Product category:
Reference Designs
News Release from: Agere Systems | Subject: Mobile content server
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 19 December 2006
Design is novel concept in storage
servers
The mobile content server is claimed to untether users from the PC and stationary storage devices.
Agere Systems has introduced a new product category, the mobile content server, claimed to untether users from the PC and stationary storage devices By putting control of sharing digital content where it belongs - in the hands of the consumer - the BluOnyx mobile content server brings unprecedented connectivity, processing and storage capability for consumers to access, back up and share their digital content whenever and wherever they want in peer-to-peer mode or over the Internet
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 24 Oct 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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One major limitation of existing portable consumer electronics is that they are single function and PC-centric.
They represent a class of "i"-"everything" devices in a closed system that does not allow easy interaction with other ecosystems and consumer devices.
The BluOnyx server enhances and transforms the consumer's experience from "i" to "we", unconstrained by location or device incompatibilities.
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Agere will be demonstrating preliminary versions of its BluOnyx server by appointment at the Consumer Electronics Show 8th to 11th January 2007 on Booth 68526, Sands Expo and Convention centre in Las Vegas.
The BluOnyx server is about the size of a credit card and for the first time enables mobile users to share and stream music, video and business files to or from electronic devices ranging from cellphones, PCs, digital cameras, game machines, DSL routers and many more.
The BluOnyx server is a peer-to-peer device that does not require a PC for its operations but can move content to and from a PC using USB and wireless connectivity.
This capability will finally make a PC just another consumer device instead of the centre of the digital universe.
Devices can connect to the BluOnyx server wirelessly through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections or using USB cables or SD cards.
The BluOnyx server can be accessed directly or through a home or corporate network where it is seen as a drive letter for easy transfer of content in familiar operating system settings.
The amount of storage on the BluOnyx server will range from 1 to 40Gbyte.
The BluOnyx server has a sleek screen-free look and is controlled via its owner's cellphone.
Instead of being limited to its own display like many existing products, its contents can be displayed on a cellphone, PC or TV.
The BluOnyx server ends consumers' inability to transfer files between different electronic devices and removes the limitations on the choice of displays for content it holds.
Agere currently is in discussions with consumer electronic device makers and cellphone service providers regarding manufacturing and private labelling unique products based on the BluOnyx server system and industrial design.
Rudiger Stroh, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Agere's Storage Division, said: "The BluOnyx server establishes Agere Systems as a thought leader focused on what matters to consumers: mobility, choice of display, a plethora of connectivity options and useful applications".
"We are talking to some of the leading brand names in consumer electronics to bring this product to many market segments".
With dimensions of 90 x 60mm and between 6 and 15mm thick (depending on memory capacity), the BluOnyx server easily slips into a shirt pocket or purse and features its own rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours without recharging.
The 40Gbyte version of the BluOnyx server weighs about 140g, or about half of the weight of the typical smart phone handheld device.
In addition to developing the system and the software for the BluOnyx server, Agere makes key semiconductor chips in the device and is encouraging third parties to build hardware and software on this open platform.
Nik Bahram, Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Agere's Storage Division and the lead for the BluOnyx server product line, said: "The BluOnyx server opens up an entirely new world that will no longer be PC-centric or limited to one company's closed version of an entertainment device".
"It truly deserves to be called a breakthrough as it brings a newfound freedom to consumers through an open platform".
"Users can have their content with them, exchange content between their various mobile and stationary devices and share their private content with friends in social settings".
"Not to be outdone, the savvy business person looking for a highly mobile and valuable addition to their business tools will see the BluOnyx server as a must-have for quick access, sharing and presentation of their content on a number of displays with or without a PC", added Bahram.
The retail price of the BluOnyx server is expected to range from US $99 to $250 depending on memory capacity.
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