Intel shuts down software defined silicon paywall for server features

Intel has quietly ended its software defined silicon On Demand program for Xeon servers after customers rejected the idea of paying extra to unlock built-in hardware features. The move signals a pullback from hardware paywalls that had raised concerns about feature gating beyond traditional software subscriptions.

Imec opens NanoIC pilot line cleanroom to drive sub-2nm chip R&D

Imec has opened a major cleanroom expansion in Leuven to anchor Europe’s NanoIC pilot line for next generation sub-2nm systems-on-chip and advanced manufacturing research.

Qualcomm tipped to adopt Samsung heat path block tech in next-gen Snapdragon

Leaked packaging schematics suggest Qualcomm’s next Snapdragon flagship could integrate Samsung’s heat path block cooling design, signaling closer ties between the rival chipmakers. The move targets thermal bottlenecks that have constrained recent high-end mobile processors.