SilverStone introduced the multi-utility FP56 front-panel. Built for 5.25-inch drive bays, the panel gives you room for two 2.5-inch drives, a multi-format card reader, three USB 3.0 SuperSpeed ports, and a high-current USB 3.0 port for quickly charging your gadgets. The FP56 draws power from a standard 4-pin Molex plug, and connectivity from a standard USB 3.0 front-panel header. The card reader supports various generations and form-factors of SD, MemoryStick, xD, and CompactFlash cards. Its rear portion has mount-holes for two 2.5-inch drives stacked alongside each other. To blend with your case, you can use any of the black, white, and silver bezels included. SilverStone didn't announce pricing or availability.

Toshiba Corporation today announced that its new line of high performance CompactFlash (CF) memory cards, the EXCERIA PRO series, will go on sale from April 27th in the Japanese market. Sales will also follow in Asia, Europe and North America. The initial line-up of 16GB, 32GB and 64GB cards offers the world's highest level read and write speeds and complies with the new Video Performance Guarantee Profile 2 (VPG-65) standard.

The EXCERIA PRO CF cards integrate Toshiba's high performance NAND flash memory and specially developed dedicated firmware. They achieve a read speed of 160 MB/s and write speed of 150 MB/s, the highest level yet reported.

Axiomtek is pleased to release a new 15.6" WXGA TFT widescreen fanless multi-touch panel computer, the GOT3157W-832-PCT. This panel PC comes with an industrial design with refined aesthetics, and brings the easy-to-deploy feature and advanced touch experience to a variety of commercial and industrial applications such as the self-service kiosk in retail and control panel of machine in automation field.

With the extraordinary modulized design, the GOT3157W-832-PCT gives operator hassle free benefit, no more annoying deployment and maintenance jobs! It uses 15.6-inch projected capacitive multi-touch screen to enhance mutual interactive experience. In addition, the Intel Atom processor D2550 at 1.86 GHz with Intel NM10 Express chipset has been integrated into the GOT3157W-832-PCT, offering an excellent balance between high graphics performance and low power consumption.

Toshiba Corporation today announced that it will launch a new line of high performance CompactFlash (CF) memory cards, the EXCERIA PRO 2 series, expressly targeting the digital single lens reflex camera market. The initial line-up of 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB cards will come to market in spring of 2013 and offer the world's highest level3 read and write speeds. EXCERIA PRO will position Toshiba to meet the demands of the high-end DSLR market, including high resolution image capture, sustained continuous shooting, HD video recording and high speed data transfers to other devices.

The EXCERIA PRO CF cards integrate Toshiba's high performance NAND flash memory and specially developed dedicated firmware. They achieve a read speed of 160 MB/s and write speed of 150 MB/s, the highest level yet reported.

Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced the addition of Industrial use microSDHC Class 10 and CF170 CompactFlash memory cards to its industrial memory card product line. Ideal for use in small form factor devices with demanding performance and capacity requirements, Transcend's MLC-based microSDHC Class 10 and CF170 memory cards are the most reliable high speed, high volume compact storage solution.

Manufactured using brand-name MLC NAND Flash chips, Transcend's Industrial use microSDHC cards guarantee superior performance and long-term stability over their consumer-grade TLC counterparts. Combining advanced Flash technology with the top-of-the-line Class 10 speed rating, these cards provide impressive read/write speeds of up to 20 MB/16 MB per second, losing nothing in transfer performance despite their tiny dimensions. Thanks to their fast data transfer rates, enhanced reliability, and available capacities of up to 32 GB, Transcend's Industrial use microSDHC Class 10 cards are the perfect OEM/bundle pack accessory for compact non-stop applications, including the latest digital cameras, DV recorders, mobile phones, and portable vehicle navigation systems.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced the arrival of 1000x CompactFlash cards as part of its expanding flash card product line. Aimed at professional photographers, the new 1000x CF cards feature high-speed transfer rates up to 160 MB/s read and 120 MB/s write, ensuring maximum performance when used with today's cutting-edge digital camera equipment.

Fully compliant with CompactFlash revision 6.0, Transcend's "Ultimate" series 1000x CompactFlash cards operate in Ultra DMA (UDMA) transfer mode 7, the fastest interface speed available for CF cards. As a result, a top-end DSLR camera equipped with a 1000x CF card responds more quickly - especially important during fast-action burst mode shooting - and stores large images in RAW format faster than ever before. When back at the studio, 1000x CF cards help increase post-production efficiency with incredible read speeds of up to 160 MB/s, which allows transferring images from card to computer in a matter of seconds.

