IF / News

Qualcomm has formally announced its new Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset (SM4635). At its core the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 features 2x Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.0GHz and 6x Crotex-A55 at 1.8GHz. All eight cores are downclocked by 200 MHz compared to the ones on the SD 4 Gen 2. The new chip also gets an unspecified Adreno GPU, slower LPDDR4x RAM and retains UFS 3.1 storage support. Qualcomm is also using a slower 5G modem rated at 1Gbps download speeds. Display support tops out at FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate while the image signal processing (ISP) supports up to 84MP main camera sensors. 4s Gen 2 also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 local connectivity.(Android Authority, Android Central, Qualcomm,GSM Arena)

Samsung’s new chip codenamed “S5E8855” will likely launch as the Exynos 1580 and could be used in the Galaxy A56 in 2025. It appears to have an octa-core CPU with one prime core clocked at 2.91GHz, three high-end cores clocked at 2.6GHz, and four efficient cores running at 1.95GHz. The chip was tested on a device with 8GB RAM and Android 15 (One UI 7.0). It scored 1,046 points in the single-core test and 3,678 points in the multi-core test on Geekbench 5. That makes it almost as powerful as the Exynos 2100 and the Snapdragon 888, which were 2021 flagship chips from Samsung and Qualcomm, respectively.(Android Headlines, SamMobile, GeekBench)

Apple’s research paper, titled “Apple Intelligence Foundation Language Models” hints that Apple may have been using Google hardware in early development. In the paper, it says that Apple’s Foundation Model (AFM) and the server technology that drives it, were initially built on “v4 and v5p Cloud TPU clusters” using Apple software. Apple said that the artificial intelligence models underpinning Apple Intelligence were pretrained on processors designed by Google, a sign that Big Tech companies are looking for alternatives to Nvidia  when it comes to the training of cutting-edge AI.(Apple Insider, Apple, CNBC)

Turkey will direct a total of USD30B worth of resources consisting of tax incentives and grant support to high technology investments, according to the President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the High Technology Incentive Program (HIT-30) in Istanbul, he said Turkey aims to become a regional production hub in battery production capacity and offer USD4.5B worth of incentive package to investors. The country is also launching a USD5B worth of incentive package to increase its production capacity in the automotive sector to at least 1M units per year, Erdogan said. For 5 years, Ankara will meet half of personnel expenses of new centers to be established in the country by world’s top 1,000 companies in terms of R&D, he added. (CN Beta, AA.com, BNA)

Global semiconductor sales are on track to hit USD1T as early as 2030, analysts reported at the annual Semicon West trade show in San Francisco. In agreement were Needham & Co’s Charles Shi and Gartner’s Gaurav Gupta, with Gupta pegging the milestone closer to 2031 to 2032. Gupta also projects double digit growth for 2024 and 2025, with semiconductor capacity up more than 50% by the end of the decade. From AI and automotive to the rise of smart spaces and commercial drones, chips are expected to remain in high demand as the forces of autonomy, labor, power and geopolitics shape what’s to come. (Forbes, CN Beta)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 measures in at 12.1mm thick. Facing increasing pressure from Honor, Xiaomi, and other brands in China, Samsung has been rumoured to be working on a new “Slim” variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Samsung has apparently managed to trim down the thickness of the so-called “Z Fold 6 Slim” to 11.5mm, about 5% thinner than the regular Fold 6. That comes largely from the removal of the digitizer used for the S Pen, which on its own apparently contributes 0.6mm to the Fold’s thickness. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 “Slim” is expected to launch later in 2024, solely in South Korea and China.(Android Authority, 9to5Google, The Elec)

Apple is expected to use LG Display as a secondary vendor for OLED screens on the iPhone SE4 launching in 2025. Apple has used BOE as the sole vendor for iPhone SE display for a while now. In 2025, BOE will be the primary vendor while LG Display, as a secondary vendor, will provide the screens mostly for its legacy models. The iPhone SE series mostly uses reused parts from other legacy iPhone models.  (Apple Insider,  The Elec)

LG Chemical is anticipated to surpass DuPont to become the number two player in the OLED evaporation materials market. According to DSCC, Universal Display Corporation (UDC) led the evaporation materials market in 2023, followed by DuPont in second place and LG Chemical in third. However, starting in 2024, LG Chemical is expected to rise to the number two position and maintain this position continuously. LG Chemical supplies a range of materials, including Red/Green/Blue hosts, ETL and aETL (HBL), to various panel makers. LG Chemical’s aETL has replaced Solus Advanced Materials’ aETL in SDC’s latest material structures. Additionally, LG Display is expanding the use of LG Chemical’s products in new OLED structures for various applications. Notably, the p-dopant jointly developed by LG Display and LG Chemical in 2023 is being applied in mobile single/IT tandem structures this year and is expected to be used in WOLED TVs. These developments are anticipated to significantly boost LG Chemical’s revenue in the future.(CN Beta, Business Korea, DSCC, DSCC)

