Panasonic, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony and Toshiba Unveil 'Next Generation Secure Memory Initiative'

Panasonic Corporation, Samsung Electronics, SanDisk (News - Alert) Corporation, Sony Corporation and Toshiba Corporation formed an agreement to collaborate on a new content protection technology for flash memory cards such as SD Cards and various storage devices.

The companies have launched “Next Generation Secure Memory Initiative,” an agreement in which they will work to license and promote HD-capable security for SD Cards and embedded memory for use in advanced consumer applications such as tablets and smartphones.

This content protection solution will be robust enough to protect HD content. It will use unique ID (identification) technology for flash memory and robust copy protection based on public key infrastructure (PKI) to ensure high level of protection.

The technology is believed to enable various HD content applications such as HD network download, broadcast content to go and HD Digital Copy/Managed Copy from Blu-ray Disc media. Leveraging these apps, users can enjoy HD content on a wide range of devices, including Android (News - Alert) -based smartphones and tablets, TVs and Blu-ray products.

The combined effort of the five technology leaders will make substantial contribution in this regard. They plan to start licensing the new secure memory technology early next year. The five companies expect to see adoption of flash memory products and various embedded flash memory solutions using this technology in the market in 2012.

Giving content security on SD cards will boost the existing portfolio of products from electronics device manufacturers like Panasonic (News - Alert), Sony, Toshiba and Samsung because it creates a strong link between the living room experience and the mobile experience.

"Panasonic has always been an innovator in providing the best possible content viewing experience in the living room through development of Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D TM technologies and products," said Yoshiyuki Miyabe, Corporate CTO, Panasonic Corporation. "With our new secure memory solution, we are excited to create a strong link between the living room experience and the mobile experience. Now consumers can enjoy watching premier content, such as movies, on the go with their smartphones and tablets."

A recent TMCnet analyzes why mobile security management is gaining relevance in enterprises, especially with the growing popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives adopted by organizations of all sizes and types.