IF / News

Qualcomm has revealed the Snapdragon 732G processor, which is a mildly upgraded version of Snapdragon 730G. Its “Prime” core is bumped up from 2.2GHz to 2.3GHz. It has an 8nm design, an X15 LTE modem (no 5G here), Qualcomm’s fourth-generation AI Engine for machine learning tasks, and Snapdragon Elite Gaming features.  (Android Authority, Android Central, Qualcomm, IT Home, Sohu)

To diversify risks of concentrating on the mobile phone business, MediaTek is reportedly exploring new markets. MediaTek has confirmed internally that ias accepted the commissioned development plan of AMD’s computer and notebook chipsets. Currently AMD’s chipset outsource is currently with ASMedia Technology. (CN Beta, Digitimes, press, Sina)

MediaTek has launched the Helio G95 processor for the gaming smartphone market. It has a built-in AI processing unit (APU), which provides word wake up support. Also, it can realize HDR10 standard viewing, which can be enhanced to the quality close to HDR10+ in real time. (Gizmo China, MediaTek, GSM Arena, Sina)

Intel has announced its 11th-generation processors for thin and light laptops. Codenamed Tiger Lake, it is the second generation of the firm’s 10nm process, following Ice Lake. (CN Beta, Neowin)

Pixelworks has unveiled its new i6 display processor. The i6 processor utilizes AI to intelligently upscale the dynamic range of video and gaming content while concurrently optimizing contrast, sharpness, brightness and color temperature of the display based on ambient lighting conditions, content attributes, display characteristics and usage patterns for always-cinematic visual quality. (Android Authority, OfWeek, XDA-Developers, PR Newswire)

LG Technology Ventures (LG’s venture capital investment arm) has announced a strategic investment in OTI Lumionics. The investment will help OTI accelerate the adoption of its materials including its ConducTorr CPM solution for under display cameras. (Gizmo China, Globe Newswire)

Samsung Electronics has joined hands with Corning and hit its stride in developing its own “foldable glass”. Using Corning’s glass substrate, it will look to develop cover window for foldable smartphone that can be bent or folded. Samsung Electronics has been receiving foldable panels from its subsidiary Samsung Display that manufactures such panels using Schott’s glass substrates. (Gizmo China, The Elec, CN Beta)

Visionox will reportedly be the foldable display supplier for Huawei’s next-generation of foldable smartphones. Huawei is currently sourcing display panels from Samsung Display for the foldable smartphones. Visionox’s orders for Huawei are expected to reach CNY2.5B in 2020.  (21Jingji, Huawei, Huawei Central)

O-Film has issued a statement in the noon, denying it has been removed from the supply chain of a “big US client” (allegedly Apple). O-Film supplies iPad touch control and display component to Apple, along with General Interface Solution (GIS) and TPK Holding. Some also speculate that part of the orders O-Film received will be diverted to another Apple supplier China-based Lens Technology. (CN Beta, Global Times)

Shigeki Ishizuka, Representative Director and CEO, and Ichiro Takagi, Executive Vice President and COO of Sony Electronics have indicated that they aim for a complete fusion of how to integrate the smartphone and camera. Sony is the only company in the world that has a full-fledged smartphone and camera business. (My Drivers, Sony Alpha Rumors, CN Beta, Business Insider)

Micron officially reveals its GDDR6X memory. It is faster, doubles the I/O data rate, and is the first to implement PAM4 multi-level signaling in memory dies. It achieves a bandwidth of up to 1 TB/s which is used to power the next-generation gaming experiences at high-fidelity resolutions such as 8K. (CN Beta, Globe Newswire, Overclock3D, WCCFTech)

According to TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, shipments of Apple iPhone with 5G mmWave  are expected to come up far short of current market consensus estimates for 2020 / 2021. He expects Apple to ship 4M~6M iPhone units with 5G mmWave in 2020, and 25M~35M units in 2021. The figures compare to market estimates that currently stand at a respective 10M~20M and 40M~50M units shipped. (Mac Rumors, GSM Arena, Apple Insider)

According to Omdia, Apple iPhone 11 is the world’s most-shipped smartphone in 1H20. Apple shipped 37.7M units of iPhone 11 in 1H20– by far the single most popular smartphone model. On the other hand, only one Samsung model made the top 10 in 1H20. Like 2019, a mid-end smartphone, the Galaxy A51, takes the second place with a total of 11.4M units shipped. (CN Beta, Omdia)

Apple has allegedly prepared 75M of its next-generation iPhones inventory. The level is comparable to 2019 and 2018. Apple has also required component suppliers to maintain inventory volumes similar to 2019, and the current supply chain has entered a stocking state. Apple predicts that the number of iPhone upgrades may reach 80M in 2020. (CN Beta, Yahoo, China Times)

