Basically, SlotMusic is all about selling Flash memory cards d with preloaded, DRM free music. The hardware and software technology will be developed by Sandisk and it will be based on the microSD format. SlotMusic cards will be compatible with devices that feature either a microSD slot or a USB one.

The music files will be played back at up to 320 kilobytes per second (kbps) and the SlotMusic cards will have a capacity of 1 GB, enough room for extra content that nobody cares about.

"slotMusic offers consumers an immediate, tangible, and high quality alternative to CDs and digital delivery," said Danielle Levitas, vice president, Consumer, Broadband & New Media, IDC. "This year, more than 1.2 billion mobile phones will ship globally, outstripping portable media players by nearly an order of magnitude – and this trend is accelerating."

The new format will begin its career at big US retailers such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart. Europe is set to follow next.