Sandisk Introduces 8tb Portable Ssd with Enhanced Security Features and Durability
SanDisk has launched an 8TB version of its popular E61 portable SSD, expanding its offerings for users who require extensive storage capacity. The new model aims to cater to professionals such as video editors, photographers, and data analysts, who often handle large files and need reliable storage solutions. However, despite the excitement around the 8TB capacity, concerns linger about the reliability of SanDisk's SSDs due to a major data corruption issue that surfaced in 2024.
The introduction of this new 8TB model highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between manufacturers and consumers over data security, with the former seeking to reassure users through enhanced encryption features like 256-bit AES.
As companies continue to push the boundaries of storage capacity, will they also prioritize sustainable practices in their product development and disposal processes?
Sandisk's Extreme Pro Portable 8TB SSD is currently listed on Amazon for $490, offering significant savings from its original price of $700. This deal makes the drive an attractive option for those who require large-capacity storage for their game libraries or important files and projects. With its high-performance capabilities and rugged design, the Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD is well-suited to meet the demands of photographers, videographers, and drone operators.
The popularity of portable SSDs in recent years highlights the growing need for reliable and efficient external storage solutions that can keep up with the increasing demands of media collection and processing.
As more professionals and gamers rely on cloud storage services for collaboration and data backup, will traditional external drives like the Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD continue to hold their value or become less relevant in the long term?
The Samsung T7 portable SSD offers incredible speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, making it an excellent option for storing games, recording 4K videos, and transferring large files. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, while its rugged aluminum casing provides protection against drops and bumps. This discount brings the already-fast drive down to a highly competitive price.
The rapid adoption of portable SSDs like the Samsung T7 is driving innovation in data transfer speeds, potentially leading to even faster storage solutions in the future.
How will the increased accessibility of high-speed storage space impact the types of applications and industries that rely on it, such as professional video editing or gaming?
The Sabrent Rocket Enterprise PCIe 4.0 U.2/U.3 NVMe SSD has set a new benchmark for enterprise storage solutions, offering up to 7,000MB/s read speeds and handling over 56PB of data with one drive write per day durability. This massive 30.72TB model is designed to meet the demands of large-scale operations, including data centers and businesses requiring high-speed, high-endurance storage solutions. With its ultra-low bit error rate and sustained low-latency performance, this SSD is poised to disrupt the enterprise storage market.
The sheer scale of this SSD raises questions about the future of cloud storage and data management, particularly as AI tools and server applications increasingly require vast amounts of fast, reliable storage.
How will the adoption of such high-performance storage solutions impact the balance between costs and capabilities in enterprise IT infrastructure?
Micron has launched a prototype of its PCIe 6.x SSD featuring a remarkable sequential read speed of 27GB/s, marking a significant advancement over its previous models. This breakthrough was demonstrated at DesignCon 2025, where the SSD's performance was enhanced by Astera Labs' Scorpio P-Series Fabric Switch, showcasing the potential of PCIe 6.x technology in high-speed data transfer. While this innovation promises to address the growing demands of AI and cloud computing, widespread availability of PCIe 6.x storage solutions is still years away due to the need for an ecosystem that supports its capabilities.
The unveiling of this SSD highlights the rapid pace of technological advancement in the storage sector, indicating a shift towards more efficient data processing in the face of increasing computational demands.
What challenges do manufacturers face in ensuring compatibility and widespread adoption of PCIe 6.x technology across various platforms?
Lexar ARMOR series SD cards claim to be 37 times stronger than standard memory cards and can withstand extreme conditions such as drops from up to 5 meters, ensuring reliable use in challenging environments. The stainless steel build provides superior resistance to bending, breaking, and overheating, while the IP68 rating ensures they remain dustproof and waterproof. With high-speed performance and advanced features like lifetime recovery tool access, these cards are designed for professional photo editors and video editors.
The adoption of stainless steel materials in memory cards may set a new industry standard for durability, forcing competitors to reevaluate their product designs and manufacturing processes.
How will the widespread use of durable memory cards impact the long-term sustainability of electronic devices and reduce e-waste?
Chinese researchers are working to develop molecular hard drives with high capacity, which use organometallic molecules to boost data density and efficiency. These drives have the potential to store six times the amount of data compared to current mechanical models, overcoming limitations in traditional binary storage systems. The new technology relies on self-assembled monolayers of complex molecules, applied using a conductive atomic force microscope tip, to achieve ultra-low power consumption.
