At the same time, organisations are under increasing pressure to manage the data traversing their own networks at scale.

There is an immediate need to access insight in real-time, and that means adopting the right technologies and capabilities to stay competitive.

At the core of this is a need for storage that can deliver efficient, reliable, real-time access to insights. In 2025, flash storage emerged as the solution of choice for many industries due to its scalable, robust, and flexible nature. As we move into 2026, this trend is set to accelerate in a few key ways:

Storing and Managing Unstructured Data 

As data volumes continue to rise in 2026, organisations will no doubt generate more unstructured data than ever before.

This unstructured data can include anything that does not fit neatly into predefined formats or models, which could be text, emails, video, imagery, sensor readings, and system logs from different formats.

Produced rapidly and in large quantities, unstructured data only becomes valuable when efficiently stored, processed, and converted into actionable intelligence.

Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and finance generate vast amounts of unstructured data every day, and this will only continue into the new year.

From medical scans and clinical notes, through to machine logs, quality-control imagery, and vehicle sensor streams, organisations will need to be able to convert this unstructured data into structured insight that can be analysed in real-time.

The insights enable informed decision-making, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency.

Flash storage is well suited to meet the needs of data-heavy sectors as it provides high-speed data processing, low latency, and the reliability required to handle vast volumes of unstructured data rapidly and dependably.

Its ability to support real-time insights, enable edge processing, and manage demanding workloads with minimal degradation also enables it to turn raw data into valuable, actionable outcomes across sectors.

Ongoing advancements in flash storage also allow for accelerated read/write performance which is ideal for building robust data repositories, training next-generation AI models, and processing insights in real-time which enables efficient and seamless operations.

Making Software-Defined Vehicles a Reality  

The opportunity for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), or Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), in 2026 will be significant.

The UK Government claims that 38,000 domestic jobs could be created across manufacturing, software development, testing, and optimisation.

The country is gearing up to become a global leader in the next generation of mobility, the market could be worth as much as £42 billion by 2035.

However, this new market will come with unprecedented data demands. Each SDV could produce 1 to 2 terabytes of raw data each day according to a 2021 study by McKinsey & Company.

This is because cameras, radar, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and AI systems are constantly collecting, storing, and analysing information in real-time to improve safety, performance, and seamless operation.

Without reliable storage at the heart of these systems, all the innovation, jobs and economic growth which come with this, could face operational challenges.

With these intense data requirements, it will be even more crucial that storage is not overlooked in the coming year. While the focus tends to be on real-time processing and immediate vehicle performance, data storage, specifically flash storage, will enable the making SDVs a reality.

This is because resilient, vehicle optimized flash storage can manage the massive data demands of SDVs reliably and efficiently.

Such devices are able to withstand varying temperatures, vibrations, and mechanical shock commonly encountered in automotive environments.

Flash storage also enables the real-time processing of sensor data, supporting the secure logging of critical information, and underpinning the performance of software-defined and autonomous systems.

Flash Innovation in the Data Centre

As data volumes continue to grow and new technologies like AI proliferate, development of the UK’s underlying data centre network, and technology within these data centres, will be critical. The UK government in early 2025 laid out plans for significant waves of investment in this space.

With this funding expected to drive rapid expansion in digital infrastructure, creating opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Flash storage offers significant advantages for data centres, delivering enhanced performance, efficiency, and scalability.

Its features, high speed and low latency, can enhance the performance of read and write operations, resulting in improved overall system responsiveness.

This performance uplift is complemented by lower power consumption and reduced heat generation, helping minimise cooling requirements and lower operating costs.

Moreover, the compact design of flash solutions supports higher-density deployments, making it ideal for environments where physical space is at a premium.

With no moving parts, it also provides enhanced durability and reliability, supporting long-term system stability and minimising the risk of mechanical failure, making it a resilient and dependable choice for modern data centre infrastructure.

With investment expected to ramp up, and space at a premium across the UK’s data centre network, flash will become a storage solution of choice to support these intense delivery requirements.

Flash: The Backbone of the Data Economy 

Ultimately, in 2026 the volume of data traversing our networks will continue to soar, and AI-powered technologies will increasingly become ubiquitous. Having the right storage in place will be key.

With such emphasis on new technologies in development and data opportunities, the role of storage has often been overlooked.

Going forward however, if governments and organisations really want to benefit from the trove of insight now available to them, they will have to pay more attention to data storage options that underpin much of our future data economy.

And flash storage will continue to rise as the option of choice for many, across interesting and diverse use cases.

But amid all the excitement, one thing is often overlooked: your digital storage.

In a world where every photo, video, and drone shot tells a story, reliable, portable storage is as essential as your passport. Whether you’re a content creator, thrill-seeker, or memory collector, SanDisk offers the perfect travel tech to protect your data and fuel your creativity.

