STMicroelectronics
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Numonyx (Intel and STMicroelectronics) already shipping phase-change memory samples
We hear this new phase-change memory stuff is awful special, which is why we're hoping to get our hands on some now that Numonyx (the "pospective" company founded last year by Intel and STMicroelectronics to make the stuff), is apparently shipping "Alverstone"-codenamed prototypes. Of course, with progress comes hype: according to Ed Doller, Numonyx's "prospective" CTO, "This is the most significant non-volatile memory advancement in 40 years." Show us the memory!
Intel, friend of memory, doubles phase-change capacity
Mere days ago we were being treated to the adventures of Intel and Micron in their efforts to create the "world's fastest" NAND drive, and now Intel's got its hands in some phase-change memory, with a technology to double the storage capacity without adding much cost to the fabrication. Phase-change memory is being billed as the successor to flash memory, since it relies on the configuration of a material's atoms instead of those dinky electrons we've been pushing around in our devices for the past few decades. Up until now phase-change memory has used two states to record data: loose and rigid organization of atoms (amorphous and crystalline). Now Intel, along with partner ST Microelectronics, has discovered two more distinct states in between those extremes, effectively doubling capacity in the burgeoning technology. Apparently this sort of advancement puts the clincher on this tech coming to market eventually -- and with speeds comparable to RAM plus the non-volatility of flash, we can hardly wait. [Via Slashdot]
STMicroelectronics unveils three-input active HDMI switch
Chances are, you'll never actually see a STDVE003A unless you just so happen to crack open your HDTV, but STMicroelectronics is hoping that you notice its presence without disassembling anything. The aforementioned chip is being hailed as the first HDMI switch on planet Earth to support a video data-transfer rate of up to 3.4Gbps, which enables TV designers to "provide as many as three input ports while using only a single HDMI receiver chip." Furthermore, it supports full 16-bit color, is compliant with HDMI 1.3 specifications and features an integrated equalizer to "overcome signal degradation when long (greater than 20-meters) and lossy cables are used." The active digital multiplexer also supports DDC (Display Data Channel) and HPD (Hot-Plug Detect) data switching, and while we're not told when these are likely to debut in actual sets, volume production is slated to start this quarter.
Nokia exits chip development, licensing out modem technology
Not too long after Nokia delved deeper into media sharing, the firm is now pulling out of the 3G chip development realm and licensing out its modem technology in order to better utilized R&D resources. Reportedly, STMicroelectronics will grab the reigns to develop 3G chips based on Nokia technology, and while the company "will continue to develop its own modems, the decision to license out the technology will bring in additional revenue and allow new players to enter the technically difficult market." Granted, the move isn't entirely surprising considering that mobile companies are shifting further away from anything that's not a core competency, but 200 Nokia employees will be transferred over to STMicro in Q4 as a part of the move.
Debiotech's insulin "Nanopump" delivers the good stuff, stays out of sight
Insulin pumps have come a long way in a few short years, all the way down to a pager-sized device diabetes patients can wear on a belt and keep out of sight for the most part, but Debiotech isn't content to stop there, and has teamed up with STMicroelectronics to bring a miniaturized insulin pump to market. The Nanopump is a disposable insulin pump, based on microfluidic MEMS tech (picture after the break), and is small enough to be worn as a nearly invisible patch on the skin, about 1/4 the size of existing pumps. The new partnership with ST brings this pump closer to the market, thanks to ST's silicon-based microfluidic manufacturing chops, and hopefully we should be seeing these not too long after the device clears regulatory hurdles, sans creepy butterfly.
Universal HD DVD / Blu-ray players really on the way in 2007?
EETimes has quoted several manufacturers of key components in next generation DVD players who say they are designing hardware specifically for such devices. We've already seen NEC's hardware and its (lack of) response among CE manufacturers, but someone must be ready to build such a device as they will soon be joined by fellow chipmakers STMicroelectronics and Broadcom. They expect to have customers rolling out universal players next year, and that they will "represent a significant volume" in 2008 but couldn't name any or expected prices, citing NDAs. Making hardware capable of living up to the minimum specs required of both HD DVD and Blu-ray's capabilities won't be cheap or easy but their sources don't expect the price premium to be be very large, and mostly on account of royalties. We've been disappointed again and again so far on the possibility of combo players, we'll see if 2007 is the year.[Via CNET]
