Weekly Tech Digest – Week 40, 2025: Massive SSDs, Xbox Storage, NAS Security, and More

This week in the NASCompares Weekly Digest, we cover a range of major updates in SSD storage, console hardware compatibility, NAS firmware security, and licensed game expansion cards. Samsung redefines performance expectations with a 512 TB PCIe 6.0 SSD, while SanDisk and Western Digital continue their push into handheld gaming storage. Western Digital quietly patches a critical remote code execution flaw in its My Cloud NAS systems. Meanwhile, the battle for next-gen capacity and speed expands with more PCIe Gen 6 announcements. Read on for detailed breakdowns and why they matter for power users, gamers, and IT admins alike.

Samsung Plans 512 TB PCIe 6.0 SSDs by 2027, Launches Z-NAND Gen 7

Samsung has confirmed at GMIF2025 that its PM1763 PCIe 6.0 SSD will debut in early 2026, offering double the performance of PCIe 5.0 models with up to 30 GB/s throughput via a 16-channel controller. The company is also preparing to launch SSDs with 256 TB and eventually 512 TB capacities by 2027, using advanced QLC NAND. Alongside these announcements, Samsung revealed it is developing the 7th generation of Z-NAND, a low-latency flash alternative optimized for AI data centers. These new storage-class memory solutions could transform AI workflows and high-throughput environments. With the increasing data demands of generative AI and deep learning, Samsung is pushing both density and speed to new extremes.

Source: Samsung

WD_Black SN7100X: Licensed Xbox Ally SSD with No Hardware Changes

Western Digital has unveiled the WD_Black SN7100X, a rebranded version of the SN7100, now officially licensed for the ROG Xbox Ally handheld. Technically identical to its predecessor, the SN7100X simply adds an “X” to denote Xbox compatibility and is available in 2 TB and 4 TB capacities. Priced slightly higher due to licensing, the drive maintains PCIe Gen 4 performance with a 4-channel DRAM-less controller and BiCS8 TLC NAND. SanDisk is also launching microSD cards with the same licensing, providing read speeds up to 200 MB/s. While any M.2 SSD can still be used in the Ally, these licensed models offer peace of mind and guaranteed compatibility for handheld console users.

Source: Western Digital

WD My Cloud OS 5 Firmware 5.31.108 Resolves Remote Code Execution Flaw

Western Digital has released firmware version 5.31.108 for its My Cloud OS 5 devices, addressing a critical vulnerability (CVE-2025-30247) that allowed remote code execution. Affected models include the My Cloud PR2100, PR4100, EX2 Ultra, EX4100, and others in the series. All users are urged to update immediately via the notification panel. The flaw was responsibly disclosed by a researcher known as “w1th0ut.” With growing concerns over NAS security and rising attacks on connected storage, timely firmware updates like this remain essential to protect critical data and prevent exploitation.

Source: Western Digital

SanDisk Unveils ROG Xbox Ally-Exclusive SSD and microSD Line

SanDisk has launched an exclusive range of storage products designed specifically for ASUS’ ROG Xbox Ally handheld consoles. The lineup includes a microSD card (512 GB to 2 TB) rated for 200 MB/s read speeds and a WD_BLACK SN7100X NVMe SSD (2 TB and 4 TB), offering up to 7,250 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds. These storage solutions are certified under the “Designed for Xbox” program and include a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate trial. Built with BiCS8 TLC NAND and a DRAM-less controller, the SN7100X balances power efficiency and high throughput, targeting portable gaming environments.

Source: SanDisk

Samsung Confirms 512 TB SSD Target, Reveals Z-NAND 7 Development

Samsung has reconfirmed its roadmap toward a 512 TB PCIe 6.0 SSD by 2027 at the Global Memory Innovation Forum. The first step will be the early 2026 launch of the PM1763 SSD using PCIe 6.0 with a 16-channel controller and 25W power envelope. Compared to the PM1753, the PM1763 will double sequential throughput and improve energy efficiency by 60%. Samsung also confirmed ongoing development of the 7th generation Z-NAND, designed for low-latency access in AI-heavy workloads. With strong competition from Micron and Kioxia, Samsung’s roadmap aims to lead the storage market in both density and latency.

