Agere Systems today introduced the BluOnyx mobile content server that brings connectivity, processing and storage capability for consumers to access, back up and share their digital content whenever and wherever they want in peer-to- peer mode or over the Internet.

The BluOnyx server is about the size of a credit card and for the first time enables mobile users to share and stream music, video and business files to or from electronic devices ranging from cell phones, PCs, digital cameras, game machines, DSL routers and many more. The BluOnyx server is a peer-to-peer device that does not require a PC for its operations but can move content to and from a PC using USB and wireless connectivity. This capability will finally make a PC just another consumer device instead of the center of the digital universe.

Devices can connect to the BluOnyx server wirelessly through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections or using USB cables or SD cards. The BluOnyx server can be accessed directly or through a home or corporate network where it is seen as a drive letter for easy transfer of content in familiar operating system settings. The amount of storage on the BluOnyx server will range from 1 Gigabyte to 40 Gigabytes.

With the BluOnyx server, consumers will be able to do the following:

• Wirelessly access and display personal content carried on the BluOnyx server.
• Create a Digital Campfire), broadcasting and sharing content with multiple friends, gathered around a table, authorized to access the BluOnyx server through their cell phones.
• Stream videos to one or more cell phones.
• Back up pictures, music, video, emails, personal and business documents and images from cell phones, cameras and PCs.
• Enable access to the Internet for cell phones and PDAs that are not broadband enabled and cannot access the Internet on their own. 
• Protect content via multiple tiers of authentication and encryption.

Rudiger Stroh, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Agere's Storage Division, said: "The BluOnyx server establishes Agere Systems as a thought leader focused on what matters to consumers: mobility, choice of display, a plethora of connectivity options and useful applications. We are talking to some of the leading brand names in consumer electronics to bring this product to many market segments."

The retail price of the BluOnyx server is expected to range from $99 to $250 depending on memory capacity.