Flash cards seek a slot in mobile expansion bid

摘要

Paris ― As the mobile industry gears up for multimedia applications on cell phones, service providers and handset makers are scrapping over the best format for handset memory expansion to accommodate the new apps. The debate will influence the design of future handsets and determine who ultimately profits from extended, secure handset storage. The crux of the argument is whether to add memory by squeezing more into the existing subscriber identity module (SIM) card-a common feature of GSM phones in Europe-or opting for a second handset slot to accommodate removable flash cards. A third scenario, which sources last week called less likely, sees removable cards with bulked-up security features and expanded memory replacing SIM cards altogether.