Category: Communications

Samsung faces the challenge of balancing improvements in its foundry business with the demands of its smartphone division. The company’s ability to navigate these complexities will be crucial for maintaining its leadership in both the semiconductor and smartphone markets.

Samsung Foundry has once again failed to secure a contract from Qualcomm for the production of its latest flagship mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. This setback marks another chapter in Samsung’s ongoing struggle to compete with industry leader TSMC, which has been awarded the entire manufacturing contract for the upcoming chip.

The decision comes at a critical juncture for Samsung Foundry, which has been grappling with low yield rates in recent months. However, there are signs of improvement on the horizon. The company recently stabilized its 3nm production process, achieving acceptable yield rates, and is simultaneously pushing forward with the development of even more advanced 2nm chips. Samsung also has ambitious plans to produce 1.4nm chips by 2027.

Despite these advancements, Qualcomm’s choice to partner exclusively with TSMC for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 reflects the current state of the industry. TSMC’s proven track record and reliability likely outweighed any potential cost savings that Samsung might have offered. This decision is particularly impactful given the widespread adoption of Snapdragon SoCs in flagship smartphones.

The loss of this contract doesn’t spell the end for Samsung Foundry’s aspirations. The company is expected to make another bid for the production of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 when it enters development. To improve its chances, Samsung will need to successfully fulfill orders from other clients and further improve yield rates.

This development coincides with reports of a significant price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, which could lead to higher costs for premium smartphones, including Samsung’s Galaxy series. This situation presents a dilemma for Samsung’s mobile division as it may need to consider alternative strategies to maintain competitive pricing.

One potential solution could involve reviving Samsung’s in-house Exynos chip line for future Galaxy devices, such as the S26 series. This move could help offset the impact of rising Snapdragon prices.

Alternatively, Samsung might explore partnerships with other chip manufacturers like MediaTek or make compromises in other components such as displays and cameras to offset increased processor costs.

Despite these challenges, industry experts anticipate that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 series will remain among the top smartphone choices in 2025. The company’s strength in other areas of mobile technology should support its operations as it continues to refine its foundry capabilities and chip production processes. Tech Spot

Since Friday, December 27, 2024, when Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, announced an increase in its monthly subscription prices across Nigeria, effective immediately for new customers and starting January 27, 2025, for existing users, the industry regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is yet to react officially.

In an email to its subscribers on Friday, the company stated that the price adjustments are necessary to enhance its network infrastructure and maintain the delivery of high-quality internet service across the country.

The new pricing structure is as follows: Standard (Residential) ₦75,000, Mobile – Regional (Roam Unlimited) ₦167,000, and Mobile – Global (Global Roam) ₦717,000.

“These changes reflect our commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to support and improve your experience with Starlink,” the company said. Nigeria CommunicationsWeek

Despite recent advances, ASML CEO highlights China’s significant technological gap in semiconductor manufacturing. Chinese firms face major hurdles without access to crucial EUV technology, even as they represent nearly half of ASML’s current sales amid growing geopolitical tensions.

ASML’s CEO, Christophe Fouquet, has said that Chinese semiconductor companies like Huawei and SMIC are still a good 10 to 15 years behind big players like Intel, TSMC, and Samsung, despite making notable strides in technology. This comes as ASML’s ties with Chinese customers are under increasing scrutiny, thanks to growing geopolitical tensions.

According to Fouquet, the big issue is that Chinese manufacturers don’t have access to advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, which play a huge role in keeping up with global leaders. ASML’s EUV systems, priced at roughly 400 million euros apiece, are key for churning out state-of-the-art semiconductors—and just shipping the components requires seven cargo planes.

Despite challenges, the Dutch lithography powerhouse reported strong numbers for Q3 2024, boasting net sales of 7.5 billion euros and profits of 2.1 billion euros. However, new orders fell to 2.6 billion euros, which is less than half of the previous quarter’s 5.6 billion euros. Even so, China still dominates ASML’s market share, accounting for 47 percent of the company’s Q3 2024 sales.

Analysts at UBS predict ASML could see a nearly 25 percent dip in its Chinese sales next year, with up to 45 percent of its total Chinese revenue on the line if more restrictions pile on. While the U.S. is pressing ASML to stop servicing equipment already in use in China, the Netherlands hasn’t complied with these requests so far.

