Samsung rolls out ultra high-speed microSD cards

Samsung has launched a four times faster microSD card for tablets and LTE smartphones.

The UHS-1 (ultra high speed) interface card stores up to 16GB and pumps data out at up to 80MB/sec. It is built from 20 nanometer-class, 64 gigabit toggle DDR 2.0 NAND. The UHS-1 interface has been seen on full-size SD cards, as used in digital SLR cameras and video recorders, and Samsung has transferred it to the microSD card format.

Tablets such as Barnes & Noble's Nook can use it but Samsung's own Galaxy tablet needs a MicroSD reader/adapter plugged in. This makes the card only useful as a tablet data-transfer device or a temporary external card for reading/playing files stored on it.

Wanhoon Hong, Samsung Electronic's EVP for memory sales and marketing, said: "[The UHS-1 interface] allows consumers to enjoy high-quality images and video playback directly from the memory cards."

Tablets like the Galaxy and the iPhone are closed devices with no memory expansion capabilities, and while Barnes & Noble's Nook does feature MicroSD card support, the Kindle does not, while certain Android tablets do. If cloud data streaming becomes the norm then MicroSD card support may never become standard on tablets.

LTE phones could make better use of this UHS-1 microSD card and Samsung might have its own plans to take advantage of it.

Samsung plans to expand its microSD card offerings with higher density products, suggesting we can look forward to a 32GB card. Although mass production has started, price and availability for the UHS-1 microSD card weren't released. We expect availability in a month or two, or possibly even within the next few weeks. ®