Samsung 990 EVO Plus SSD has more capacity, power efficiency and speed

Source:  Samsung. The 990 EVO Plus SSD.

Samsung Electronics Singapore has released the 990 EVO Plus SSD (solid state drive), which comes with PCIe 4.0 support and the latest NAND technology to offer higher performance, capacities and power efficiency. 

Optimised for business and creative endeavours as well as gaming, the 990 EVO Plus is an ideal solution for consumers who are seeking faster data processing speeds and expanded storage capacities on their PCs.

“As consumers create higher quality images, video content and engage in next-generation gaming, this creates a corresponding demand for high-performance, high-capacity storage options to facilitate quick transfers for valuable data. As the world leader in advanced memory technology, Samsung is introducing the 990 EVO Plus to users who want enhanced performance and efficiency on their laptops and desktop PCs. 

"With faster data read and write speeds, expanded storage capacities and improved power efficiency, the 990 EVO Plus offers the best-in-class SSD experience to consumers, workers and gamers alike," Jacus Long, Head of Display Business, Samsung Electronics Singapore.

The 990 EVO Plus is built on decades of Samsung’s pioneering semiconductor technology with proven reliability. Featuring Samsung's latest 8th generation V-NAND technology and a 5-nanometer (nm) controller, the 990 EVO Plus offers sequential read speeds of up to 7,250 megabytes-per-second (MB/s) and write speeds of up to 6,300MBps3,4, enhancing its performance by up to 50% compared to its predecessor, the 990 EVO. The 990 EVO Plus also incorporates an innovative nickel-coated heat shield that minimises overheating, which enhances its power efficiency by 73% compared to its predecessor.

The 990 EVO Plus offers a 4 TB model and comes with Samsung’s TurboWrite 2.0, revamped for maximised performance, to facilitate rapid file transfer speeds and reduce lag.

The 4 TB model has a random read speed of 1,050 K input/output and 1,400 K IOPS3,4 for random write, putting its performance almost on par with SSD products with DRAM (without using the DRAM cache)*. This feature makes it an optimal solution for gaming and AI tasks that require high performance.

To enhance the functionality of all Samsung SSDs, including the 990 EVO Plus, users can make use of the optimisation tools available with the Samsung Magician software. The software can help users to streamline the data migration process for SSD upgrades while monitoring SSD health and offering customised performance optimisation.

Details

The 990 EVO Plus will be available in Singapore from the end of October via the Samsung Online Store, the Samsung Official Store on Lazada and Shopee as well as at selected consumer electronics stores. 

The recommended retail price for the 1 TB 990 Evo Plus is S$159, while the 2 TB model retails for S$268, and the 4 TB model retails at S$479. 

Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus specifications

Category	Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus
Interface	PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 / 5.0 x2 NVMe 2.0
Form factor	M.2 (2280)
Storage memory	Samsung V-NAND 3-bit TLC
Controller	Samsung in-house controller
Capacity2	1 TB	2 TB	4 TB
Sequential read/write speed 3,4	Up to 7,150 MBps, 6,300 MBps	Up to 7,250 MBps, 6,300 MBps	Up to 7,250 MBps, 6,300 MBps
Random read/write speed (QD32) 3,4	Up to 850 K IOPS, 1,350 K IOPS	Up to 1,000 K IOPS, 1,350 K IOPS	Up to 1,050 K IOPS, 1,400 K IOPS
Management software	Samsung Magician Software
Data encryption	AES 256-bit full disk encryption, TCG/Opal V2.0,
	Encrypted Drive (IEEE1667)
Total bytes written	600 TB	1,200 TB	2,400 TB
Warranty 5	5-year limited warranty 6

 

For more information — including warranty details — please visit samsung.com/sg/memory-storage/all-memory-storage/?ssd. Get the installation guide for the 990 EVO Plus at https://semiconductor.samsung.com/consumer-storage/ssdupgrade/.