Japanese manufacturer Scythe expands its product portfolio of high quality accessories by a brand new product, the CF-Reader. New CF-Reader is a portable card reader which is supporting CompactFlash cards of Type I and Type II as well as UDMA. Furthermore it is featuring the fast USB 3.0 interface allowing data transfer rates of over 100 MB per second. Thanks to its downward compatibility Scythe CF-Reader natively supports the former and yet widely used USB 2.0 interface.

Thanks to its very practical form factor Scythe CF-Reader looks rather like a common USB Stick which allows easy transport and mobile usage with Notebooks and Ultrabooks. To ensure safe and comfortable transport it furthermore comes with a useful silicon case which covers both the USB Connector and the the CompactFlash Slot. It additionally provides protection against damage caused by impacts or drops. Supplied silicon case is made to perfectly fit the CF-Reader to ensure easy fitting and removing of the Scythe CF-Reader.

Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the new Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader, a versatile, all-in-one solution for quick and reliable file transfers from 25 of the most popular memory card formats.

The reader provides five slots compatible with popular card formats such as CompactFlash, Secure Digital, including newly added support for Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) cards, Mobile, Memory Stick and xD-Picture cards. The reader is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports, can read multiple cards simultaneously, and provides card-to-card file transfer. For additional information about the Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader, visit www.lexar.com.

The CompactFlash Association (CFA) announces the CFast2.0 draft specification and celebrates seventeen years of performance leadership in flash memory card markets. The CFast2.0 draft specification was approved by the CFA Board of Directors for a 90 day final approval vote by all voting members. General availability of the CFast2.0 specification for non-members is expected in Q4 of 2012.

The CompactFlash Association was formed in 1995 as the initial digital film format and continues to serve professional imaging markets where high performance and high quality recording media are important. CFA has consistently created specifications to meet the current and future requirements for professional imaging and video markets. CFast2.0’s performance capability of up to 600MB/sec enable CFA to serve new professional video markets such as high definition TV production and cinema video production environments.

SanDisk Corporation, a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today announced that it is developing flash memory cards based on the new CFast2.0 specification introduced today by the CompactFlash Association (CFA). The new specification enables next-generation photo and video applications by delivering up to four times faster performance than the CompactFlash memory cards currently used in DSLR cameras and other imaging devices.

“CFast2.0 memory cards will help drive the future of professional photography and video-recording applications,” said Shuki Nir, senior vice president and general manager, Retail, SanDisk. “With the CFast2.0 specification’s unparalleled performance, flash memory can now enter new markets such as high-definition TV and even cinema production.”

Sharkoon is expanding their portfolio of USB3.0 devices: New products now available are an internal card reader, an external card reader and an external 4-Port USB3.0 hub for a SuperSpeed interface.

The Sharkoon Internal USB3.0 Card Reader can be mounted in either a 3.5 inch bay or with the illuminated adapter frame in a 5.25 inch bay to the PC case. To connect the external USB3.0 mainboard a 100 cm long USB3.0 cable with matching compatible bracket is attached. The unit supports SD (HC), SDXC, MMC, MS and CF, the most common card formats. In particular: SDXC (capacity up to 2 TB), SD(HC), microSD(HC), mini SD; CompactFlash: v4.1 with PIO mode 6 and Ultra-DMA mode 6, v5.0 with LBA48 (capacity up to 144 PB); MultiMediaCard (MMC): MMC specification v3.x, v4.0, v4.1 and v4.2, Databus x1, x4 and x8 Bit; Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Micro, Memory Stick PRO-HG and Memory Stick XC (capacity up to 32 GB), the card reader is compatible with the "Memory Stick Series" specifications MS v1.43, MS PRO v1.05, MS Micro v1.04 (MS HG Micro v1.00), MS PRO-HG Duo 1.03, MS XC Duo v1.00, MS XC-HG Duo v1.00, MS XC Micro v1.00 and MS XC-HG Micro v1.00.

Unigen Corporation, a leading OEM designer and manufacturer of enterprise-grade flash storage, DRAM, and wireless communication modules, today announced the launch of its 6Gb/s mSATA and mini mSATA solid state drive modules for embedded applications.

The modules are available in three models. The Unigen Model 2202 and 2204 feature high random access performance, while Model 2512 is optimized for incompressible data or multimedia files such as video, image, and audio files. These new SSD modules will be available for shipment in August 2012.

Despite the increase in adoption of SSDs in the industrial computer sector, price remains a major concern. Apacer seeks to address this issue with a quality SSD product. Apacer, one of the world's top ten PC SSD suppliers, has introduced a large-capacity MLC wide-temp SSD with CF and SD interfaces designed for industrial computer systems and automatic applications. Favorably priced, the product employs the vendor guaranteed flash chip, which means it can run stably under industry-level extended-temperature (-40°C ~ 85°C) environments. It stays reliable even at very high or very low temperatures, which makes the SSD a great storage solution suitable for the military, aviation, automobile, oil-well drilling and other industries.

