News 

The Memory Spot chip is between 2mm and 4mm square with current data capacities of up to 4Mbit. Yet it also includes a wireless antenna, capable of transfers with a theoretical limit of 10Mbit/sec, putting it on a par with early WiFi standards.

It doesn't require a battery: power is supplied on connection to a read/write device that uses electromagnetic induction to produce enough current through the unit to access data.

Researchers think the Memory Spot chip could be used to store patient records in hospital wristbands, adding extra multimedia components to holiday postcards and photographs, in identity cards and security passes or as tags to verify the authenticity of pharmaceuticals, for example.

'We are actively exploring a range of exciting new applications for Memory Spot chips and believe the technology could have a significant impact on our consumer businesses, from printing to imaging, as well as providing solutions in a number of vertical markets,' said Howard Taub, HP vice president and associate director, HP Labs.