LAS VEGAS -- Let me guess: You have more media than your cell phone has room to store.
Seagate has come up with a way to address this problem with its new D.A.V.E. platform. Here's what it looks like:
D.A.V.E. stands for digital audio video experience, and this pack-of-cards-sized device from the demo I saw, the technology really does offer a different audiovisual experience.
First shown at DEMO in 2007, the D.A.V.E platform provides a 1.8-inch, 60GB hard drive wrapped in a rugged enclosure, and equipped with both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g connectivity. This allows you to stream and access music, photos, videos, and files wirelessly from any other device, such as a cell phone (the demo I saw used an iPhone) or a computer. The 110g device also has a mini-USB port for direct file transfers.
"The idea is to have wireless storage so you can use content wherever you want," explains Rob Pait, director of global consumer electronics marketing. "It's actually a Web server for your pocket. It can update dynamically, and you can load different content on it--video, music, data, and then access that content through whatever device you're using."
Nearby devices will discover a D.A.V.E. unit that's nearby, somewhat like the way Microsoft Zunes find each other. You can stream from the D.A.V.E to multiple devices simultaneously. Seagate says you shouldn't se latency issues if you stream video from more than one device. "Everything is using Web technologies-- TCP/IP--to access the content that's stored on there," says Pait.
Seagate does not plan to sell the device under it's own name. Instead, the company will be shipping the platform to OEMs soon for final qualification and testing before it will be offered for sale.
Seagate says D.A.V.E. technology will be compatible with Sanyo's Hi-Def Xacti Digital Movie Camera, and with future HarmanBecker automotive applications.
For more CES coverage, visit the PC World CES Info Center.