Apacer’s next-gen MLC wide-temp SSD includes an CF card compliant form-factor with CFA 4.1 specifications and an SD card supporting the SDHC Class 10 standard. The CF card adopts the standard 50-pin connector; the data transfer mode is up to PIO-6, Multi-Word DMA-4 and Ultra DMA-5, available in capacities from 8GB to 32GB. It features sequential read/write speed of up to 55/20 MB/Sec, which is about 3 times faster than that of its predecessor. The industrial SD card version supports the ver. 2.0 standard as defined by the SD Association, available in capacities from 4GB to 32GB. It also effectively enhances file transmission speeds thanks to sequential read/write speeds of up to 19/14 MB/sec.

Lexar introduced a new variant of its Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader, which it launched back in May, 2011. The new variant supports faster UDMA7 mode for the CompactFlash bay, which allows users to take advantage of the company's recently-launched Professional 1000X Series CompactFlash cards. The new transfer mode, combined with the new CF cards, churns out transfer rates as high as 167 MB/s. In addition, the reader's SDXC/SDHC/SD card slot supports SD UHS-I with maximum transfer rate of 104 MB/s. To make sure there is zero interface bottleneck with the host PC, the reader takes advantage of the 5 Gb/s USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface. Measuring 69.9 x 63.5 x 25.4 mm, the reader weighs about 69 g. Its pricing is not disclosed, yet.

Source: Hermitage Akihabara

The CompactFlash Association (CFA) is pleased to announce the development of the CFast 2.0 specification, sponsored by SanDisk. The CFast 2.0 specification will be developed in the CFast workgroup and will leverage the CFast 1.1 specification which was released September 2008. Additional participation in this specification development will be welcomed.

CFast1.1 (SATA-2) cards and connectors are already available in the marketplace. CFast 2.0 will leverage the same connector interface as CFast 1.1 and the SATA-3 interface for higher performance. Host manufacturers will be able to leverage their experience and investment in the ATA storage protocol and media manufacturers will be able to leverage high volume solid state disk (SSD) controller technology to serve the high performance requirements of this market. The new format will have VPG (Video Performance Guarantee) capability with profiles capable of supporting digital intermediate formats such as ProRes, DPX, and DNxHD.

Axtremex Technology is proud to announce the release of their 800x and 800x Plus Compact Flash cards. These new high performance cards showcase Axtremex Technology's continuous efforts to deliver high performance, high quality and reliable products at reasonable prices.

The Axtremex Ultra DMA 7 800x Compact Flash card supports up to 120 Megabytes per second Read Speed and up to 95 Megabytes per second Write Speed. The 800x Plus Compact Flash card supports up to 120 Megabytes per second Read Speed and up to 120 Megabytes per second Write Speed.

Buffalo Japan announced two new lines of memory card readers that take advantage of the USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface, the BSCR09U3 series, and the BSCRD04U3. The BSCR09U3 has a typical desktop form-factor, it measures 85 x 13 x 49 mm (WxDxH), weighing about 35 g. It supports a variety of media formats, including SD/SDHC/SDXC (standard, mini, and micro), MS-Duo, M2, CompactFlash, and XD Picture Card, with zero interface bottlenecks.

The BSCRD04U3, on the other hand, resembles the shape of a flat highlighter pen. It measures 33 x 15 x 69 mm, weighing 17 g. Once uncapped, it can be plugged directly to a USB 3.0 port, or extended via a cable. This reader only supports SD/SDHC/SDXC (standard, mini, and micro). Both card readers are available in black and white options. Slated for April, the BSCR09U3 is priced at 3,402 JPY (US $41.8), while the BSCRD04U3 goes for 2,826 JPY (US $34.7).Source: Hermitage Akihabara

I-O Data introduced the CFU-IV line of CompactFlash cards for IPCs. These cards are built with a guaranteed operational temperature range as wide as -40°C to 85°C. The model launched today provides 256 MB of storage, and is driven by TDK GBDriver controller that minimizes write errors. The card conforms to CF Type I specifications. Backed by a 1 year warranty, the CFU-IV256 will be priced around US $110. It is also available in 128 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB variants.Source: I-O Data

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today announced the expansion of its flash card product line with the introduction of high-capacity 600X CompactFlash cards with capacities now ranging up to 64GB. The new 64GB 600X CF card also features ultra-fast transfer rates of up to 90MB/s and supports the VPG-20 specification, ensuring professional photographers and enthusiasts benefit from the full high-resolution recording capabilities of today’s modern digital equipment.

