The decline of various storage media has reached a critical point, with many types nearing obsolescence. Among these, Compact Discs (CDs) have transitioned from being a primary format for music and file storage to a niche product. Once a popular choice in the 1990s and 2000s, their 700MB capacity was outclassed by the introduction of DVD technology, which ultimately overshadowed CDs. The shift toward digital streaming services has further diminished their relevance, with most modern computers lacking CD drives.
Other media types, such as Magneto-Optical (MO) disks and MiniDiscs, have also faced similar fates. MO disks, launched commercially in 1985, were designed for data storage and promised longevity but have largely vanished from use. MiniDiscs, created by Sony in the early 1990s for audio storage, were intended to replace cassette tapes but have seen a decline, with production officially ceasing in Japan by 2025.
As technology continues to advance, the reliance on these outdated formats is diminishing, highlighting the rapid evolution of data storage solutions.