Announced at the 2009 Mobile World Congress exhibition, the LG Arena multimedia handset is the company’s flagship model for the first half of 2009, featuring greatly enhanced audio and video technologies as well as LG’s new 3D S-Class user interface. In addition to high capacity MLC NAND flash based storage, iNAND is fully capable of storing system boot code. Using iNAND as a system boot device means there is no need for the additional boot code storage device used in traditional designs.

“LG is amongst the leading figures of the mobile industry, quick to embrace new technologies ahead of the game. The advanced storage architecture of the LG Arena handset is no exception and SanDisk is proud to be a part of this ongoing success,” said Dan Inbar, senior vice president, OEM group, SanDisk. “SanDisk iNAND embedded flash drives act as two devices in one, with both storage and boot capabilities, reducing the number of storage devices required in the handset. Optimizing storage architecture in this manner gives handset designers like LG an edge in the highly competitive mobile landscape.”

[via engadgetmobile]

SanDisk and LG Electronics have worked closely to implement this new technology on the LG KC910 Renoir handset. By allowing IP connectivity to the memory card in the handset, the memory card serves as a network node that is remotely manageable by the operator using industry-standard TCP/IP and OMA Smart Card Web Server.

“With this advanced technology, handset manufacturers and MNOs will be able to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of consumers who want easy access to premium content on their mobile devices,” said Amir Lehr, senior director, business development, SanDisk. “The new LG KC910 Renoir highlights SanDisk’s storage-based service delivery technology that is designed to enhance an MNO’s ability to facilitate content usage in a flexible manner and lets service providers customize their method of content distribution.”

“As consumers listen to music, view photos, take and watch videos on their phones, the need for high-capacity removable mobile phone memory cards that can quickly transfer these files increases,” said Diana Cartwright, senior director, retail marketing, SanDisk. “Our new 16GB SanDisk Mobile Ultra microSDHC and M2 cards include a MobileMate Micro reader for fast side-loading, offering the most convenient means for people to store, move and play digital content to and from their mobile phones.”

The 16GB SanDisk Mobile Ultra microSDHC and Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $119.99 and $129.99, respectively.

Dozens of popular artists from EMI Music, SONY BMG, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group are making their debut on slotMusic cards in time for the holidays, including:

• ABBA
• Chris Brown
• Coldplay
• Connie Talbot
• Daughtry
• Don’t Quit Fitness Bundle
• Elvis Presley
• Five Finger Death Punch
• Jimi Hendrix
• Jimmy Buffet
• Katy Perry
• Keane
• Kelly Clarkson
• Kiss
• Leona Lewis
• Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Metro Station
• MIA
• Nelly
• New Kids On the Block
• e-Yo
• Nickelback
• Pussycat Dolls
• Rihanna
• Rise Against
• Robin Thicke
• Saving Abel
• Shwayze
• Solange
• Sugarland
• Tim McGraw
• Toby Keith
• Usher
• Weezer
• Young Jeezy

slotMusic cards are expected to be available in Europe in 2009.

MicroSD cards are designed for slot-equipped legacy mobile phones and can hold a maximum capacity of 2GB. Today’s microSDHC cards are available in 4GB, 8GB and now 16GB, are ideal for newer mobile phone models, most of which are compatible with these higher capacity cards. The Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards are designed for Sony Ericsson’s new generation of mobile phones, all of which are compatible with the 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacity levels. SanDisk’s 16GB mobile memory cards come with a five-year limited warranty.

Source [SlashGear]

Users simply insert the slotMusic card into their microSD-enabled mobile phone or MP3 player to hear the music – without passwords, downloading or digital-rights-management interfering with their personal use. Just like music distributed in CD format, you might end up with carrying many microSD cards with different music content.

via [engadget]