Capturing fast-action images in enhanced detail, often during high-speed consecutive shooting or extended Full HD video recording sessions, requires a massive amount of storage space. Transcend`s 600X CF cards target users who demand vast capacity, superior speed, and long-term reliability without the inconvenience of switching cards. The 64GB 600X CF card can capture more than 13,000 still images (with a 10 megapixel camera) and record over three hours of Full HD video (1920x1080 at 38.6Mbps), allowing users to take full advantage of their high-end digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLR) and HD video camcorders.

Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced new Lexar Professional 400x CompactFlash (CF) card capacities, including the industry's first 256 GB memory card. Also available in 64 GB and 128 GB capacities, the increased capacity options provide enormous storage capabilities and impressive performance for photographers and videographers to capture large volumes of high-resolution images and high-definition video. These increased capacities also open the door for new uses in the industrial and commercial markets where higher capacity hard disk drives have previously been used.

The new Lexar Professional CF card capacities are speed rated at 400x and provide a minimum guaranteed transfer speed of 60 MB per second, allowing professionals and advanced photo and video enthusiasts to enjoy extended capture of 1080p full-HD video and sustained, rapid-fire shooting. When paired with UDMA 7-compatible devices, like the Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader, the new Professional 400x CF card capacities provide rapid transfer of content from card to computer, significantly accelerating the digital workflow and enabling photographers to spend more time creating and less time waiting.

Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the industry's first 1000x memory card, the Lexar Professional 1000x CompactFlash (CF) card. The new card provides professional photographers and advanced photo and video enthusiasts with blazing-fast 150MB per second minimum guaranteed sustained read speed.

The Lexar Professional 1000x CF card will be available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB capacities, and supports the VPG-20 specification, meaning the card has been tested and guaranteed for professional video capture streams at up to 20 MB/s, ensuring professional-quality video at high frame rates with no dropped frames.

Ready or not, here it comes, a brand new memory card format courtesy of the CompactFlash Association (CFA). Named XQD, the new card makes use of a PCI-Express interface (2.5 Gbps for starters, 5 Gbps in the future), features a durable casing that measures 38.5 x 29.8 x 3.8 mm (for comparison, a CompactFlash card is 43 × 36 × 5 mm while an SD card is 32 × 24 × 2.1 mm), and aims to deliver write speeds of 125 MB/s (and higher in future iterations).

"The XQD format will enable further evolution of hardware and imaging applications, and widen the memory card options available to CompactFlash users such as professional photographers," said Mr. Shigeto Kanda of Canon, chairman of the board, CFA. XQD memory cards are set to be showcased at CP+ 2012 (February 9-12) in Yokohama, Japan but it's still uncertain when we'll see them in stores. Licensing of this new format will begin in early 2012 so products supporting it should come later in the year.

Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the launch of the Kingston USB 3.0 Media Reader. The reader takes advantage of performance benefits offered by USB 3.0 technology, allowing for faster data download times.

The Kingston USB 3.0 Media Reader supports multiple card formats including the newer high-capacity SDXC. With its quick and easy plug-and-play design, it delivers up to 5.0Gb/s data transfer speed for high-resolution images, large data files and more making it ideal for serious enthusiasts who need a fast and reliable data transfer device. It is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0.

Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today announced the new Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader, a high-performance card reader that enables professional and advanced amateur photographers and videographers to maximize their workflow with blazing-fast transfer speeds. The reader leverages SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) technology to deliver high-speed performance that supports the latest CompactFlash (CF) UDMA, Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), and SD Ultra High Speed-I (UHS-I) memory cards. The versatile reader is also backwards compatible with standard CF, SD, and Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards and USB 2.0 host devices.

“USB is the most popular connectivity option for PCs, and it’s critical that professional photographers and videographers have convenient and versatile tools to maximize their workflow and fully leverage the performance of their high-speed memory cards,” said Manisha Sharma, director of product marketing for cards, Lexar Media. “The Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader combines extremely fast performance with a versatile, innovative design to provide pro and hobbyist shooters with a reader that dramatically reduces image transfer time. The speed offered by the reader enables users to move large volumes of high-resolution images and HD video faster than ever, allowing them to spend less time at the PC and more time on other activities.”

Axtremex Technology and their distributor, IndieGrip.com LLC, are proud to announce the immediate availability of the world’s first 128 GB CompactFlash cards. While others have announced 128 GB CompactFlash cards, no one has announced or shipped a high performance 128 GB 600x card. The Axtremex Ultra DMA 128 GB 600x card supports up to 90 Megabytes per second Read Speed and up to 60 Megabytes per second Write Speed.

In addition Axtremex is announcing the availability of a very high performance 64 GB CompactFlash card. The Axtremex Ultra DMA 64 GB 600x Plus card supports with up to 90 Megabytes per second Read and Write Speeds. Both cards are built using premium memory chips and may be used in a wide variety of devices, such as audio recorders, video recorders, still cameras, and other devices that use CompactFlash cards. Of course not all devices will support these cards.