InfoTech: SD Association adds WiFi spec to data cards

The concept is really rather cool - but not entirely novel.

Wireless transmission of data from a multitude of devices is nothing new: we've had infra-red, bluetooth and, of course, full WiFi. And we've had them both built in and as plug-in extras and those plug-ins have been largely standardised with USB connectivity.

Ironically, one of the connectivity issues with SD cards has been the debate over whether to have a card-reader in a computer (still rare in desktop machines and falling out of favour on laptops - and almost unheard of in tablets), to plug in the device e.g. a phone or camera or to remove the card and put it into a plug-in USB-based reader (generally the most reliable and fastest solution).

The SD Association is aiming to remove that obstacle by making the cards themselves (independent of the device they are stored in) capable of connecting to other devices - but some services can be used without the need for a WiFi access point.

It's not like Bump (that is a software service in which files are transferred from phone to phone via a server in the USA). Think of it more as Bluetooth on the card.

The SD Association says

With wireless communication capabilities in their familiar SD memory cards, consumers around the world will be able to:

• Upload family, vacation or sports photos and video wirelessly from a camera or video camera to a computer or server for sharing or backup.
• Wirelessly download pictures from servers with cameras and video cameras using Wireless LAN SD memory cards. Consumers can share pictures and videos without email or physical card transfers, including peer-to-peer picture and video transfers from cameras to smart phones and tablets wirelessly without an access point.
• Use Wireless LAN SD memory cards as wireless control points for other devices, such as TVs, in a home network.