SanDisk has announced the world’s largest capacity microSD memory card. Smaller than a typical human fingernail, this new card is packed with 128GB of storage which is enough to hold 16 hours of full HD video, 7,500 songs, 3,200 pictures and more than 125 apps, all on a single card.
MicroSD cards first hit the scene in 2004 out of a necessity to deliver mobile storage to various digital gadgets like digital cameras. Early cards boasted an incredible (at the time) 128MB of storage but since then, microSD card storage capacity has increased 1,000 times over.
To get to today’s 128GB milestone, SanDisk developed a proprietary technique that allows for 16 memory die to be stacked vertically – each thinner than a strand of hair. Christopher Chute, research director, Worldwide Digital Imaging, IDC, said the technology is well in line with what mobile users expect and demonstrates SanDisk’s commitment to mobility.
One could argue that portable memory cards like this are on the way out, what with the rise in popularity of cloud storage as well as the fact that fewer and fewer mobile devices are shipping with microSD card slots. But that time is still likely years away if I had to venture a guess.
The 128GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC card is available exclusively in the US through BestBuy.com and Amazon priced at $199.99. The card is also on display at SanDisk’s booth this week during Mobile World Congress.