SanDisk Creator Series: Built for Digital Nomads and Content Creators

Travel blogging, vlogging, or just capturing memories in cinematic style? The SanDisk Creator Series has your back—combining speed, reliability, and creative flexibility in ultra-portable form.

For iPhone Users:

• SanDisk Creator Phone SSD – Connects directly via USB-C, magnetically attaches with MagSafe, and captures 4K Apple ProRes video straight to the drive—perfect for iPhone 15 and newer.
• SanDisk Creator Phone Drive – Offers seamless file transfers between iPhone, tablets, and laptops via dual USB-C and Lightning connectors.

For Android Users:

• SanDisk Creator microSD Card – Expand your phone’s storage by up to 1TB for high-res content.
• SanDisk Creator USB-C Flash Drive – Effortlessly move media from phone to laptop on the go.

All Creator Series drives come bundled with free trials of Adobe® Creative Cloud® tools, helping you turn raw footage into share-worthy content faster.

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD: Compact. Powerful. Ready for Anything.

Whether you’re a casual explorer or tech-savvy traveler, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is your ultimate travel storage companion.

• Up to 8TB of space in a device that fits in your pocket.
• Blazing fast transfer speeds for quick backups.
• Rugged and travel-proof: IP65-rated for dust and water resistance and drop protection up to 3 meters.
• Direct USB-C smartphone connectivity to instantly offload photos and videos.

Ideal for everyday photographers, drone pilots, or anyone needing high-capacity storage with zero fuss.

SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD: Go Anywhere. Store Everything.

Perfect for action cameras, drones, DSLRs, and mobile content creation, the SanDisk Extreme PRO® microSD UHS-I delivers up to 2TB of ultra-fast, ultra-reliable storage.

• Optimized for high-speed 4K/8K video.
• Works across Android phones, tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows laptops.
• Tough enough for the harshest environments.

If you’re serious about capturing every angle and moment—this is the must-have card in your travel kit.

Tiny Tech, Massive Capacity

Each SanDisk device fits in the palm of your hand—yet combined, they offer over 10TB of storage. That’s more than enough for thousands of photos, hours of 4K video, and years of memories.

Mix and match to suit your journey:

• One for your phone,
• One for your camera,
• One for your drone,
• And one to back it all up.

SanDisk: The Travel Tech You Didn’t Know You Needed

Wherever you’re headed this summer, SanDisk makes sure your memories travel safely with you, from airport terminals to mountaintops, beaches to bazaars.

Back it up. Share it. Create without limits.

Happy travels!

Between impromptu meetings, emergency press briefings, and high-level deliberations at the State House of Assembly, every moment can shape national or state policy.

As a journalist embedded within this environment, I’ve learned that the ability to capture, archive, and retrieve information accurately is not just helpful; it’s critical.

In my line of duty, government protocols and security measures leave little room for error.

Reports must be factual, timely, and verifiable.

Whether it’s capturing an audio soundbite from a commissioner, recording legislative debates in video form, or storing transcripts for accountability, my work often demands a high level of accuracy and immediate access to files. And while smartphones are handy, they simply can’t handle the volume and sensitivity of data on their own.

That’s where the Sandisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe comes in: a compact, dual-connector storage device that has quietly become the most reliable assistant in my journalism toolkit.

With both Lightning and USB Type-C connectors, the Sandisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe seamlessly bridges my iPhone and other USB-C enabled devices, including tablets, laptops, and Android phones.

I can transfer high-resolution videos, long interviews, audio memos, and official documents instantly, without depending on patchy internet or cloud services.

Its high-speed USB 3.0 interface enables me to offload large files in seconds, freeing up space on my phone so I’m always ready for the next assignment, even during long coverage days at the State House.

The Sandisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options.

I personally use the 256GB version, which comfortably houses weeks of press briefings in video format, dozens of official circulars and bills in PDF, archived soundbites for cross-referencing, and transcripts and historical data used to verify public statements.

For journalists handling investigative stories or multi-part reports, the larger storage options are invaluable.
Given the sensitive nature of my reports, data security is non-negotiable.

The Sandisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe supports password protection through the Sandisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe App, giving me peace of mind even if the device is lost or stolen.

It ensures that sensitive recordings, confidential source material, and embargoed press content remain protected.

Its sleek metal body not only looks professional but is durable enough to survive life on the field: from covering a plenary session in the State Assembly to catching a surprise press briefing in the Governor’s office hallway.

The truth is, no serious journalist covering government affairs should rely solely on their phone or laptop memory.

The stakes are too high, and the workload too heavy.

