In 2015 Intel introduced the Compute Stick or Computer Stick – the item has been around from that point onward. The idea is simple and elegant. Intel wanted to create an HDMI dongle computer which can run Windows 10.
There is no confirmation, but our suspicion is that Intel wanted a ultra-cheap and portable solution to run Windows for embedded applications like set-top boxes (DVRs) and other IoT (Internet of Things) products. If our assumption is correct, it’s a wonderful product and is a great solution for its intended purpose.
PCWorld did an incredible overview of the Compute stick in 2016, and a connection link to that article is at the footer of this post. The PC World review outlined the specifications and performance levels of the Intel based product. We will let that article do the heavy lifting for the tech people out there, but today we want to talk about the applications one might have for a computer stick.
For only $120 (ish) off Amazon, this is an excellent solution to run Windows 10 for a host of specific applications.
Several bullet points worth mentioning right out of the gate:
Micron, with the corporate office based in Boise Idaho,
introduces the c200 microSD card with a data storage range from 128GB to
1TB. No that wasn’t a typo, One Terabyte
of storage. The card was designed to
address the demand around 4K video recording and playback.
The card has read speeds near 100MB/s and write speeds of
near 95MB/s. The c200 card collection
can reach these speeds because of Dynamic SLC cache; which is intelligent maintenance
during idle time for sustained peak performance. The Micron microSD card uses the UHS-1 Speed
Class 3 for capture and Video Speed Class 30 for support. Meaning to get these transfer rates, the host
device must also be UHS-1 compliant.
In case you are wondering, the card uses Micron 98-layer
3D QLC NAND memory, which is cost effective for both consumers and commercial customers.
If you have an Android device, you can be even happier
with the card meeting the Application Performance Class 2 specification which
is built-in memory expansion for compatible Android devices.
The Application Performance Class 2 (A2) is defined by the
Secure Digital (SD) Physical 6.0 specification. A2 makes SD memory cards higher
performance devices than A1 devices by using functions of the Command Queuing
and Cache framework. The Application Performance Class can be applied to UHS
SDHC/SDXC Memory Card product family.
If you have a Nook color or Nook tablet and have dreamed about hacking it into a full-on blown Android tablet, it’s actually possible!
Take things into your own hands with the latest release from the fellows over at Nook 2 Android. It’s a lesser known fact among its general user base that the devices run Android at their core. Even less apparent to the B&N crowd is that you can make those tablets boot and run a stock Android experience.
Previously limited to the Android 2.3 Gingerbread experience, Nook 2 Android (N2A) microSD cards now allow the aforementioned devices to boot directly to the same Android 4.1 Jelly Bean experience that comes with phones and tablets. Specifically, this is a Cyanogenmod port of Android, or the preferred stock UI and features that many modders prefer to employ. In a nutshell, these cards turn the e-readers/tablets into Android tablets, complete with widgets and access to Google Play.
If you own one of these two devices and wish to get in on the standard Android love, there are a number of options at your disposal. On one hand you can buy a microSD card already loaded with the bootable OS, with capacities ranging from 8GB ($29.99) up to 64GB ($69.99). On the other hand, you can opt for the $19.99 method which lets you download and install the image on your existing microSD cards. Note that not all cards and capacities may be supported. Whichever route you go, the process of booting to Android 4.1 is not far off!
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SanDisk is launching two new microSD memory cards today. They are officially called the “SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDHC UHS-I cards.” What makes them special? They let you capture photos and videos at up to 90 megabytes per second which is incredible fast for any application. And as for the read speeds, they’re slightly faster at 95 megabytes per second, which isn’t going to max out a USB 3.0 connection (625 megabytes per second) anytime soon, but it’s still incredibly impressive. The 8 GB card will cost $60, while the 16 GB card will go for $100. Both should be in stores quite soon, and if you can’t wait you can buy them straight from SanDisk’s website today.
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Netcom is a Chinese company which is trying to carve out a niche market for themself by developing a NFC [Near Field Communication] chipset inside a microSD card.
The technology gives the microSD card the ability to communicate via NFC as well as provide memory storage for the user. The NFC chip sits inside the microSD slot of the host.
The idea is bringing NFC technology for payment terminals to older phones which don’t have the NFC chipset or technology currently in them.
The Netcom solution does require a bit of attention to make it all work. First, the microSD slot of the host must be made of plastic. Most are, but it’s worth noting to look before you buy.
Next, the NFC chipset does require a small app loaded on the host so that communication can take place between the NFC chip itself and the host it’s sitting in. Which makes sense, as typically that app is embedded on the phone RAM when spec’d out during production for a “certified NFC” device.
Last, is the antenna coil required to sit inside the microSD card might be a bit small/short for communication of a distance more than 20mm from the terminal receiver. Again, not a big deal as we are talking about NEAR field communication, but worth noting before buying.
Source [image as well] Engadget.com.
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It’s been said Motorola rushed their shipments of XOOM tablet products to make an early claim in the market for iPad like solutions. The problem is that some of the OS features and hardware accessories don’t work. For example, the XOOM from Motorola has a microSD slot for increased capacity, but the damn slot doesn’t work.
Motorol assured users the slot will be enabled not to long, but for many – they want access now. With tablet sizes between 16GB and 32GB I can see the immediate need for increased storage space. Granted, the space would be required more by a user looking to store large movie video files and not the typical user of tablet games, email clients and browsers, but never the less, it’s important for users to have the option. The option for more storage.
