Next-generation multimedia credit card unveiled

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KB Card, Korea's largest credit card issuer, released the world's first multimedia credit card on Wednesday. The credit card, called the "&d Multimedia Card," is embedded with a two-gigabyte flash memory chip and slides into a terminal device that has an additional four gigabytes of storage.

The card is like an iPod, storing videos, pictures and music that can be viewed and played when connected to the terminal. It also has contactless features that allow cardholders to download bus schedules, coupons and even digital video feeds by simply tapping the card against ATMs run by Kookmin Bank, the card's parent bank.

Information on the multimedia credit card is secured by a PIN number, so users can securely store private information such as passwords and user names.

Showing off some of the credit card's features, KB Card put out a peculiar promotional video of a woman who is thoroughly excited while using her multimedia card throughout the day:

The multimedia credit card is the size of a normal credit card and slides into a slightly larger terminal device, developed by Samsung SDI. The terminal device houses the display monitor, playback buttons and a USB slot so users can charge the terminal and connect their credit card to a computer.

KB Card announced development of its multimedia card November 2007, and plans to fine tune its design and technological capabilities in upcoming years -- hoping to have the video display on the actual credit card in two years. The card and terminal are said by Korean press reports to cost 230,000 won, which is approximately $225.

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