A new type of memory format developed by Taiwan-based Industrial Technology Research Institute called the 'miCard' (Multiple Interface Card) has been approved by the MultiMedia Card Association (MMCA). While some might think there are more than enough memory card formats to worry about at the moment, the specs on the new format seem fairly impressive.
The card has been developed, reportedly, to make transferring data between gadgets and PCs easier. It is USB 2.0 compatible and can transfer data at 480 Mbits per second. Initially, the 'miCard' will be able to store 8GB of data, but the maximum capacity is expected to top out around 2,048GB.
Backwards compatibility with current standard ports like USB should help the standard get widely adopted by providing an interface already recognized by general consumers. It may also eliminate the need for USB card readers, thus simplifying PCs, printers and media players manufacturing.
Twelve Taiwanese companies have signed up to manufacture the miCard, and companies such as ASUStek Computer, BenQ, Carry Computer, C-One Technology, DBTel, Power Digital Card and RiCHIP are already backing the new miCard standard, which is likely to be made available by the third quarter of 2007.