Carmakers and aftermarket electronics suppliers are currently divided on the optimum removable storage format for use in automotive applications, according to a new report from Strategy Analytics, “Automotive Removable Storage - Car Makers and Suppliers Divided on Format.” While the majority of retrofit automotive infotainment systems with memory cards use the SD Memory card or MMC card format, carmakers are showing a preference for USB connectivity.
The use of memory cards in automotive applications has been led by Japanese aftermarket suppliers, with Panasonic launching its first in-dash audio system with removable storage capabilities in 2000. While Japanese electronics vendors still lead the game in removable storage capable audio systems, European vendors, including Blaupunkt and Siemens VDO, have since launched similar systems. Carmakers are showing a preference for USB port integration, with five mainstream car makers incorporating the technology into concept vehicles unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2005.
“USB slots are more flexible than removable memory cards. While memory cards like SD Memory Card, MMC card and Memory Stick can only be used for relaying information, USB ports can also be used to connect portable music players and transfer power to portable devices,” says report author, Clare Hughes, Analyst, Automotive Practice. “However, there are safety issues around the in-vehicle USB Flash Drive which protrude beyond the dashboard. Unlike SD Memory Cards and MMC cards, which have a standard form factor, a universal recessed slot for a USB Flash Drive cannot be designed. Since only the end connector is standardized, USB sticks can come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
“Provided by www.allmemorycards.com
Source: www.strategyanalytics.com
April 7th, 2006
SanDisk introduced the 2 GB SanDisk Ultra II SD Plus Memory Card. Thereby it is doubling the storage capacity of its innovative designed memory card. The SD Plus Memory Card looks and functions like a typical SD Memory Card and its high speed makes it ideal for digital cameras, camera phones and digital video cameras. Folding the unique card in half reveals a high-speed USB 2.0 connector that plugs into any electronic device with an USB port to easily and quickly transfer photos or other digital files without the need for a separate memory card reader.
The SanDisk Ultra II SD Plus line features write speeds of 9 MB/sec and read speeds of 10 MB/sec. The cards are targeted at enthusiast and consumer-level digital photographers with 5 mega-pixel or higher resolution digital cameras that require significantly faster flash memory cards.
The 2 GB SanDisk Ultra II SD Plus Memory Card has the following suggested retail prices:
2GB $ 134.99 Available: June -06
February 27th, 2006
SanDisk has today introduced a gaming oriented USB Flash Drive, the SanDisk Cruzer Crossfire, to serve the needs of console and PC video gamers. The SanDisk Cruzer Crossfire will be available in four color-coded capacities: 512 MB in green, 1 GB in white, 2GB in black and 4GB in blue. The drive comes with an attractive metallic lanyard that attaches to a snap-on cap. When connected to a USB-enabled device, the Crossfire’s indicator light pulses lime-green.
Since the new gaming consoles, with their impressive graphics, are more than just gaming devices and people will also use them to view their digital photos and play digital music and other digital files. Microsoft’s recently released Xbox 360 features three USB ports. And early announcements from both Sony and Nintendo have indicated that their next generation game consoles, PlayStation3 for Sony and Revolution for Nintendo, will also support USB connections.
For owners of the Microsoft Xbox 360 console, the SanDisk Cruzer Crossfire can be used to play digital music tracks and show digital still images on any television set that is connected to an Xbox 360. Suggested retail prices for the SanDisk Cruzer Crossfire are $54.99 for 512MB, $99.99 for 1GB, $169.99 for 2GB and $329.99 for 4GB.
January 5th, 2006