South Korean chipmaker SK hynix Inc. said Thursday it has developed a next-generation mobile NAND solution designed for on-device artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The new Zoned UFS (ZUFS) 4.0 is a NAND flash memory chip that improves efficiency of data management, and optimizes data transfer between operating system and storage devices, according to SK hynix. Compared with a conventional UFS, it shortens the time required to run an application from a smartphone during prolonged use by 45 percent, the company added. SK hynix said the ZUFS 4.0, tailored for on-device AI from mobile devices such as smartphones, is expected to help the company solidify its leadership in the AI memory sector, along with the high bandwidth memory chips. Mass production of the ZUFS 4.0 is set to begin in the third quarter with an aim to be provided to various on-device AI smartphones by global companies, SK hynix said. Source: Yonhap News Agency