IF / News

Qualcomm’s SM6375 is expected to launch in four variants all of which will have different CPU and GPU clock rates but the same base. All four will have 8 CPU cores made up of 4 Gold cores and 4 Silver cores. The GPU clock speed is said to be between 940Hz and 960Hz. One of the developer platforms based on one of the chips has a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. Both the Qualcomm SM6375 and the Qualcomm SM6225 are manufactured by TSMC. (GizChina, Gizmo China, Winfuture.de)

IC Insights’ recently released its compilation of 3Q21 sales growth expectations for the top-25 semiconductor suppliers. For 3Q21, sales growth outlooks for the top-25 suppliers range from 16th-ranked Sony’s 34% increase at the high end, to Intel’s 3% decline on the low end. Qualcomm and Apple anticipate significant increases in their 3Q21 semiconductor sales. Also, the big three memory IC suppliers—Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron—are each expected to post a 10% increase and Kioxia is anticipated to show an 11% jump in 3Q21 sales as demand remains strong for memory in data center servers, enterprise computing, and for 5G smartphones and related infrastructure. (CN Beta, IC Insights)

Google Tensor chip will allegedly have the 2 Cortex-X1 cores clocked at 2.8GHz along with 2 high-performance cores clocked at 2.25GHz and four efficiency cores clocked at 1.8GHz. Google Tensor chip will be built on Samsung’s 5nm node. The processor will bring key improvements in AI tasks such as translation, captioning, and dictation. Google has also revealed that the phones will feature the most layers of hardware security in any phone. (Phone Arena, Gizmo China, Hot Hardware)

Six of Japan’s big automakers, including Toyota Motor, will cut production plans for the 2021 fiscal year by more than 1M (about 1.05M) vehicles, a decrease on the same level as the previous year that saw a major cutback due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Nikkei Asia, CN Beta)

Display Supply Chain Consultants (DCSS) predicts that shipments of foldable smartphones will exceed 50M by 2026 while raising its forecasts for 2021 and beyond. This is partly due to the decreased cost associated with producing foldable displays and the increase in companies producing components such as the Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG). DSCC is also raising its 2022 outlook by 20%, with foldable shipments set to double. Apple may enter the foldable market later than competitors, by 2025, the company will be locked “in a tight battle with Samsung for the top spot in foldables at 34% to 33%”. (Android Central, DSCC)

Apple has requested a sample of fine metal mask (FMM) for application in virtual reality (VR) to APS Holdings. Apple has requested a resolution of 3000ppi (pixels per inch). FMM is used to deposit the red, green and blue organic materials during the production of OLED panels. FMM is used currently in the production of smartphone OLED panels that are made out of Gen-6 (1500×1850) substrates. APS Holdings has been developing laser patterning FMM for application in MicroOLED panels. (MacRumors, The Elec)

Apple has published a new support document warning iPhone users that the cameras on their devices can be damaged by exposure to certain vibrational frequencies such as those generated by high-power motorcycle engines. Due to this risk, Apple recommends that users not attach their iPhones directly to the chassis or handlebars of such motorcycles, as direct transmission of vibrations can be intense. (Engadget, MacRumors, Apple)

OPPO and Kodak are reportedly working together for a new flagship with dual 50MP cameras. The partnership will first bring a new color for the OPPO Find X3 Pro, dubbed Photographer Edition. The new back panel is silver with black leather, an homage to the design of the Kodak 35 classic.  (Sparrow News, GSM Arena, ZOL, Tech Today)

Cheng Weihua, chief operating officer of YMTC, has revealed that YMTC shipped more than 300M 64-layer flash memory particles. YMTC announced the launch of 128-layer QLC 3D NAND flash memory and 128-layer 512Gb TLC (3 bit/cell) flash memory in Apr 2020. He has also revealed that the 128-layer QLC is ready for mass production, the TLC yield rate has reached a very high level, and the products have also entered high-end smart phones and enterprise-level applications. Both products use the Xtacking 2.0 version independently developed by Changcun. Among them, X2-6070 is the industry’s first 128-layer QLC 3D NAND flash memory. (CN Beta, EET China, Sohu)

