MMCA announces MiCard specification for MMC / USB combo cards

The MultiMediaCard Association (MMC) has set the stage for yet another memory card format to compete for your photos and other media, today announcing the specification for its new MiCard multiple-interface memory cards. That "multiple-interface" consists of the standard MMC interface, along with an integrated USB connector to eliminate the need for a separate card reader -- something that's already relatively common with SD cards. What's more the MiCard will also be smaller than a standard MMC card, measuring 12mm x 21mm x 1.95mm, although it'll still be compatible with existing MMC-based devices through the use of an adapter. According to EETimes BenQ, A-Data, Pretec, and a number of other companies have already signed on to support the new format, although it's not clear when the first MiCards will actually be available.

[Via EETimes]

[GBaz @ May 31st 2007 2:21PM]

So by creating a new card with built in USB to eliminate the need for an adapter they created a new form factor of card that needs an adapter to work with old devices. Great. Well done.

[John Stracke @ May 31st 2007 4:06PM]

They could at least make it the same size as RS-MMC, so we could use the *same* adapters.

[Jeff @ May 31st 2007 6:39PM]

Maybe I don't read enough, but I don't see why MMC is still around anymore... or why they'd want to innovate to push it forward. What could MMC and this new MiCard do that SD and microSD can't? I can see built-in USB being convenient, but as stated above, that's an old trick for SD already. And my microSD USB adapter is barely bigger than the card itself.

SD seems a great standard. Why is MMC still around?

[Dankoozy @ Jun 2nd 2007 9:17PM]

Why does SD exist in the first place. Run by a secret society known as the SDMI which has ties with the infamous RIAA something seems suspicious about how it got so popular. The highly reclusive SDMI charges $1000 membership fees and various other royalties. MiCard is an open standard which is always a good thing

The SD cards with USB were quite badly designed and very expensive compared to the regular SD. I always liked these really small USB memory sticks but didn't feel like buying an expensive one from sony. At the end of the day I still prefer CF - large capacity ftw.

[yodafone @ Jun 11th 2007 7:31AM]

Apparently they forgot that http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/06/sandisk-ces-sd-card-with-built-in-usb-adapter/
and
http://www.engadget.com/2005/02/19/delkins-sd-xtra-rocks-the-usb/
already exist.