The development of molecular hard drives represents a significant shift towards more efficient and powerful data storage, which could have far-reaching implications for industries reliant on digital information.
Will the increased capacity and reduced energy requirements of molecular hard drives lead to widespread adoption, or will concerns over environmental sensitivity and durability hinder their development?
Seagate’s Ultra Compact SSD 10Gbps USB thumb drive delivers far better performance than generic 5Gbps or 400Mbps types, as well as free data recovery and other software perks. The drive is designed to be compact and portable, with a rectangular shape and a Type-C connector that can be easily accessed. With its fast 10Gbps performance and additional software features, the Ultra Compact SSD offers an attractive alternative for users who need reliable storage on-the-go.
This move highlights the importance of user experience in the tech industry, where form factor and convenience are increasingly being prioritized over raw processing power.
What role do smaller, more portable storage devices like the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD play in the broader shift towards cloud-based computing and the increasing dependence on mobile devices?
Chinese researchers have developed a self-encrypting molecular storage system that uses organic molecules to store and encrypt data, with potential for ultra-high-density storage devices. The technology can operate with extremely low power consumption and perform built-in encryption using bitwise XOR operations. However, the short operational lifespan of atomic microscope tips remains a major obstacle, limiting its practicality for large-scale storage applications.
The promise of molecular HDDs highlights the need for innovation in addressing the limitations of traditional storage technologies, such as magnetic materials' degradation and energy consumption.
As researchers continue to push the boundaries of storage density and efficiency, what implications will this have on the broader data center industry's demand for advanced storage solutions?
Micron, in collaboration with Astera Labs, has showcased the world's first PCIe 6.0 SSDs at DesignCon 2025, achieving unprecedented sequential read speeds of over 27 GB/s. This remarkable performance, which doubles the speeds of current PCIe 5.0 drives, was made possible through the integration of Astera's Scorpio PCIe 6.0 switch and Nvidia's Magnum IO GPUDirect technology. The advancements in PCIe 6.0 technology signal a significant leap forward for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence applications, emphasizing the industry's need for faster data transfer rates.
The introduction of PCIe 6.0 highlights a pivotal moment in storage technology, potentially reshaping the landscape for high-performance computing and AI by addressing the increasing demand for speed and efficiency.
As PCIe 6.0 begins to penetrate the market, what challenges might arise in ensuring compatibility with existing hardware and software ecosystems?
The TeamGroup PD20 external SSD utilizes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 technology, offering good performance for those who have compatible ports, but its late arrival raises questions about its relevance in a market increasingly shifting towards USB 4.0. With an attractive price point and decent construction, the drive falls short due to limited widespread support for the Gen 2x2 standard, which significantly hampers its potential user base. Ultimately, the PD20 serves as a reminder of the risks associated with investing in technology that may soon be outpaced by newer standards.
The PD20's performance could have been a game-changer had it arrived sooner, highlighting the importance of timing in technology releases amid rapid advancements.
Will the continued evolution of USB standards render current external SSDs obsolete in just a few years?
Scientists at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a new atomic-scale data storage method that manipulates microscopic gaps in crystals to hold electrical charges, allowing for terabytes of bits in a single millimeter cube. This approach combines quantum science, optical storage, and radiation dosimetry to store data as ones and zeroes, representing the next frontier in digital system storage. The breakthrough has significant implications for advancing storage capacity and reducing device size.
By leveraging the inherent defects in all crystals, this technology could potentially revolutionize the way we think about data storage, enabling the creation of ultra-dense memory devices with unparalleled performance.
As researchers continue to explore the potential applications of rare earth metals in data storage, what regulatory frameworks will be necessary to ensure the safe and responsible development of these emerging technologies?
A compact 256GB USB flash drive is the easiest way to add extra storage space on your laptop without breaking the bank. Samsung's 256GB Fit Plus thumb drive is currently available for $23 on Amazon, offering a significant 34% discount from its regular price. This tiny drive is robust, waterproof, and compatible with multiple devices, making it an ideal solution for users who need a fast and reliable way to transfer files.
The widespread adoption of cloud storage may lead to a decline in the use of external flash drives like the Samsung Fit Plus, but there are still many situations where a portable storage solution is necessary or preferred.
