Last January at CES, Eye-Fi rolled out its Pro X2 memory card, rolling 802.11n Wi-Fi networking into an 8 GB SDHC memory card so cameras can connect to the Internet and local networks wirelessly. The Pro X2 also built-in the capability to automatically upload images to a user’s home computer as well as post directly to a couple dozen photo-sharing services—the idea is why buy a camera with Wi-Fi, when you can just buy a memory card with Wi-Fi and use it in any camera with an SDHC slot?
Now, Eye-Fi has expanded the X2’s capabilities to its Connect and Explore lines, at 4 GB and 8 GB capacities—but perhaps more significantly, partnered with Starbucks and Harborlink to enable users to upload photos from more than 6,500 Starbucks franchises, as well as Harbor link locations like BP gas stations.
“Just in time for spring outings and summer road trips, we’re giving users the ultimate Eye-Fi experience—it’s faster and even more convenient,” said Eye-Fi CEO Jef Holove, in a statement. “Uploading and sharing your memories with friends and family is as simple as finding a nearby Starbucks and turning on your camera. We do the rest.”
The deals with Starbucks and Harborlink bring to the number of hotspots in the U.S. that support Eye-Fi cards to over 21,000: users just get within range of a supported hotspot, turn on their camera, and the integrated software does the rest. The X2 cards also feature an “Endless Memory” option that enables users to automatically have the cards delete images from their built-in storage once they’ve “safely” been uploaded to a Web site or a users’ computer. If users stay in range of available Wi-Fi connectivity, the process is like having a storage card with infinite capacity.
The Connect X2 Eye-Fi cards with 4 GB of built-in memory carry a suggested price of $49.99; the Explore X2s with 8 GB of memory start have a suggested retail price of $99.99. The Pro X2 cards—which support RAW uploads and other features—are priced at $149.99.