Amazon has been using its palm-scanning technology to allow customers to pay for purchases at Whole Foods and its own cashierless stores. It is expanding the technology’s availability for use outside its own properties, starting by allowing people entering sports, music and other live entertainment venues without the need for a ticket. Amazon One will be offered as part of standalone ticketing pedestals to be deployed by ticketing company AXS. (Engadget, Amazon)

General Motors’s venture capital arm has invested in Oculii, a U.S. startup maker of software for radar sensors used in self-driving cars. Oculii has closed a USD55M Series B earlier. Oculii wants to license software to radar companies. The startup claims it can take low-cost, commercially available radar sensors and use its AI software to enable more autonomous maneuvering. (TechCrunch, Reuters)

CATL, a battery supplier to Tesla and NIO, will build a new lithium battery production site in Yichun, Jiangxi province, in eastern China, with a total investment of up to CNY13.5B (USD2.1B). CATL’s investment in the project will come from its own funds and the construction period is expected to take no more than 30 months from the start of construction. CATL’s data shows that it has 65GWh of power battery and energy storage system capacity and over 60GWh of production in 1H21, with a capacity utilization rate of 92%. (CN Beta, Reuters, Shenzhen Stock Exchange, CN EVPost)

According to Loup Ventures analyst Gene Munster, from an investor’s standpoint, the trajectory of Apple’s iPhone business over the next year has less to do about specs and pricing, and more to do with the age of the phone. In 2020, he estimated the pool of iPhones 3 years or older to be 420M. That base will drive iPhone revenue growth in fiscal year 2021 of about 40%, compared to a typical year of low single-digit growth. For 2022, the Street is looking for 5% growth and 260m units. Given the pool of 400M iPhones 3 years or older iPhones, he sees upside to the fiscal year 2022 consensus growth estimate.  The larger the upgrade pool, the bigger the potential tailwind. (CN Beta, Loup Venture)

A U.S. federal judge has struck down some of Apple’s App Store rules, forcing the company to allow developers to send their users to other payment systems in a partial win for “Fortnite” creator Epic Games and other app makers. Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty believes that few of the 30M app developers on the App Store could afford to introduce friction. Most of them also don’t have the brand, credibility, or marketing budget to drive customers to their own websites or other app payment platforms. Based on this assessment, and looking at a worst-case scenario, Huberty believes that if Apple loses all revenue from the top 20 global app developers, it would equate to about a 2% impact on revenue and 5% impact on earnings-per-share (EPS). (CN Beta, Apple Insider, Reuters)

South Korea’s antitrust regulator has decided to fine Google KRW207.4B (USD176.8M) for abusing its market power with the Android mobile operating system. In addition to the fine, the FTC has ordered Google to stop forcing device manufacturers to sign an anti-fragmentation agreement, which has prevented the manufacturers from using operating systems developed by Google’s rivals or other variants of Android. (Apple Insider, Engadget, Korea Herald)

CIRP has found that used Apple iPhones are usually found in better condition when compared to used Android phones. For instance, more than 65% of iPhones being used for 12 months are found with the display in good condition, while this number drops to less than 60% when it comes to Android smartphones. CN Beta, 9to5Mac)

Tecno Spark 8 is launched in India – 6.52” 720×1600 HD+ v-notch, MediaTek Helio A25, rear dual 16MP-AI lens + front 8MP, 2+64GB, Android 11.0 Go, rear fingerprint, 5000mAh 10W, INR7,999 (USD109).  (Gizmo China, GizChina)