Tiamat came up with a solution. They have released an updated Linux kernel which enables the microSD slot. I’m not sure what other snibits of code are included with the kernel [caution] but if you desperately need the
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Visa started a four week trial period where mobile phones can not make touch-less payment transactions. This means you can now wave your phone in front of a terminal to make a purchase.
For purchases under $100 no PIN or signature is required and the customer has the option of receiving a receipt.
The technology is compatible with existing contact-less payment terminals already installed at more than 20,000 retail outlets across Australia, including fast food restaurants, electronic stores, book stores, sporting stadiums, clothing stores and vending machines.
Visa is calling this program the payWave technology and will pave the way for new banking methods using mobile devices. You can manage your account and make transfers, receive real time offers from merchants, fraud notices and you can even deactivate your card number through the mobile device.
This technology runs on an encrypted microSD card. Fifty participants from the Sydney and Melbourne offices of ANZ and Visa will been given a special protective iPhone case with a secure microSD memory card that allows them to turn their phone into a virtual wallet.
This solution seems ideal for a pilot program, but I’m sure the final product will incorporate a solution where an additional case is not required. For more information, check out the following Visa YouTube video.
I have been a fan of Steampunk products for a long time. Typically I report on a Steampunk USB version, but today I get the pleasure to include a microSD card reader.
The construction is similar to other Steampunk products we’ve seen, made of brass, copper, glass, watch parts and clock parts. The metal connections from the brass wire outside are made with silver solder and an acetylene tourch, which gives it the unique look and feel. In addition, the maker, put extra time into the fitting and position of the internal components for a solid product.
The Steampunk device is an 8GB flash drive with a microSD card reader at the tail end. The technology is make of disassembled stock product where the microSD card reader is built into the flash drive. Clearly the device will show two drive letters when connected to the computer, one for the USB stick and the other for the card reader.
So now you can obtain a Steampunk flash drive with unlimited storage ability via the microSD card reader. Price is much higher then the stock product, but hey, you’ll never get a great looking, customized case like this Steampunk body.
Source:Â Etsy.
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Lets start the clock ticking for when microSD media will take over the world for flash storage.
I am still amazed at the small size of the microSD media and it’s expansive ability to keep growing in GB capacity. Today SanDisk is officially selling the 32GB version of their microSD card. Sure, it’s $200 USD but when you are an overseas airplane ride and need hours and hours of video content to stream through your 3 inch screen, this will be very handy. I will forget the fact that a DVD player is less than that…but we’re talking cool factor here.
The new 32GB card makes use of SanDisk’s three-bit-per-cell storage technology and is able to hold around 7,000 songs. That translates into 19 solid days of listenting to music, without break, 24/7.
So forget the $200 price tag and maybe you can be lucky like me and find a microSD card, 2GB capacity for $3 off Amazon.com.
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With microSD cards getting so large, we have seen some create uses. This years CES 2010 is no exception. Take for example, the new data backup service from Clickfree. Clickfree now offers the ability for you to backup PC files directly to your Blackberry smartphone.
The new Clickfree Traveler Micro-SD card for BlackBerry comes with pre-installed Clickfree software. This enables you to easily backup important files to your BlackBerry. The Traveler is tailor made for the business users who are constantly on the go and searching for a better way to backup their data.
Once Clickfree is installed your BlackBerry will automatically backup your files every time you connect to the computer via USB cable. It also keeps files secure with password protection which is encrypted. The Clickfree Traveler works with Windows 7, Vista, XP and Mac OS X 10.5+. It will release in February for a price of $89.99 (16GB) and $149.99 (32GB).
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Take things into your own hands with the latest release from the fellows over at Nook 2 Android. It’s a lesser known fact among its general user base that the devices run Android at their core. Even less apparent to the B&N crowd is that you can make those tablets boot and run a stock Android experience.
Previously limited to the Android 2.3 Gingerbread experience, Nook 2 Android (N2A) microSD cards now allow the aforementioned devices to boot directly to the same Android 4.1 Jelly Bean experience that comes with phones and tablets. Specifically, this is a Cyanogenmod port of Android, or the preferred stock UI and features that many modders prefer to employ. In a nutshell, these cards turn the e-readers/tablets into Android tablets, complete with widgets and access to Google Play.
If you own one of these two devices and wish to get in on the standard Android love, there are a number of options at your disposal. On one hand you can buy a microSD card already loaded with the bootable OS, with capacities ranging from 8GB ($29.99) up to 64GB ($69.99). On the other hand, you can opt for the $19.99 method which lets you download and install the image on your existing microSD cards. Note that not all cards and capacities may be supported. Whichever route you go, the process of booting to Android 4.1 is not far off!
Source [image as well] 
Motorol assured users the slot will be enabled not to long, but for many – they want access now. With tablet sizes between 16GB and 32GB I can see the immediate need for increased storage space. Granted, the space would be required more by a user looking to store large movie video files and not the typical user of tablet games, email clients and browsers, but never the less, it’s important for users to have the option. The option for more storage.
Tiamat came up with a solution. They have released an updated Linux kernel which enables the microSD slot. I’m not sure what other snibits of code are included with the kernel [caution] but if you desperately need the
The technology is compatible with existing contact-less payment terminals already installed at more than 20,000 retail outlets across Australia, including fast food restaurants, electronic stores, book stores, sporting stadiums, clothing stores and vending machines.
Lets start the clock ticking for when microSD media will take over the world for flash storage.
With