To add some perspective, ASML and its partners spent over two decades perfecting the commercial EUV ecosystem. Even as Huawei and its collaborators are trying to develop their own EUV systems, experts think it’d take just as long to set up a similar ecosystem—maybe even with access to some older tech that’s already been developed. Notebook Check

In a world where entertainment is just as important as staying connected, mobile service providers like Airtel and Jio offer exciting prepaid plans with free Disney+ Hotstar subscriptions to make your phone plan even more valuable. Whether you’re a movie buff, sports enthusiast, or binge-watcher, these plans combine entertainment and data.

Airtel’s Best Prepaid Plans with Disney+ Hotstar
Airtel has been offering fantastic prepaid plans that combine high-speed data with a Disney+ Hotstar subscription, making it easier for you to stream your favourite movies, shows, and live sports. Here’s a look at their top options:

Rs 499 Monthly Plan

• Data: 3 GB per day
• Calls: Unlimited
• SMS: 100 per day
• Disney+ Hotstar: 3 months free

Enjoy unlimited entertainment and stay connected with this all-in-one plan.

Rs 869 Quarterly Plan

• Data: 2 GB per day
• Calls: Unlimited
• Disney+ Hotstar: 3 months free

Perfect for those who want value for money with substantial data and entertainment.

Rs 3,359 Annual Plan

• Data: 2.5 GB per day
• Calls: Unlimited
• Disney+ Hotstar: 1 year free

A great deal for the long-term customer who loves both data and entertainment in one package.

Jio’s Best Prepaid Plans with Disney+ Hotstar
Jio isn’t far behind, offering an array of prepaid plans with the added benefit of a Disney+ Hotstar subscription. Jio’s options cater to both monthly and long-term users, giving you the flexibility to choose what fits your needs best:

Rs 949 for 84 Days

• Data: Unlimited 5G + 2 GB of 4G data per day
• Calls: Unlimited
• Disney+ Hotstar: Free for 84 days

For those who need unlimited data and entertainment for an extended period.

Rs 401 Monthly Plan

• Data: 3 GB per day
• Calls: Unlimited
• Disney+ Hotstar: 1 month free

A budget-friendly option that offers plenty of data and one month of Disney+ Hotstar.

 Rs 999 Quarterly Plan

• Data: 1.5 GB per day
• Calls: Unlimited
• Disney+ Hotstar: 3 months free

A balanced plan offering data and entertainment without breaking the bank.

Rs 2,599 Annual Plan

• Data: 2 GB per day
• Calls: Unlimited
• Disney+ Hotstar: 1 year free

The best of both worlds: a year’s worth of data and endless streaming!

BSNL’s Disney+ Hotstar Premium Subscription
BSNL also offers its users a fantastic opportunity to access Disney+ Hotstar Premium through its Superstar Plan. The activation process is automated, making it easy for users:

As soon as you purchase the BSNL Superstar 300 Plan, the Disney+ Hotstar Premium subscription is activated on your number.

Simply log in to the Disney+ Hotstar app or website using your phone number and OTP to start Hotstar viewing. Financial Express

Aravind Srinivas, the Indian-origin Co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and they discussed the potential for the adoption of artificial intelligence in India. While the Chennai-born Srinivas said he was inspired by the PM’s dedication to staying updated on the topic and his “remarkable vision” for the future, PM Modi said it was good to see the CEO doing “great work” with Perplexity AI.

Posting a photo of their meeting, Mr Srinivas wrote on X, “Had the honor to meet Prime Minister @narendramodi ji. We had a great conversation about the potential for AI adoption in India and across the world. Really inspired by Modi Ji’s dedication to stay updated on the topic and his remarkable vision for the future.”

Replying to the post, PM Modi wrote, “Was great to meet you and discuss AI, its uses and its evolution. Good to see you doing great work with @perplexity_ai. Wish you all the best for your future endeavors.”

Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine that uses large language models (LLMs) to answer queries. Before co-founding Perplexity AI in the US in 2022, Mr Srinivas was an AI researcher at OpenAI and also did research internships at Google and DeepMind. NDTV

The China Digital Transformation Market size is estimated at USD 221.95 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 410.67 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.10% during the forecast period (2024-2029), according to Research And Markets.

China’s digital transformation market is experiencing robust growth, driven by government initiatives, technological advancements, and a strong push towards modernization across various sectors. This surge is largely influenced by the Chinese government’s strategic plans like the “Made in China 2025” initiative and the widespread adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These advancements are reshaping traditional business models, improving operational efficiencies, and fostering innovation.