Pete Lau, the chief executive officer and founder of OnePlus, has taken on a new role at his former employer OPPO’s parent company Oujia Holdings, known internationally as OPlus. He will continue to hold his role as CEO of OnePlus, and reportedly may focus on achieving synergies between OPPO, OnePlus and realme. (GSM Arena, SCMP, Sohu)

OPPO is expected to increase its expansion in the European market and fill the gap in Huawei’s market. OPPO smartphones are reportedly increasing orders to 85M-100M units in 2H20. (GizChina, Sohu, IT Home, China Star Market)

Huawei’s chip supply is cut off, and channel prices is being raised. Many Huawei dealers have reported that Kirin 990 series and 820 series can no longer be supplemented. Huawei’s smartphone prices have increased across the board, reaching the current price level. The official price has not been raised. E-commerce channels have generally increased by CNY300-500 compared to two or three months ago. (China Star Market, 163, CN Beta)

The Indian government has again banned 118 Chinese apps. The apps were accused of being engaged in activities “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defense of India, security of state and public order” by the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Some of the popular apps on the list include PUBG MOBILE LITE, WeChat Work, WeChat reading, Tencent, Baidu, Taobao, etc. Thus far, the Indian government has banned 224 apps. (Mac Rumors, Medianama, PiB, GizChina, Sina)

Moto One 5G is announced in the US – 6.67” 1080×2520 21:9 FHD+ LTPS 2xHiD 90Hz, Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, rear quad 48MP-8MP ultrawide-5MP macro-2MP depth + front dual 16MP-8MP ultrawide, 4+128GB, Android 10.0, side fingerprint scanner, 5000mAh 20W, below USD500. (Android Headlines, Motorola, Android Authority, Neowin)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 is announced – 7.6” 1768×2208 Foldable Dynamic AMOLED UTG 120Hz HiD + 6.23” 816×2260 Super AMOLED cover display HiD, Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+, rear tri 12MP OIS-12MP telephoto 2x optical zoom OIS-12MP ultrawide + front 10MP + cover camera 10MP, 12+256GB, Android 10.0, side fingerprint scanner, 4500mAh 25W, 11W fast wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging, USD1,999. (GSM Arena, Samsung, The Verge)

OPPO F17 and F17 Pro are announced in India: F17 – 6.44” 1080×2400 FHD+ Super AMOLED u-notch, Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, rear quad 16MP-8MP ultrawide-2MP macro-2MP depth + front 16MP, 4+64 / 4+128 / 6+128 / 8+128GB, Android 10.0, fingerprint on display, 4000mAh 30W, price is yet unknown. F17 Pro – 6.43” 1080×2400 FHD+ Super AMOLED 2xHiD, MediaTek Helio P95, rear quad 48MP-8MP ultrawide-2MP macro-2MP depth + front dual 16MP-2MP depth, 8+128GB, Android 10.0, fingerprint on display, 4000mAh 30W, INR22,990 (USD312).  (GSM Arena, Money Control, India Times, NDTV, BGR)

Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is announced – 11.5” 2560×1600 OLED HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR, Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, rear dual 13MP-5MP ultrawide + front dual 8MP-8MP, 4+128 / 6+128GB, Android 10.0, fingerprint reader at the Power button, 4 JBL speakers, Dolby Atmos, support Lenovo Precision Pen 2 stylus and attachable keyboard, 8600mAh, starting at USD499.  (Neowin, The Verge, GSM Arena)

Lenovo Tab M10 HD Gen2 is announced specifically for kids – 10.1” 1280×800 HD+, MediaTek Helio P22T, rear camera + front 5MP, 2+32 / 4+64GB, Android 10.0,  2 Dolby Atmos speakers, Kids Space feature from Google, 5000mAh, starting at USD130. (GSM Arena, Neowin)

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is announced – 10.4” 2000×1200 LCD, Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, rear 8MP + front 5MP, 3+32 / 3+64GB, Android 10.0, face unlock, 7040mAh, 4 Dolby Atmos speakers, expected below USD300. (Liliputing, Samsung, CN Beta, GSM Arena)

According to IDC, the market for wearable devices grew 14.1% during 2Q20, thanks to strong demand for hearables and continued interest in tracking health metrics during these dire times. While the total market ballooned to 86.2M units during the quarter, the growth was unevenly spread across the various form factors. Hearables grew 32.6% and accounted for 60% of all wearables during the quarter. Apple led the charge here as it managed to ship 23.7M Airpods and Beats products, followed by Samsung and Xiaomi. (Apple Insider, IDC)

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential powered by Google Assistant with a digital display is announced. It shows the time and the weather on its LED. There is a USB port on board for charging devices. It is priced at USD50.  (GSM Arena, Neowin, The Verge)