MediaTek Inc., a leading fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions, announced today the world's first 1T1R 802.11ac dual-band concurrent Wi-Fi router and dongle solutions. MT7620 + MT7610E and MT7610U provide the mass market with 1T1R 802.11ac router and dongle to enable high quality data transmission, voice and video applications in connected homes. MediaTek will demonstrate its latest wireless technologies, connectivity devices and applications to its customers during Computex Taipei 2012.

MT7620 family integrates a 2T2R 802.11n Wi-Fi radio, a 600 MHz MIPS 24KEc CPU, 5p FE switch, 2xrGMII, USB, PCIe, SD-HC. The PCI Express interface will connect to 2nd Wi-Fi chipset for 11n 2x2 DBC router or to an 11ac chipset for 1x1 DBC 11ac routers. The high performance USB 2.0 allows MT7620 to add 3G/LTE support on a router or can add a UVC cam to enable the best cost/performance IP-Cam. And to support the wireless storage application, MT7620 supports NAND flash interface, SD-HC, USB 2.0 and storage accelerator for NAS, Wi-Fi HDD and Wi-Fi card reader. Audio interface I2S and PCM will enable wireless speaker and VoIP applications. MT7620 also steps up to the leading Hardware Network Address Translation (HNAT) milestone by supporting 2Gbps wired speed with IPv6 forwarding. The cost effective rGMII iNIC interface (2.4G or dual-band concurrent) can be utilized for cable, PON, xDSL and broadband wireless router.

SanDisk Corporation, a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, today announced that Fujitsu has selected the SanDisk iSSD integrated storage device for use in the new Fujitsu LIFEBOOK lineup of Ultrabook computers.

The 32 gigabyte (GB) SanDisk iSSD provides fast, reliable storage in the Fujitsu LIFEBOOK U772, UH772 and UH572 models, which Fujitsu introduced today. SanDisk iSSD technology is combined with Condusiv Technologies ExpressCache software in the new Fujitsu LIFEBOOK computers to deliver improved system performance. This software and hardware combination reduces system startup and application loading times to deliver a better overall user experience.

Qualcomm Atheros Inc., the networking and connectivity subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, today at COMPUTEX TAIPEI demonstrated the industry's first solutions that integrate 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for tablets and notebook computers. Qualcomm Atheros' 1-, 2- and 3-stream solutions are part of the company's end-to-end 802.11ac ecosystem, which is driving Gigabit-class wireless connectivity in mobile, computing, consumer electronics and networking products.

As consumers use tablets and notebooks to create, download and stream media files over wireless networks, Qualcomm Atheros' 802.11ac solutions are designed to deliver connectivity with the speed and reliability essential to today's mobile computing environments. Qualcomm Atheros' 802.11ac offers more than three times the Wi-Fi performance of 802.11n per stream and is capable of delivering up to 1.3 Gbps PHY rates with the company's 3-stream solutions. The new solutions also feature Bluetooth 4.0 with low-power mode for connecting mobile computers to wireless keyboards, headsets, speakers, printers and other peripherals while also conserving battery power.

Buffalo Technology, a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of wired and wireless networking and network and direct attached storage solutions, today announced the TeraStation 5000 series of high performance network storage solutions.

Following last week's announcement of the enterprise-class TeraStation 7000 series, the 5000 series currently consists of the two-drive TeraStation 5200 and the four-drive TeraStation 5400. Equipped with the powerful Intel Atom D2550 dual-core processor, the TeraStation 5000 series provides supercharged performance and offers an array of business class features including iSCSI, replication and failover support and SoleraTec Phoenix RSM, a video surveillance asset management solution.

TP-Link launched its newest premium wireless home router, the TL-WDR4300 N750. This 802.11 b/g/n router is capable of running 450 Mbps over 5 GHz and 300 Mbps over 2.4 GHz bands simultaneously (dual-band), hence the number "750" in N750, derived out of combining the two bandwidths. With wired networking, the TL-WDR4300 provides four downstream 10/100/1000 Mbps (GbE) ports, and a GbE upstream (WAN) port.

The TL-WDR4300 even provides two ubiquitous USB 2.0 ports, to which USB mass-storage devices and printers can be connected, and shared over the network. With a storage device attached, some basic NAS functionality is provided, such as FTP access, and media streaming over UPnP. The TL-WDR4300 from TP-Link is expected to retail for around US $90.

