07-14: Vertu’s UK manufacturing operation will be shut down; TSMC’s 10nm is entering mass production from 3Q17; Lately 16:9 panel orders are reportedly increased; etc.
Chipsets
According to MediaTek, the Helio X30 supports LPDDR4X RAM. LPDDR4X allows the use of memories with higher clockspeeds but with better power efficiency. The new memory standard has a 40% voltage reduction (1.1V to 0.6V) allowing data to be sent and received at improved speeds but without draining much power. (GizChina, Gizmo China, MediaTek)
TSMC’s 10nm is entering mass production from 3Q17, and expects to contribute 10% of TSMC’s revenue in 2017. Mark Liu, co-CEO of TSMC, pointed out that due to the market demands of computer, communication and automotive markets were better than expected, this year global semiconductor output value is expected to grow 6%. In addition, TSMC also projected the foundry output value in 2017 will grow 6%. (Laoyaoba, HQEW, EE World, EE Times, CTimes)
TSMC’s co-CEO Mark Liu indicates that the company’s 7nm process has been validated by industry leaders, and in 2017 expects to receive 13 tape-outs. In 2018 the production will be sped up, and its production rate will be faster and bigger than 14nm. The company plans to insert several extreme ultraviolet (EUV) layers at 7nm. The company also plans to offer a 7nm plus node that it expects will allow customers easy migration from 7nm. (Laoyaoba, China Times, EE Times)
Worldwide semiconductor revenue is forecast to total USD401.4B in 2017, an increase of 16.8% from 2016, according to Gartner. Gartner’s analyst Andrew Norwood indicates that the memory bubble is expected to go bust in 2019 as memory vendors add new supply and Samsung could lose a lot of the gains it makes 2017 and 2018. (Gartner, Laoyaoba)
Touch Display
The overall production capacity for large-size LCD panels rose above the expected level in 1H17 despite seasonal headwinds, according to TrendForce. TrendForce estimates that the global production capacity for large-size LCD panels in terms of total glass input area will increase by 5.8% annually in 2017 to reach 218.3Mm2. This figure is 0.3% above an earlier estimate. Supply will become an important factor in determining the course of the panel market during 2H17, especially in 4Q17. (TrendForce, press, TrendForce[cn], press)
Lately 16:9 panel orders are reportedly increased. Before this, 16:9 panel including a-Si TFT LCD panel lacks of customers. However, vendors from Mainland China suddenly have increased their orders. This has caused AUO, CPT, Tianma and other panel vendors increasing their prices. (Digitimes, Laoyaoba)
Camera
Apple will reportedly apply VCSEL technology to the rear-facing shooter. The system, which calculates distance to a target using light pulses and time of flight (TOF) measurements, would allow for extremely accurate depth mapping, a plus for AR applications. (Apple Insider, Fast Company, CN Beta, Laoyaoba, Kaixian)
Memory
The improved storage management feature on Samsung’s future affordable and mid-range handsets will make these devices more functional. Samsung is reportedly developing this “Storage Saving” feature currently. (My Drivers, Gizbot, Ubergizmo, Android Headlines)
Connectivity
Huawei said that it is driving discussions with Indian telecom operators to help them evolve 4G networks, which will ultimately allow them to migrate to 5Gtechnology in coming years. The gear vendor is discussing standard trials for the 5G technology with Indian telecom operators by 2018. (Laoyaoba, India Times, Business Insider)
Smartphones
Vertu has failed to rescue the company from bankruptcy after offering to pay creditors just GBP1.9M (USD2.4M) of the firm’s GBP128M debt. The result of this is that Vertu’s UK manufacturing operation will be shut down, leading to the loss of some 200 jobs. (CN Beta, BBC News, The Verge, The Telegraph)
According to PwC’s Global Top 100 companies ranking for 2017, the US is the largest contributor to the list with 55 companies which contribute 63% of the overall market capitalization. The market capitalization of the 100 largest companies increased by USD1,861B or 12% compared to Mar 2016. Apple is still the world’s most valuable company, pulling ahead of Alphabet in 2017, having temporarily been dethroned in early 2016. (Business Tech, PwC, report, CN Beta)
HMD Global reportedly to launch as many as 4 new Nokia phones by end of 2017. They are Nokia 2, Nokia 7, Nokia 8, and the Nokia 9. (Phone Radar, Ubergizmo, My Drivers, Sina)
Nichia on 29 Jun 2017 filed charges against HTC and affiliates HTC Europe, HTC Germany as well as Digital River Ireland, an e-commerce operator responsible for online marketing of HTC smartphones in Europe, for infringement of the YAG patent due to white LEDs used in HTC’s U Ultra, Nichia said. (Laoyaoba, UDN, CS Semiconductor, Digitimes)
Sales of LG Electronics’ 1H17 strategic smartphone G6 launched in late Mar 2017 are estimated at less than 2M units initially expected. (My Drivers, Business Korea)
Since launched in May 2017, after 2-month sale, Smartisan’s Nut Pro cumulative sales have reached 500K~800K units, and expects Smartisan’s sales in 2017 would be slightly more than 2016. According to CEO Luo Yonghao, Smartisan T1 total sales were about 250K, Nut were about 1M units. (CN Beta, Laoyaoba)
Huawei debuts KFC edition of Enjoy 7 in China – 5.5” HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, 13MP + 5MP cameras, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, fingerprint sensor, limited only 5000 units, 3020mAh battery, from CNY1099. (Apple Insider, Forbes, Sohu, CN Beta)
Moto E4 and E4 Plus are announced in India, powered by MediaTek MT6737 processor, 8MP + 5MP cameras, 2GB RAM, Android 7.1: E4 – 5” HD 2.5D curved display, 16GB storage, 2800mAh battery. E4 Plus – 5.5” HD 2.5D curved display, 32GB storage, 5000mAh battery. (Android Headlines, NDTV, India Today)
Wearables
China smartphone vendor Xiaolajiao announced establishment of a VR smart hardware brand Lookworld. Lookworld will launch a V500 upgrade device, and an all-in-one VR hardware. (My Drivers, Sina)
Internet of Things
Amazon is reportedly working on a sequel to its Echo speaker that will improve upon the first device in practically every way. (Engadget, Android Authority, Engadget CN, Sina)
Chinese artificial intelligence start-up SenseTime has completed a USD410M series B round, in what the company calls the largest private financing rounds ever closed by an AI start-up globally. (Laoyaoba, Shanghai Daily, China Money Network)
Vizio has now sued LeEco for USD100M over the failed acquisition. It has been over 1 year since LeEco announced its intention to acquire Vizio for USD2B. (Ubergizmo, Variety, The Verge, TechCrunch, East Money, Sina, FT Chinese)