Some embodiments are directed to a magnetoresistive device, including a free layer having an easy magnetization direction in a perpendicular direction or in an in-plane direction; a fixed layer having the easy magnetization direction which is in the perpendicular direction when the easy magnetization direction of the free layer is in the perpendicular direction or in the in-plane direction when the easy magnetization direction of the free layer is in the in-plane direction; and a non-magnetic layer disposed between the free layer and the fixed layer.