How will the increasing demands on data security and privacy in the digital age impact the design and functionality of future USB flash drives?
Seagate's ongoing issues with counterfeit hard drive sales have taken a new turn, as scammers have discovered methods to manipulate Field Accessible Reliability Metrics (FARM) values, making it difficult for consumers to detect tampered devices. This latest development presents a significant challenge for Seagate and its customers, who must now find alternative ways to verify the authenticity of their purchases. The company has advised resellers to buy drives only from certified distribution partners to ensure authenticity.
The growing sophistication of counterfeiters' tactics highlights the need for more robust anti-counterfeiting measures in the electronics industry, particularly when it comes to highly regulated components like hard drive parts.
As consumers become increasingly savvy about spotting fake products, will manufacturers and regulators be able to keep pace with the evolving landscape of counterfeiting and intellectual property theft?
USB flash drives, while convenient for data transfer, often vary significantly in quality, which can lead to issues regarding data integrity and security. Many inexpensive USB sticks utilize outdated technology and inferior flash memory, raising concerns about their reliability for sensitive information storage. Understanding the specifications, capacities, and potential pitfalls of these devices is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions.
The increasing prevalence of low-quality USB drives highlights the importance of consumer awareness and skepticism, especially when purchasing from unfamiliar sources or at suspiciously low prices.
What measures can manufacturers implement to enhance the reliability of USB flash drives and protect consumers from potential data loss?
Apple has unveiled its iPad (11th generation), featuring the new A16 chip and a base storage increase to 128GB, while maintaining the same design as its predecessor. The new model retains the 12MP cameras and introduces improvements like Smart HDR 4, but notably removes the physical SIM slot in favor of eSIM only. With pricing starting at $349, the iPad 11 aims to offer enhanced performance at the same entry-level price point.
This development highlights Apple's strategy to balance cost and performance, making the iPad more accessible while still appealing to tech-savvy consumers looking for updated specifications.
What implications does the removal of the physical SIM slot have for users who rely on traditional cellular connectivity?
The 2TB MSI Spatium M461 SSD is currently on sale for $84, offering an unbeatable price of around 4 cents per GB. This discount brings the drive down from its recent average price of $99, making it a compelling option for those looking to upgrade their storage with fast performance. The drive's PCIe Gen 4 x4 interface and NVMe 1.4 standard interface provide speedy read/write speeds of up to 5,000/4,200 MBps.
This sale showcases the competitive pricing that SSDs have reached in recent years, making them an increasingly viable option for those looking to upgrade from traditional hard drives.
As solid-state storage technology continues to advance and prices come down, what implications will this have for the broader computer hardware market and consumer purchasing decisions?
IBM is launching its FlashSystem C200 storage system, which offers high-capacity flash storage at an estimated cost of $381,000 for a 1.1PB raw capacity and 2.3PB effective capacity. The system aims to replace traditional HDDs with flash-based storage, positioning itself as a lower-cost alternative for archive storage, backup repositories, and sequential workloads. With its high density, endurance, and lower operational costs, the C200 is optimized for use in large-scale enterprises.
As the cost of flash memory continues to decline, it's likely that systems like IBM's FlashSystem C200 will become increasingly competitive with traditional HDD-based storage solutions.
What role do you think cloud storage services will play in the adoption and deployment of such high-capacity flash storage systems?
Cloud storage is better, faster, and more affordable per gigabyte than ever before. However, relying solely on cloud storage can leave users vulnerable to data breaches, loss of access due to internet outages, and slower recovery times. Storing data locally on a physical drive provides greater speed, availability, and control over sensitive information. Local storage also offers security and compliance benefits, such as avoiding foreign laws and regulations that may apply to overseas data.
Cloud storage can be less secure than local storage, making it more vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches.
What measures will cloud providers take to ensure the long-term availability and security of user data in the event of a catastrophic failure or global shutdown?
The Samsung Galaxy S36 has officially been shown off at MWC 2025, ditching its predecessor's Exynos SoC for a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. The new device upgrades the fast charging on its 5,000 mAh battery to 45 Watts, allowing users to record HDR video using the 12 MP selfie camera. Samsung's newest mid-range Galaxy A smartphones, including the Galaxy A36, offer important generation-over-generation upgrades compared to their predecessors.
This latest move by Samsung underscores the importance of timely updates and refreshes in the smartphone market, particularly for mid-range devices that often form a significant chunk of overall sales.