*DRAM and NAND can both be used to store data, but DRAM is faster than NAND at storage and retrieval. When the power is switched off, any data in DRAM is lost, whereas data in NAND is retained. NAND is also more durable than DRAM, but there is a maximum number of times it can write data. 

2 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes by IDEMA. A certain portion of capacity may be used for system file and maintenance use, so the actual capacity may differ from what is indicated on the product label.

3 Sequential and random performance measurements are based on IOmeter1.1.0. Performance may vary based on an SSD’s firmware version, system hardware and configuration.

4 Test system configuration: AMD Ryzen9 7950x 16-Core Processor CPU@4.5GHz, DDR5 4,800 MHz 16 GB x 2), OS-Windows 11 Pro 64-bit, chipset - ASRock X670E Taichi.

 5 Samsung Electronics shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to loss of data or other information contained on Samsung Electronics’ products or loss of profit or revenue which may be incurred by the user. For more information on the warranty, please visit samsung.com/SSD or semiconductor.samsung.com/internal-ssd/

6 Five years or total bytes written (TBW), whichever comes first. For more information on the warranty, please refer to the enclosed warranty document in the package.

Shell Helix Ultra Drive On campaign to showcase passion for driving in Malaysia

Shell Helix Ultra fully synthetic motor oil’s new Drive On global brand campaign hopes to highlight the importance of celebrating why people drive. At the core of the campaign is an integrated consumer and trade loyalty programme called Shell Advantage and Rewards (SHARE).

“It is difficult for drivers to truly understand the importance of motor oils, and even more difficult for workshops to get drivers to care as well. With the Shell Helix Ultra Drive On campaign, we are showing drivers in Malaysia just how our fully synthetic motor oil enables their passion for driving. Whether they drive for the roar of the engine, or for the freedom of the open road, Shell Helix Ultra is designed to protect car engines from the barriers that can hinder performance so that drivers can have the most enjoyable journey possible,” said Troy Chapman, Shell Lubricants Executive Director – Southeast Asia & Oceania.

“With Shell Helix Ultra, which is made from natural gas, drivers have the assurance that every oil change comes with cutting-edge technology that delivers unmatched protection for the ultimate engine performance.”

Chapman said that Malaysia was the first market in the world to launch SHARE, which reflects Shell’s commitment to help smoothen the journey for both consumers and trade partners. In conjunction with the launch of the campaign, the Shell Helix Drive On Roadshow will be held at selected locations nationwide till December 24, 2017 with attractive prizes to be won. Twenty five winners will also be taking home Ferrari merchandise in the Shell Helix #IDriveFor social media contest with details at www.shell.com.my/driveon.

Details:

For motorists who purchase either a Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology, High Mileage, HX7 or HX5, a simple online registration at www.shell.com.my/share opens the doors to rewards with SHARE. These include a storewide Lazada voucher for a first time sign-up with purchase, a buy-three-free-one offer for purchases of Shell Helix Ultra, oil change reminders and seasonal promotions.

Those with cars below eight years old and under 150,000 km on the odometer also qualify for the free Shell Helix Engine Warranty (SHEW) when they service their cars with Shell Helix Ultra, High Mileage or HX7. The engine warranty is now part of the SHARE programme.

As one of the most important markets in Asia, Malaysian consumers have had the privilege of enjoying numerous firsts from Shell Helix. In 2014, Shell Helix was the first (and still is the only) brand to introduce motor oils with an ultra-clean base oil made from natural gas using Shell’s proprietary PurePlus Technology so that it cleanses the engine from inside out. Last year, it was the first motor oil brand to offer the Shell Helix Engine Warranty.

This year, Shell Helix partnered Waze in an award-winning, accident-prone spots alert campaign during the Ramadhan and Eid al Fitr period, which was a first in Asia. Malaysia also became the first market to roll out the Shell Malaysia Official Online Store on Lazada Malaysia where genuine, officially-sourced Shell Helix motor oils are accessible to consumers nationwide.

