Sony launches XQD cards to replace Compact Flash

While Compact Flash cards may have lost significance among users of devices such as mobile phones and tablet PC, it remains a primary storage media with the shutterbugs. Building on this technology, the CompactFlash Association has developed XQD storage media that will eventually have much higher storage capacity and transfer rates.

The new XQD format is based on PCI Express (PCIe) serial communication technology commonly found in personal computers and most commonly used by discrete graphics accelerators. Sony is taking the lead at brining this technology to the end-user with the launch of two models of XQD cards with varying carrying capacities. QD-H16 card with a capacity of storing 16GB of data will retail for $129.99 and QD-H32 with 32GB capacity will sell for $229.99. These two models of XQD cards by Sony is expected to release in February, expectedly the same timeframe as the release of Nikon D4 camera that will sport a XQD card slot alongside a slot for CF memory cards.

Along with the release of XQD memory cards, Sony has also announced MRW-E80 card reader that will be compatible with USB 3.0 and QDA-EX1 adapter that plugs into laptops with ExpressCard slot.  Both MRW-E80 card reader and the QDA-EX1 adapter will carry a price-tag of $44.99. For more details on this latest development in compact storage technology, hit the source link below.

Source: CNET News