In a nutshell: SK Hynix just leapfrogged rival Samsung. The world's second-largest memory chipmaker has become the first company to mass-produce triple-level cell NAND with 321 layers. The advancement should lead to higher capacity memory at an affordable price point. SK Hynix recently released its new 1-terabit 4D NAND chips, setting a new record. The company is on a streak as it was also the first to launch its 238-layer NAND less than a year ago. Like the previous launch, the 321-layer breakthrough is significant because it could notably boost storage density for consumer and enterprise SSDs.The densely packed chips could lead to more affordable SSDs with capacities reaching over 100TB. This breed of NAND will prove especially useful for AI data centers, though other performance-hungry applications craving energy-efficient storage should also benefit.SK Hynix used ingenious process optimizations to cram over 300 layers into a single piece of NAND. The company's new "Three Plugs" technology simultaneously connects three memory layer vertical channels through an optimized electrical linking process. The process is known for excellent manufacturing efficiency and utilizes low-stress materials with automatic alignment correction.However, linking all those layers created stress and alignment issues SK Hynix had to overcome. The company overcame this by developing new low-stress materials and automatic alignment correction to keep everything in order during manufacturing.The new process also boosted production efficiency by 59 percent compared to the previous generation by reusing the same platform as the 238-layer NAND. These efficiency improvements mean better performance and lower costs in the market. The company claims the new 321-layer chips have 12 percent faster data transfers, 13 percent faster reading, and over 10 percent better power efficiency than 238-layer NAND. // Related StoriesSK Hynix plans to ship these new storage devices to customers in the first half of 2025. The AI market is the initial target, but ultra-high capacity SSDs for gaming rigs, media editing, and data hoarding should follow shortly after.Samsung isn't taking this news lying down. The tech giant is already working on 400-layer NAND to arrive by 2026. It hopes to have its bonded vertical NAND tech ready by 2030, facilitating even denser chips with over 1,000 layers and SSDs potentially exceeding 200TB. Japan's Kioxia has similar plans.

Why it matters: Devices like smartphones rely on a fragmented array of CPUs, GPUs, NPUs, DSPs, and other accelerators to handle various tasks. However, these specialized cores often remain idle, leading to wasted power and silicon area. A startup aims to tackle this inefficiency with a unified design it aptly calls the "Universal Processor." Ubitium claims to be developing a groundbreaking processor architecture capable of handling virtually any workload.At the heart of this innovation is a "workload-agnostic microarchitecture" built on the open-source RISC-V instruction set. Unlike traditional chips with specialized cores dedicated to specific tasks, the Universal Processor's transistors can be dynamically repurposed to handle a wide range of computing workloads, including simple control logic, general computing, AI, and graphics rendering.The startup is comprised of veterans from companies like Intel, Nvidia, and Texas Instruments. The key inventor, Martin Vorbach, holds over 200 patents licensed by major chipmakers. However, as Tom's Hardware points out, turning this concept into a fully functional product is a massive challenge in itself.So far, Ubitium has raised only $3.7 million to move the Universal Processor from the drawing board to working prototypes. This is a small amount for cutting-edge chip development, which can easily run into the hundreds of millions.Yet, the startup is aiming to deliver its first real Universal Processor chips by 2026. As a result, some are understandably skeptical that such an ambitious startup can deliver a "breakthrough" new architecture on such an aggressive timeline. // Related StoriesUbitium doesn't just envision a single Universal Processor; they're aiming to build an entire lineup, ranging from tiny embedded devices to high-performance computing systems that could potentially compete with the largest chips from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.The potential upsides are tantalizing. For one, Ubitium claims its Universal Processor can deliver 10 to 100 times better performance per cost compared to today's dedicated chips."As we reuse the same transistors for various workloads, replacing an array of chips and reducing complexity, we lower the overall cost of the system. Depending on the baseline, this is a performance/cost ratio of 10x to 100xThe reuse of transistors for different workloads drastically reduces the overall transistor count in the processor further saving energy and silicon area," Ubitium CEO Hyun Shin Cho told Venture Beat.Cho added that their creation isn't an incremental improvement, but rather a "total paradigm shift" for microprocessors.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsAlien (1979)Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)Juno (2007)Tombstone (1993)28 Weeks Later (2007)For the last couple of months, Hulu only lost a handful of movies, which was very good news for subscribers. Unfortunately, the good times are over at the end of December. There are a lot of great movies leaving Hulu when the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve. The good news is that the extended holiday season is your perfect chance to catch these flicks before they depart.Our picks for the five movies leaving Hulu in December that you have to watch include an all-time great sci-fi/horror film, a fun modern sequel, a terrific comedy-drama, a fantastic Western, and a zombie flick thats finally getting a sequel in 2025.Recommended VideosNeed more recommendations? We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max,andthe best movies on Disney+.Related20th Century StudiosIdeally, Alien and the other 20th Century Studios films would permanently be on Hulu. But since this fan-favorite franchise starter is on the way out for now, theres no better time to scream in space than the present. Sigourney Weaver made a name for herself with her riveting performance as Ellen Ripley, one of the crew of the spaceship Nostromo under the command of Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt).When one of the crew, Kane (John Hurt), has an encounter with an alien facehugger, the Nostromos team discovers the hard way that the resulting creature is a lethal xenomorph that can hunt them down one by one. And as Ripley soon discovers, thats exactly what someone on the ship wants.Watch Alien on Hulu.Sony PicturesModern kids scoff at the Jumanji board game in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which is why it transforms into a video game for the sequel. In the present, Spencer Gilpin (Alex Wolff), Anthony Fridge Johnson (SerDarius Blain), Bethany Walker (Madison Iseman), and Martha Kaply (Morgan Turner) are lured in by the new incarnation of the game, which then traps them in its fantasy world.Spencers avatar in the game is a hulking hero, Xander Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), while Fridge is stuck with Franklin Mouse Finbar (Kevin Hart), Martha becomes Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), and Bethany is in an entirely unsuitable role as Professor Sheldon Shelly Oberon (Jack Black). To escape from Jumanjis grasp, the group has to find a fifth player who was trapped decades earlier and finish the game he started before they run out of extra lives.Watch Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungleon Hulu.Searchlight PicturesMeet Juno MacGuff (Elliot Page), a normal American teenage girl who just happened to get pregnant after sleeping with her friend, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). Juno was a star-making role for Page, who portrays a young woman who isnt entirely sure what to do about her child. Shes even less sure that she wants a romance with Paulie.With the support of her parents, Mac (J.K. Simmons) and Bren MacGuff (Allison Janney), Juno finds a young couple, Mark (Carry-Ons Jason Bateman) and Vanessa Loring (Jennifer Garner), who seem like theyd be great parents for her child. However, Juno eventually discovers that her first impression wasnt entirely accurate, and shell have some big choices to make about her own future as well.Watch Juno on Hulu.Buena Vista PicturesThe era of Western movies was long over by the time that Tombstone hit theaters three decades ago. But this film has since established itself as one of the best in the genre. Its also based on the real-life feud between the Wyatt brothers and the Cowboys gang led by Curly Bill Brocius (Powers Boothe) and Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn).Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) and his brothers, Virgil (Sam Elliott) and Morgan (Bill Paxton), werent looking for trouble when they rolled into Tombstone and met up with Wyatts ailing friend, Doc (Val Kilmer), But when the Cowboys reign of terror goes too far, the Earps and Holiday take the law into their own hands to bring down the gang in one of the most famous gunfights in history.Watch Tombstone on Hulu.20th Century StudiosThis franchise skipped a chance to have a film called 28 Months Later, so well have to settle for 28 Years Later in 2025. The second film, 28 Weeks Later, gets overlooked because the first installment was so good. But this movie has a truly impressive cast including Idris Elba, Jeremy Renner, Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, and Harold Perrineau.During the rage virus outbreak seen in 28 Days Later, Don (Carlyle) abandons his wife, Alice (Catherine McCormack), to ensure his own survival. Months later, their children, Andy (Mackintosh Muggleton) and Tammy (Imogen Poots), are brought home to England, where Don lies about the death of their mother. However, Alice isnt dead, and the secrets running through her veins are destined to throw the country back into another deadly outbreak.Watch 28 Weeks Later on Hulu.Editors Recommendations

Next month, Samsung is holding its Galaxy Unpacked event to announce the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, as well as a few other potential surprises. According to a new report, preorders for Samsungs newest phones might not go live until January 24 two days after Galaxy Unpacked.Preorders will also reportedly last until February 3, and anyone who preordered will receive their device on February 4, with the Galaxy S25 coming to the larger market on February 7, according to FNNews. The report also corroborates that the Galaxy Unpacked event will be held on January 22, something that has been consistently stated across a wide variety of sources.Recommended VideosThats an earlier timeframe than 2024s Unpacked, which fell on January 31. The Galaxy S25 will see upgraded storage capacities, more RAM, and a new processor that will make it lightning-fast even when utilizing the onboard Galaxy AI features. There are also suggestionsthat the Galaxy S25 Slimcould appearat Unpacked, although it isnt expected to be available until the middle of the year or later.Christine Romero-Chan / Digital TrendsUnfortunately, these improvements might come with a price hike. A combination of factors, including the current economic climate, South Koreas government upheaval, and increased cost of production, could result in an increase to the Galaxy S25s price. How much of an increase isnt clear yet, but its expected to be around $100.Please enable Javascript to view this contentOther reveals at Unpacked might include the Samsung Galaxy Ring 2, as well as the companys rumored smart glasses. While we cant state with certainty what the event will hold, its unlikely to be boring. Look for the Galaxy S25, the Galaxy S25 Plus, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra and keep your fingers crossed for the S25 Slim.Editors Recommendations

While everyone is scouring store shelves for the top Best Buy deals and Walmart markdowns, you can be the savvy shopper who stays warm at home while still scoring a fantastic deal on a streaming service. Earlier today, we came across this excellent offer for Peacock Premium: For a limited time, when you sign up for Peacock Premium after purchasing a new Samsung Galaxy device, youll get three months on the house!We also suggest taking a look at our list of the best streaming services to see what other leading brands are offering discounts for VOD movies and shows, with and without ads. Why you should sign up for Peacock PremiumA subscription to Peacock Premium unlocks an immense world of streaming entertainment. Not only will you be able to enjoy up to 80,000 hours of movies, TV shows, and sports, but some of this content can be viewed in real time! And while youll be able to indulge in all the latest programming from NBCUniversal (including the ability to watch new episodes of NBC shows the day after they air), youll also have access to a library of treasured classics, including shows like The Office and Yellowstone.RelatedWith a Peacock Premium plan, youll be able to create up to six user profiles, and can stream on three devices simultaneously. Typically, Peacock Premium costs $8 per month or $80 annually, but this exclusive Samsung offer gives you three months at zero cost. Its a Christmas miracle, friends!We see a lot of Samsung deals on a daily basis, but this is a unique promotion you definitely dont want to miss. Get three months of Peacock Premium for free when you buy a new Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, and be sure to check out our lists of the best phone deals and tablet deals, too.Editors Recommendations

Gain insight on Palladyne, Apple and more in the latest Market Talks covering Technology, Media and Telecom.

Finger foods pack so much flavor and festive spirit into a party-ready package. Lobster crostini may be the king of them all, and this recipe is an absolute cinch.

He gave George H.W. Bush the phrase to level against Ronald Reaganand ended up with a phrase that remains a go-to political criticism.

Bob Dylan has six kids from his previous marriages to Sara Lownds and Carolyn Dennis.Dylan and Lownds welcomed four kids together and the singer adopted Lownds' daughter, Maria.Dylan shares a daughter named Desiree with Carolyn Dennis, whom he was married to from 1986 to 1992.Bob Dylan is a 10-time Grammy Award winner and is considered one of the most prolific singer-songwriters of all time, but his personal life is surprisingly low key.The Minnesota native's rise to fame in the '60s is the focal point of James Mangold's latest film, "A Complete Unknown," which stars Timothe Chalamet as Dylan. The movie also features Monica Barbaro as the folk singer Joan Baez and Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, a fictional version of Dylan's girlfriend at the time, Suze Rotolo.In real life, Dylan, now 83, was twice married and shares six kids with his ex-wives. Here's everything to know about them.Dylan welcomed 4 children with his first wife, Sara Lownds, and adopted her daughter from a previous marriage Bob Dylan and Sara Lownds in September 1969. Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Dylan and Lownds were married from November 1965 to June 1977. During their relationship, Dylan adopted Maria Lownds (born on October 21, 1961), Sara's daughter from her marriage to the photographer Hans Lownds. Maria changed her last name to Dylan after the musician legally became her father.According to Howard Sounes' 2001 Dylan biography, "Down the Highway: The Life of Bob Dylan," Maria became a copyright lawyer and welcomed four kids with her husband Peter Himmelman.Dylan and Lownds' first child together, Jesse Byron Dylan, was born on January 6, 1966.Jesse got into filmmaking and directed music videos for artists including Dylan, Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Costello, and Tom Waits. He's also the director of the comedies "American Wedding" and "Kicking and Screaming."He's the founder and CEO of Wondros, a global creative agency geared toward social change, public health, and the arts. He's also the cohost of the educational podcast called "Wondros Podcast."Jesse and his wife, Susan Taylor, have a son named Pablo William Dylan, born in 1995, and a daughter named daughter Feury Mae Beatrice Dylan, born in 2000.Little is known about Dylan and Lownds' daughter, Anna Lea, who was born on July 11, 1967. According to the biography, she completed college in 1999 at 32 years old, became a painter, and got married.Dylan and Lownds' third child together, Samuel Isaac Abram, was born July 30, 1968. After graduating college, Samuel worked alongside Jesse at the LA-based production company Straw Dogs. He married Stacy Hochheiser, and they have two children, Jonah and Lowell.Dylan and Lownds' youngest child, Jakob Luke, was born on December 9, 1969. Like his famous father, Jakob became a singer-songwriter. Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers performing at SXSW in March 2005. Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images Jakob is the lead singer and guitarist of the band The Wallflowers, formed in 1990. The band has released seven studio albums, beginning with its eponymous debut album in 1992. "One Headlight," from the album "Bringing Down the Horse," is perhaps their most notable song.Separate from the Grammy-winning band, Jakob also released two solo albums: "Seeing Things" in 2008 and "Women and Country" in 2010.In 2011, Jakob earned an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Idaho State University. He and his wife, Nicole Paige, married in 1992 and have three kids.Dylan shares one child with Carolyn Dennis, his second wife Bob Dylan performing in June 1986 in San Diego. Bob Riha Jr./Getty Images Dennis was Dylan's backing singer. On January 31, 1986, the couple quietly welcomed one child together, a daughter named Desiree Gabrielle Dennis-Dylan. Their secret wedding took place in LA in June of that year, and their marriage ended in 1992.Dylan and Dennis' child and marriage were kept a secret from the press for years. Upon the release of Sounes' biography, Dennis explained that she and Dylan mutually agreed to keep their marriage a secret so their daughter could have a normal childhood.

