Seagate Innov8 USB powered desktop hard drive packs 8TB capacity

Seagate has unveiled a new storage solution for desktop users called Seagate Innov8. This external storage device is hailed as the world's first USB-powered desktop hard drive. The device has 8TB of storage and doesn't require an external power supply to operate. Innov8 gets all the power it needs for operating and accessing data directly from the USB 3.1 connection.

This USB power makes Innov8 the first 8TB desktop hard drive that doesn't need to be plugged into a power outlet. The drive uses tech called Ignition Booster, which Seagate says is similar to a car needing a battery to start the engine, to operate without a power supply. The included USB cable has a USB Type-C connector on the device side.

8TB of storage space is enough to store over 2 million songs, four million photos, and 800 HD resolution movies. The case that the 8TB hard drive sits in is very cool, was designed in partnership with Huge-Design, and is a 2015 Red Dot design award winner. The drive works with the Seagate Dashboard software.

That software works with the drive to allow one-click on-demand backups and scheduled backups for your devices. Innov8 also includes 200GB of OneDrive storage and Lyve software compatibility allowing the backup of critical data to the cloud. Seagate will begin shipping Innov8 in April for $349 directly and through other retailers. Seagate is mum on specs for data read and write speeds. The drive will work on Windows or Mac computers and measures 208mm L x 123.6mm W x 36mm D.

SOURCE: Seagate