SK hynix has announced the development of its next-generation GDDR7 memory. Graphics DDR (GDDR) is a standard specification of graphics DRAM defined by the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) and specialized for processing graphics more quickly. GDDR7 comes with the operating speed of 32Gbps, a 60% improvement from the previous generation and the speed can grow up to 40Gbps depending on the circumstances. When adopted for the high-end graphics cards, the product can also process data of more than 1.5TB per second, equivalent to 300 Full-HD movies (5GB each), in a second. SK hynix also improved power efficiency by more than 50% compared with the previous generation by adopting the new packaging technology that addresses the heat issue as a result of the ultra-fast processing of data.(GSM Arena, PR Newswire, Gizmo China)

Samsung has announced the release of its 1-terabyte (TB) high-capacity microSD cards PRO Plus and EVO Plus. The PRO Plus promises exceptional efficiency and solid reliability with its storage options from 128GB to 1TB, offering sequential read speeds of up to 180 megabytes-per-second (MB/s) coupled with sequential write speeds of up to 130MB/s. For daily use, storing data on devices can be enhanced with the EVO Plus with transfer speeds of up to 160MB/s. The PRO Plus has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) ranging from USD24.99 for the 128GB model to USD153.99 for the 1TB model. The MSRP for the EVO Plus ranges from USD12.99 for the 64GB model to USD131.99 for the 1TB model.(Neowin, Samsung)

Synchron, the brain-computer interface (BCI) company, has announced the world’s first-ever use of Apple Vision Pro, by one of the patients implanted with the Synchron brain computer interface. A 64-year old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), successfully used his direct thoughts to control the cursor on the Apple Vision Pro when he played Solitaire, watched Apple TV and sent text messages using the Synchron brain computer interface, hands-free. The Synchron BCI system is delivered through an endovascular approach. Synchron says its BCI is the only one tapping into blood vessels to capture signals from the brain. The implant goes on the surface of the motor cortex of the brain via the jugular vein. Once implanted, it detects and wirelessly transmits motor intent out of the brain, potentially allowing severely paralyzed people to control personal devices with hands-free point-and-click. (Apple Insider, CNBC, Mass Device, Business  Wire)

NTT DOCOMO has announced that it will initiate the commercial deployment of New Radio-Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) across three frequency bands – Sub-6 (3.7GHz and 4.5GHz bands) and millimeter-wave (28GHz band) for high-speed transmissions connecting two 5G base stations and simultaneously transmitting/receiving across multiple frequencies supported by these stations. From 1 Aug 2024, the technology will offer Japan’s fastest download speeds, up to 6.6Gbps, using 5G Standalone (SA) architecture. These features will initially be available in specific zones within the 5G SA coverage areas in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, with plans for a gradual expansion.(GSM Arena, NTT DoCoMo)

Google has finally started working on “Cross-device services” to provide a more seamless experience. Since it’s still in the roll-out phase, it might not be available on all devices yet. However, once it is, it can be activated on Android device settings under Settings > Google > Devices & Sharing > Cross-Device. Cross-Device Services enable smooth data transfer between devices signed in with the same Google Account. Two new features are underway: Call Casting and Internet Sharing (Instant Hotspot). Call Casting feature allows user to effortlessly cast an ongoing video call to another device and continue the call there. Instant Hotspot makes sharing internet connection easier.(Gizmo China, 9to5Google)

Samsung has introduced a new line of Samsung Friends accessories— designed in collaboration with global confectionary brand The Hershey Company. Samsung Friends is a lifestyle accessory brand created through collaboration between Samsung Electronics and 3rd party accessory manufacturers. The brand engages in various activities such as collaborations with different brands and IPs, the use of new materials, and partnerships to convey eco-friendly messages. The collaboration with Hershey’s introduces 12 one-of-a-kind accessories inspired by Hershey’s iconic confectionery packaging for Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices — Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, the Galaxy Buds3 series and the Galaxy Watch7.(Android Headlines, Samsung)

