety of fascinating innovations at booth #908, Santa Clara Convention Center, CA.

ADATA ISSS312 2.5 inch SATA III 6Gbps Solid State Drives (SSD) use the best quality hardware components and come with the most comprehensive internal support software. The product complies with JEDEC specifications, features a low-power design and is intended for industrial applications. Equipped with the capability of developing software, firmware and hardware, ADATA is dedicated to customize industrial products. Customers can request to customize a fixed BOM and firmware which ensure ADATA's products are stable and compatible.

Extending its industry leadership in memory card solutions, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., (TAEC), a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, has introduced the world's fastest microSD memory cards. The new cards are the first in the industry to comply with the UHS-II interface standard, the ultra high speed serial bus interface defined in the SD Memory Card Standard Ver. 4.20. Available in 32 GB and 64 GB capacities, Toshiba's new microSD memory cards offer the fastest transfer rates available, are UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) enabled, and allow high-quality 4K video capture at constant minimum write speeds of 30 MB/s. This means that 4K2K video, live broadcast and content can be recorded on high-performance cameras.

The 64 GB cards offer a maximum read speed of 260 MB/s and a maximum write speed of 240 MB/s. The 32 GB cards have a maximum read speed of 145 MB/s and maximum write speed of 130 MB/s, which represents an 8x write speed improvement and 2.7x read speed improvement when compared to Toshiba's current 32 GB microSD UHS-I cards. These faster transfer speeds reduce the time required to download large data movie and music files to smart phones and tablets, and enable camera users to shoot high resolution digital still images in a continuous high speed shooting mode.

Samsung Electronics, a market leader in advanced memory technology and an innovator in consumer electronics, announced today that it is now shipping a new line of advanced SD and microSD cards that are ideal for digital imaging and mobile devices. The products will be available in PRO, EVO and Standard categories, suited for various use cases and performance levels for consumers and professionals.

Samsung's extensive memory card lineup offers SD cards and microSD cards for use in many different consumer electronic devices. The PRO, EVO and Standard lineups are available in a wide range of capacities from 4 gigabyte (GB) to 64 GB. While SD cards are most often used in digital cameras, DSLR cameras and camcorders, microSD cards are mainly used in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as certain cameras and camcorders with microSD card slots.

As digital media is being created on many different devices using multiple types of memory, a need for more simplified and consolidated access to memory has arisen. To fill this need, Monster Digital has released the Mobile Personal Cloud, an innovative multi-function wireless media access hub. Monster Digital, a leading provider of premium memory solutions, is confident users will find the lightweight, smartphone-sized device an exciting addition their digital ecosystem, especially when it comes to mobile entertainment.

Flexible memory and storage access
The Mobile Personal Cloud is equipped with dedicated ports for SD and microSD cards up to 64 GB, as well as standard-sized type A USB for flash drives or external hard drives up to 2TB. Micro USB is used for wired connectivity and charging the onboard battery. When a PC or Mac is connected via the micro USB port, it acts as a reader and hub, simultaneously giving access to memory cards and/or a device plugged into the type A USB port. Not only can data be viewed or played, it can be transferred among the connected storage. For example, an HD movie file from an SD card can be copied to an external hard drive.

Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today introduced the FlashAir II Wireless SD Card, a premium storage device that allows users to share their images, videos and files wirelessly. The FlashAir II, now available with a storage capacity of up to 32 GB, is much more than a standard memory card. By serving as its own wireless LAN access point, the FlashAir II allows users to quickly, easily and securely share multimedia content through the users' PC, smartphone or tablet.

"We wanted to make it even easier for our customers to share important life moments instantly with their friends and family," said Maciek Brzeski, vice president of product marketing and development, Branded Storage Products, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "The FlashAir II Wireless SD Card offers easy access, fast performance and exceptional storage space, enabling users to focus more of their time on capturing moments rather than uploading them."

According to the results of the latest Taiwanese Survey on the Trend of Digital Lifestyle and Consumption released by the Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute, the use of mobile applications and services has become a part of everyday life of consumers. Apacer, which has always been committed to innovative and high-quality product demand, rolls out the first multi-function card reader, the AM700, equipped with OTG (On-The-Go) technology. It can be directly connected to smartphones and tablet PCs for data sharing. Moreover, the scope of mobile applications is more extensive and has no limitation.

