Memory Companies Creating Next-Gen Security for Flash

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Five companies have banded together to develop content protection technology for downloading and streaming HD media.

Five well-known companies have banded together to collaborate on a new content protection technology for flash memory devices.

According to the party of five, this initiative should allow for HD network downloads, streaming broadcast content while on the go, and HD Digital Copy/Managed Copy from Blu-ray Discmedia. "With these applications, users can enjoy HD content on a wide range of devices, including Android-based smartphones and tablets, TVs and Blu-ray products," the group promises.

"Samsung believes that the time is ripe for an advanced security solution and welcomes the opportunity to deliver a highly viable solution using flash memory chips. Samsung's ongoing commitment to technology excellence will now further extend to early market availability of high-performance NAND technologies implementing the new advanced security solution," said Young-Hyun Jun, Executive Vice President, Memory Business, Samsung Electronics. Co., Ltd.

On Monday, the group said their combined efforts should enable them to start licensing the new secure memory technology early next year. This will likely lead to actual products sometime in 2012 although they didn't specify an actual projected quarter.

"This technology will open a new door to flash memory applications. As a flash memory manufacturer, we are pleased that our flash memory technology will contribute to bringing people more convenient and exciting experiences of HD content. We will continue our development efforts to create surprising innovation," said Yasuo Naruke, Corporate Vice President, Vice President, Memory Division, Semiconductor & Storage Products Company, Toshiba Corporation.

To learn more about the Next Generation Secure Memory Initiative, head here.

Kevin Parrish

Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more. 

13 Comments Comment from the forums
  • kcorp2003
    I knew this was the next step. Security major myself i welcome it and hate it at the same time.
    Reply
  • Soul_keeper
    protection technology !?
    The "protection" is not for the consumer.
    more like "extortion" "robbery" "rape" etc.
    Reply
  • Dacatak
    I have a feeling I'm going to hate this just like I hate HDCP.

    SD cards already have the best protection you can get. It's called the "write-protect switch".
    Reply
  • de5_Roy
    great, more drm. :(
    Reply
  • g-thor
    If Samsung is involved, you can expect Apple to hit them with patent infringement anytime after they release this for sale.
    Reply
  • WyomingKnott
    So we have to buy memory with the Usage Prevention Feature (I meant DRM) built in, paying extra for it?
    Reply
  • alidan
    WyomingKnottSo we have to buy memory with the Usage Prevention Feature (I meant DRM) built in, paying extra for it?
    i have to assume it would be subsidized by content creators. it would be sick if they charged use more so we can do less with things of this nature...

    that said i dont equate this line
    "bringing people more convenient and exciting experiences of HD content"
    with drm, convenient for me is drm free, and i go out of my way to get a drm free version of everything i own if its even possible.
    Reply
  • pjmelect
    It is inevitable that solid state memory will one day replace CD, DVD and blue ray disks, and the movie/ record companies will want to protect their content. It is also inevitable that this will be cracked.
    Reply
  • fb39ca4
    No it wont protect s**t
    Reply
  • virtualban
    Can they force me to buy it? - no;
    Can they prevent me from watching anything at all if I don't buy it? - yes, and that could be a blessing maybe, because I don't watch anything of that what is meant to be protected most of the time, but when I do, I want my life hours back;
    So, in the end, I will just go back to 9gag.com and to games
    Reply