In October 1998 Sony launched a removable memory card format called "Memory Stick", a generic name used to describe the whole family of memory cards, which included 1 GB Memory Stick Duo. With the introduction of small-form-factor Memory Stick Duo, Sony intends to take a bigger piece of the removable-flash-memory market.1 GB Memory Stick Duo is a portable memory of choice for anyone, for enjoying digital content anywhere, anytime.

Similar in appearance to a stick of gum, 1 GB Memory Stick Duo is about one-third the size and half the weight of a standard Memory Stick. Its small size makes it versatile, compatible and user-friendly. It is basically developed in response to Sony's need for smaller flash memory card for pocket-sized digital cameras and cell phones, as well as Sony's PSP. It allows high-speed data transfer with high-speed compatible devices while maintaining basic compatibility with a wide range of products. The Memory Stick Duo is usually accompanied with a simple adapter, which allows it to be used in any device that can accept its larger cousins.

1 GB Memory Stick Duo is highly reliable with a 10-pin connector and an Erasure Prevention Switch that when set on "Lock" virtually eliminates the risk of accidentally erasing or recording over stored data. The Memory Stick Duo incorporates a 4-bit parallel interface, which allows the users to quickly access stored content. It has Original Serial Protocol for forward compatibility with higher capacity models to be developed in the future. The Memory Stick Duo also includes the MagicGate copyright protection technology, which allows the user to securely record copyrighted content and at the same time protects the rights of the copyright holder.

1 GB Memory Stick Duo has been developed to realize the convenience of recording different types of digital content and sharing and exchanging them among the widest possible variety of products. A wide variety of digital content, from photos and computer data to moving images, can all be stored on a single Memory Stick Duo. 1 GB Memory Stick Duo is designed to be highly resistant to shock and vibration due to its solid-state construction with no moving parts. The shape of Memory Stick Duo makes it easy to insert into products and ensures highly reliable exchange of data. For a long life the 1 GB Memory Stick Duo card should be kept away from direct sunlight, moisture, and magnetic fields.