The U3 Smart Drive is a type of USB flash drive that includes software designed to run applications directly from the drive. This allows users to carry their programs and settings with them, making it easy to use their favorite applications on different computers without installation. The U3 platform was developed by U3 LLC, a company founded by SanDisk and other partners. It provides a user-friendly interface that allows for easy access to applications and files stored on the drive. This technology enhances portability and convenience for users who frequently switch between computers.