The Memory Stick in Mobile Entertainment

As semiconductor technology advances, the flash memory is becoming pervasive in high gear. Expectations of flash memory as a recording medium for next- generation digital devices are high, for its field of application is wide-ranged including digital still cameras, portable audio devices, mobile phones, and IC recorders. In such context, Sony has developed an IC recording medium called "Memory Stick,'' to realize a world where digital devices can be literally "connected.'' The Memory Stick is not only a medium for exchanging data among audiovisual devices and IT devices, but also aims to be the de facto standard of recording media for EMD (Electronic Music Distribution) and data distribution. Memory Stick will do this by combining a highly efficient audio compression algorithm with copyright-protection technology, both developed by Sony. This paper first focuses on the characteristics of the Memory Stick, then provides a general introduction to format specifications for these applications, going into depth on format related to usage in cars, and in closing, future prospects are stated.