Introduction

SanDisk introduces the SanDisk microSD 1GB card, the world's smallest flash memory card. Originally developed by SanDisk and formerly known as TransFlash, the fingernail-sized card will be able to store up to 32 hours of WMA-compressed music, or approximately 480 songs, downloaded from Verizon Wireless' V CAST Music service to compatible phones. The 1GB microSD card will be available in the United States initially through Verizon Wireless. The SanDisk 1GB microSD card comes with an adapter allowing it to be used in a standard SD slot. The previous highest capacity for the SanDisk microSD was 512MB. Verizon Wireless Communications Stores will sell SanDisk's flash memory cards for mobile phones.
SanDisk flash memory card
"We believe that 2006 will be a milestone year for network operators and handset manufacturers to provide consumers with an array of content that can be downloaded virtually anywhere, anytime on their mobile phones," said Jeff Kost, SanDisk's vice-president of handset business. "Flash card slots in mobile phones are proliferating in response to new usages and services, which are driving the demand for higher capacity memory. We are delighted to supply Verizon Wireless Communications with our highest capacity cards to give their customers the storage they will need when acquiring tracks from the V CAST Music service."
Online music service
Using the Microsoft Windows Media platform, V CAST Music runs on Verizon Wireless' broadband network. The library of music is expected to include one million songs by spring from major labels such as Warner, EMI, Universal, Sony/BMG and independent provider, The Orchard.
Music storage device
Verizon Wireless customers will be able to download songs over the air and store them on SanDisk flash cards, where they can be played on the phone as well as transferred to a Microsoft Windows-based personal computer. V CAST Music will allow customers to take their own digital music from their PCs and sync it to their handsets.
Flash memory storage
"SanDisk's high-capacity memory cards allow Verizon Wireless customers to optimize their experience," said Patrick Bucci, Verizon Wireless director of accessory products. "Our customers have the flexibility to choose as much memory as they need to take advantage of the V CAST Music service. SanDisk offers the highest capacity cards available to store our users' personal music, pictures and videos on their phone."
Verizon V CAST Music
Verizon Wireless plans to launch V CAST Music on January 16 with several phones, including the Samsung a950 and the LG VX8100. Both are clamshell V CAST-enabled phones with 1.3 Megapixel digital cameras. The Samsung a950 has a microSD card slot that features an external thumb dial to select music files; the LG VX8100 has a miniSD card slot.
Card reader
SanDisk introduced its line of mobile cards and MobileMate portable flash card readers in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the last quarter of 2005. They are sold in co-branded Verizon Wireless/SanDisk packaging. The new SanDisk 1GB microSD flash memory cards are expected to be available through those stores in February. SanDisk's suggested retail prices for the newest card is $119.99.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless was the first wireless company to launch a wireless broadband multimedia service when it introduced V CAST in February, 2005. Its award-winning wireless broadband network is the most robust in the United States. The V CAST coverage area, which mirrors the company's wireless broadband network, is currently available to 150 million Americans in 180 major metropolitan markets.
About SanDisk
SanDisk is the original inventor of flash storage cards and is the world's largest supplier of flash data storage card products, using its patented, high-density flash memory and controller technology. SanDisk is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA and has operations worldwide, with more than half its sales outside the U.S.