Sony introduced on Wednesday a flash drive that would make a great gift for gadget lovers this holiday season. That's because this SA Series device seemingly "cuts the cord" by providing a normal USB 2.0 connector on one end and a microUSB connector on the other end.
"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."
Available this January in 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB capacities, this new drive would be ideal for moving video, music and pictures off a smartphone and onto a computer's hard drive. To help with this, Sony will provide a File Manager app on Google Play, allowing users to move, delete, sort and playback files.
"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," reads the press release.
The File Manager is compatible with Android 4.0.3 to 4.3 "Jelly Bean" only. Supporting operating systems include Windows 7 and Windows 8, Windows Vista, Mac OS 10.4 or later, and the same Android builds as previously mentioned. A locking cap protects the connectors from dust, debris and damage, and the devices' metal body is durable enough to withstand everyday mobile use.
Android devices will need to support USB On-the-Go (OTG) in order to support file transfers via the 2-in-1 drive. For those who already store their smartphone data onto USB storage sticks, this solution looks to eliminate the special dongle in the process.
Arriving next month, the 8 GB model will retail for $19.99, the 16 GB model for $29.99, and the 32 GB model for $62.99. For more information about this new 2-in-1 USB "stick," head here.