Source: Samsung

Lexar Launches 1TB Armor Gold and Armor Silver Pro SDXC Cards

Lexar has introduced two ruggedized SDXC cards aimed at professional photographers and videographers: the Armor Gold Pro and Armor Silver Pro. Both cards are available in capacities up to 1TB, support UHS-II, V90 video speed class, and offer read speeds up to 280MB/s and write speeds up to 180MB/s. The key differentiator is durability: the Armor Gold is IP68 rated for water, dust, and drop resistance, while the Armor Silver offers a more affordable rugged alternative. These new cards are targeted at creators working in extreme conditions, such as wildlife, sports, and outdoor cinematography, where performance and reliability under pressure are critical.

Source: Lexar

GMKtec M2 Pro S Mini PC Debuts with Intel Core i7-1185G7

GMKtec has launched the M2 Pro S, a compact mini PC powered by the Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor. Designed for home offices, light creative work, and edge computing, the system includes Iris Xe Graphics, support for up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, and dual NVMe M.2 slots. Connectivity includes 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI, USB-C, and multiple USB 3.2 ports. The compact design targets users seeking performance in a fanless or low-noise environment. With integrated hardware acceleration and multi-display output support, the M2 Pro S competes with Beelink and Minisforum in the premium mini PC market.

Source: GMKtec

Kioxia and SanDisk Begin Production at New Fab2 NAND Plant in Kitakami

Kioxia and SanDisk (Western Digital) have announced the official start of production at the Fab2 NAND flash facility in Kitakami, Japan. This new manufacturing plant will increase the production of BiCS8 3D NAND, expected to power next-generation PCIe Gen 5/6 SSDs, enterprise flash, and mobile storage. The move strengthens the joint venture’s capacity to meet global demand for high-performance NAND across consumer, cloud, and industrial sectors. With rivals like SK hynix and Micron scaling up as well, Fab2 will play a critical role in keeping Kioxia-WD competitive in the global NAND market.

Source: Kioxia

QNAP QSW-L3205-1C4T Switch Adds Affordable 10GbE for SMBs

QNAP has launched the QSW-L3205-1C4T, a layer 2 unmanaged switch featuring 1x 10GbE SFP+/RJ45 combo port and 4x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports. Designed for SMBs and home prosumers, the switch enables easy upgrades to multi-gig networks without complex configuration. With silent operation, metal housing, and plug-and-play setup, it’s ideal for 10GbE NAS users, media creators, and those using QNAP’s 2.5GbE-enabled devices. Its budget-friendly design offers a stepping stone toward higher-speed networking without the costs associated with enterprise-class managed switches.

Source: QNAP

Unraid 7.2.0 RC1 Now Available: Enhanced Storage Support and UI Tweaks

Unraid OS 7.2.0-rc1 is now available, introducing key improvements in ZFS support, dashboard customization, and hardware compatibility. This release candidate expands support for PCIe-attached NVMe devices, improves dynamic device discovery, and refines the plugin/app management interface. Notable backend changes include enhanced driver support for storage controllers, improved parity rebuild stability, and groundwork for upcoming Unraid Cloud integration. The UI now supports multiple custom views, widget resizing, and faster array start processes. This update solidifies Unraid’s push toward being a flexible, semi-pro storage OS for homelab and edge use.

Source: Unraid

Immich Project Gathers Feedback on AI Sorting, Sync, and Multi-User Support

The open-source Immich photo and video management app continues to evolve, with the team actively engaging the community via GitHub Discussions on new features like AI face sorting, multi-user photo separation, and automated album creation. Users have requested integrations with object detection models, tag-based filters, and improvements to upload monitoring across devices. Immich has gained traction as a self-hosted alternative to Google Photos, with Docker deployment, GPU acceleration, and mobile sync already in place. With growing interest from the homelab and NAS communities, feature prioritization is now community-driven as the project scales.

