Smartphone and tablet users often reach for external memory devices and cards to expand their storage capabilities. One of the entries in every review we conduct on mobilephones.org.uk notes the device’s memory capacity and whether it provides expandable memory. So leading off Part 2 of Mobile News for today is a … memorable … announcement.

SanDisk Creates 128-GB Memory Card

We knew that announcement would grab your attention. So did SanDisk.

Their new 128 GB Extreme SDXC UHS-1 card brings read and write speeds of 45MB per second, justifying the “Ultra High Speed” designation in “UHS-1.” It also offers boost speeds for user-created video and for that memory-starving 1080p video playback.

The memory card is rather expensive, priced at $399 US, but a cheaper, lower-capacity 64 GB card sells for US$199.

Will it sell? Well, that depends on the users: Some will grab the 128 GB card and not blink, while others will eye the 64 GB card and hope they can find it cheaper on auction sites.

SOPA Boycott App Checks Retailer Support

Google is one of the front-runners in protest of the US legislation called SOPA – Stop Online Piracy Act. While Google does not support piracy, it does strenuously object to the ill-written legislation that violates privacy and avoids due process in the United States.

To that end, Google has authorized a free Android app that allows mobile phone users to check whether a goods manufacturer supports SOPA in its current form. The Boycott SOPA app relies on another app to operate: You need to download the ZXing Barcode Scanner app and the Boycott SOPA app. Fortunately, both are free, and both are highly rated by users around the world.

Once installed, scan the barcode on any item, and if the manufacture supports or does not support the item, you will be notified. A green check means non-support, that it’s “okay” to purchase the item. A red X means the manufacturer supports the current bill, and it’s a “hands-off” item.

Whilst it is very important to eliminate pirated goods, the language – or lack thereof – in the current bill astounds people worldwide. Not only can US jurisdiction close sites without proper legal procedure, it could easily cause government-endorsed closures with no explanation whatsoever.

Google, PayPal and many other Internet service providers are actively campaigning against this legislation – and not just US-based organisations.

On a personal note, let your consumer influence speak loudly: Consider these apps and let free markets remain borderless on the Internet.

[Disclaimer: The SOPA opinion stated is the writer's – not the official or unofficial opinions of MobilePhones.org.uk, its owners, the hosting firm or the ISP of any entity involved.]