Sony launches high-speed, high-capacity hard disk drives

· High-speed data transfers of up to 138MBps (read/write)

· Shock resistant, splash resistant and dust resistant

· Silicon lid protects connection terminals from dust and water

Source: Sony. The new 2TB drive.

Sony has expanded its line of portable storage devices, delivering faster speeds, greater connectivity, increased reliability and enhanced durability with new 1TB and 2TB hard disk drives (HDDs).

The dual interface models support USB Type-A connectivity using a tethered cable to ensure no cables are lost, in addition to a USB Type-C port, ideal for memory card backup in the field. The drives are preformatted in exFAT*, and allow for data transfer up to 138MBps (read/write).

The rugged shuttle drives’ rubber damper design offers increased durability, making it shock resistant and capable of withstanding a drop of up to 6.5 feet. The HDDs are splash resistant (IPX4 rating) and dust resistant (IP5X rating). The drives are specially designed with a silicon lid protecting the connection terminals from dust and water. The PSZ-HC1T and PSZ-HC2T come packaged in a sturdy library box for additional protection during shipping or storage.

Sony’s free Memory Media Utility software, available for download at www.sony.net/mmu, offers additional protection by providing a record/rewrite life indicator, simultaneous content backup to multiple destinations, a re-formatting tool and more.

Interested?

The new HDDs, models PSZ-HC1T (1TB) and PSZ-HC2T (2TB) will be available at all Sony authorised dealers from July 2017.

*Extended File Allocation Table or exFAT is a Microsoft file system standard that is optimised for flash memory such as USB flash drives and SD cards.

posted from Bloggeroid

Seagate announces Seagate DJI Fly Drive

Source: Seagate. The Seagate DJI Fly Drive.

Drones are creating more content than ever before, and with the announcement of the Seagate DJI Fly Drive, managing that data is about to get easier. 

The first data solution to come from Seagate and DJI’s strategic partnership, Fly Drive portable external drive will allow drone pilots to efficiently back up their photo and video content on location, thanks to its large storage capacity, integrated MicroSD card slot, quick transfer speeds and durable build. It also comes with a complimentary two-month subscription to Adobe Premiere Pro CC*, part of Adobe Creative Cloud.

Fly Drive features:

• Up to 2TB of storage. On average, an hour of 4K 30fps compressed footage creates 30GB of data.
• MicroSD card slot
• Protective bumper provides shock resistance. A USB-C cable is stored in the bumper. 
• USB 3.1 Type C interface 

Interested?

The Seagate DJI Fly Drive will be available this summer (editor's note: roughly Q2 to Q3)

*Adobe Premiere Pro CC offer valid where available. 

posted from Bloggeroid

Garmin adds free live services to 2017 Garmin Drive models

Garmin International has updated the Garmin Drive product line with portable navigation devices (PNDs) that now offer free live services*, providing the freshest, most updated content with industry-leading driver alerts to increase situational awareness and encourage safer driving. The announcement reaffirms the company’s commitment to refine and modernise PNDs with enhancements to its four models: Garmin Drive, Garmin DriveSmart, Garmin DriveAssist, and Garmin DriveLuxe.

The entry-level Garmin Drive 51/61 offers versatile driver alerts, while the Garmin DriveSmart 51/61 adds smart connected features. Customers looking to record their drive can consider the camera-assisted Garmin DriveAssist 51, while the premium Garmin DriveLuxe 51 features a sleek metal casing. 

“Thanks to the enhanced feature set of our 2017 Drive navigators, it’s easy to see how consumers can benefit and rely on them every time they step in their vehicles,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin VP of worldwide sales. “Free live parking and traffic, plus new travel information lets drivers enjoy the actual ride and save precious time when heading to work, driving on family road trips, or running errands.”

Like their predecessors, the new Garmin Drive navigators boast a number of driver alerts. These include warnings for upcoming sharp curves, railroad or animal crossings, alerts for users driving the wrong way on a one-way street and more. Drivers also receive alerts for red light cameras**, speed cameras and more. Garmin Real Directions simplifies navigation by guiding drivers using recognisable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights.

