Cloud Engine has relaunched a new version of its Linux-based Pogoplug networked-attached storage (NAS) device, which uses the same Marvell SheevaPlug reference design. The new version has an expanded chassis that makes room for the four USB 2.0 ports. The device appears to be a mini tower, complete with a pink plastic framework, which offers underside cooling and guides the cables to reduce clutter. It offers the single gigabit Ethernet port, as well as the Marvell SheevaPlug’s 1.2GHz Marvell 88F6000 (Kirkwood) system-on-chip (SoC).

To make room for the four USB 2.0 ports, the chassis has been expanded, so instead of looking more or less like the popular Marvell SheevaPlug Plug Computer design, as did the previous version , it appears like a mini tower, complete with a pink plastic framework, which offers underside cooling, and guides the cables to reduce clutter . Instead of plugging directly into a wall socket, the larger device offers a power cable.

Beyond the USB ports and chassis redesign, the device is, as before, dead simple: it still offers the single gigabit Ethernet port, as well as the Marvell SheevaPlug’s 1.2GHz Marvell 88F6000 (”Kirkwood”) system-on-chip (SoC). As reported in initial coverage of the Linux-based Marvell SheevaPlug platform and Plug Computer design in February, the Pogoplug enables remote viewing of external storage devices via a web browser. The device connects to external hard drives or memory sticks via USB, and to a router via gigabit Ethernet.

Like the original product (below), the new Pogoplug enables network sharing of storage, remote uploading of multimedia, as well as access from an Apple iPhone. In May, Cloud Engines announced Linux desktop support, 64-bit OS support, and easier searching and sharing software.

Now, the Pogoplug has received a major software upgrade, offering improved transcoding, wider support for video streaming, and the ability to automatically synchronize multimedia content from iTunes, iPhoto, and Windows Media Player. The new software offers tighter integration with Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace, plus automatic organization of multimedia content.

Users can now use drag and drop techniques to create music and photo slide shows, and share them via the web. In addition, global searching across multiple drives and Pogoplugs is now available, and automatic cover art displays are sorted by album, artist, and genre, Cloud Engines says.

Availability

Pogoplug is now available for pre-order from Cloud Engines for $130, with shipments expected by mid December.