Overview

Most of today's digital devices experience enhanced functionality with the addition of Flash memory cards. With higher capacity Flash memory on board, digital cameras can store more images and capture them more quickly. Similarly, adding memory via Flash cards (usually referred to as "expansion memory") to new multifunction `Smartphones' helps the devices experience benefits such as improved performance when running multiple applications and the ability to store and manage larger quantities of personal data, images, files and music.

Advanced features, ready now

As the cell phone promises to become all things — going far beyond a wireless telephone to become a camera, music-playing device, video recorder, gaming source, calendar, e-mail platform, Web browser, and in some instances, a personal navigation system — and as networks and handsets evolve, next-generation mobile phones are expected to do even more.

One of the key ways to help users get the most out of their mobile communications is by adding expansion memory.

Expansion memory solutions Memory Types/Uses

Small size, large capacity and often dual-operating voltage cards are the perfect match for mobile phones with limited space and battery life, especially when downloading media-rich content from mobile phone networks. Expansion memory also serves as an excellent method of data backup since storing critical information on an extra card apart from the mobile phone can be extremely useful if the handset is ever lost.

Flash memory cards are a perfect solution for the mobile individual looking to multitask and be productive on the go. Smartphone expansion memory is useful for those who want to simplify multiple devices (combining an MP3 player, pocket PC, notebook, wireless gaming instrument and more) into one single unit.

For Smartphone expansion memory, handset makers have selected from a variety of Flash-based memory cards to help keep their devices ahead of the curve. There is currently no single expansion memory standard form factor. Handset expansion memory is a combination of many different Flash card types and current formats include:

• Secure Digital (SD)
• miniSD
• miniSDHC
• microSD
• microSDHC

What can expansion memory do?

Expansion memory can expand a Smartphone's capabilities in two areas: storage and performance. With the addition of a Flash memory card, users can store more files (music, video, and personal applications) and run multiple mobile applications (depending on the limitations set by the device's native form factor), thus freeing the mobile device from depending solely on its internal memory. Information that does not require continuous access can be stored on a separate card, allowing the device to access needed files faster and therefore operate more efficiently. The added storage space allows the consumer to have multiple applications on board.

Having multiple cards or high density cards readily available helps users manage data and accomplish unlimited tasks, quickly and easily interchanging one card for another.

When handsets call for smaller than standard SD formats, adapters can be used to convert the card for use as a full-size SD card to transfer information with a card reader or by inserting it into external slots integrated into many electronic devices, including notebooks, printers, photo viewers, video cameras, digital cameras, and even printing kiosks. This flexibility allows the consumer to use his or her data and information across multiple platforms not only on their smart device.

What can expansion memory not do?

Depending on the phone model and carrier, expansion memory may not always be able to accept downloads. If there are digital rights management (DRM) issues, a wireless carrier or content provider may lock the phone or provide certain encoded barriers to prevent downloads or copying of protected information.

Content delivery & management

For games, music, TV and movies, is it better to beam them down or pop in a pre-loaded card? That is one of the many questions posed when acquiring content on mobile phones. Regardless of the final standard, the process is likely to morph a few times as the market and delivery systems converge.

Movies and TV

The motion picture and television industries are actively looking to see where and how they can penetrate the mobile market. Studios are developing new media departments tasked specifically with re-formatting existing content (and creating new content as necessary) to adapt to the small screen factor for mobile phones.

Mobile episodes or "mobisodes" are being planned right now. Early adopters can expect to pay about $2.00 to view an episode of "Desperate Housewives," "The Office" or other popular programs on their cell phones.

Let the games begin

Gaming companies are dedicating significant resources for wireless play on mobile phones — as soon as the phones' processing power and wireless connectivity can handle the games successfully.

The Third-generation (3G) Network upgrade should let U.S. wireless carriers offer Broadband quality video (15/fps) — and "real-time" multiplayer action for on-cell gaming with vastly improved service, initially at a price premium.

Cross-platform conflicts need to be ironed-out. One workaround solution for this is content provided via Flash memory cards that are designed to work with a specific handset and operating system.