The entry-level Garmin Drive 51/61 adds free real-time services, such as live traffic* for select models when wirelessly paired with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. After pairing to a smartphone, drivers can also enjoy live parking* information from Parkopedia, the world’s leading parking service provider. Parkopedia provides pricing and availability trends for on-street public parking as drivers approach a destination. Other real-time services such as LiveTrack* allow drivers to share their location with friends. Preloaded TripAdvisor data comes with all 2017 Drive models so drivers can see ratings for popular travel points of interest, such as hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The Garmin DriveSmart 51/61 boasts all of the features from the entry-level Garmin Drive models, and adds built-in Wi-Fi for easy map and software updates when connected to a Wi-Fi network. Customers can choose from a 5" model or the new 6.95" edge-to-edge touchscreen that offers a high-resolution, easy-to-read display. Keeping drivers connected is an essential asset of the Garmin DriveSmart series and is done through hands-free Bluetooth calling***, voice-activated navigation, and smartphone pairing to receive text messages and app alerts right on the navigation display*. 

The 2017 Garmin DriveSmart models can be paired with a Connect IQ-compatible Garmin smartwatch such as the new fēnix***** (sold separately) to provide compass guidance from a parked vehicle to a destination and back to the parked vehicle again.

Garmin DriveAssist 51 builds on the Garmin DriveSmart feature set and adds a built-in dash cam**** with audio recording to continually record and save video footage on impact with the included microSD card. The integrated camera enhances advanced driver awareness alerts such as Forward Collision***** and Lane Departure Warnings*****. 

To take some of the guesswork out of navigating to new address locations, Garmin Real Vision shows a live camera view on the display with an arrow pointing out the specific destination. The “Go” Alert notifies distracted drivers when standstill traffic ahead of their vehicle begins to move. Garmin DriveAssist has the added benefit of being a personal companion if users encounter an incident during a drive. This model can send an automatic text**** to a friend and provide them with the vehicle’s location. Additionally, the navigator’s Travelapse feature can turn long hours of driving footage into a short video recap of the adventure. By downloading the free Garmin VIRB app, drivers can create Travelapse videos and share them on social media.

The stylish Garmin DriveLuxe 51 is a premium navigator that includes the full feature set offered in the Garmin DriveSmart series, framed in metal. This navigator is secured with a powered magnetic mount to convenient stowage.

Interested?

The Garmin Drive lineup has models with various map regions, display sizes, and navigation features. Local availability and pricing will be announced on a later date. Suggested retail prices for the US range from US$149.99 to US$329.99. The Garmin Drive product line is expected to be available in February of 2017 in the US.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts about new apps at the Garmin Connect IQ Store and about Garmin's three multisport GPS wearables

Hashtag: #CES2017

*To receive live services and smart notifications on your navigator, you must download the free Smartphone Link app. User’s data plan charges, if any, will apply. Contact your mobile service provider for more information about your service plan’s data and roaming rates. Requires Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, sold separately.

**Red light and speed camera warnings may not be available in your region.

***Requires Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, sold separately.

****Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of the dash cam feature. It is your responsibility to know and comply with applicable laws and rights to privacy in jurisdictions where you plan to use Garmin DriveAssist.

*****Certain conditions may impair the warning function. Visit Garmin.com/warnings for details.

Uber enters Seremban, Malaysia

Source: Uber. UberX is arriving in Seremban in December

Uber is expanding to its eighth city in Malaysia – Seremban. Ride hailing via uberX will be available from 1 December 2016. The announcement follows Uber's launch in Melaka with the uberX product on 27 October 2016.

Uber also provides opportunities for driver-partners to earn additional income using their own car. Uber drivers decide on their own driving schedule, and decide how much they earn.

The company has been exploring the provision of chauffeured services to meet different needs. Uber recently introduced UberTRIP in Bali, Indonesia for instance. The service allows riders to request an Uber for between five and 10 hours, regardless of the distance and number of stops that the rider decides to make.

