Seagate Unveils 'DAVE' Technology

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Seagate announces the Digital Audio Video Experience (DAVE) technology, the project previously code-named "Crickett". Having already created significant buzz in the mobile phone community, the DAVE platform is an enabling technology that delivers 10-20 GB of wireless storage in an accessory smaller than many common slim-line mobile phones. DAVE technology is designed to store, play and share digital files on mobile phones, PCs, and other wireless-enabled devices.

Using Bluetooth or WiFi connections, DAVE is the answer to providing substantial storage capacity without impacting the design or cost of mobile handsets. Built for portability and about the size of a centimeter-thick credit card, the DAVE mobile platform slips conveniently into a shirt pocket, backpack, or purse - anywhere up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) from the phone. In addition, the mobile storage platform is open source, enabling third party software developers to create new applications for the mobile phone utilizing the hard drive's unmatched capacity and performance. The DAVE technology is offered to telcos and mobile handset OEMs for sale under their respective brand names.

The push to monetize massive investments in high-speed wireless networks has accelerated new service offerings worldwide, including mobile TV, digital music, digital video, personal blogging and more. According to Frost & Sullivan, the number of mobile video download subscribers will jump to nearly five million in 2010 as compared to roughly 250,000 mobile video download subscribers in 2006.

Using products based on the DAVE storage platform, consumers will now be able to store all of their mobile media on one device for access when, where, and how they want. The DAVE technology lets consumers combine their audio and video files downloaded through mobile networks with entertainment and other content side-loaded from PCs or other devices for a fully customized, personalized mobile experience.

Features:
- Makes upgrading mobile phones easy - storing content on a DAVE-based device makes upgrading a mobile phone fast and easy. Simply pair the device to the new handset, and start enjoying digital content on the new phone in just minutes.
- Turns the mobile phone into a DVR/MP3 powerhouse - consumers can now download video from mobile phone networks; grab music from online, mobile, or PC libraries; load audiobooks or GPS data; and use all of that data as needed when on-the-go. The 10GB version will make 2,500 songs or 21 hours of video available to mobile consumers all the time, anywhere.
- Increases use of mobile entertainment networks and data services - with massive storage capacity, mobile network operators can now offer consumers the opportunity to download and enjoy large media and data files. With video files downloaded to products based on the DAVE platform instead of streamed through the mobile network, video can now be delivered without latency or coverage issues. DAVE-based products will also enable new business models for high-bandwidth networks, such as try-and-buy content, that offer real value for consumers.
- Enables mobile lifeblogging and other social networking applications - the ability to record massive video and photo files on the mobile phone, edit and annotate content, then upload to social networking sites such as YouTube or MySpace is now mobile and spontaneous. Consumers can also use the DAVE technology features to share the content with other mobile phones, PCs, wireless-enabled cameras, or even other DAVE mobile storage devices.

The DAVE reference design is about the size of a centimeter-thick credit card, with dimensions of 3.5 x 4.7 x .47 inches (61 x 89 x 12 mm) and weighing only 2.5 ounces (70 grams). Utilizing Seagate's Storage Management Module power-saving technology, the rechargeable lithium ion battery delivers up to 10 hours of media-streaming performance and up to 14 days of standby power.

Built on a set of open API platform accessible to developers using current development tools, the DAVE mobile storage platform offers mobile phone software developers the opportunity to create new applications utilizing the hard drive's capacity and performance. A DAVE Software Developers Kit, available in March 2007 from Seagate, streamlines the process of building videogames, applications that manage and play multimedia, enhanced GPS systems, and other new software widgets for the mobile lifestyle. The DAVE mobile storage platform is expected to be available to leading cell phone manufacturers and telco service providers for products in the second calendar quarter of 2007.

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