Source: Immich

Raspberry Pi OS “Trixie” Launches with Debian 13 Base and Modern Desktop Features

Raspberry Pi OS: Trixie, based on Debian 13, is now available and brings a refreshed desktop experience to all Raspberry Pi models. It includes PipeWire for audio management, the Wayland display server as an experimental option, and major updates to system libraries and packages. Trixie improves security defaults, adds fractional scaling, and modernizes power and display handling for the Raspberry Pi 4, 5, and CM series. Users can upgrade in-place or start fresh with new ISOs, and developers are encouraged to test compatibility with Python and GPIO libraries.

Source: Raspberry Pi

TrueNAS 25.10 RC1 Released with WireGuard, SELinux, and UI Improvements

iXsystems has released TrueNAS SCALE 25.10 RC1, bringing enhanced security, kernel updates, and broader container compatibility. Key additions include WireGuard VPN integration, SELinux policy enforcement, better network bonding, and improvements to KVM virtualization support. The UI receives dark mode refinements and new real-time storage health indicators. For scale-out users, this update also improves Kubernetes integration and Docker Compose orchestration. TrueNAS SCALE continues its mission to bridge open-source NAS and containerized app deployment for both enterprise and prosumer environments.

Source: TrueNAS

Western Digital Confirms Capability to Produce 44TB HDDs

Western Digital has confirmed it can already produce 44TB UltraSMR HDDs, stating at an industry event that “we could deliver thousands today.” While official release is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, the company cited strong customer validation and mass-production readiness. The new drives utilize 9-platter ePMR, energy-assisted recording, and refined firmware to hit peak capacity. These HDDs are likely destined for hyperscalers, surveillance, and cold storage applications, where density trumps speed. The statement reflects WD’s aggressive positioning against Seagate’s 32–30TB HAMR roadmap.

Source: Western Digital

Apacer Debuts Scented Wooden SSD for the Niche Design Market

Apacer has unveiled a concept wooden SSD featuring a real wood enclosure and built-in aromatherapy scent capsule. While not meant for mainstream users, the drive offers full USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and caters to boutique PC builders, luxury computing setups, or tech-focused gifts. The casing is treated to avoid warping or humidity damage and houses a 1TB SATA SSD with standard internals. Apacer’s goal is to explore unconventional product experiences and generate market buzz, following trends in personalization and design tech.

Source: Apacer

Crucial T710 NVMe SSD Now Available with Heatsink Option

Micron’s Crucial brand has officially launched a heatsink-equipped version of its T710 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, aimed at gamers, creators, and compact system builders. The T710 delivers up to 7,450 MB/s read and 6,900 MB/s write speeds, with Micron 232-layer TLC NAND and Phison E26 controller inside. The new heatsink model improves thermal performance, particularly in PS5 and SFF PC builds, and includes compatibility with modern desktop motherboards. The SSD is now available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, all offering AES 256-bit encryption, Dynamic Write Acceleration, and a 5-year warranty.

Source: Crucial

WD Black SN8100 and Blue SN5100 SSDs Target Q3 2025 Launch

Western Digital is preparing to launch the WD Black SN8100 and WD Blue SN5100 SSD lines in Q3 2025, both built on the BiCS8 NAND platform. The SN8100 will succeed the SN850X with higher endurance, PCIe 4.0 speeds (likely >7,000 MB/s), and optional heatsink variants. The SN5100 series is designed for cost-conscious users and laptop OEMs, providing solid read/write performance in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB. Both lines will feature low-power sleep modes, modern firmware with Game Mode 2.0, and expanded thermal sensors for system integrators.

Source: Western Digital

Elements.TV Storage Grid Platform Targets 4K/8K Media Workflows

Elements.TV has launched a new Storage Grid platform optimized for collaborative 4K/8K video production, post-production, and live broadcasting environments. Built with tiered NVMe and HDD storage, high-throughput networking (25/40/100GbE), and integrated Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve plugins, the platform is aimed at studios and broadcasters needing real-time project sharing. Additional features include automated proxy generation, user access control, and integration with Cloud Edit environments for remote workflows. This positions Elements.TV as a direct competitor to EditShare and LucidLink in the high-end media NAS segment.

