Researchers have developed a revolutionary new type of computer memory that could potentially transform the performance of computers and other devices. ULTRARAM is a new type of “universal memory” that surpasses the longevity of your SSD’s flash storage and can match the read/write speeds of system memory. But with a lower power requirement…
The technology was developed by Quinas Technology, a Lancaster University-based company, and was invented by Professor Manus Hayne of the university’s physics department.
We currently use two types of memory in many of our devices: Flash memory and system memory (DRAM). System memory is fast and can be rewritten many times, but needs a regular power supply to maintain storage. Flash memory is slower, but retains data when power is off. ULTRARAM, on the other hand, can fulfill or even exceed all of these functions.
ULTRARAM is a type of memory that can be used in different devices. Dave James of PCGamer has done an incredibly great job explaining such a complex subject in much greater detail.
Basically, there won’t be a ‘sleep mode’ because it will be able to keep a ‘snapshot’ of the current state of the system (browser tabs or programs you have left open to return to later) which will be saved when you turn off the device. When you turn the device back on, the snapshot will be uploaded again and this process will be extremely fast thanks to the speed of ULTRARAM.
Theoretically, a thousand years from now, you can go back to your computer and pick up exactly where you left off. Quinas Technology, the company behind the new memory technology, states that where ULTRARAM really excels is in data center applications, because the product consumes much less energy to store much more data.
Of course, this is still a new and emerging technology. Moreover, it is too early to say when we will see it on our devices or how much it will cost.
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