Researchers have developed a new type of memory called "phase-change" that is 500 to 1,000 times faster than flash memory while using half the power. The implications are for instant-on computers with longer battery lives, instant-access to photos on your digital camera with longer battery life, and, you know, a fast and long-lasting MP3 player.

There's conspicuously little info on when this technology will be ready for consumer applications and exactly how much it'll cost, so I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict that it'll be a couple years at least and it's very expensive. Here's hoping I'm wrong. –Adam Frucci

Memory chip breakthrough for electronic devices [Yahoo News]

Contact information for this author is not available.