Adult-based themes are another powerful push driving the evolution of mobile devices and the expansion memory to support downloads for mature audience video content and online/ wireless gambling. Similar to many new model cars' and SUVs' on-board navigation systems, next-generation cellular phones are offering GPS tracking services for a subscription fee.

How much memory do you need?

See how much you can store on Kingston Memory Cards for Mobile Devices.

Storage Capacity*	Photos**				Music***	AudioBook+	Video++	E-Mail+++
	(1.3MP)	(3MP)	(5MP)	(10MP)	MP3 & WMA Songs	Books	(Mins)	Files
2GB*	3,144	1,808	1,190	401	380	204	136	43,532
4GB*	6,288	3,616	2,380	802	760	408	272	87,064
8GB*	12,576	7,232	4,760	1,604	1,520	816	544	174,128
16GB*	25,152	14,464	9,520	3,208	3,040	1,632	1,088	348,256


Source: Based upon Kingston estimates, actual results may vary.
(MP=Megapixels: MB=Megabytes, GB = Gigabytes)
1 Megabyte (MB) = 1,000,000 bytes; 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1,000,000,000 bytes

* Some of the listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and is not available for data storage.
** Approximate number of standard JPEG pictures. JPEG file sizes vary based upon camera model and default settings, as well as user-selected resolution and compression mode settings. Some host devices may not support all of the Flash storage capacities listed.
*** Approximate number of songs. Assumes 4MB file size. Results may vary based upon compression rates and devices used.
+ Approximate number of audiobooks. Assumes 2 hours of MP3 Format 2 content or 3.7MB/hr. file size. Results may vary based upon format quality of download.
++ Approximate minutes of video clips. Assumes MPEG1 format, 1.5Mbps file size. Results may vary based upon video compression rate.
+++ Approximate number of file attachments. Assumes 35K file size attachment per email. Results may vary based upon file size.

Chart subject to change without notice.

Smartphone forecasts & promises

U.S. wireless mobile users can now accomplish a variety of tasks on their cell phone, to a limited degree. These include:

• Watching movies and TV programs.
• Playing games with other participants around the world.
• Viewing content from the privacy of one's mobile phone: great for learning/educational purposes "on the go." Pop a Flash memory card inside a mobile phone and start playing, learning or both!
• Having e-mail/office productivity at one's fingertips.
• Eventually combining multiple devices into a single "smart" unit

This notion extends to living in the "digital home" lifestyle. With handset makers, wireless carriers and a myriad of content providers promising us greater security and convenience, someday soon, our Smartphones might allow us to:

• Open/close garage doors
• Remotely turn on/off lights at home
• Pay bills from a cafe while getting your morning coffee
• Order pizza and a movie to be delivered right to your front door — or your phone.

State of the U.S. Smartphone market

Since the introduction of the first cellular phone in 1983, the wireless market (both global and domestic) has been growing and thriving, yet it has been fraught with static. Logistical conflicts abound in the areas of design; platform interoperability with differing mobile operating systems; as well as content delivery and management. This is particularly evident in the United States, where numerous wireless carriers operate within multiple hardware and networking platforms with varying degrees of success — and cooperation.

The wireless mobile industry is experiencing phenomenal — and volatile — growth. The cellular/wireless market is far from mature. While multifunction mobile phones are commonplace in Asia and many parts of Western Europe, cellular phones with advanced capabilities (also referred to as feature phones or 3GSM handsets) are the latest wave of digital devices to reach the domestic market.

Smartphones were introduced into the U.S. market in late 2005 and are expected to become more widely available throughout 2006. One of the key differentiators of Smartphones is that they are designed to take expansion memory in order to deliver on the exciting new functionality they promise.

With the ability to provide so much functionality, Smartphones are now competing with notebook computers. But handset makers have to clear the hurdles of multiple handset operating systems (currently Symbian OS, Microsoft Windows Mobile OS, Linux and Palm OS share different size slices of the OS pie) and application compatibility before widespread adoption can take place.