Interested?

Sign up to drive with Uber

Payment for uberX rides can be made via cash or credit/debit card. The fare structure for uberX in Seremban is as below:

Source: Uber. Fare structure for UberX in Seremban.

Yahoo Mail adds to the types of content that can be added to emails

The updated Yahoo Mail app users can now send files from Google Drive or Dropbox, as well as GIFs from Tumblr when as part of their email messages. Now that users can manage multiple mailboxes from the Yahoo Mail app, the latest update helps them send emails that include content via more sources from any of their email addresses.

Source: Yahoo. Add GIFs
from Tumblr to emails.

When composing an email in the Yahoo Mail app, users can choose from top-trending GIFs around the world, courtesy of Tumblr. Tapping on the cloud icon in compose mode will lead to an invitation to connect Google Drive or Dropbox accounts, allowing instant access to all files in the cloud. Yahoo Mail will also surface items based on title or file contents for easier searching.

Additional features:

Preview large files instantly on iPhone and iPad, without downloading it first

Delete drafts permanently on Android

Android home screen widgets offer dynamically-updated information about the inbox: a preview, a badged icon, and a shortcut to the compose screen.

Interested?

These updates to the Yahoo Mail app are available for iOS (version 4.3) and Android (version 5.4).

posted from Bloggeroid

SanDisk boosts Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 to 128GB

SanDisk, a global provider of flash storage solutions, today expanded its mobile storage portfolio by upgrading its most popular mobile flash drives. The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 is now available in 128GB* capacities with faster transfer speeds.

“With the explosion of content, people need more advanced storage solutions to keep up with the volume and quality of the photos, videos and files they’re creating on their mobile devices,” said Mark Eng, Country Manager, SanDisk Singapore. “Our goal is to deliver innovative, intuitive offerings that help them capture life’s great moments without worrying about storage limitations.”

Faster for Android

The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 is ideal for On-the-Go (OTG) enabled smartphone and tablet users looking to free up space and easily transfer photos and videos to a computer. In addition to the higher capacity, SanDisk has improved the performance of the device’s USB 3.0 connector, which can now achieve speeds up to 150MBps** from drive to computer.

When plugged in to an OTG-enabled smartphone or tablet, the OS native file explorer allows access to the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive’s content. For further access, management and storage, Android device users can download and install the free SanDisk Memory Zone app, which is available through the Google Play Store. The app auto launches upon insertion of the drive into a compatible device, allowing immediate access to content.

Source: SanDisk. The SanDisk Ultra Dual
USB Drive 3.0.

The news follows a November 2015 announcement of the SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive, which is also available in capacities up to 128GB. The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive offers read speeds of up to 150MBps** as well.

Interested?

The 128GB SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 is now available at a manufacturer's recommended selling price of S$59.

*1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage is lower.
Requires OTG enabled devices. See www.sandisk.com/dualdrive
**Read speeds from drive to computer up to 150MBps. Write speeds are lower and vary by drive capacity. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device.
1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

posted from Bloggeroid

OWC launches its highest capacity 2.5" solid state drive ever

OWC, a zero emissions Mac and PC technology company whose products are available in Australia, the Philippines and Singapore, today announced the all-new Mercury Electra MAX 6G 2.0TB SSD, the highest capacity 2.5” solid state drive ever offered by OWC. The new drive combines a large capacity with the performance and reliability of the OWC Mercury SSD lineup.

Source: OWC. The 2.0TB Mercury Electra MAX 6G SSD. 

The 2.0TB Mercury Electra MAX 6G SSD features SATA 3.0 6G speeds of up to 490MBps on sequential reads, with write performance up to 471 MBps. It is fully compatible with SATA 2.0 (3G) and SATA (1.5G).

