Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Photography
  3. Computing
  4. News

Western Digital launches wireless SSD, ‘world’s fastest’ 256GB flash drive at CES

Add as a preferred source on Google

Under both its WD and SanDisk brands, Western Digital has released three new products at CES, including a wireless SSD, a compact rugged SSD, and a high-capacity USB drive.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

First up is Western Digital’s new WD My Passport Wireless SSD. Taking inspiration from its past SSDs, this version ups the ante with an integrated SD card slot. Capable of read speeds up to 65MB/s, the device features a one-touch copy button for easy off-loading of photos and videos from cameras.

Recommended Videos

Once safely backed up onto the device, photos, videos, and other content can be accessed wirelessly using its 802.11ac WiFi connection. Once connected to your mobile device, you can access, edit, and save photos and video directly from the My Passport without the need for a cable.

Western Digital claims a 10-hour battery life when used continuously, which should be more than enough for a day of heavy activity. If you’re in a pinch, you can also use the 6,700mAh battery inside as a means to charge your smartphone or tablet using the integrated USB 3.0 port.

Pricing ranges from $230 for the 250GB model to $800 for the 2TB model.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The next product on the docket is the USB-C SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD. This pocket-sized SSD features read speeds up to 550MB/s and capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB. The device has an IP55 rating, which essentially means it can take abuse in the form of light rain, dust, and drops without skipping a beat. Prices start at $100 for the 250GB version and top out at $700 for the 2TB version.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Last up is the SanDisk Ultra Fit. Western Digital claims this is the world’s smallest 256GB USB flash drive. Barely large enough to see when plugged in, the Ultra Fit has read speeds up to 130MB/s and works with both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports.

It comes in various prices and capacities, ranging from $22 for the 16GB model and up to $150 for the 256GB model. There’s also a 1TB prototype model of the Ultra Fit floating around at CES, but there’s no information on when it will see the light of day.

Gannon Burgett
Former Editor
The FCC’s latest crackdown could put more than DJI drones at risk in the US
Robot, Person, Face

DJI may have found creative ways to keep some of its products flowing into the US, but those efforts are now drawing increased attention from regulators. According to The Verge, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has started cracking down on several companies it believes could be helping DJI continue selling products in the country. These businesses have been described by industry observers as "DJI front companies" because they market or import products that appear to be closely tied to the Chinese drone maker while operating under different brand names.

DJI's alleged back door may be closing

Read more
I bought Kodak’s viral keychain camera, and the bad photos are part of its charm
The Kodak Charmera is barely a camera, and I still keep using it
Machine, Wheel, Camera

I bought the Kodak Charmera partly because I wanted a portable digital camera, and partly because I wanted a pretty little collectible. The Charmera is sold as a blind box, so you do not know which version you are getting until the box is opened. There are multiple retro Kodak-style designs, plus a transparent secret edition that looks like the one everyone would want.

I had the shopkeeper pick my box for better luck, and it worked out. I got the yellow variant, which is inspired by Kodak's original 80s disposable camera. The transparent one is definitely the fun collector’s piece, but the yellow model feels like the proper Kodak version. It looks like a tiny toy camera that escaped from a souvenir shop, found a keyring, and now hangs around wherever you go.

Read more
This new $30 keychain camera is coming for Kodak Charmera with a flip screen for selfies
Yashica's new camera makes toy photography more fun
YASHICA Funtastic Keychain Camera in multiple variants

Tiny digital cameras are all the rage, and Yashica is now offering a very cute toy photography experience of its own. The company’s new Funtastic Keychain Camera is exactly what the name suggests, a miniature digital camera small enough to clip onto your keys, bag, or lanyard. The popular Kodak Charmera is the obvious comparison, which brings a tiny blind-box keychain camera that became a viral collectible.

Now, Yashica's version lands in the same novelty-camera lane, but adds one very useful trick, which is a 180-degree flip screen.

Read more