The world's first-ever 1 TB SDXC card that doubles the storage capacity offered by the biggest current-gen memory card is finally here!
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, global storage technology and solutions firm Western Digital Corporation (WDC) took the wraps off a prototype for its SanDisk 1 TB SDXC memory card at the ongoing Photokina show in Germany.
The SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I with its monstrous 1 terabyte storage space even trumps storage space on a laptop!
WDC's Dinesh Bahal, VP of Product Management (content solutions business unit), shared that the memory card is quite an evolution and bears testament to the company's innovative spirit and journey since it introduced the 64 MB SD card in 2000.
The prototype of the 1 TB Extreme Pro SDXC is reflective of the increasing storage space demands with the changing times. Consumers and professionals are leaning toward higher storage capacities for memory cards as the demand for 4K and 8K content grows.
"The SanDisk 1TB SD card prototype represents another significant achievement as growth of high-resolution content and capacity-intensive applications such as virtual reality, video surveillance and 360 video, are progressing at astounding rates," notes Bahal.
With the onset of VR applications, the need for 1 TB capacity will be quite useful. Moreover, flagship cameras from companies such as Nikon, Sony, Canon and Fujifilm boast 50-megapixel sensors, which would require memory cards that offer higher storage support. Additionally, shooting 360-degree footage from drones or other devices will push the boundaries for storage limits.
The prototype for the SanDisk memory card shared with the media was basically a "sanitized" version and did not indicate its speed. However, the SDXC I logo on the memory card hints at the transfer rate, which is usually 50 Mbps or 104 Mbps for these cards.
Additionally, the Extreme Pro brand on the memory card reveals that the performance should be topnotch as it is SanDisk's top-end line.
Those who need this kind of capacity in a camera, video camera, or drone will have to wait, however. SanDisk used a prototype of the card for its demo and the company didn't say when the card would actually be available for sale.
WDC also didn't disclose the pricing for the impending 1 TB memory card, merely sticking to a diplomatic would "depend on market conditions when released" stance. The release window for the memory card is also veiled in mystery. However, considering the 512 GB SanDisk memory card unveiled at Photokina 2014 hit the shelves a few months after the announcement, the 1 TB card could also make its way to consumers in time for the holiday season.
