Abstract: A method of storing data within a plurality of memory devices is disclosed. Each memory device of the plurality of memory devices comprises flash memory, and supports a first data transfer rate, A. Data is provided from a data interface to a multiplexer using a second data transfer rate, B, which is faster than the data transfer rate, A. Using the multiplexer, the data is divided into N data portions. Each one of the N data portions is provided to a different memory device of the plurality of memory devices using a third data transfer rate B/N, wherein B/N?A. The N data portions are stored in parallel, each within a respective different memory device of the plurality of memory devices.

Abstract: A method of providing new functionality to an electronic product is provided. The new functionality for the electronic product being installed via a new firmware load from a memory card. The new firmware load being released to the electronic product upon the provision of an authentication by the user of the electronic product that matches the authentification credentials stored within the memory card. In a further embodiment of the invention the authentication further supports the transfer of additional content relating to the authenticated user thereby providing the electronic device with a “personality” determined by the user. In another embodiment of the invention the new firmware load is “personalized” to the memory card such that it cannot be illegally duplicated or copied thereby allowing vendors to provide via the Internet new functionalities for electronic products on a procurement basis.