How will the increasing adoption of newer SoCs and charging technologies impact the environmental sustainability of the smartphone industry?
It's time to upgrade your PS5's storage! Japanese storage solutions company Nextorage just launched three new 4TB NVMe SSD models in the U.S., offering a significant discount on all three models for a limited time. The company is putting all three models on sale, with the 4TB M.2 NVMe G-LE SSD (without heatsink) available at 50% off for $249.99. On the other hand, the two remaining models will be available at 40% off for just $299.99.
The discounted prices of these high-capacity storage drives make it an attractive option for those looking to expand their PS5's storage without breaking the bank.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and more games become increasingly demanding, it will be interesting to see how the performance and capacity of SSDs like these Nextorage models hold up in the long term.
The leaked specs and unofficial renders of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Tab S10 FE Plus suggest that Samsung is gearing up to launch a mid-range tablet series that could challenge Apple's entry-level iPads. The tablets are expected to feature modest specs, with 10.9-inch or 13.1-inch displays, Exynos 1580 chipsets, and up to 12GB of RAM. With their rumored prices and potential features like support for the S Pen stylus, these tablets may appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for an alternative to iPads.
The mid-range tablet market is often overlooked in favor of premium offerings, but the success of Samsung's FE series could signal a shift towards more affordable options that still offer quality features.
Will Samsung's focus on mid-range tablets help to disrupt Apple's dominance in the market, or will it simply create a new segment for competing brands?
The introduction of BYD's Blade battery represents a significant shift towards prioritizing battery safety while increasing energy density, a move that could redefine industry standards for the entire sector. With its advanced design and rigorous testing, the Blade Battery has already passed stringent tests, including a nail penetration test, which revealed exceptional thermal stability. This breakthrough could help mitigate concerns about EV fires and promote a safer driving experience.
The emphasis on safety in battery development may lead to a reevaluation of traditional industry benchmarks, potentially resulting in more robust and reliable energy storage solutions.
How will the widespread adoption of Blade Battery technology impact the industry's approach to energy density, and what potential consequences might arise from prioritizing safety over sheer power output?
Samsung's latest OLED screen ecosystem concept wants to foster a seamless 'multiple screen experience'Power-efficient On-Cell Film (OCF) technology boosts brightnessIntegrated grip handle enhances portability. Samsung has introduced a concept that blends rugged portability with futuristic design - an 18.1-inch OLED portable monitor with a 4.5R folding radius, that transforms into a briefcase-like form with an integrated grip handle. Showcased at MWC 2025, this foldable OLED panel features a QHD+ resolution of 2000 × 3664 pixels, offering a high pixel density of 184 PPI, though Samsung hasn't yet confirmed commercial availability.
By redefining the boundaries between work and play, devices like Samsung's flexible briefcase could fundamentally shift how we interact with technology in our daily lives.
How will the proliferation of such versatile, portable display solutions impact the way we approach remote work, entertainment, and education on-the-go?
According to new reports, Samsung is currently prototyping the Galaxy S26 Ultra with up to 1 TB of storage and S Pen support. In more similarities with the current Galaxy S25 Ultra, next year's model will not be moving to Under-Display Camera (UDC) technology like recent Galaxy Z Fold foldables. The company has been refining UDC technology for years but has yet to integrate it across any of its other product lines.
The absence of UDC on the Galaxy S series raises questions about Samsung's commitment to innovation and its willingness to adopt emerging technologies in a timely manner.
Will the decision to skip UDC technology on the Galaxy S26 Ultra ultimately impact Samsung's competitive edge in the high-end smartphone market?
Getac's new B360 series brings AI, triple batteries, and NVIDIA GPU power to its rugged laptops, enhancing security, speed, and efficiency with AIB360 supports three SSDs, triple batteries, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. Built for extremes, the B360 meets MIL-STD-810H and IP66 standards. Getac has launched two new AI-enabled rugged laptops, the B360 and B360 Pro, designed for professionals working in extreme environments and demanding industries.
The integration of edge AI capabilities in these laptops signals a shift towards more robust and secure computing solutions for industries with harsh environmental conditions, where cloud-based processing may be impractical or insecure.
Will the increased focus on edge AI enable new use cases and applications that can take advantage of real-time processing and data analysis, potentially revolutionizing industries such as public safety, defense, and utilities?