One of the key factors contributing to this growth is the Chinese government’s proactive stance on digital transformation. Policies and subsidies aimed at enhancing technological capabilities and infrastructure have created a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign companies to invest in digital solutions. Additionally, the widespread penetration of internet and mobile technologies has facilitated the rapid adoption of digital tools among businesses and consumers alike.

In addition to this, key technology companies like Alibaba and Huawei are key players in the market. Alibaba, with its extensive ecosystem encompassing e-commerce, cloud computing, and fintech, provides comprehensive digital solutions that enable businesses to optimize their operations and reach a wider audience. Its cloud division, Alibaba Cloud, offers scalable computing resources and advanced analytics, empowering companies to harness the power of big data and AI for strategic decision-making. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also drives innovation in product development and customer engagement.

Huawei, on the other hand, is a global provider in telecommunications and ICT infrastructure. Its focus on 5G technology and IoT solutions is revolutionizing connectivity and data exchange, enabling industries to implement smart manufacturing, autonomous logistics, and enhanced supply chain management. Huawei’s robust R&D capabilities and strategic partnerships further bolster its ability to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions tailored to the unique needs of various industries.

The digital transformation market in China is also fueled by the burgeoning startup ecosystem and increasing venture capital investments. This dynamic environment fosters innovation and accelerates the development and deployment of new technologies. Startups specializing in AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity are contributing significantly to the digital landscape, offering specialized solutions that address specific business challenges.

Overall, China’s digital transformation market is poised for continued growth, driven by government support, technological innovation, and the proactive efforts of key companies like Alibaba and Huawei. As businesses increasingly adopt digital solutions, the market is expected to evolve, with emerging technologies and startups playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital transformation in China.

China Digital Transformation Market Trends
Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing Driving Market Growth

• Digital transformation in the country has greatly impacted the 3D printing industry. It has enabled the digitization of the design and manufacturing process, allowing faster and more efficient production. This has also made it easier to customize and personalize products and improve supply chain management. Additionally, the use of cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) has expanded the reach of 3D printing, making it more accessible to businesses and consumers. As a result, 3D printing has become a crucial tool for innovation in various industries, from healthcare to aerospace.
• 3D printing is now widely being used by various industries as part of their digital transformation journey, given its numerous applications, ranging from product design to prototyping. Advancements in software, hardware, and materials have made 3D printing more accessible and affordable.
• In April 2024, utilizing the Laser Powder Bed Fusion process, Rosswag Engineering can efficiently manufacture function-optimized and complex components. By merging the expertise of both companies in the areas of material development and additive manufacturing technology, new applications for this highly corrosion-resistant material have been identified. Rosswag Engineering sees benefits for metal-based 3D printing in this partnership as with the material VDM Powder 699 XA, they complement extensive material portfolio for industrial metal 3D printing.
• Meanwhile during the same month of April 2024, Materialise, a global provider in 3D printing software and services, and Renishaw, a global engineering technologies company, introduced collaboration to rise their efficiency and productivity for manufacturers using Renishaw’s additive manufacturing (AM) systems. Through the collaboration, Renishaw system users will take advantage from Materialise’s next-generation build processor software tailored to the RenAM 500 series of metal AM systems. This allowed users of Renishaw’s AM systems to build a seamless workflow from design to 3D-printed part, control and customize their 3D printing process, reduce production time, and increase the efficiency of their AM operations.
• In addition, the automobile industry has adopted 3D printing technology in recent years for various applications such as prototyping, tooling, and end-part production. With ongoing technological advancements leading players in the automotive industries are consistently working on integrating 3D printing into different aspects of their vehicle production process.

