Adoption of DDR4 memory facing delays

PC market decline 

could mean a longer life for DDR3 DRAM

The memory market is feeling the effects of a fall in PC shipments with the subsequent stabilisation of DRAM prices, which industry observers say will delay the wide adoption of the upcoming DRAM called DDR4.

The latest PCs and servers come with DDR3 SDRAM and mobile devices have just started getting a type of low-power memory called LPDDR3 (low-power DDR3). DDR4 is the successor to DDR3, and consumes 20 percent to 40 percent less power while offering double the throughput of its predecessor.

But with memory prices stabilising after years of double-digit drops, analysts said that DDR3 DRAM will likely have a longer-than-expected life, which could delay the wide adoption of DDR4 in computers. DRAM prices have stabilised as demand for DDR3 has exceeded supply, and the number of memory makers has also dwindled. Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron dominate the DRAM market, while other memory makers have either been acquired or are focusing on the more profitable NAND flash business.

Google adds IT admin features for Chrome browser

Google adds IT admin features for Chrome browser

Helping IT departments gain more control over end users' Chrome browsers

Google has beefed up the administration and management controls that IT staff have over their users' Chrome browsers.

Google has added the ability for IT departments to apply the workplace configuration of Chrome browsers to Chrome browsers installed on employees' home computers.

That way, users working on their home computers can have access to their work Web apps, custom themes and app store by logging into Chrome with their Google Apps for Business or Google Apps for Education accounts, the company said Tuesday.

"With cloud-based management, IT administrators can customize more than 100 Chrome policies and preferences for their employees from the Google Admin panel," wrote Cyrus Mistry, senior product manager, Chrome for Business & Education, in a blog post.