This may not be the smallest QR code that it is possible to make, but, importantly, they hit the sweet spot between microscopic size, stability, and durability – according to the collaborative academic and commercial teams. Using this 49nm pixel size, “We have created a tiny, but stable and repeatedly readable QR code,” underlines Prof. Paul Mayrhofer from the Institute of Materials Science and Technology at TU Wien.
'World's first scalable DNA data storage offering' announced offering a staggering ‘60PB in 60 cubic inches,’ enough to hold 660,000 4K movies
5D glass storage 'memory crystals' promise up to 13.8 billion years of data storage resilience, which is also the age of the universe
A tiny 0.5MB SmartMedia card wins the Small Capacity Memory Card Championship (Japan)
So, what kind of storage density can the world record-breaking advance deliver? Using the new tiniest QR code technology, it would be possible to produce a single-layer film at A4 size with over 2TB of storage .
The researchers and Cerabyte stress that the bacteria-sized QR codes retain several advantages compared to other storage technologies in widespread use today. Milled into a thin ceramic layer, it is claimed that the codes are “indefinitely” durable and require no energy or cooling to be maintained. We even see comparisons between ancient civilizations with stone tablets and trusting the jewels of the information age to advanced new ceramic storage media.
Now that this new QR code record has been verified, the teams are turning to other optimizations – writing speeds and scalable manufacturing. Interestingly, they will also work on developing more complex data structures beyond the confines of QR codes.
In the last year, Cerabyte has been in the Tom’s Hardware headlines for advances in storage density and durability . However, we don’t know the full implications of the new QR code world record on previous claims. There’s definitely some serious work being done behind the eye-catching headlines, though, with WD revealed as a key investor last May.
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/data-storage-guinness-world-record-broken-by-qr-code-measuring-just-49nm-pixels-1-98-sq-micrometer-size-is-smaller-than-bacteria-can-only-be-read-with-an-electron-microscope#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
- China brain computer interface outfit accelerates to human trials in quest to outpace Neuralink — mix of government backing and investor enthusiasm speeds time
- AMD's next-gen Ryzen 10000 desktop CPUs rumored to come in seven different configs — Starting from 6 cores, flagship "Olympic Ridge" silicon may feature up to 2
- AMD denies report of MI455X delays as Nvidia VR200 systems are rumored to arrive early — company says Helios systems 'on target for 2H 2026'
- Valve confirms Steam Deck is out of stock due to memory and storage shortages — supply of popular gaming handheld in trouble because of massive AI demand
- Turtle Beach's rotating button Stealth Pivot wireless controller falls to just $99.99 — this hall effect gamepad hits its lowest ever price
Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.