Innovative Technology Enables Hybrid-Drive Functionality and Lets Users Instantly Access Hard-Disk Data, Transfer Files and Run Applications While the CPU is Off. A flash-memory vendor Silicon Storage Technology, Inc. and BIOS developer Insyde Software Corp. are partenering to create a new hybrid hard drive technology called FlashMate that Lets Users Instantly Access Hard-Disk Data, Transfer Files and Run Applications While the CPU is Off.

The technology works in conjunction with Windows Vista "ReadyDrive" as “nonvolatile cache for the hard disk drive, thus transforming a standard hard disk drive to perform hybrid-drive functions.” FlashMate could let users sync peripherals, play media on a hard drive or make voice-over-IP calls without going through a CPU, thus saving power and time. The approach also lets users access SideShow, a Microsoft Vista feature for peripherals that, among other things, lets notebooks display data on a small external LCD on the their lid even when the system is closed and in low-power mode.

According to a public statement, "enhances the functionality of Microsoft Windows Vista SideShow and other third-party applications," by giving you access to your hard drive through your laptop's USB interface, sidestepping the CPU.

The companies explained that the new technology is still in the early stage and acknowledged that the actual technology solutions provided by the hybrid-drive "only scratch the surface of what is possible," said Bing Yeh, president and CEO, SST. "Our FlashMate technology expands beyond hybrid-drive functionality by enabling notebook users to conveniently perform tasks without having to turn on the computer, such as transferring files from an external memory, getting contact information from an Outlook address book, listening to MP3 music or checking flight arrival times. FlashMate marks a new and exciting market opportunity for SST, one that will be well served by our years of experience in NAND flash controller technology," Yeh said.T

When the computer CPU is on, it enhances the FlashMate functionality, and it becomes a hybrid drive," said Yuping Chung, director of Application Specific Controller Products at SST. "When the CPU is off, the FlashMate really shines. It enables a lot of applications that can run when the CPU is off, such as a SideShow secondary display screen, which can play video or play music, or support PDA-like smart functions.".

The FlashMate is only available for Windows Vista at present. However, there are plans to support other operating systems in the future. FlashMate technology is expected to hit the streets in the second quarter of 2008.

Read full Press release [here].

For more information about SST and the company's comprehensive list of product offerings, please call 1-888/SST-CHIP. Information can also be requested via email to literature@sst.com or through SST's Web site at http://www.sst.com. SST's head office is located at 1171 Sonora Court, Sunnyvale, Calif.; telephone: 408/735-9110; fax: 408/735-9036.

VIA Etremetech

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg | google | yahoo | technorati | slashdot