Apacer has indicated that performance and user-friendliness are top priorities for mobile technology products. You can access, transmit and store the data in real time directly through the AM700 card reader with a portable mobile device supporting the OTG technology and no computer is needed. The built-in USB slot of the AM700 further extends the application scope of mobile devices. In addition to connecting to flash drives and all-in-one card readers, it can even expand the storage space of smartphones and tablet PCs for data backup when inserting SD, MicroSD and MMC cards. Multiparty data sharing is available by activating the USB Hub when connected to a power supply, such as the charger and the mobile power supply through the micro USB slot. The AM700 can also be connected to the hard disk, which is undoubtedly an excellent tool to improve the work efficiency for business personnel who focuses on mobility and timeliness.

With the popularity of mobile intelligent devices, business opportunities of relevant applied product peripherals on the market increase steadily. Aiming at consumers' demands on mobile storage solutions, along with its competitive edge on storage device technology, Apacer launches the AM701 card-reader with OTG (On-The-Go) function that applies to smart phones and tablet PCs supporting OTG. It has not only a delicate and compact body, but also colorful options of blue, green and pink. Featuring both function and style, it enriches the personal mobile smart life inside and out.

"The built-in storage capacity limitation of mobile devices has always been a priority concern for consumers. Apacer's AM701 card-reader supports read/write of memory cards such as microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC. Upon connection to smart phones or tablet PCs, the storage capacity of such personal mobile devices is enlarged. In addition, it supports the data back-up of smart phones and tablet PCs along with the convenient plug-in-and-play. Thus, data transmission or sharing can be accomplished whenever and wherever possible, without computers or complicated setting steps, which significantly enhance the convenience and availability of intelligent devices." said Chang, Chia-Kun, Assistant General Manager of Apacer's Digital Storage Application Unit.

Silicon Power, the world's leading provider of memory storage solutions proudly launches its brand-new Wi-Fi SD card - the Sky Share S10 Wi-Fi SD card. Combined with the application of Wi-Fi technology and the storage function of an ordinary memory card, Sky Share S10 features its multiple functions allowing users to transfer and share photos instantaneously. Are you not a fan of photos or videos taken on your mobile phone camera? Do you get annoyed having to find a card readers or computer for uploading images? Now, with the convenience of Sky Share S10, it will clear all the troubles away by allowing you to share each happy moment captured with your friends anytime and anywhere! With the simple concept of "shoot and view" and "instant sharing", Sky Share S10 offers you an ideal way to preserve and share all your precious memories with ease and convenience.

Japanese storage company Green House launched a new 128-gigabyte Class-10 SDXC memory card, the GH-SDXCUB128G. This SDXC UHS-I compatible card offers read speeds of up to 45 MB/s, and writes of up to 12 MB/s, that are guaranteed to stay above 10 MB/s, to help with scenarios such as burst photography and high-bitrate HD video recording. Measuring an industry-standard 24 x 32 x 2.1 mm, it weighs 2 g. Backed by a 3-year warranty, it is priced at 12,800¥ (about $130), in Japan.

Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking and network and direct attached storage solutions, today announced that its DriveStation DDR, a high performance external USB 3.0 hard drive with 1 GB DDR3 RAM cache for accelerated transfer speeds, is available for purchase today at select retail partners. Ideal for a variety of users including tech enthusiasts, digital photographers and videographers and media buffs, DriveStation DDR offers extremely fast file transfers, comparable to SSD, with the high capacity and value of a traditional external HDD device.

The DriveStation DDR utilizes Buffalo's MegaCache Accelerator, a 1 GB DDR3 RAM cache system, to greatly accelerate file transfer rates, notably outperforming other USB 3.0 hard drives. Compared to a standard USB 3.0 hard drive, the 1 GB DRAM cache of the MegaCache system efficiently caches data as it's transferred to automatically boost performance for transfer speeds up to 408 MB/s, 2.3x faster than USB 3.0 hard drives and more than 10x faster than USB 2.0.

Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced the launch of its SD/microSD memory card copy protection solutions. Partially-protected and partially-free areas, read-only CD emulation, customized device security, excellent compatibility and high capacity are some of the features that make Transcend's Copy Protection SD/microSD cards ideal for use in OEM applications and distributing multimedia files.

For publishers of audio or video files, or educational institutions looking to distribute course material to students, SD and microSD memory cards present a portable and cost effective way to deliver digital content. Transcend's Copy Protection SD/microSD cards ensure the safety of valuable intellectual property by allowing access to media while preventing end users from making unauthorized copies. For added value, any space not utilized by pre-loaded data can be freely used as a normal SD card. When the protected data is deleted, the previously occupied capacity will be released as free space. Another available option is to make the entire SD/microSD card read-only so that end users cannot write to, modify or delete any part of the card capacity; only executing pre-loaded content is allowed in this optional configuration.