Seagate just announced the world’s first USB-powered desktop hard drive called Innov8. A single, reversible USB-C cable powers the Innov8 and provides easy access to the massive 8TB of storage. The price tag is set at $350, and it requires a compatible laptop or PC with USB-C port, that are just coming to market. However, Apple’s 12-inch MacBook is compatible.
In conjunction with Seagate’s new Ignition Boost Technology, Innov8 does not need to be plugged into a power outlet. Similar to a standard car requiring a battery kick to start the engine, Ignition Boost together with USB 3.1 enables Innov8 to thrive off bus power. No dedicated power source or adapter required.
Innov8’s premium, well-balanced aluminum enclosure and design means users can horizontally or vertically place it on the desktop as they prefer. The industrial design excellence of Innov8 was done in partnership with Huge-Design, a firm recognized by some of the industry’s most influential consumer electronics brands GoPro, HP, and Nike.
“Creating an extreme design that visually celebrates Seagate’s world-class engineering capabilities was a key objective of this engagement,” said Bill Webb, Huge-Design. “Innov8 builds on Seven’s success to once again convey the functional beauty of an internal hard drive, but with enough capacity to help ensure seemingly endless space to store the memories we all love. The drive represents a bold yet practical solution for today’s consumer, looking to preserve a wealth of memories in the most compelling way possible.”
Innov8 includes Seagate Dashboard software, which offers users either one-click on-demand or customizable, scheduled backups for their devices. Further, Seagate Innov8 includes 200GB of Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage and Lyve software compatibility, so users can back up, access and share their favorite files from any device or location.
Pricing and Availability
Seagate Innov8 (model STFG8000400) will be available in April 2016 for $349 (US MSRP).