The annual event is approaching, computer gurus, enthusiasts and novices all alike prepare anxiously to cover the grounds of Computex 2012. Attendees seek for the most innovative technology available and exhibitors are kept on their toes to present eye-catching IT hardware and software. The time has come Computex 2012 is set for June 5th - 9th at Nangang Exhibition Hall, Taiwan. Visit Thecus at booth K0510 as new hardware and software will be presented to the public.

Thecus proudly exhibits:

• ThecusOS 5.0
• McAfee Antivirus
• TopTower Series
• Microsoft Windows Storage Servers: W Series
• V Series (Microsoft Windows 2008R2 Certified)
• Home & Small Office: Vision & EVO Series
• Thecus NVR, Visoguard

Keeping your data safe is important. That's why Thecus is manufacturing state-of-the-art devices that make managing your data storage look like a piece of cake! But what do you do when you reach the limit of storage of your hard drives? You could of course by bigger disks, a NAS with more bays or add some external hard drives connected through USB 3.0 or eSATA ports. The cost can add up pretty quick and not everyone can afford all this material.

A more economical and simpler approach to free up some space on your NAS is to transfer your data onto something permanent that can be stored away. Those photos and videos that you haven't watched in years, those projects in 2002 that are no more needed for reference, things you don't want to get rid of because you know the minute you do, Murphy's Law will kick in and you'll need them again.

Akitio introduced its newest desktop storage device, the Cloud Hybrid. The device can function as network-attached storage (NAS) over gigabit Ethernet, and disk-attached storage (DAS) over USB 3.0. It holds a single 3.5-inch hard drive, with SATA 3 Gb/s interface, up to 3 TB unformatted capacities are supported, as are volumes bigger than 2 TB in capacity. The device supports Microsoft exFAT file-system.

Its maker vaguely mentions that the device is driven by a "300 MHz CPU", with 32 MB DDR RAM, and 2 MB flash ROM. As a DAS, the device likely mounts its hard drive as a mass-storage device. As a NAS, however, most modern features are supported, including UPnP-AV, DLNA, iTunes music server, FTP, Samba, etc. Features such as BitTorrent and WebDAV server make for interesting additions for a device of its class, as is remote access over the internet, via a web-portal. While USB 3.0 (mass storage) posses minimal interface bottlenecks, Akitio assures 60 MB/s transfer-rates over SMB (in a GbE network). It is priced at US $99.

Iomega, an EMC company and a global leader in data protection, today announced the new Iomega StorCenter px12-450r Network Storage Array, multi-protocol networked data storage for small and medium business, remote office/branch office installations and distributed enterprises. The StorCenter px12-450r features the new Intel Xeon Processor E3-1200 v2 Product Family, 8GB RAM, improved user supportability and is ready for 4TB* hard disk drives (HDD) and 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) networks. Additionally, the StorCenter px12-450r utilizes the latest version the EMC LifeLine software, an advanced operating system that makes EMC's enterprise class expertise and cloud capabilities available to a broad range of users.

Iomega, an EMC company and a global leader in data protection, today announced the addition of McAfee VirusScan Enterprise to all Iomega StorCenter PX series network storage products.

The combination of McAfee running natively on the Iomega PX series network storage products represents an industry first: an enterprise-class endpoint protection product running natively on desktop and rackmount network storage products designed specifically for small and medium businesses, remote office/branch office installations, and distributed enterprises.

Synology Inc. today released the Mac client of Cloud Station Beta, providing an easy, yet secure data synchronization solution for Mac users.

"Cloud Station redefines the role of a NAS server, making Synology DiskStation and RackStation a true private cloud which not only pushes your data to all your devices automatically, but also keeps them up-to-date," said Darren Lin, Product Manager of Synology Inc. "Cloud Station can grow with users' demands with no recurring fees. It is one of users' favorite features in DSM 4.0, and we are excited to bring it to Mac users."

Today LaCie announced a new 2-bay network-attached storage solution (NAS) that delivers the ideal combination of speed and security for small businesses - the LaCie 2big NAS, design by Neil Poulton. Powered by a 2 GHz processor and improved file system, the 2big NAS delivers speeds up to 100 MB/s, ensuring employees can share files from any PC, Mac, or Linux workstation.