Apple will reportedly assemble the top-of-the-line Pro and Pro Max models of its upcoming iPhone 16 series in India for the first time through its partner Foxconn, bolstering its manufacturing presence in the country as part of a plan to diversify production beyond China. Foxconn’s facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, will soon start the ‘new product introduction’ (NPI) process for the pro models of iPhone 16 and will enter mass production stage once the phone is launched. Apple is preparing 90M units of iPhone 16 devices for 2024 alone, which is 10% higher than the iPhone 15 series. Apple aims to expand its production base in India, targeting to manufacture a quarter of all its iPhones in India over the next 3–4 years, up from 14% of their total iPhone production. The company assembled USD14B worth of iPhones in India during fiscal year 2024, constituting 14% of its global iPhone production. (Phone Arena, Money Control, 9to5Mac)

According to Canalys, the worldwide smartphone market continued to grow strongly in 2Q24, with shipments reaching 288.9M units. Despite a modest 1% shipment increase, Samsung held onto pole position with 53.5M units shipped. Its high-end product lines continued to boost value growth, while the revamped 5G A series maintained overall numbers. Apple held second place with 45.6M units, bolstered by strong momentum in North America and APAC’s emerging markets. Xiaomi, with its competitive product offerings, closely followed with shipments of 42.3M units to achieve a market share of 15%. Making a return to fourth place, vivo shipped 25.9M units for a market share of 9%. Transsion came fifth, shipping 25.5M units and taking a market share of 9%. (GSM Arena, Gizmo China, Canalys)

India’s smartphone shipments fell 2% YoY in 2Q24, according to Counterpoint Research. The decline was influenced by a heatwave, a seasonal slump, and slower demand from 1Q24. Xiaomi reclaimed the top spot with a 23% YoY growth in its shipments, driven by a streamlined and focused portfolio that spans from the entry-level to affordable premium segments. To further solidify its position, the company employed a strategy to push flagship handsets, improve marketing and expand distribution channels. Samsung led in value terms for the second consecutive quarter, capturing over one-fourth of the market. Its new Fold 6 series is expected to sustain this leadership. With the brand focusing on value over volume, its ultra-premium segment (>INR45,000) grew by 99% YoY in 2Q24. (Phone Arena, Counterpoint Research)

Friend is an AI necklace that is meant to serve as a personal companion. The hardware component of Friend connects to an iPhone via Bluetooth, continually listening to all interactions around the wearer. Pressing a button on the necklace allows the user to speak to Friend, with a message sent to the ‌iPhone‌ in response. Friend is also able to send messages without a conversational prompt, responding to what the wearer is doing. The Friend and its “memories” are stored on the necklace, with nothing uploaded to cloud servers. The creator Avi Schiffmann says he is planning to ship the first 30,000 devices in Jan 2025 and will charge USD99 apiece with no ongoing subscription fee.(MacRumors, Friend.com, The Verge)

vivo has officially announced that it will launch a mixed reality (MR) wearable headset in 2025. The company executive vice president, Hu Baishan has said MR is the next major advancement in mobile technology.  (Gizmo China, Sohu)

Uber and Chinese automaker BYD have announced a multi-year partnership on Wednesday aimed at bringing 100,000 new electric vehicles to the ride-hailing platform globally. The partnership, starting in Europe and Latin America, will offer drivers accessible pricing and financing for BYD’s EVs on the Uber platform and will expand to markets in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Uber and BYD will offer drivers discounts on vehicle maintenance, charging, financing and leasing, depending on the market, to support the transition to electric vehicles.(CN Beta, Uber, Reuters, Electrek)

Canva has acquired Leonardo.ai, a generative AI content and research startup, as part of its goal to build a “world-class suite of visual AI tools”. Leonardo.ai is Canva’s eighth acquisition, following Affinity (2024), Flourish (2022), Kaleido (2021), Smartmockups (2021), Pexels (2019), Pixabay (2019), and Zeetings (2018). The Canva platform offers an AI Art Generator, an AI Video Generator, and a Transparent PNG Generator, which enable “true background-free visual elements”. The company has also recently launched its first foundational model, Phoenix. Canva said the acquisition will give Leonardo.ai the opportunity to further innovate in the field of AI while scaling the organization. Canva will support Leonardo.ai to “supercharge” its current growth trajectory and enable it to “build a more creative-centric generative AI platform on a global scale”. (CN Beta, The Verge, TechCrunch, Business Wire, Canva)

Meta is rolling out its AI studio to all creators in the U.S. to let them make personalized AI-powered chatbots. Users can build the bot for caption creation, post formatting, or meme generation. Users can use the chatbot just for themselves or share it with anyone. These chatbots work across Meta properties, including Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and the web. Meta also sees the AI Studio as useful for creators who want to build chatbot versions of themselves for fan engagement. Creators can control the topics and links they want the chatbot to avoid. Plus, they can turn auto-replies off and control who their AI replies to.(CN Beta, Meta, Facebook, TechCrunch)