For me, the Sandisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe has become more than a storage device—it’s a lifeline that supports speed, security, and seamless workflow in a space where missing a moment could mean missing the story.

Sandisk Corporation, a global Flash and memory technology innovator, returns to GITEX AFRICA 2025, unveiling its refreshed brand identity and introducing a comprehensive lineup of advanced storage products specifically tailored to the dynamic needs of Morocco and the wider African market. 

This year, the Sandisk stand at GITEX AFRICA (14-16 April 2025), will highlight four key product categories, offering dedicated zones to directly engage visitors interested in Imaging, Content Creation, Gaming, and Mobility.

Ghassan Azzi, sales director, Middle East and Africa at Sandisk, commented,

“Our participation at GITEX AFRICA underscores our continuous commitment to fueling Africa’s technological evolution by providing cutting-edge storage solutions that empower creators, businesses, gamers, and mobile users across the continent. As part of this, we will be showcasing our latest innovative storage solutions, available in the African market.”

One of the main highlights at GITEX Africa is a product portfolio dedicated to elevating and empowering content creators. The SanDisk Creator Series is designed for each step in the creative process, from idea to impact.

The series features a tailored, professional-grade collection of products infused with vibrant colours that celebrate creativity and individuality, including the all-new SanDisk Creator Phone SSD with MagSafe compatibility, the SanDisk Creator Phone Drive, perfect for creators with multi-device workflows and the SanDisk Creator microSD and UHS-II SD cards, among others. 

The WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD, designed specifically to meet the demands of creators and professionals delivering powerful performance through PCIe Gen 4 technology will also be showcased and available in the African markets.

Additionally, among the innovative products featured at the show will be the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, now available in a groundbreaking new 8TB1 capacity, offering exceptional durability and speed for photographers, videographers, adventurers, and content creators on the-go. 

And finally, gaming enthusiasts will find the new WD_BLACK SN7100 NVMe SSD particularly exciting, delivering amazing gaming performance and storage capacities up to 2TB1 and exceptional speeds up to 7,250MB/s2 read and 6,900MB/s2 write for seamless gaming experiences. 

Attendees and delegates can learn more by visiting Sandisk’s booth number 6B-10 at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.

Headlining the showcase is the all-new SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type A Card, designed to meet the exacting demands of today’s professional cinematographers and videographers.

The annual event, which kicked off on April 6, provides a platform for SanDisk to demonstrate its commitment to advancing workflow efficiency across media and entertainment.

Attendees are invited to explore the company’s latest offerings at Booth N1513 in the North Hall, where SanDisk is displaying a range of end-to-end storage solutions spanning capture, transfer, editing, and backup.

Introducing the SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type A Card

Purpose-built for high-end production environments, the new PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type A Card delivers industry-leading performance, reliability, and ruggedness—ideal for professionals working with 8K RAW video, high-frame-rate footage, and burst photography.

Key Features:

Blazing Fast Transfer Speeds: With read speeds up to 1800MB/s and write speeds up to 1650MB/s, users can capture and offload large files with unprecedented speed—enabling faster turnaround from shoot to post-production.

High Capacity Options: Available in capacities up to 960GB, the card supports extended shooting sessions without interruption.

Certified VPG200 Performance: Backed by the Compact Flash Association’s VPG200 certification, it guarantees sustained performance for high-resolution and high-frame-rate recording.

Pro-Level Durability: Engineered for real-world conditions with 7.5-meter drop protection, 150N bend resistance, and IP57 water and dust resistance.

Pricing & Availability:

The PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type A Card starts at $249.99 for 480GB and is available at SanDisk.com and through authorized retailers and e-tailers.

Coming Soon: High-Performance SanDisk Extreme PRO Flash Drives

In addition to its flagship CFexpress card, SanDisk is previewing two powerful flash drives expected to launch this summer—tailored to the needs of media and entertainment professionals requiring fast, flexible, and high-capacity portable storage.

SanDisk Extreme PRO USB-C Flash Drive

Engineered for today’s USB Type-C devices, this flash drive combines speed and versatility:

Lightning-Fast Transfers: Read speeds up to 1000MB/s and write speeds up to 900MB/s.

Generous Storage: Available in capacities up to 2TB, ideal for large media files and project backups.

Universal Connectivity: Seamlessly compatible across laptops, tablets, and smartphones for cross-platform collaboration.

SanDisk Extreme PRO USB-A Flash Drive

A powerful storage solution for legacy USB-A systems:

Top-Tier Performance: Also delivers up to 1000MB/s read and 900MB/s write speeds.

Massive Storage Options: Up to 2TB of capacity for high-volume file transfers and storage.

