“Datastickies”— the USB Flash Drives of the Future

April 22, 2014

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1.  compact /kəmˈpækt/ (adj.) – referring to something that is put together tightly and neatly
Example: The compact version of a computer is a laptop.

2. conductive /kənˈdʌkhttp://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngtɪv/ (adj.) – having the ability to transfer electricity or heat from one place to another
Example: The metal parts of the machine are conductive.

3. adhesive /ædˈhihttp://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngsɪv/ (n.) something that is used to stick things together
Example: They need to use a strong adhesive to keep the uneven parts together.

4. no competition /noʊ ˌkɒmhttp://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngpɪˈtɪʃhttp://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngən/ (idiom) – to say that one thing has no chance to beat or to be better than another thing
Example: The speed of a bicycle is no competition to that of a race car.

5. complement /ˈkɒmhttp://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngpləˌmɛnt/ (v.) – to make something complete
Example: The expensive wine complements the good food.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Scientists have invented paper-thin data storage device to replace the usual USB sticks.

Indian innovators recently developed a design for a more compact data storage device. Datastickies, which look like ordinary sticky notes, can transfer data by simply posting it to any device.

Datastickies are made of graphene, a light, conductive material that can store a huge amount of data in one thin strip. Another feature of this new device is the special adhesive. This special adhesive can be reused in any devices without leaving any marks. It also has the ability to make data transfer faster.

Unlike the usual USB stick, Datastickies are simply attached or stuck onto the front of a computer, smartphone, TV, or tablet. After placing the files in a Datastickies strip, the user only needs to remove it from the device and attach the strip on another device where the user wants to transfer the files.

The user can write something on the surface of Datastickies without damaging the graphene. Also, these tiny sticky devices are not easily lost because they can be stuck on any object. With this convenience, the inventors expect that the USB flash drives are no competition to these small, paper-thin strips.

According to the inventors, this new device will come in various colors and designs. They are also looking forward to creating new products and applications that will complement Datastickies.

This new device is expected to store from up to 32 gigabytes worth of data per strip.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you be willing to buy this new product? Why or why not?
·         What do you think could be the downside of using this new product?

Discussion B

·         What other devices do you think should be improved?
·         How do you think the world will be like without data storage devices?


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April 22, 2014