Sony launches Memory Stick Micro

Sony's Memory Stick Micros will hold up to 1GB

Sony is to produce memory sticks for mobile phones in a further attempt to extend its proprietary format.

The Memory Stick Micro storage devices will come in 256MB and 512MB versions in March with a 1GB version due in July. Prices will be similar to existing Memory Stick PRO products.

"The new ultra-small memory card is designed to meet the growing storage needs of highly compact, multifunctional mobile phones," the company said in a statement.

Memory Stick Micro is 1.2mm thick and operates at 1.8 volts for phones and 3.3 volts for existing Memory Stick PRO compatible products.

So far only Sony is supporting the format and the first phone to include the cards will be its M600i smartphone.

"As usual this is a lock-in attempt by Sony on the valuable accessories market," said Rachel Lashford, mobile phone analyst at Canalys.

"This in keeping with Sony's strategy of getting Memory Stick onto all its devices, but I do not see any other manufacturers getting behind it. It is not as though we're short on storage formats."