As the demand for high-resolution content and accelerated workflows continues to grow, SanDisk’s latest offerings reflect its ongoing mission to empower creators with tools that maximize efficiency and reliability.

Don’t miss the chance to experience these innovations first-hand at NAB Show 2025, Booth N1513.

First Impressions: Sleek but Functional?

Unboxing the iXpand Flash Drive Luxe, the first thing that struck me was its premium metal design. It feels sturdy, not like the flimsy plastic drives we’re used to. The dual connector setup—Lightning on one side, USB Type-C on the other—ensures smooth file transfers between iPhones, iPads, and USB-C devices (think Androids, Macs, and even some PCs).

It’s small enough to fit on a keychain but feels durable enough to survive daily use. No caps to lose, just a rotating metal cover—practical and minimal.

Setup: Plug, Play, Update

Connecting the drive to my iPhone was straightforward. It prompted me to download the SanDisk iXpand Drive app, which acts as the bridge between the drive and my device. Upon launching, the app immediately suggested a firmware update (v3.9.50.83). Quick and painless.

Performance: Speed and Convenience?

Now, here’s where things get interesting. I had a few key expectations:
Fast file transfers: No one has time to wait.
Seamless backup: I want automation, not another task on my to-do list.
Direct media playback: Can I watch movies straight from the drive?

File Transfer: Fast, but Limited by FAT32

Dragging and dropping photos, videos, and documents worked flawlessly between my iPhone and a USB-C laptop. The drive speeds were decent, but here’s the thing: it’s formatted as FAT32. This means individual files can’t exceed 4GB, which might be an issue for anyone handling large 4K videos. Thankfully, reformatting to exFAT solves this issue.

Auto Backup: Set It and Forget It

The iXpand app provides automatic backup every time you connect the drive. This is great if you make it a habit—but let’s be real, most of us forget. Still, for those who prefer physical storage over cloud solutions, this is a neat alternative.

Another feature? You can backup contacts and even photos from Google Photos, giving you some extra peace of mind.

Smooth Media Playback

Playing videos and music directly from the drive worked well, with minimal lag. While most common formats are supported, a few file types may require third-party apps.

Using the Apple Files App for Type-C Models

For newer USB-C iPhones and iPads, you can access iXpand Drive files directly through the Apple Files app:

1. Open the Files app on your iPhone/iPad.
2. Tap Search and type “Files.”
3. Locate and select iXpand Drive (it may appear as No Name, Untitled, USB, etc.).
4. Browse and open files as needed.

This provides a seamless way to manage files without needing the iXpand Drive app.

Finally, Should You Buy It?

The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe is a great solution for iPhone users who frequently run out of storage or need to move files between devices. It’s well-built, easy to use, and the auto-backup feature is a nice touch.

Pros:

Dual connectors (Lightning + USB-C)
Premium metal build
Fast and Simple file transfers
Automatic backups (if you remember to plug it in)
Direct media playback

Cons:

FAT32 format limits individual file size to 4GB
No cloud integration (for those who prefer hybrid storage)

Final Score: 9/10

While it’s not a complete cloud replacement, it is a reliable tool for anyone looking to free up iPhone storage and move files across devices without relying on the internet. If you’re dealing with large 4K files, just reformat to exFAT, and you’re good to go.

Sandisk Corporation today previewed its new corporate branding and creative direction, signaling a bold debut of the company’s comeback launch as a standalone Flash and memory technology innovator, planned for early 2025.

Defined by a ‘Mindset of Motion’, Sandisk’s new creative direction represents a future forward philosophy where by creating paths and possibilities for people to go without limits, the company unites the current moment and their aspirations.

This mindset brings people closer to their ambitions and creates a circle of collaboration for progress and future growth.

The Sandisk wordmark represents a heritage of mobility and versatility that enables a seamless and simplified world of resilient data expression and storage.

The company’s innovation keeps aspirations moving and pushes possibility forward, empowering people and businesses with data everywhere.

“Enabling people to experience the potential of their data and move forward in making aspirations real is at the heart of what we do and we were very intentional in creating a mark that embodies the spirit of this thinking,” said Joel Davis, vice president of Creative, Sandisk. “Our visual brand philosophy is inspired by the future and all the diverse ways our customers consume data. Starting with a single pixel, the new Sandisk mark uses bold visual language while being rooted in the idea that progress is not an end point but a way of being.”

Sandisk Brand Mark Design Attributes

From a pixel to a platform for ambition, the new Sandisk mark is engineered to embody innovation. The logo’s clean lines and minimalist design mirror the speed and efficiency of Flash technology.

The iconic open D letterform unites with a fresh, pixel-driven S, both symbolizing collaboration and partnership, shaping the future of technology. With both vertical and horizontal representations, the mark defies limitation.