This one’s pretty much for the Android users.
Did you know that most modern Android Phones support USB host to some degree? That means you can often connect low power USB devices to your phone or tablet, and the device will recognize them. Does your phone lack a MicroSD? You can probably augment your storage with a USB Flash Drive. Of course this often means have to keep track of an adapter cable, one that will convert your phone’s Micro USB port into a full sized USB port.
Sony’s new 2-in-1 drive offers up a potential solution for this issue. With a full sized USB 2 jack on one side and a Micro USB on the other. This should make sneaker-netting your files between computer and mobile device much easier. While Cloud Storage can help expand our gadget’s capabilities, sometimes it’s just faster and easier to go old school Plug & Play.
Sony says the device will work on most Android devices starting with Android 4.0.3 and newer. Prices start at $20 for an 8GB drive and scale up to $63 for 32GB. Drives should be available starting January 2014.
Full PR after the jump!
Sony’s New USB Flash Drive Delivers 2-in-1 Functionality for Smartphone and Tablets Users
by Tom Di Nome 12/11/2013
PARK RIDGE, N.J., Dec. 11, 2013 — Sony’s newest USB flash drive is a “2-in-1” device, with dual micro USB and USB 2.0 connectors for fast and easy back-up, sharing and storing of personal content. The new drive fits most Android* smartphones and tablets so mobile consumers can transfer and view photos and videos without using cables or Wi-Fi access.
According to industry research, photo-taking is the third most common use for a smartphone, with viewing and sharing not far behind. Tablets are also finding similar use, increasing the need for multi-function devices.
“Consumers want to let a friend see the photo they just took or share a video easily with as few steps as possible,” said Viviano Cantu, director of consumer media marketing, Sony Electronics. “These new drives combine convenience, peace of mind and performance and are perfect for mobile multi-tasking.”
The compact devices are available in capacities of 8, 16 and 32 GB, and in a choice of 3 different cap colors. They join Sony’s existing line of storage and transfer options for home and mobile use, giving consumers more flexibility in how they manage personal data.
The new drives are compatible with Android* devices, version 4.0.3 to 4.3** and offer the USB On-the-Go (OTG) function, which allows portable devices like smartphones to act as a “host” when connected to other USB peripherals.
Consumers can also use the drives as additional or temporary storage for their smartphones and tablets, a storage option that’s ideal for enjoying large data files like feature-length movies or personal music libraries.
A locking cap protects the connectors from damage, dust and debris, and the devices’ metal body is durable enough to withstand everyday mobile use.
For easier operation from a smartphone, users can download the free File Manager app from the Play Store to help them easily search content stored on their different devices as well as copy, delete, playback and sort files.
To learn more, visit: www.sony.net/Products/memorycard/en_us/usbsa/index.html.
The new USB flash drives will be available January 2014 at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) at the following prices:
8 GB (USM-8SA1/B) – $19.99
16 GB (USM-16SA1/B) – $29.99
32 GB (USM-32SA1/B) – $62.99
*Can be used with Android devices with USB flash drive connectivity using Android version 4.0.3-4.3, with planned future compatibility for Android version 4.4.