Lexar Media Inc. is to add Google applications, including a toolbar and search function, to its USB flash drives. The new drives will be available starting in January 2006. The company claims the move will make it easier for customers to find data on their drives.

"While these popular applications have traditionally been available on the Web directly from Google and other Web affiliates, offering them on a Lexar JumpDrive provides a new channel to reach customers," said Steffen Hellmold, vice president of USB flash drives at Lexar.