Intel and Numonyx have announced a key breakthrough in the research of phase change memory (PCM). Researchers have demonstrated a 64Mb test chip that enables the ability to stack, or place, multiple layers of PCM arrays within a single die.

US consumer spending fell for the first time in five months in September, coinciding with the end of the government's car scrappage scheme.

Samsung Electronics, the world's top maker of memory chips and LCD screens, reported on Friday its best ever quarterly net profit on a resurgent memory sector and forecast a strong 2010.

Sharp, Japan's largest maker of liquid-crystal displays, posted a second straight half-year loss because of declining sales of LCD panels. The net loss was 17.7 billion yen (US$196 million) in the six months ended September 30, compared with a profit of 28 billion yen a year earlier.

Sony narrowed its full-year loss forecast, as cost reductions more than offset a stronger yen and lower sales of televisions and cameras. The net loss will probably be 95 billion yen (US$1 billion) in the year ending March 31, compared with an earlier projection for a 120 billion yen loss.

Renesas Technology has reached a preliminary agreement to transfer its semiconductor manufacturing equipment business to Hitachi High-Technologies.

The net loss in the 12 months ending March 31, 2010 will probably be 55 billion yen (US$607 million), wider than the 9 billion yen projected earlier, according to NEC Electronics on October 28.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with Sony have announced a voluntary recall of the Sony VGP-AC19V17 AC adpator which was supplied for use with certain Sony all-in-one desktop computers and docking stations. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately and contact Sony to arrange for a free replacement.

Amkor Technology has reported net sales of US$616 million for the third quarter, up 22% sequentially but down 14% on year. Net income for the quarter reached US$81 million, compared to US$9 million in the prior quarter and US$29 million a year ago.