02-08: MediaTek launches Helio P25 processor; Xiaomi is reportedly teaming up with Leadcore technology to manufacture its own processor dubbed Pinecone processor; etc.
Chipsets
Xiaomi is reportedly teaming up with Leadcore technology to manufacture its own processor dubbed Pinecone processor. Qualcomm and Leadcore are rumoured to be in talks about a possible joint venture partnership which would see them manufacture low-end processors. (Gizmo China, Anzhuo)
Xiaomi is reportedly developing its own processor dubbed Pinecone, and now 2 models V970 and V670 are leaked. They are being compared to high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, and mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 and MediaTek Helio P10 processors. (TechNews, Sohu, The Android Soul, Digit)
Linux developer Wuhan Deepin Technology and China’s Loongson Technology announced a strategic collaboration to continue their joint development to build a complete “Loongson Deepin” eco-system. (CN Beta, 163, My Drivers, Deepin)
MediaTek has announced the launch of its Helio P25. It combines a 16nm Octa-core processor with MediaTek Imagiq (the company’s advanced Image Signal Processor technology) and dual camera features to satisfy smartphone photographers. (Digitimes, press, EE Trend, MediaTek)
Intel Atom C2000 processor family has a fault that effectively bricks devices, costing the company a significant amount of money to correct. But Intel will not disclose precisely how many chips are affected nor which products are at risk. (CN Beta, The Register, Tech Report, CNX Software, HardOCP)
Touch Display
Sharp, the Japanses display maker, may break ground on a USD7B plant in the U.S. as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe readies for his first meeting with President Trump. No final decision has been made on the plant, but the report said Sharp is taking the lead on a project initially outlined by its parent company Foxconn. (TechNews, Reuters, Channel News Asia, Fox News, CN Beta)
LG Display (LGD) has decided to establish its P10 production lines, which are being built in Paju, as production lines for 10th generation OLEDs. It is heard that LG Display is working with South Korean equipment manufacturer called YAS in developing deposition equipment for 10th generation OLEDs. LGD is going to finish construction of P10 by 2Q18. (Laoyaoba, ET News)
Connectivity
With 5th-generation cellular technology (5G) already being tested by a number of leading wireless carriers around the world, 3GPP, a non-profit organization that helps set standards in the wireless communications industry, has now released an all-new logo for 5G. (Android Headlines, Mobile Today, 3GPP)
Battery
The DA4100 RF-Transmit integrated circuit (IC) is a simplified implementation of Energous’ WattUp wireless power transmission system, according to Energous and Dialog Semiconductor. The 7×7mm IC combines the ARM Cortex-M0+, an RF transmitter, and power management functions, with the small size potentially making it attractive to device producers due to taking up minimal space on a circuit board. (Laoyaoba, IoT-Online, HCS Index, Apple Insider)
Smartphones
Apple has accounted for 18% of smartphone unit sales in 4Q16, but it captured a whopping 92% of industry profits, Canaccord Genuity reported. n some quarters, it accounts for more than 100% of smartphone profits because other vendors lost money, according to Canaccord Genuity. (Seeking Alpha, Investors, Barron’s, blog, CN Beta)
InnJoo Pro 2 is announced – 5.5” FHD IPS LCD 2.5D curved display, MediaTek Helio X20 processor, 13MP PDAF + 5MP cameras, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage, Android 6.0, AW8738 audio chip, fingerprint sensor, 4000mAh battery, USD300. (GizChina)
Wearables
Apple set a new quarterly shipment record in 4Q16, contributing to total smartwatch shipments exceeding 9M units. This global market figure was largely driven by Apple’s 6M shipments, representing YoY growth of 12%. According to Canalys estimates, the Apple Watch generated more than USD2.6B in revenue for Apple in 4Q16, making up nearly 80% of total smartwatch revenue. (CN Beta, Apple Insider, Canalys, press)
ZTE Quartz is an Android War 2.0 smartwatch, with 3G / LTE connectivity. ZTE previously said that its first smartwatch would offer superior battery life, and should be available via a major US carrier. (VentureBeat, Phone Arena, Gizmo China, CN Beta)
TomTom has officially unveiled its second fitness tracker, the Touch Cardio, with slim OLED touchscreen display and 24/7 activity tracking on steps, calories, active time and sleep. It is priced at GBP89.99. (Phone Arena, Wearable, WDFans)
Internet of Things
Logitech offers a smart, Bluetooth-enabled mount called the ZeroTouch that promises hands-free, eyes-free voice control for sending texts, navigation, and music playback through Spotify. Now, the ZeroTouch is becoming even smarter with the addition of Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant. (CN Beta, Digital Trends, Logitech)
Honda and Hitachi Automotive Systems announced plans for a joint venture building electric motors for vehicles. They plan to commit to the project in Mar 2017, with the new company being established Jul 2017. According to Honda, the formation of this company will also lead to manufacturing and sales facilities being launched in the US and China. (Electrek, Reuters, Autoblog, Sohu)
