Powerhouses IBM and Samsung have announced that they are collaborating on next-generation semiconductors. Specifically, researchers will investigate new semiconductor materials and manufacturing processes to develop a process technology that can be used in a variety of applications.
 
“We are pleased to have our top-level scientists involved with the cutting-edge research that’s taking place at the Albany Nanotech Center,” said ES Jung, senior vice president of technology development, System LSI Division, Samsung Electronics. “This should further enhance our joint efforts to continue technology leadership well into the future.”
 
Although smartphones are mentioned, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to envision these developments being used in the medical sector. After all, both companies have a presence in medical electronics. What also makes this partnership interesting is that the companies intend on developing multiple nodes starting at 20 nm (Intel's latest chips use 32-nm nodes). The smaller these chips are, the greater performance they can achieve with less power consumption. —Lawrence Lloyd