Source: Elements

Jellyfin 10.9 Released with Enhanced Playback and Client Sync

Jellyfin, the open-source media server, has released version 10.9, bringing major improvements in client sync, video playback, and streaming buffer control. The update enhances compatibility with smart TVs, mobile apps, and Jellyfin Media Player, and introduces web-based transcoding logs, customizable UI themes, and stricter admin controls over remote access. The upgrade also resolves long-standing memory leak bugs and boosts performance for high-resolution libraries, particularly 4K HEVC streams. Jellyfin continues to gain traction as a self-hosted alternative to Plex and Emby, especially in privacy-conscious homelab setups.

Source: Jellyfin

Icy Dock Launches MB840M5P-B PCIe 5.0 Removable NVMe Enclosure

Icy Dock has unveiled the ExpressSlot Elite MB840M5P-B, a ruggedized PCIe 5.0 x4 hot-swap enclosure for M.2 NVMe SSDs. Designed for professionals who need high-speed removable storage, it supports 2230 to 2280 length drives and is built for tool-less installation, active cooling, and full metal shielding. Compatible with PCIe Gen 5 motherboards and backplanes, the unit allows users to swap drives without system reboots. It is ideal for forensic imaging, media transfer, and enterprise workflows requiring rapid NVMe access.

Source: Icy Dock

Icy Dock MB842M5P-B Adds Dual M.2 NVMe Hot-Swap to PCIe 5.0 Workflows

Icy Dock has expanded its high-speed removable enclosure lineup with the new ExpressSlot Elite MB842M5P-B, which supports two M.2 NVMe SSDs via PCIe 5.0 x4 lanes. Built for 2230–2280 form factors, it includes tool-less trays, metal shielding, and independent power control for each drive. The device enables hot-swap capability with real-time activity LEDs and compatibility with enterprise and workstation PCIe slots. Ideal for content creators, forensics, and NVMe RAID workflows, it offers high-speed transfer without needing to open the chassis.

Source: Icy Dock

IceWhale Releases ZimaOS v150 with More Containers and ARM Support

IceWhale Technology has rolled out ZimaOS v150, a major update for its open-source NAS platform featured on ZimaBoard and custom DIY builds. New features include multi-container Docker orchestration, enhanced RAID monitoring, and improved ARM64 device compatibility. The update also improves UI responsiveness, adds a new dashboard for disk health metrics, and includes remote update and rollback capabilities. ZimaOS continues to gain favor among tinkerers and prosumers seeking a lightweight alternative to TrueNAS or Unraid.

Source: IceWhale

Zyxel Expands Wi-Fi 7 Access Point Lineup for Small Businesses

Zyxel Networks has introduced several new Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) access points aimed at small business and hospitality markets, expanding on its Nebula cloud-managed platform. The new models support Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 320 MHz channels, and tri-band configurations, improving performance in congested environments. Designed for easy deployment, the APs also offer PoE+ power, zero-touch provisioning, and full integration into Zyxel’s security and network management ecosystem. This move targets budget-conscious businesses looking to future-proof wireless infrastructure as Wi-Fi 7 adoption rises.

Source: Zyxel

SanDisk Adds Xbox-Licensed microSD and SSDs for ROG Ally Handhelds

SanDisk, under Western Digital, has released a new line of Xbox-licensed microSD cards and NVMe SSDs for the ROG Ally and Ally X handhelds. The cards offer up to 2TB capacity, U3/V30 performance, and branding for Xbox compatibility. On the NVMe side, the WD_BLACK SN7100X delivers high-end PCIe 4.0 speeds and low-power operation, optimized for handheld gaming. While these models are rebranded versions of existing SKUs, they offer certified compatibility and packaging tailored for console buyers, adding confidence for less tech-savvy users.

Source: SanDisk

Western Digital My Cloud Firmware 5.31.108 Patches RCE Vulnerability

Western Digital has pushed a critical firmware update (v5.31.108) to all supported My Cloud OS 5 devices, patching a serious remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2025-30247). Devices affected include My Cloud EX2 Ultra, EX4100, Mirror, and PR series units. The update strengthens authentication mechanisms and fixes a flaw that allowed unauthenticated access to system-level operations. WD urges all users to apply the patch immediately and consider enabling automatic updates for future security fixes.

Source: Western Digital

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