Sony ups storage by five

Sony has increased hard drive storage capacity by five times through developing a new method of writing information that's viable even for notebooks, says Gizmodo.

Instead of writing via magnetics, the new system resembles current optical technologies, using a hybrid magnet/laser to write information to a disk at densities of 125GB/square inch.

Although most elements of the traditional hard drive stay intact, the current 320GB hard drive setup would see data storage reaching 1.6TB.

Microsoft is working on turning USB-based flash drives into a 'Windows companion' - a new product known as "StartKey" - that will allow users to carry their Windows and Windows Live settings with them, reports ZDNet.

StartKey isn't just for USB sticks; it will also work on other flash-storage devices, like SD memory cards.

Microsoft is looking to turn these intelligent storage devices portable "computing companions" for users in both developed and emerging markets, with availability (at least in beta form) likely before the end of this year.

The iF International Forum Design has awarded IBM four iF product design awards for superior design, innovation and development around its Systems and Technology Group products and solutions, says CNN Money.

The iF product design awards are given annually to companies that achieve significant breakthroughs in design and collaborative innovation of products and solutions across a wide variety of industries.

IBM was recognised for its innovation and expertise in the storage and server product design category.