_

Just What We Need: Another Memory Card Standard

7:00AM June 4, 2007 | Seamus Byrne

micards.jpgThe MultiMedia Card Association (who?) has approved a new “global memory card standard” developed by a Taiwanese research institute—dubbed the miCard (Multiple Interface Card)—which will work with both USB and MMC slots.

Skepticism over new formats aside, the specs seem fairly impressive: initial transfer rate and storage will be around 480Mbit/sec and 8GB, respectively, with both improving over time. The expected maximum capacity? 2048GB. I can definitely get behind two terabytes in my pocket. (I’m also happy to see you.)

Twelve companies are already backing the new format:A-Data Technology Inc., Asustek Computer Inc., BenQ Corp., Carry Computer Eng. Co., C-One Technology Corp., DBTel Inc., Power Digital Card Co. and RiChip Inc.

Of course, adoption by technical associations and corporations (and calling it a “global standard”) doesn’t necessarily mean consumers will also take up the new cards, but backwards compatibility with current standard ports, like USB, should help. What do you think? Do we really need yet another format taking up shelf space at Best Buy? – Matt Buchanan

Taiwan’s miCard chosen as global memory card standard [Computerworld via /.]

Comments

  • steven

    June 4, 2007 at 8:42 AM

    do they actually make devices that use MMC still?? Jeez, i mean my Nokia N-Gage 1 uses it. But isn’t that already saying something.

  • Penguinister

    June 4, 2007 at 9:31 AM

    Love the list of supporting companies, all second tier manufacturers of hardware that has a habit of going out of fashion faster than it hits the shelves.

  • Jared

    June 4, 2007 at 9:50 AM

    Maybe this Taiwanese research institute should go research the process of paint drying. C’mon, couldn’t they put their effort into improving what we already have?

  • Spectator

    June 4, 2007 at 2:08 PM

    Don’t most (if not all) devices that support SD also support MMC? It’s the same shape and size. Isn’t this just like SDHC?

  • DongHua International Limited Company

    July 26, 2007 at 4:57 AM

    This is DongHua International Limited Company. Our Company is the specially researching and developing memory card，TF card, SD card, USB flash disk , MMC card and CF card company in China. Welcome to have the OEM order! If there is anything I can help you please contact us. Thank you!

    Best regards!

    Shirley

    Sales Manager

    E-mail: sales@donghuait.com

    TEL: 86-755-25561121

    FAX: 86-755-25566495

Post Your Comments