In 1984, an engineer seeking faster erasure created the memory behind phones and USB drives
TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jun 09, 2026, 18:32 (IST)
Flash memory, born from a 1980s lab challenge by engineer Fujio Masuoka, revolutionized data storage. This nonvolatile technology, remembering data without power, enabled smaller, lighter electronics. Evolving into NOR and NAND architectures, it powers everything from device boot-ups to massive storage in smartphones and USB drives, transforming how we carry our digital lives.