Memory card developed to work with USB
Published: 05 Jun 2007 12:10 BST
A flash memory card standard which promises removable media that can be inserted into either a USB 2.0 port or a MMC reader has been developed.
Developed under the auspices of the MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA), miCard is designed to make it easy to transfer data between devices such as digital cameras and computers without the need for a card reader. The card will initially come with an adaptor to fit standard MMC slots, although the MMCA hopes that future electronic devices will have slots to accept miCards directly.
"MMCA developed the miCard specification to provide manufacturers [with] a solution that is adaptable and convenient for consumers," said Yves Leonard, the MMCA's chairman. "Adding USB 2.0 capability to a memory card provides an interface that is compatible with existing products and widely recognised by general consumers."
Twelve Taiwanese manufacturers, including Asustek and BenQ, have already signed up to produce miCards. The first iterations of the design, due out in the third quarter of this year, will have an 8GB capacity, although the MMCA claims that capacities of up to 2TB will be possible. The card measures 12mm x 21mm x 1.95mm.
MMC cards have been largely superseded by secure digital (SD) cards, which are almost identical in appearance and operation but which offer greater security. However, MMC cards will work in most SD card slots, depending on drivers. SD cards which can fold in two to reveal a USB connector have been available for some time, but the miCard design appears to be less fragile.
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