Telecom and IT Industry Driving Market Growth

• China’s telecom and IT industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by extensive digital transformation initiatives. The country’s digital economy has become a cornerstone of its economic strategy, with significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and innovation. The Chinese government implemented policies to accelerate digital transformation across various sectors, fostering an environment conducive to technological advancement. As a result, China has seen the proliferation of 5G networks, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Telecom companies like Huawei and ZTE are the key players of this transformation. Huawei, a global provider in telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics, has heavily invested in 5G technology, AI, and cloud services. The company’s commitment to innovation has enabled it to develop cutting-edge solutions that cater to the growing demand for high-speed connectivity and advanced digital services. Huawei’s 5G technology has not only revolutionized the telecom sector but also paved the way for smart cities, autonomous driving, and enhanced industrial automation.
• ZTE, another major player, has also significantly contributed to China’s digital transformation. Specializing in telecommunications and information technology, ZTE has developed comprehensive solutions encompassing 5G networks, cloud computing, and IoT. The company’s robust 5G infrastructure facilitated the deployment of smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, and smart healthcare solutions, driving efficiency and connectivity across various domains. ZTE’s innovations in AI and big data analytics have further empowered businesses to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and create new revenue streams.
• In addition to this, IT sector has seen remarkable growth, with companies like Alibaba and Tencent leading the charge. Alibaba, initially an e-commerce giant, has diversified into cloud computing, digital payments, and AI. Its cloud computing arm, Alibaba Cloud, is now a dominant player in the global market, offering scalable and secure cloud solutions that support the digital transformation of businesses worldwide. Alibaba’s AI technologies, integrated into its various platforms, have revolutionized sectors such as retail, finance, and logistics, providing businesses with intelligent tools to enhance efficiency and customer engagement.
• Overall, the growth of China’s telecom and IT industry is showing the country’s commitment to digital transformation. With substantial investments in infrastructure, research and development, and supportive policies, China is poised to lead the global digital economy. The efforts of companies like Huawei, ZTE, Alibaba, and Tencent illustrate the dynamic and transformative impact of digital technologies on businesses and society at large. As China continues to innovate and expand its digital capabilities, it sets a benchmark for other nations aiming to leverage technology for economic growth and societal advancement.

Research and Markets

Hackers have compromised several different companies’ Chrome browser extensions in a series of intrusions dating back to mid-December, according to one of the victims and experts who have examined the campaign.

Among the victims was the California-based Cyberhaven, a data protection company that confirmed the breach in a statement to Reuters on Friday.

“Cyberhaven can confirm that a malicious cyberattack occurred on Christmas Eve, affecting our Chrome extension,” the statement said. It cited public comments from cybersecurity experts. These comments, said Cyberhaven, suggested that the attack was “part of a wider campaign to target Chrome extension developers across a wide range of companies.”

Cyberhaven added: “We are actively cooperating with federal law enforcement.”

The geographical extent of the hacks was not immediately clear.

Browser extensions are typically used by internet users to customize their Web-browsing experiences, for example by automatically applying coupons to shopping websites. In Cyberhaven’s case, the Chrome extension was used to help the company monitor and secure client data flowing across Web-based applications.

Jaime Blasco, cofounder of Austin, Texas-based Nudge Security, said he had spotted several other Chrome extensions that had been subverted in the same way as Cyberhaven’s. At least one appeared to have been hit in mid-December.

Blasco said the other affected extensions included ones related to artificial intelligence and virtual private networks. He said that suggested an opportunistic effort to vacuum up sensitive data using as many compromised extensions as possible.

“I’m almost certain this is not targeted to Cyberhaven,” Blasco said. “If I had to guess, this was just random.”

The U.S. cyber watchdog CISA referred questions to the companies involved. A message seeking comment from Alphabet which makes the Chrome browser, was not immediately returned. Reuters

OpenAI on Friday outlined plans to revamp its structure, saying it would create a public benefit corporation to make it easier to “raise more capital than we’d imagined,” and remove the restrictions imposed on the startup by its current nonprofit parent.

The acknowledgement and detailed rationale behind its high-profile restructuring confirmed a Reuters report in September, which sparked debate among corporate watchdogs and tech moguls including Elon Musk. At issue were the implications such a move might have on whether OpenAI would allocate its assets to the nonprofit arm fairly, and how the company would strike a balance between making a profit and generating social and public good as it develops AI.

Under the proposed plan, the ChatGPT maker’s existing for-profit arm would become a Delaware-based public benefit corporation (PBC) – a structure designed to consider the interests of society in addition to shareholder value.

OpenAI has been looking to make changes to attract further investment, as the expensive pursuit of artificial general intelligence, or AI that surpasses human intelligence, heats up.

Its latest $6.6 billion funding round at a valuation of $157 billion was contingent on whether the ChatGPT-maker could upend its corporate structure and remove a profit cap for investors within two years, Reuters reported in October.

The nonprofit, meanwhile, will have a “significant interest” in the PBC in the form of shares as determined by independent financial advisers, OpenAI said in a blog post, adding that it would be one of the “best resourced nonprofits in history.”

