Smart-card discs / discs with USB plugs

[akrako1]

http://www.newscientisttech.com/article/dn10306-invention-smartcard-dvds.html

Smart-card discs

CDs and DVDs have been around for a while. Nevertheless, American-Israeli company Aladdin think it can breathe new life into these formats by creating a disc that combines optical storage capacity with an embedded electronic smart card chip.

The irregularly-shaped "XCD" is the thickness of a normal optical disc and can still play in any CD or DVD drive. But it also has a smart card, with its own memory and processing components, embedded in the plastic. The embedded chip is connected to a line of electrodes on the surface of one side of the disc. The outer edge of the disc is cut away so that the electrodes protrude and can plug straight into a USB socket.

But why bother inserting a chip into a DVD or CD in the first place? Aladdin thinks it could provide a clever way to digitally lock content sold on optical discs. Music, video or data can be stored optically and read by computer's CD or DVD player, while encryption keys can be stored on the embedded chip and read by USB. The encryption keys could be used to lock information so that it can only be played having plugged the original disc in to the USB.

Read the full smart-card disc patent application.
http://tinyurl.com/yblbkx

[oldandinthe way]

Everyone seems to be seeing the potential advantages of flash memory. Expect even more hybrid concepts. I for one, expect that falling flash prices will negate the justification for hybrid technologies.

Here's a currently available toy.

Memorex FlashDisc 16MB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (3-Pack) - Red/Blue/Yellow

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7688549&st=usb&lp=10&type=product&cp=1&i...=1138083309159

Memorex FlashDisc 16MB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (3-Pack) - Red/Blue/Yellow
Model: 32562316

Save, share and transfer documents for school or work with this 3-pack of 16MB flash drives.

16MB storage capacity per disc

High-speed USB 2.0 interface; backwards compatible with USB 1.1

Measures less 0.3" thin and weighs only 0.1 oz. for true pocket portability

Product Features

Provides high performance and fast sustained data transfer rates up to 480Mbps (using USB 2.0)

Measures 2.3" long and weighs only 0.1 oz. for true pocket portability
Built-in USB connector with protective cap
PC and Mac compatible
3-pack (1 black/red, 1 black/blue and 1 black/yellow)

Product Details

Warranty Terms - Parts 1 year limited
Product Height 2.3"
Product Weight 0.1 oz.
Product Depth 0.3"
External
Drive Capacity 16MB (per disc)
Drive Connectivity USB 2.0
Data Transfer Rate to/from Interface Up to 480 Mbps
System Requirements Intel® Pentium®; Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP; Mac OS 9.x, 10,x or later