Sharp smart card set for Asian launch

SINGAPORE--Sharp Electronics Singapore and e-payment provider the Network for Electronics Transactions Singapore (Nets) will co-develop a new dual-interface smartcard, or "combicard", equipped to support more advanced applications. The card will have both contact (card in slot) and contactless (card in proximity) functionalities, and could possibly be the first to offer 1MB of flash memory (compared with the current 2KB standard). The higher memory capacity and support for multiple embedded operating systems will enable the new smartcard to support a wider range of sophisticated applications, including electronic payment, electronic keycard, loyalty programs, and other consumer and industrial applications. For example, a consumer can pay for public transport, make a purchase, open a door, register for an appointment with a doctor, as well as activate a payphone--all with a single combicard. For the full story see http://asia.cnet.com/newstech/personaltech/0,39001147,39036512,00.htm on CNet Asia. --Reuben Lee, Special to ZDNet News