U3-Info - Your source for U3 information, news, articles and more

Microsoft and SanDisk still working on StartKey - the new U3 replacement

u3info — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:46:20 -0600

Microsoft is working on turning USB-based flash drives into a “Windows companion” — a new product known as “StartKey” — that will allow users to carry their Windows and Windows Live settings with them.

StartKey isn’t just for USB sticks; it also will work on other flash-storage devices, like SD memory cards. Microsoft is looking to turn these intelligent storage devices portable “computing companions” for users in both developed and emerging markets, with availability (at least in beta form) likely before the end of this year, according to sources who asked not to be named.

SanDisk and Big Fish Games Launch Web Site Offering a Library of Casual Games For U3 Drives

u3info — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:57:38 -0600

SanDisk and Big Fish Games Inc. today announced a new web site offering a large library of casual games that run on USB flash drives enabled with U3™ smart technology.

The new site address - www.bigfishgames.com/sandisk

VanDyke Software today announced the availability of SecureCRT 6.0 and SecureFX 6.0.

u3info — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:45:35 -0600

SecureCRT 6.0 time-saving features include support for moving session tabs between SecureCRT windows, and a button bar that allows mapping of buttons to frequently used commands, scripts, and menu functions. An updated user interface provides alpha transparency, Windows display themes, and drag-and-drop customization of the menu and toolbar. Also new in this release is support for installation on U3 smart drives, a combined installer for SecureCRT and SecureFX, and MSI support to simplify and automate distribution and installation.

SanDisk Announces Availability of Cruzer Contour, a USB Flash Drive that Combines Elegance and Performance

u3info — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:48:05 -0500

SanDisk Corporation today announced availability of Cruzer® Contour, a sleek USB flash drive that brings together high-end design and blazing speed. Much like a fine wristwatch, Cruzer Contour is a luxury personal accessory as well as a piece of functional technology.

Available in 4 gigabyte (GB) and 8 GB capacities, Cruzer Contour’s features include:

e-jewel retailing most expensive U3 stick ever

u3info — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:14:29 -0500

e-jewel.co.il is carrying a hand-crafted solid 14k Gold flash drive with 4GB storage and U3 USB apps platform built-in, for $2000.

The drive is loaded with the following U3 programmes: cruzerSync synchronization software, signupShield password manager and AVAST antivirus software.

It measures 7mm x 20mm x 57.1mm (D x W x L) and is compatible with Windows 2000, SP4 and XP Windows 2000, SP4 and XP.

Microsoft and SanDisk Expanding on and Replacing U3 Smart Technology

u3info — Fri, 11 May 2007 08:53:00 -0500

Microsoft and SanDisk today announced they have signed an agreement to deliver a next-generation software and hardware solution to place application programs and personal customization on USB flash drives and flash memory cards, expanding on and replacing SanDisk’s existing U3™ Smart Technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will develop a new software experience and SanDisk will develop new hardware capabilities, including the addition of TrustedFlash security technology. SanDisk will incorporate the combined software and hardware solution on removable flash memory cards and Cruzer USB flash drives. The new offering is expected to be commercially available starting in the second half of 2008.

FileHawk delivers a U3 solution to file management

u3info — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 01:29:18 -0500

Quadrom Services launches the first portable application to provide complete solutions to file search and management for U3 compatible USB smart drives, called FileHawk U3 Organizer. Run FileHawk directly off the U3 smart drive then enter the search criteria and the software will instantly find U3s' files by their contents. Furthermore, its ability to help organize files according to users' personal criteria makes this software different from anything else on the market.

U3 compatible USB smart drives hold a wide range of applications, personal settings and also have the capacity to store thousands of files. FileHawk helps U3 smart users save time and frustration searching and managing their growing number of files.

Softland Releases Backup4all for U3, Portable Backup Software

u3info — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 02:04:45 -0500

Softland is proud to announce Backup4all for U3, a portable version of the popular backup software, adapted to the U3 smart drive computing platform. With Backup4all for U3 it is possible to take Backup4all (with all its configurations) anywhere. U3 smart drives are highly portable and secure, and when you’re ready to move to another PC, everything goes with you, without any personal information left behind.

Backup4all for U3 is a full-featured portable backup software for U3 smart drives that empowers you with a far greater choice of backup options than other portable backup utilities:

1. Plug-and-Backup - You can configure Backup4all for U3 to automatically execute a backup job when the U3 smart USB device is plugged in.
2. Use Backup4all anywhere - When you install Backup4all for U3 on a U3 smart drive, you can use it anywhere a Windows 2000 or XP computer is available.
3. Safe and secure - When you remove the U3 smart drive from a PC, all your information is secure and leaves with you.
4. Multiple destinations - You can easily back up to any local or network drive, backup to FTP, backup to CD/DVD, or other removable media (such as USB drives).
5. International - Backup4all for U3 supports 14 different languages within one version! Supported languages: English, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish

Opera 9 for U3 smart drives now available

u3info — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 09:03:56 -0500

Opera Software today announced that Opera 9, Opera's latest Web browser, is now available for U3 smart drives. Opera 9 for U3 enables full Web surfing from a U3 smart drive, and allows users to take bookmarks, email and settings with them wherever they go.

"With Opera 9 for U3, users will experience a new level of mobility in their desktop browser," said Christen Krogh, vice president of engineering, Opera Software. "Thanks to the U3 platform, people will now be able to carry Opera 9 with all its bookmarks, settings, and preferences conveniently in their pocket."

Kingston stops selling U3 products

u3info — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 08:35:52 -0500

Kingston Technology has stopped selling NAND flash disk drives that support U3, the platform advocated by SanDisk, due to the observed cost pressure from royalty payments, according to sources at the company.

Sources at controller IC design houses had mentioned that SanDisk charges companies a 5% royalty fee for adopting the U3 platform in accordance to the volume shipped.