Utilising advanced controller technologies along with 7% over-provisioning; the Mercury Electra MAX 6G 2.0TB SSD provides RAID-like data protection and reliability without sacrificing performance. Global wear levelling algorithms automatically distribute data evenly, maximising the SSD lifespan. The StaticDataRefresh feature manages free space efficiently and safely, preventing data corruption while Hardware Error-Correcting Code corrects errors as they occur for superior data retention. The drive also supports 128/256-bit-AES full-disk encryption, and comes with a three-year OWC SSD limited warranty.

"The Mercury Electra MAX 6G 2.0TB SSD was designed from the ground up for heavy-duty use," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO, OWC. "Our benchmark testing yielded impressive results, but the Electra MAX truly shines when performance matters most, especially in real-world content creation applications."

Interested?

Shipping this January, the Mercury Electra MAX 6G 2.0TB SSD will be available at OWC authorised resellers and MacSales.com. The manufacturers' suggested retail price is US$799.99 with street pricing from under US$700.

Store data more securely with a Kingston encrypted USB flash drive

Kingston, the memory products provider, has released the DataTraveler 2000 encrypted USB flash drive. The DataTraveler 2000 offers hardware encryption and PIN protection with access through an integrated alphanumeric keypad.

Designed for global security IT professionals, small-to-medium businesses and corporate end users who require electronic data protection, the OS-independent DataTraveler 2000 offers hardware-based, full-disk AES 256-bit data encryption in XTS mode on stored data, with no software or hardware drivers needed.

DataTraveler 2000’s alphanumeric keypad allows users to lock the drive with a word or number combination. For additional security, its auto-lock feature is activated when the drive is removed from the host device and the encr

Source: Kingston. 

yption key and password are deleted after 10 invalid login attempts. An aluminum cover protects the drive from elements such as water and dust.

Said Nathan Su, Flash Memory Sales Director, APAC Region, Kingston: “It is the perfect option to deploy in the workforce where a uniform encrypted data storage solution that works on many different OSes are in use.”

DataTraveler 2000 uses Datalock technology licensed from ClevX. ClevX’s innovative security and mobility solutions can be found on other Kingston encrypted USB flash drives.

Interested?

DataTraveler 2000 is available later in Q1 in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB capacities* and is backed by a three-year warranty, free live technical support and Kingston reliability.

Operating System compatibility	USB 3.1 Gen. 1 (USB 3.0)**	USB 2.0
Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (SP1), Vista (SP2)	✓	✓
Mac OS X v 10.8.x	✓	✓
Linux v.2.6.x	✓	✓
Chrome OS	✓	✓
Android ***	✓	✓

*Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston’s Flash memory Guide at kingston.com/flashguide.

**USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0)

*** Compatible devices only

SanDisk introduces the Ultra Flair USB 3.0 flash drive

Source: SanDisk.

SanDisk, a flash storage solutions provider, has launched the SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive. The new drive comes in a durable aluminum metal casing and is available in capacities ranging from 16GB to 128GB.

The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive offers read speeds of up to 150MBps¹, enabling transfers of a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds².

“As an industry leader in the flash storage space, SanDisk’s goal has always been to continuously reinvent and deliver reliable products. The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive has been designed to provide a storage solution for enthusiasts who need high-speed and stylish drives to quickly transfer their high-resolution photos, videos and other big files without any hassle. Our complete USB range helps consumers enjoy a smart digital lifestyle, anytime, anywhere,” said Mark Eng, Country Manager, SanDisk Singapore.

The drive features SanDisk SecureAccess software³ to keep private files safe with password protection and 128-bit encryption, and includes a year’s subscription to RescuePRO software⁴ to recover lost or corrupted files.

Interested?

The SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 Flash Drive comes with a five-year warranty and is now available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB* capacities. It will be available within this quarter at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$10, S$19, S$37 and S$75 respectively.

* 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage will be less than this.

1 32 to 128GB: Read speeds of up to 150MBps; write speeds to drive of up to 15 times faster than the Cruzer USB 2.0 drives (4MBps). 16GB: Read speeds of up to 130MBps; write speeds are lower. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending upon host device. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

2 Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfers with a USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors. For 32GB to 128GB only.