"According to data from Research and Markets, network storage is growing in excess of 30% annually, increasing the demands placed on network storage devices," said Erwan Girard, Professional Business Unit Manager at LaCie. "The LaCie 2big NAS was developed to scale with the needs of SOHO users, delivering fast file sharing and data security, the two most critical factors for a small business."

QNAP Systems, Inc. today announced its new additions for the high-end SMB market segment with two 16-drive 3U rackmount Turbo NAS models with up to 64TB storage capacity using 4 TB drives. The TS-EC1679U-RP and TS-1679U-RP, powered by the Intel Xeon processor and the Intel Core i3 processor respectively, are the highest capacity and highest performing NAS products ever developed by QNAP. Both models feature optional 10GbE networking and 6Gb/sec SATA interfaces, achieving incredible 2,000 MB/sec and 200,000 IOPS throughput; delivering sustained ultra-high performance suitable for demanding data center & high-end SMB environments. The new models feature cable-less disk drive backplanes, hot-swappable power supply, and cooling fan modules for maximum reliability and uptime.

Thecus is proud to present the first tablet in its lineup, ThecusPAD. With an innovative design, hardware and software, users are offered a powerful tablet that not only can browse the web, access media files and access GPS functions but can also install modules that allows Thecus NAS users to manage their NAS conveniently from their ThecusPAD.

Some key features of the stunning ThecusPAD includes a 7" HD display, which is great for watching HD videos and viewing high resolution photos. To add, capacitive touch screen adds a great feel when using the ThecusPAD. Stereo speakers illuminate a clear and crisp sound while playing music from ThecusPAD. Equipped with a micro-HDMI port and Thecus Utility, streaming seamless data from your NAS to your TV does not even require an adapter anymore.

VirusScan, otherwise known as McAfee Antivirus is the best safeguard measure to minimize and prevent virus attacks. With Thecus VirusScan module, users can rest assure that their vital data is protected with advanced features to eliminate possible threats. Thecus NAS now comes with free McAfee VirusScan module for maximum data security.

McAfee is a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation and is the world's largest dedicated security company, offering industry-leading, award-winning product which is a reason why Thecus decided to partner with them.

ORICO is working on a new line of slimline docks for Intel Ultrabook and Apple MacBook Air, which expand USB connectivity and provide an additional display output. Available in carbon black and white, the docks include a USB 3.0 hub with as many as five downstream USB 3.0 ports, a DisplayLink video adapter with DVI and HDMI output, and a gigabit Ethernet interface. The dock probably includes NAS functionality with mass storage devices attached to its USB ports. On top of all these, the dock includes fans to let it perform its primary function of cooling the Ultrabook or MacBook Air.

What is a bit and what exactly does it stand for? A bit stands for "binary digit," the set of numbers used by computing devices to process commands. A 32-bit system demonstrates great performance but if one is in need for improvement; 64-bit is the solution to solve bottlenecks. In short, 64-bit allows the system to calculate and process more data compared to the lesser 32-bit. Ultimately, Thecus upgrades the new 7-bay N77000PRO and 8-bay N8800PRO v2 models to 64-bit. Some key benefits of switching from 32-bit to 64-bit: improved performance, capability to process more data at a time, and better overall structure.

ORICO unveiled an interesting portable hard drive enclosure, which doubles up as a wireless NAS and internet access point. Called the WiDrive (model: WDX-8 625), the device can enclose one 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD, and share its contents over a secure wireless network (802.11 b/g/n). As an added value, it can also serve as a wireless internet access point, if an upstream wired internet connection is plugged into its 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port. As a NAS, it packs most modern features, including SAMBA, FTP, Bit Torrent, iTunes server and Media Center. Its storage can be expanded by a USB 2.0 port (mass storage device). The enclosure draws power from an external AC adapter. ORICO plans to charge 899 RMB (US $142) for the WiDrive.

Thecus is proud to present itself as a technological innovator. Once again, Thecus releases an all new 5-bay N5550 server to lead the competition. The past proves merit: link aggregation, LCM display, USB 3.0, multi RAID functions and so on. Impressive technologies have been used to develop the new N5550 NAS to serve one single purpose: improve user experience and satisfaction.

