Code-named "Crickett" while in development, Seagate's DAVE (Digital Audio Video Experience) technology is targeted firmly to cell phone manufacturers, distributor/resellers, and carriers (service providers), who would brand the device and offer it to their customers as bundled technology (along with a phone) or as an additional accessory. Customers, in turn, could use the device to store business or personal information, including that which is downloaded from the Internet through their phones.

DAVE is a wireless external hard drive, designed specifically for use with cell phones or other handheld devices with wireless connectivity. The small device is designed to be shirt-pocket storable; it is 3.5 x 4.7 x .47" in dimension (comparable to a half-inch thick credit card, or a slim-line phone) and weighs about 2.5 ounces. It connects to and communicates with the phone wirelessly via either Bluetooth (2.0 EDR) or Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) connections, and, according to the vendor, can be used by the phone at distances of up to 30 feet. USB-To-Go connectivity is also supported.

DAVE can be used with Windows Mobile, Symbian, BREW, or J2ME-based phones and is expected to be offered in 10 and 20 GB capacities. To use the device, you would activate Bluetooth on both the DAVE device and the phone, and then Pair the device with the phone. The DAVE technology is then automatically installed to the phone, enabling the user to access their stored content using the graphic interface on the phone itself.

The vendor states that the device leverages their Storage Management Module power-saving technology, which enables it to provide up to 10 hours of streaming performance and 14 hours of standby operation from a single rechargeable Lithium ION battery. When in standby mode, the drive is inactive; but senses Bluetooth commands from the phone.

DAVE usage can also be extended by developers via a provided open API; and an SDK is expected to be made available by the vendor in March of 2007.

The DAVE device itself, on the other hand, is expected to be available to device OEMs and service providers in 2Q 2007.

Contact Seagate Technology for further information.