Lexar Introduces the USB Flashcard Design

Lexar Media have announced a new USB card form factor, which is being proposed as an open and free industry standard. The card will function as a plug and play USB drive. The USB card form factor is volumetrically similar to a SD card, and is based on the USB Type A connector. It measures a mere 12 millimeters wide, 4.5 millimeters high and 31.75 millimeters long.

Lexar's USB FlashCard will be the first product based on the new form factor. The USB FlashCard will offer mass USB storage and universal plug and play connectivity with all modern operating systems via the USB interface. Lexar plans to introduce Full-Speed USB versions in 16MB, 32MB and 64MB capacities as well as Hi-Speed USB versions in 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacities with a high performance 60MB/s interface speed in 2005.



Lexar is working with connector manufacturers to offer an extended USB Type A socket to be used in consumer electronics devices such as digital still cameras and handheld computers. The USB FlashCard sockets would accommodate the USB FlashCard inside of a camera similar in use to other forms of flash memory cards.

Now imagine if all camera manufacturers adopted this format -- we could do away with card readers!

Source: Shuttertalk