Today’s tech devices offer different features and user services, but there are at least two elements common to every product. They all run on processors and need storage.

Most smartphone users have no idea what kind of flash storage runs on their device, but it has become increasingly important as mobile applications require high-speed performance and better power efficiency. In 2013, Toshiba Memory America Inc. became the industry’s first supplier to introduce Universal Flash Storage, or UFS-enabled devices, using a technology designed to be the next-generation embedded storage solution.

“Smartphones drive that technology and then it migrates into all kinds of other applications as well,” said Scott Beekman (pictured, right), director of managed NAND memory products at Toshiba. “UFS is really where things are going.”

Beekman spoke with Peter Burris (@plburris), host of theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s mobile livestreaming studio, at theCUBE’s studio in Palo Alto, California. He was joined by Brian Kumagai (pictured, left), director of business development at Toshiba, and they discussed the advantages offered by next-generation flash and migration of the technology from smartphones to the automotive space. (* Disclosure below.)

Higher capacity and performance

Toshiba’s UFS NAND flash memory line offers capacities from 32GB to 256GB, a significant difference from embedded MultiMedia Card, which tops out at 128GB. In January, the company introduced new UFS-equipped flash memory devices, which include a 512GB version.

The next-generation UFS is viewed as an important boost for overall system performance in mobile devices and the developer ecosystem.

“A lot of thought has gone into the memory size itself,” Kumagai said. “Software people always want more storage to write more code.”

The advances offered by UFS are also significant for another class of applications involving the rapidly expanding field of automotive technology. Demand for connected cars is fueling the need for data storage, powering infotainment systems, and autonomous driving.

“It’s all taking advantage of this idea of needing larger density of storage at a lower cost,” Beekman explained. “We see that all kinds of applications are taking advantage of these technologies.”

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s CUBE Conversations. (* Disclosure: Toshiba Memory America Inc. sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither Toshiba nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE