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Seagate has introduced Alkemi, a hybrid storage system that pairs a large mechanical hard drive with a smaller SSD, presenting them to users as a single storage pool. Unlike Apple's Fusion Drive from 2012, which relied on macOS to manage tiered 128KB data blocks, Alkemi handles data placement directly from the enclosure itself, automatically moving frequently used files to the SSD while the HDD stores larger libraries.
Samsung Electronics is reportedly planning to convert its Xian factory to produce 286-layer NAND flash chips by year-end, while SK Hynix aims to upgrade its Dalian plant to make chips with 240 or more layers, according to Reuters sources. Both companies are racing to boost advanced memory output as AI data center demand grows, while fending off rising competition from Chinese manufacturers such as CXMT and YMTC.
SK hynix is reportedly offering to build a NAND flash fab in the United States in exchange for US approval to ship more chipmaking equipment to its Solidigm subsidiary's Dalian plant in China. The equipment would fill unused space in the plant's Mod B building, completed in 2023 but never fully outfitted due to the memory market downturn. Solidigm has applied for export licenses covering tools from Applied Materials, KLA and Lam Research, but the Commerce Department has not yet approved the additional shipments.
SK Hynix's Solidigm unit is reportedly asking the U.S. government for permission to send American chipmaking equipment to its Dalian, China facility, linking that approval to its plan to build a NAND flash memory factory in upstate New York, according to Reuters sources. SK Hynix told TechCrunch it is not trying to expand capacity at Dalian and that the equipment move is being coordinated with and authorized by U.S. officials.
Chinese chipmaker YMTC has told investors it intends to become the world's biggest NAND flash producer by the end of 2027, surpassing Samsung and SK hynix. The Wuhan-based firm recently filed to raise 33 billion yuan ($4.9 billion) on Shanghai's STAR Market, with most funds going toward upgrading production lines and expanding research and development.