Nokia Corp. said Thursday it's teaming up with competitors - including Samsung and Sony Ericsson - on a flash memory card that works with a variety of cell phones and other gadgets, regardless of maker. The technology, expected to be ready in 2009, will use the new Universal Flash Storage specification. It "reflects the industry's need for a universal memory solution that removes the need for adaptors to accommodate different removable memory card sizes," Nokia said. The removable memory card would be used in handsets, digital cameras and other consumer electronic devices, and could cut the current three-minute access time for a 90-minute movie to a few seconds, according to Nokia, the world's largest cell phone maker.

Other companies involved in the project include Micron Technology Inc. Spansion LLC, STMicroelectronics NV and Texas Instruments Inc. p> ---

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