IF / News

Chipsets

Fujitsu announced the development of an AI processor it refers to as a Deep Learning Unit (DLU). The chip features 16 deep learning processing elements (DPE). Each contains eight single-instruction, multiple data (SIMD) execution units with a scalable design utilizing the company’s Tofu interconnect technology. (Laoyaoba, Tom’s Hardware, The Street)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) integrated fan-out (InFO) wafer-level packaging technology is about to enter its 2^nd generation, which will bring more competitiveness to the foundry’s 7nm FinFET process technology, according to Digitimes. It is unlikely Samsung will be able to regain application processors orders for Apple’s iPhone. (Apple Insider, Digitimes, press, iResearch, CN Beta)

A group representing major technology companies including Alphabet’s Google, Amazon.com, Microsoft and Facebook has aligned itself against Qualcomm in its legal dispute with Apple by calling on regulators to reject Qualcomm’s bid to ban the import of iPhones. (Reuters, 9to5Mac, Tencent)

Intel has jumped into the fray surrounding the Apple-Qualcomm patent spat by accusing the world’s biggest maker of mobile phone chips of trying to use the courts to snuff out competition. The commission had requested the statement as part of its investigation into Qualcomm’s accusation that Apple’s iPhones of infringe 6 of Qualcomm’s mobile patents. (CNET, Sina)

Movidius announced the Fathom compute stick in 2016, a USB stick containing a Myriad 2 vision processing unit (VPU) used to accelerate machine learning applications. Movidius now has announced an updated version called the “Neural Compute Stick”. At its heart is a Myriad 2 Vision Processing Unit or VPU — a low-power processor (it consumes just a single watt) that uses 12 parallel cores to run vision algorithms like object detection and facial recognition. (CN Beta, The Verge, AnandTech, Tom’s Hardware)

The market is still competitive, yet there is analysis reporting that MediaTek’s worst situation has already passed. The Helio P23 SoC launched end of 2017 will be targeting for OPPO / vivo orders, and the volume will increase in 2018. At the same time, the company is working in IoT segment in the next 5 years, and this will contribute 20%~25% of the revenues to the company. (FPDisplay, Apple Daily, Cash Gazette)

Globalfoundries (GF) and VeriSilicon have announced a collaboration to deliver a single-chip IoT solution for next-generation Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) networks. Leveraging GF’s 22FDX FD-SOI technology, the companies plan to develop IP that could enable a complete cellular modem module on a single chip. (Digitimes, Globalfoundries, EE Herald, EE Focus)

Touch Display

Speculation has circulated in the industry that Taiwan-based Chipbond Technology plans to sell part of its stake in its China-based subsidiary Chipmore Technology to BOE Technology as part of its strategic alliance with the China-based panel vendor. (Laoyaoba, China Times, Apple Daily, Digitimes, press)

A major bottleneck in the commercialization of Micro LED displays is the mass transfer of micron-size LEDs to a display backplane. TrendForce reveals that many companies across industries worldwide have entered the Micro LED market and are in a race to develop methods for the mass transfer process. However, their solutions have yet to meet the standard for commercialization in terms of production output (in unit per hour, UPH), transfer yield and size of LED chips (i.e. Micro LED is technically defined as LEDs that are smaller than 100 microns).  (TrendForce, press, TrendForce[cn], press, Laoyaoba)

Visionox has a new breakthrough in AMOLED technology. They have integrated TDDI technology on their 1.2” watch AMOLED display module. (Laoyaoba, HQEW, Sina)

Memory

According to Digitimes, the global NOR flash memory market is reversing from a state of oversupply. The NOR flash market is in tight supply also because major players Micron Technology and Cypress Semiconductor have quit production for the low- to medium-capacity segments. Winbond, for instance, will expand its monthly capacity for NOR flash from 44K to 48K wafers at its 12” wafer fab in Taichung, central Taiwan by the end of 2017, and further to 53K wafers by the end of 2018. (Digitimes, press, 52RD, ESM China)

