SanDisk, record labels announce new music format

**Jakub** · 22-09-2008

SanDisk, record labels announce new music formatThe ever-shrinking record album--its latest iteration being the compact disc--just got a lot more compact, or shall we say, micro.

Backed by four major music labels, SanDisk on Monday announced a new physical music format dubbed "SlotMusic" that's essentially an entire album on a MicroSD compact memory card. Wal-Mart and Best Buy are among the retailers that have already signed on to start selling the cards for the upcoming holiday season.

With CD sales continuing to flounder, this latest effort to boost physical media sales is aimed at users of the millions of cell phones and MP3 players with MicroSD slots. They can insert the card right into the slot and immediately hear the music. The card will also come with a USB sleeve so it can be plugged in directly to any USB-enabled computer.

SlotMusic cards will be sold without digital rights management restrictions and in the form of MP3 files from EMI Music, Sony BMG, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group.

Source : Cnet

**zuki1** · 22-09-2008

The 1GB slotMusic microSD cards are preloaded with DRM-free 320kbps MP3s, and are aimed primarily at mobile phones -- the idea is that you'll be able to buy music and listen to it without having to sideload it onto your device using your computer at home.

**Reegan** · 22-09-2008

While the music dematerialized slowly replacing the CD, SanDisk and some of the largest homes discs have signed an agreement to distribute music on microSD cards, renamed for the occasion slotMusic. Initiated by SanDisk through TransFlash, microSD format is the one that was imposed in a very large number of multimedia devices able to read music, many phones and portable digital actually have a location.

EMI, Sony BMG, Universal and Warner therefore preparing to distribute music in MP3 format at 320 kbps without digital lock (DRM) on maps seuleument not sold on online shops but from physical merchants. "Consumers can enjoy their music without relying on a computer or an Internet connection," said a statement. SlotMusic cards will be provided with a mini USB card reader allows playback from any Windows, Mac or Linux. An adapter sold separately also ensures compatibility with other devices such as cars or plates lounge, equipped with SD and miniSD emplacement.

With this new service, record labels seem to meet consumer expectations. They certainly seem to have understood the importance of profit to climb the quality files, reducing the gap with the CD ... Pending the lossless (lossless compression)? It remains to know the price of albums sold in that form, which has not yet been notified.