IF / News

Chipsets

Google has announced that the Google Cloud TPU (announced in May 2017), is now available in limited quantities as a beta on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for running TensorFlow-based AI applications.  (Laoyaoba, InfoQ, AnandTech, Forbes, NYT)

Connectivity

[MWC2018] TCL Communication has unveiled full 5G software implementation suitable for European and Asian markets. The configuration is based on open-source project OpenAirInterface and has been developed in partnership with German telecom signal processing firm Creonic and French research center EURECOM.  (Android Headlines, CN Beta, CGM)

[MWC2018] Christian Gatti, Global President Alcatel Business Division and Executive Vice President TCL Communication indicates that the company has been engaged actively since early 2015 in the prototyping of 5G technologies to prepare the introduction of their first 5G products in 2H19 in-line with the market demand for 5G wireless broadband access in North America and Europe markets. (CN Beta, CGM)

Phones

A local law in China is compelling Apple to host Chinese users’ iCloud accounts in a data center inside China starting on 28 Feb 2018. Besides keeping these accounts domestically in China, Apple will also be storing in the country the cryptographic keys needed to unlock them.  (Phone Arena, Reuters, Leiphone, VOA, Sina)

[MWC2018]  LG states that the G-series is not dead, but it may come back under a different naming scheme. LG indicates that it is still “a few months away from any decisions” on the G-series.  (Android Headlines, TechWeb)

[MWC2018] LG V30S ThinQ is announced with AI CAM – 6” 2880×1440 QHD+  OLED FullVision, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, rear dual 16MP – 13MP + front 5MP, 6GB + 128GB / 6GB + 256GB (V30S+ ThinQ), 3300mAh. (Android Headlines, The Verge, LG)

[MWC2018] TCL has launched 3 series of phones: Alcatel 5 – 5.7” HD+, MediaTek MT6750, rear dual 13MP-5MP + front 12MP, 2GB+16GB / 3GB+32GB, 3000mAh, EUR230. Alcatel 3V – 6” QHD+, MediaTek MT8735A, dual rear 12MP-2MP + front 5MP, 2GB+16/32GB, 3000mAh, EUR190. Alcatel 3X – 5.7” HD+, MediaTek MT6739, dual rear 13MP-5MP + front 5MP, 2GB+16GB / 3GB+32GB, 3000mAh, EUR180.Alcatel 3 – 5.5” HD+, MediaTek MT6739, rear 13MP + front 5MP, 2GB+16GB, 3000mAh, EUR150. Alcatel 1X Android Go (Go Edition) – 5.3” FWVGA+, MediaTek MT6739, rear 8MP + front 5MP, 1GB+16GB, 2460mAh, EUR110. (GizChina, Android Central, CN Beta, Gizmo China, The Verge)

[MWC2018] Turkey’s General Mobile has announced a new Android One phone GM8 – 5.7” 1440×720 HD+ IPS LCD, Qualcomm Snapdragon 430, rear 13MP + front 13MP, 3GB+32GB / 4GB+64GB, 3075mAh, from TRY999 (USD260). (Yuga Tech, Liliputing)

PCs / Tablets

[MWC2018] TCL launches Alcatel 1T7 / 1T10 – 7” 1024×600 / 10” 1280×800, MediaTek MT8321AD / MT8321, rear 2MP + front VGA / rear 2MP + front 2MP, 1GB+8GB / 1GB+16GB, 2580mAh / 4000mAh.  (Android Headlines, GizChina)

Wearables

KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo predicts Apple to debut a branded high-end, over-ear headphone with an “all new” design to add to its growing audio accessory lineup. He believes the device is unlikely to debut prior to 4Q18.  (Apple Insider, CN Beta)

Internet of Things

Samsung Electronics will invest in artificial intelligence (AI) and games jointly with Tencent, the largest information technology (IT) company in China and the largest online game company in the world. Samsung Electronics and Tencent will jointly invest in the development of AI speakers and games.  (Business Korea)

Economic

[MWC2018] Archos debuts a cryptocurrency hardware wallet. The Safe-T mini wallet will allow cryptocurrency owners to better secure their digital assets. The hardware will connect to a computer via micro-USB and will require a PIN number. The transactions that occur will be displayed on its OLED display and will need to be executed using physical buttons on the device.  (TechCrunch, Neowin, Archos, Sohu, iGeek, iFeng)

JD.com founder Richard Liu reveals that the company is preparing to make its U.S. debut with a beachhead in Los Angeles by 2H18. He also indicates that the company will land on Vietnam, India, Philippines, and Malaysia by end of 2018. (Laoyaoba, JRJ, Sina, Bloomberg, Times of Malta)