3 Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Mac OS X10.6+ (software download required for Mac, visit www.sandisk.com/secureaccess).

4 Registration required; terms and conditions apply.

Paid carpooling in Singapore takes off

Source: RYDE.

RYDE, a carpooling mobile application, says it has thousands of new members joining its network in the the months since its soft launch.

RYDE uses GPS technology to match drivers and riders going the same way. The app recommends a dollar amount where the rider splits the cost of the trip with the driver.

Terence Zou, founder of RYDE says, “Our goal is to transform transportation through innovation; making it sustainable, affordable and a sociable experience. Our rapid growth shows that Singaporeans accept carpooling as a viable option."

Source: RYDE. Zou.

According to research conducted by the National University of Singapore in August 2015, 500 people working in Central Business District were asked two questions: were they willing to carpool with strangers to work and were they willing to pay for it, and two-thirds said yes to both. More recent focus group studies conducted also revealed that majority of drivers are willing to share their rides and most people feel that carpooling is safe in Singapore. The three primary motivations cited for carpooling is cost efficiency, eco-friendliness and the social experience.

The Singapore government is also supportive of the sharing economy, and recently passed laws in March 2015 to allow drivers to make two paid carpool trips per day.

RYDE is committed to safety and believes that trust is key for “sharing” to occur. To this end, drivers are required to upload four documents for verification via the app - profile and images of the car, driving licence and certificate of insurance. Riders may choose to verify their profiles to increase their chances of a match. Members review each other after every trip, allowing RYDE to improve the user experience and keep the network safe.

Interested?

The app is available on iOS through the App Store and on Android in the Google Play Store

posted from Bloggeroid

SanDisk introduces Extreme Portable SSD drives

Source: SanDisk

SanDisk, a flash storage solutions provider, has entered the portable SSD market with a family of high-performance drives, including the SanDisk Extreme 900 Portable SSDs, which it says is the world’s fastest line of USB Type C-based portable SSDs; and the SanDisk Extreme 500 Portable SSDs, a new family of pocket-sized, rugged drives.

The SanDisk Extreme 900 drives feature speeds of up to nine times faster than a portable hard drive¹, while the SanDisk Extreme 500 drives offer speeds up to four times faster¹. These powerful solutions are ideal for photographers, videographers, creative professionals and tech enthusiasts looking to move large files quickly.

“As a recognised leader in developing solutions for professional photographers and videographers, we designed this game-changing family of offerings to provide our customers with even greater speeds and capacities to keep up with rapidly increasing demands for high-quality content,” said Mark Eng, Country Manager, SanDisk Singapore.

“Whether a professional or amateur, this level of portability, speed and capacity is exceptional, and we believe it will transform the way people create and produce high quality video content—ultimately saving them time and money.”

The SanDisk Extreme 900 Portable SSDs are all about performance and capacity. Available in up to 1.92TB*, the new drives have a compact, durable aluminium case and feature transfer speeds of up to 850MBps**. These new drives come with both USB Type C and Type A cables to provide the ultimate flexibility.

The SanDisk Extreme 500 Portable SSD is less than half the size of your smartphone and delivers more than four times the speed of a portable hard drive¹. The drive allows users to transfer big videos and photo libraries at up to 415MBps**. Available in up to 480GB* capacity, this light-weight yet durable drive has a black finish with rubber bumpers and a metal ring that allows easy attachment to a bag.

The Windows 10-compatible portable SSDs are built to sustain the most rugged environments, featuring both temperature and impact-resistant materials². The new family of SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs also include SanDisk SecureAccess software with 128-bit encryption to secure files³.

Interested?

The SanDisk Extreme 500 Portable SSDs are available in Singapore in capacities of 120GB, 240GB and 480GB, at MSRPs of S$188, S$288 and S$499 respectively. The SanDisk Extreme 900 SSDs will be available in Singapore at a later date in capacities of 480GB, 960GB and 1.92TB, at MSRPs of S$769, S$1,149 and S$1,899, respectively. Both new SSD lines feature a three-year warranty⁴.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about SanDisk's mobile memory solutions.