In a survey, nearly 3 out of 4 execs with an RTO policy said they would require at least 3 days a week in the office in 2025.Many companies cite collaboration, productivity, and culture as reasons for office return.Research indicates RTO mandates can lead to higher turnover, especially among women and skilled workers.Many bosses with some form of RTO policy plan to ask employees to spend more time in the office next year.In a recent survey from Resume.org, nearly three-quarters of execs at companies that have already implemented some form of an RTO policy said they would require workers to be in the office at least three days a week by the end of 2025.The November survey results of 900 business leaders serve as a reminder that many bosses plan to continue pushing to see more heads bobbing atop cubicles in the new year.Some of the companies demanding more face time instead of FaceTime are big-name employers like Amazon, AT&T, and Starbucks.In the Resume.org survey, 73% of respondents whose companies already have an RTO rule said they would require their people to report to the office at least three times a week by the end of 2025. Almost one in three expect to require workers to come in each workday. Only 2% expect to let workers show up only once a week or less.While many employers calling workers back to the office point to productivity as respondents did in the Resume.org survey being in person doesn't necessarily boost how much gets done, according to Nicole Kyle, who researches the future of work.She told Business Insider that in many studies, productivity and performance don't drastically change when workers aren't side-by-side. Instead, such metrics can remain steady or even increase if there is more remote or hybrid work at an organization, said Kyle, who is cofounder of CMP Research.However, various studies have come to conflicting conclusions on how remote, hybrid, or fully in-office work impacts productivity and one complicating factor could be the matter of how best to define or measure productivity.Bosses might not care if you quitEmployees, in some cases, have pushed back often unsuccessfully against RTO mandates. Yet many business leaders don't regard these mandates as asking too much of the people they're paying to do a job.In the survey, about one-third of bosses said they were worried workers would quit because of the RTO policies, while 49% said they weren't very concerned or weren't concerned at all. Of those surveyed, 18% were uncertain.About seven in 10 execs said the reason to have workers back IRL is to promote collaboration and teamwork. Nearly six in 10 said the move was aimed at improving communication. And about half pointed to a desire to strengthen the organization's culture and raise productivity.Lisa Walker, a managing partner at the executive search firm DHR Global, told BI that some employers can benefit from bringing back workers because it allows more experienced people to mentor newer workers. She said that's often harder to do when workers aren't in person."To get the junior people into the office, you need to get the senior people back to the office," she said.In the Resume.org survey, four in 10 respondents said they wanted to use office space that might otherwise lie fallow.It's understandable that bosses wouldn't want to let sometimes pricey real estate go unused, though strict in-office rules can also have a cost.Researchers from the University of Pittsburg and other academic institutions recently reported that S&P 500 companies that require workers to return to the office subsequently experience "abnormally high" rates of workers quitting and have a harder time filling open roles.The researchers found that those leaving are often female, more senior, or more skilled. The findings are based on the employment histories of more than 3 million tech and finance workers, as reported on LinkedIn."The return-to-office mandates are having pretty specific and negative impacts and causing brain drain from companies," said Kyle, who wasn't involved in the research.Perhaps with those types of concerns in mind, some leaders have stated they likely would only tighten the RTO screws if productivity suffered. Among them, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in October that the company wouldn't require workers to come to the office as long as they remained on task when working from home.