There are approximately 195 million Americans currently toting cell phones1 — and the number continues to grow. This is a significant piece of business to handset makers, wireless carriers, content providers and expansion memory manufacturers.

Notable factoids:


• By 2010, 60% of mobile phones will have a Flash card slot *(Gartner Flash Card Market Trends, Sept. 2005).
• IDC estimates Mobile Phones with expandable memory will increase to more than 70% of worldwide sales by 2007 – soaring above 700 million units.
• Gartner Group predicts worldwide flash memory sales will reach $12.5 Billion by 2010. (Growth directly fueled by mobile phones and digital video demands).
• Companies producing the add-on memory to support the performance and storage demands of space-hungry Smartphones face challenges to support a non-standardized plethora of phones and carriers.

Before mass adoption occurs

The U.S. 3G Network upgrade should provide improved broadband capabilities, especially for signal quality. This is important for video downloading and viewing Web sites from a mobile phone. There are a variety of other items that present challenges to widespread use; they include:

• Keyboard format and size on many handsets.
• Camera resolution. The best is currently 2.0 MP.
• Ease of use. Cell phones and especially Smartphones can be fairly complicated. A handful of start-up companies are scrambling to simplify cell browsing.
• Longer battery life. Battery technology has not been advancing at the same pace of handsets. Since memory-hungry applications drain battery power, options to increase battery life and/or lower the amount of power needed by applications must be found.

Challenges

In order to realize all the new features and functionality expected of new domestic Smartphones, mobile phone handset makers (Audiovox, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Siemens and Sony-Ericsson); wireless carriers (Cingular, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel); and software and content providers (in partnership with hardware vendor partners) must build, test and deploy workable, stable and reliable infrastructures.

Wireless carriers: roadblock or feature provider?

Most carriers are willing to work together, but the competition is fierce and each is watching the other carefully. Cross-platform conflicts are being investigated and promises of co-operative platforms are expected to become more visible domestically around Q3 2006.

In the U.S., several cellular phone standards sprawl across the country; competing digital access technologies include:

CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access, a rival to TDMA in the Americas; CDMA carriers in the U.S. include Alltel, Sprint PCS, and Verizon.

GSM: Global System for Mobile communication, GSM is most commonly used by Cingular and T-Mobile in the U.S (and proves interoperable in Western Europe).

TDMA: Time Division Multiple Access was the first digital network widely used in the Americas. The growth of GSM and CDMA may signal the end of TDMA.

TD-SCDMA: Time Division - Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access is a promising standard for China and TD-SCDMA is a competitor to WCDMA, the dominant standard in Europe, and CDMA 2000, a technology used in South Korea and by several large operators in the United States.

iDEN – Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network is a wireless communications technology developed by Motorola; used by various carriers around the world, iDEN has been used by Nextel Communications to provide nationwide coverage in the U.S.

WCDMA: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access is Europe's dominant standard.

The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of frequencies used in transmission of voice, data and television. Service providers typically use only one of the competing digital access technologies (CDMA, TDMA, iDEN or GSM). The frequency bands and access standards used by wireless carriers limit one's choice of handsets. For example, phones that work with CDMA will not work with TDMA or GSM digital service. Many mobile phones can only operate on one frequency and most are restricted to one access technology.

Expand your phone, expand your world — with Kingston.

To take advantage of new, feature-rich Smartphones, users should install reliable, compatible expansion memory. Since there are competing standards and multiple wireless platforms, it makes sense to choose a knowledgeable, reliable memory supplier: Kingston Technology.

As the world's largest independent memory manufacturer, Kingston Technology produces a range of Flash memory cards designed to help consumers make the most of their mobile phones. Trust Kingston Flash memory to perform reliably, each and every time. For added peace of mind, Kingston Flash cards have a lifetime warranty and free 24/7 technical support.

For the latest mobile memory card specifications, including capacities, please visit www.kingston.com/flash.

¹ By the close of 2005, wireless subscriptions will hit nearly 2 billion on a worldwide basis, with cellular mobile dominating the wireless technology field, according to a trends study from Deloitte Research.