Instead of having to buy a new phone to read IC tags, wouldn't it be better to be able to just plug a card into your memory card slot?
Yes, it would. AU is here to help.

KDDI has developed a wireless IC tag reader that is inserted into the memory card slot of cellular phones. They plan to begin actual experiments of the unit in March of 2005.

This is a reader for wireless IC tags. It uses a cellular phone's memory card slot, and is equipped as an external adapter to the back of the phone. It supports reading of wireless IC tags are 2.45GHz and 300MHz frequency zones, and can receive tag data by use of a Java appli o­n the cellular phone itself. This includes the ability to take the read data and perform an inquiry using the cellular network, and is intended for GPS-based services.

Furthermore, this technology will be o­n demonstration at "CEATEC JAPAN 2004" to begin o­n October 5th.

Inspired by:
http://k-tai.impress.co.jp/cda/article/news_toppage/20734.html

Press Release:
http://www.kddi.com/corporate/news_release/2004/0929b/