Sales of DRAM and NAND are expected to set record highs in 2017. The strong annual upturn in sales is being driven almost entirely by fast-rising average selling prices (ASP).  Even though DRAM ASP growth is forecast to slow in the second half of the year, the annual DRAM ASP growth rate is still forecast to be 63%. For NAND flash, the 2017 ASP is forecast to increase 33%, also a record high gain. (IC Insights, press, TechNews)

Biometrics

Zach Epstein of BGR believes that 3 information sources indicating that Apple iPhone 8 Touch ID scanner will be integrated into the power button on the side of the phone. Apple has reportedly put a longer power button on the side. (CN Beta, Apple Insider, BGR)

Egis has been actively laying out its optical fingerprint recognition technology, targeting high-end smartphones, and to increase revenues in 2018. The company indicates that its iris recognition technology is ready and aiming for high-end and flagship models. It has already prepare inventory for Samsung in 2H17. With Lenovo (Moto) injecting revenue, the company expects high revenues in 2017 and 2018. (Laoyaoba, China Times)

Battery

LG Chem is slated to exclusively provide batteries for Apple’s iPhone to be launched in 2018. LG Chem has invested hundreds of billions of won in a dedicated line for the purpose and will produce “L-shaped” batteries for iPhone in 2018. (CN Beta, CNBC, Reuters, Hankyung)

Smartphones

Xiaomi is confident of clocking revenues in excess of USD2B (INR12,867 crore) from its India operations in 2017, doubling its top-line over 2016. The growth, according to Xiaomi India Head Manu Jain, will be driven by strong sales of its smartphones and further expansion of the brand in the country. (Laoyaoba, Sohu, Economic Times, First Post)

HMD Global, now making Nokia-branded phones, has parted ways with CEO Arto Nummela despite the company being in the middle of a re-launch of the Nokia brand. (Android Central, Digital Trends, Sohu, CN Beta)

Lenovo CEO intends to transform the company’s sales online into an e-commerce juggernaut that can bring in CNY80B (USD12B) of annual revenue within 3 years. He hoped to do so through JD.com Inc. Liu Jun is enlisted to run its Chinese PC arm. (My Drivers, Sohu, CE.cn, Sina, Bloomberg, Android Authority)

According to Sino, in Jun 2017, OPPO is ranked top 1 with 1.66% speedy growth. OPPO R11 is number 1 sales at the offline channel with price segment of CNY2500-2999, with 2.7% market share. (Sina, Yesky, Laoyaoba)

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra is launched in India – 6” FHD display, MediaTek Helio P20 processor, rear 23MP (1/2.3”) + front 16MP (1/2.6”) OIS cameras, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, Android 7.0, 2700mAh battery, INR29,990 (USD465). (Android Authority, NDTV, Economic Times)

NanoPhone C, the world’s smallest GSM Phone has been launched in India – 1” TFT display, MediaTek MT6261D processor, 32MB RAM, 32MB storage, dual-SIM, voice and call recording, Bluetooth connection to Android / iOS smartphones, 280mAh battery, dimensions of 94.4×35.8×57.6mm and weighs just 30g. Priced at INR3,940 (USD55). (NDTV, Techradar, Gizbot, Strategy Analytics)

iVoomi Me 4 and Me 5 are launched in India: Me 4 – 4.5” FWVGA display, MediaTek quad-core processor, 5MP + 5MP cameras, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 2000mAh battery, INR3,499. Me 5 – 5” HD 2.5D curved display, Spreadtrum SC9832 processor, 8MP + 5MP cameras, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 3000mAh battery, INR4,499. (GizChina, Indian Express, NDTV, Digit)

LG Q8 is announced – 5.2” QHD  Quantum IPS display with secondary 160×1040 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, rear dual 13MP (1/1.26”) OIS – 8MP (1/4”) + front 5MP cameras, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, Android 7.0, IP67 certified, 3000mAh battery. (GizChina, GSM Arena, LG)

Panasonic P55 Max is launched in India – 5.5” HD IPS LCD display, MediaTek MT6737 processor, 13MP + 5MP cameras, 3GB RAM, 16GB storage, Android 7.0, 5000mAh battery, INR9,999. (Android Headlines, Economic Times, NDTV)