Infinix Zero X series is announced, powered by MediaTek Helio G95, and should be priced around USD300: X – 6.67” 1080×2400 FHD+ HiD AMOLED 120Hz, rear tri 64MP OIS-8MP periscope telephoto 5x optical zoom OIS-8MP ultrawide +front 16MP, 8+128GB, Android 11.0, fingerprint on display, 4500mAh 45W. X Pro – 6.78” 1080×2400 FHD+ HiD IPS LCD 90Hz, rear tri 48MP-8MP periscope telephoto 5x optical zoom OIS-2MP depth + front 16MP, 8+128GB, Android 11.0, side fingerprint, 5000mAh 18W. X Neo – 6.67” 1080×2400 FHD+ HiD AMOLED 120Hz, rear tri 108MP OIS-8MP periscope telephoto 5x optical zoom OIS-8MP ultrawide + front 16MP, 8+128 / 8+256GB, Android 11.0, fingerprint on display, 4500mAh 45W.  (GSM Arena, NDTV, Yahoo)

Samsung Galaxy M22 is launched – 6.4” 720×1600 HD+ v-notch Super AMOLED 90Hz, MediaTek Helio G80, rear quad 48MP OIS-8MP ultrawide-2MP macro-2MP depth + front 13MP, 4+128GB, Android 11.0, side fingerprint, 5000mAh 25W, price is yet to be announced (expected to be EUR240). (Gizmo China, Twitter, GSM Arena, Samsung)

Huawei MateStation X All-in-One (AIO) is announced, featuring 28.2” 4K+ 10-fingerprint multi-touch, 3:2 ratio, 500nits brightness, 98% P3 wide color gamut, AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, upgraded heat dissipation system. It as 2 versions: R5 5600H 16GB+512GB version CNY9,999 and R7 5800H 16GB+512GB version CNY11,999.  (My Drivers, GizChina, Huawei)

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has indicated that Apple Watch Series 7‌ will be available in limited quantities due to the production issues. It will feature a much more dramatic design change that will make it clearly distinguishable from prior Apple Watch models. It will feature updated screen technology and a flat-edged design. (MacRumors, Bloomberg, CN Beta)

Samsung’s patent titled “Wearable device that can be worn on ears of the user and accessory for supporting communication thereof” brings a wireless Bluetooth headset with super waterproof, can be used underwater. The earbuds have an additional attachment that allows the earbuds to be used underwater. This accessory is a neck loop, which is similar to a neckband headset when used in combination with the earbuds. (CN Beta, LetsGoDigital, Sparrow News)

Sennheiser has revealed CX Plus True Wireless, which is priced at USD180. This newest entry features Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec, offers active noise cancellation (ANC), ambient sound and the ability to customize both the on-board controls and the EQ.  (Digital Trends, Engadget)

Xiaomi has unveiled a new smart product concept, which is a Smart Glass that offers various features like calling, navigation, and even houses a camera for live translation and taking pictures. The MicroLED display has a size of “grain of rice” with its dimensions being 2.4×2.02mm, with a peak brightness of 2M nits. It sports an unknown quad core Arm processor, with support for WiFi, Bluetooth, houses a battery, and a 5MP camera while just weighing 51g. (Digital Trends, Gizmo China, GSM Arena, CN Beta)

Samsung Electronics has announced that it is collaborating with a U.S.-based company, Niio.Art, which brings first-class digital art from numerous contemporary galleries and artists to its users. This joint effort combines displays from Samsung with one of the top digital art platforms to achieve industry-leading presentation of high-quality digital artworks. (CN Beta, Neowin, Samsung)

Chinese autonomous driving startup DeepRoute.ai has raised USD300M from investors including e-commerce company Alibaba to expand its test fleet and develop technologies including self-driving trucks. DeepRoute.ai is testing vehicles in the Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Wuhan. Founded in 2019, DeepRoute.ai collaborates with carmaker Dongfeng Motor on self-driving technologies. It also works with Geely’s ride-hailing unit Cao Cao.  (CN Beta, Reuters, CNBC, Reuters, SCMP)

Nissan employs “certified smellers” to ensure its customers have a pleasant olfactory experience when they climb inside one of its cars for the first time, perhaps second and third time. (Digital Trends, Motor1)

DC’s Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Amazon to end anti-competitive practices that have raised prices for consumers and stifled innovation and choice across the platform. Karl Racine alleges that Amazon’s fixes online retail prices through contract provisions and policies to third-party sellers. (Android Central, DC)