Intel Atom CPU: silent power
Intel Atom CPUs are designed to work without fans. This will dramatically reduce NAS noise and power consumption. Associated with large amounts of DDR3, Intel Atom CPUs will provide much better performance. Don't be restricted to a 4-bay NAS, bring it up a notch, Thecus N5550 is available and boosts the best performance with a great price, without entering larger bay units. Multi-users environment, web hosting, intense backup, data encryption, application serving, heavy RAID computations, and HD multimedia streaming: welcome to the world of smooth multi-tasking!

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced the industry's first 100 Gbps full duplex network processor unit (NPU). Enabling the next wave of 100GbE optimized switches and routers for service provider networks, the fully programmable BCM88030 family features 64 custom processors running at 1GHz, delivering more than 2X the throughput of any NPU on the market. With the industry's highest level of integration, the BCM88030 solution eliminates costly external components, dramatically reducing system cost and power by up to 80 percent per 10 GbE port.

In 2012, the number of connected devices is set to exceed the world's population with an estimated 7 billion devices connected to the network(1). By 2015, 90 percent of content viewed on mobile devices will be streaming video and application downloads are expected to reach 47 billion per year(1). To satisfy this overwhelming appetite for bandwidth, service providers around the globe are racing to transform their networks by adopting higher bandwidth links. Analysts estimate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 170 percent from 2011 to 2016 for 100G Ethernet ports as service providers rush to meet this demand(2).

Hauppauge Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAUP), the world's leading developer TV tuner products, has announced that Broadway, Hauppauge's live TV streamer for the iPad and iPhone, now has TV recording support. With this new feature, Broadway can record TV programs locally and then stream it to an iPad or iPhone at a later time. "Broadway" is a stand alone "box" which allows live TV to be watched on an Apple device in the home through a WiFi connection, or anywhere in the world via an Internet connection.

Broadway has-2 built in DVB-T Tuners supporting Freeview allowing users to watch one channel and simultaneously record another. Broadway also connects to cable or satellite set top boxes. Once connected to a TV source, Broadway can tune into a TV program and then either stream the live TV program to an iPad or iPhone, or, with the new feature, record the TV program to a locally attached storage device and then stream the recording at a later time.

Today at its annual partner conference, Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced Partner Plus, a new global channel program targeting mid-sized customers. Partners who participate in the program will receive increased preference, investment and support in the form of business accelerators such as incremental incentives, engineering support, marketing and demand generation, sales enablement, and customer intelligence.

Partner Plus is a key pillar of Cisco's Partner Led strategy, which is designed to empower and reward channel partners to lead the sale with small and mid-sized customers. This approach combines the power of the partner sales force and Cisco's sales force in an innovative way to go after these market segments. This is part of the $75 million investment that Cisco announced in 2011 for enablement, systems, and support capabilities.

Synology Inc. today introduced the Plex Media Server package, which provides selected DiskStation and RackStation users with a complete media solution, hundreds of channels of online content, and the capability to stream the content to user's iOS and Android devices, Windows and Mac computers, and Roku Media Streamers. The Plex media server is developed by Plex.

Plex Media Server package seamlessly streams media content stored in DiskStation and RackStation to various devices, offering users with the convenience of browsing and watching their video collections anytime, anywhere. "We appreciate Plex's effort to develop a package for DiskStation and RackStation users. The Plex Media Server package brings users unified and unsurpassed media experience which is cost effective, flexible, and easy-to-use," said Darren Lin, product manager of Synology Inc.

Thecus and McAfee are teaming up to provide protection to NAS devices. Thecus is the first to bundle McAfee anti-virus software within a NAS to provide customers a trouble-free NAS experience.

Ultimate User Experience

This partnership sets new standards within the NAS community by recognizing the request of many users seeking virus protection and prevention. Users can rest assure that they'll be piloting a powerful yet reliable NAS system. This effort also fosters a friendly user experience by offering antivirus protection right out of the box.

Synology has confirmed a known system issue caused by flawed flash memory chips. This issue can occur when users reboot the DiskStation; the unit will not restart and the blue LED light will blink continuously. This issue does not affect data stored on the DiskStation and will not result in data loss.

The affected products include DS1512+ and DS1812+ worldwide, and DS212j for Asia shipments only. The best estimated quantity is 480, 120 and 700 units respectively and most of them have been returned or are on the way to Synology.