*1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage is less.

**Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, OS and application. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

1 As compared to a 500GB portable hard drive based on internal speed performance tests.

2 Shock resistant (up to 800G) and vibration resistant (5.35 root-mean-square acceleration (gRMS), 50 to 2,000 HZ), withstands extremes in temperature (from -200^oC to +700^oC)

3 Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Mac OS X v10.6+, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.

4 See www.sandisk.com/wug

Google shares how it's making you more productive this year

Google has shared a number of blog posts about news from I/O, Google's annual developer conference, which saw Sundar Pichai, Google SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps and Google's Urs Hölzle, SVP of Technical Infrastructure, announce a slew of sneak peeks and new products for Apps, Android, Chromebooks and the Cloud Platform.

The official Google blog noted that there are now one billion Android device users, sending an estimated 20 billion text messages a day, and 93 million selfies. Post author Pichai also talked about the introduction of:

Android Wear

Android Wear extends the Android ecosystem to wrist wearables. "Just say 'Ok Google' to ask questions or to get stuff done," says Pichai. Two Android wearables were announced at the conference, the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live. Both are available to order today on Google Play, with the Moto 360 from Motorola to be available in coming months.

Android Auto

When using phones is unsafe, as when driving, Google now has Android Auto. Similar to Apple's auto solution CarPlay, the Android phone is connected to a car with Android Auto, so that features like turn-by-turn navigation and curated playlists can be used. "This is accessible through your car’s controls, and more importantly, is far safer than fumbling around with your phone. You’ll start to see Android Auto in cars later this year," said Pichai.

Android One

For emerging markets, Google is creating an ecosystem which includes mobile computing hardware reference platforms. The Android One initiative will provide smartphones that are high quality, affordable and come with reasonable data plans, Pichai said. "Our partners will launch an initial range of sub-US$100 Android One smartphones starting in India this fall (editor's note: roughly September to November), with more countries to follow," said Pichai.
Amit Singh, President of Google Enterprise, shared a blog post about the following highlights: 

Google Drive for Work

Google's cloud storage service now comes with a premium edition for business, called Google Drive for Work. Features include unlimited storage, new admin controls, advanced file audit reporting, advanced audit reporting and new security controls for US$10 per user a month.

The fine-grained controls let admins customise the Drive experience, such as which employees can install the desktop sync client. With the new audit view they can see activity like moving, deleting or sharing a file within or outside the company. 

Files of up to 5 TB in size may be stored. Google points out in a blog post that no desktop or laptop on the market today has a hard drive of that capacity.

Updates to Google Docs

As of June 25, all files uploaded to Google Drive will be encrypted, not only from your device to Google and in transit between Google data centres, but also at 
rest on Google servers.

Quickoffice is now full integrated into Docs, Sheets and Slides, so users can open and edit those documents in Office Compatibility Mode directly on Android, and the Chrome browser. The same capability is coming soon to iOS. "This means you can open, edit, save and send Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files from your favourite device. You no longer have to buy additional software — it just works," said Amit Singh, President of Google Enterprise.

Android L

The company also shared some of the new features that will be in the next version of Android, just called “L”, that are intended for enterprises. Businesses will also be able buy apps in bulk on Google Play and make them available to employees. 

Google drops prices drastically for Google Drive

A blog post on March 13 has announced that cloud storage has become a lot cheaper at Google. Google has lowered the price of its monthly storage plans to US$1.99 for 100GB (previously US$4.99), US$9.99 for 1TB (previously $US49.99), and US$99.99 for 10TB, with additional terabytes available as needed. 

The 15 GB plan is free, and the storage is available across Drive, Gmail and Google+ Photos.

Source: Google

Users who already pay for storage will be moved to the appropriate improved plan at no additional cost, and can visit the storage purchase page to make a change or review their accounts.

Sign up for one the new Google Drive plans here, or see the Help Center for more information.