Monday, 4 June 2007

Taiwan's miCard chosen as global memory card standard

A Taiwan based research institute has produced a new global memory card standard, called the miCard (Multiple Interface Card), designed to work in smaller consumer products like digital cameras, mobile phones and any device with a USB plug.

A Taiwan based research institute has produced a new global memory card standard, called the miCard (Multiple Interface Card), designed to work in smaller consumer products like digital cameras, mobile phones and any device with a USB plug.

The purpose of the card is to make transferring pictures, songs and other data between electronic products and PCs easier. The card was approved by the MultiMedia Card Association and will be available globally from third quarter.

Users will get not just speed but also multiple uses on the card. The miCard will transfer data at 480Mbit/sec, and throughput will improve over time. The first miCards will be able to store 8GB of data, but the maximum capacity is expected to be about 2,048GB. The compatibility with both USB and MMC slots means most users won't need separate card readers anymore. MMC cards fit most consumer electronics, while USB connections are built into wide range of IT hardware, including laptops, desktops, printers and home entertainment gear.

So far, 12 Taiwanese companies have signed on to manufacture the miCard, according to its inventor, the Industrial Technology Research Institute. Officials expect local companies to save USD40 million in licensing fees thanks to the card, in addition to profiting from sales. Taiwanese companies have been exempt from paying royalties to make miCards.