OpenAI started in 2015 as a research-focused nonprofit but created a for-profit unit four years later to secure funding for the high costs of AI development. Its unusual structure gave control of the for-profit unit to the nonprofit and was in focus last year when Sam Altman was fired as CEO only to return days later after employees rebelled.

“We once again need to raise more capital than we’d imagined. Investors want to back us but, at this scale of capital, need conventional equity and less structural bespokeness.”.

“The hundreds of billions of dollars that major companies are now investing into AI development show what it will really take for OpenAI to continue pursuing the mission.”

Its plans to create a PBC would align the startup with rivals such as Anthropic and the Musk-owned xAI, which use a similar structure and recently raised billions in funding.

Anthropic garnered another $4 billion investment from existing investor Amazon.com last month, while xAI raised around $6 billion in equity financing earlier in December.

“The key to the announcement is that the for-profit side of OpenAI ‘will run and control OpenAI’s operations and business,’” DA Davidson & Co analyst Gil Luria said.

“This is the critical step the company needs to make in order to continue fund raising,” Luria said, although he added that the move did “not necessitate OpenAI going public.”

The startup could, however, face some hurdles in the plan.

Musk, an OpenAI co-founder who later left and is now one of the startup’s most vocal critics, is trying to stop the plan and in August sued OpenAI and Altman. Musk alleges that OpenAI violated contract provisions by putting profit ahead of the public good in the push to advance AI.

OpenAI earlier this month asked a federal judge to reject Musk’s request and published a trove of messages with Musk to argue that he initially backed for-profit status for OpenAI before walking away from the company after failing to gain a majority equity stake and full control.

Meta Platforms is also urging California’s attorney general to block OpenAI’s conversion to a for-profit company, according to a copy of a letter seen by Reuters.

Becoming a benefit corporation does not guarantee in and of itself that a company will put its stated mission above profit, as that status legally requires only that the company’s board “balance” its mission and profit-making concerns, said Ann Lipton, a corporate law professor at Tulane Law School.

“The only reason to choose benefit form over any other corporate form is the declaration to the public,” she said. “It doesn’t actually have any real enforcement power behind it,” she said.

In practice, it is the shareholders who own a controlling stake in the company who dictate how closely a public benefit company sticks to its mission, Lipton said. Reuters

Taiwan’s TSMC, the world’s largest foundry (semiconductor manufacturing), began mass production of semiconductors at its Kumamoto plant in Japan this month, as reported by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on the 27th.

The TSMC Kumamoto Phase 1 plant, which opened in February, has been conducting test productions until now.

TSMC noted, “The Phase 1 plant has completed all process certifications and commenced mass production as planned this month,” adding, “We aim to become a stable advanced semiconductor production base in Japan and contribute to the global semiconductor ecosystem system.”

Takashi Kimura, the governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, also said at a press conference that he received a report stating that the Phase 1 plant entered the mass production phase as scheduled this month.

The TSMC Kumamoto Phase 1 plant progressed rapidly through all processes in about three years, from the decision to build the factory in the fall of 2021 to mass production this month. Construction of the factory began in April 2022, and the opening ceremony was held in February this year.

At this plant, it can produce 55,000 wafers per month, based on 300 mm silicon wafers, for semiconductors with 12 to 16 nanometers (nm) and 22 to 28 nanometers, which are used in various products such as smartphones, automobiles, and industrial equipment. Chosun Biz

The government is poised to amend the Income Tax Act in Budget 2025, introducing a presumptive taxation scheme under Section 44 for foreign semiconductor firms.

The move aims to simplify compliance, attract global companies, and bolster India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, a senior official revealed.

The proposed scheme will allow foreign semiconductor companies to compute taxable income as a fixed percentage of turnover, bypassing detailed accounting.

The corporate income tax rate of 35 percent will then be applied to this calculated income, making tax assessments straightforward and predictable.

“This is a simplified taxation system. Once implemented, their expenditure becomes immaterial—they pay tax on turnover without the need for extensive assessments,” the official told Moneycontrol on condition of anonymity.

The initiative, aligned with the government’s vision of making India a global semiconductor hub, follows similar presumptive tax schemes adopted for sectors like oil and shipping.

For example, the July 2024 Budget extended such measures to cruise ships, which could calculate income as 20 percent of passenger revenue.

The exact turnover percentage for semiconductors will be decided after consultations with industry stakeholders.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) played a key role in proposing the amendment, aiming to facilitate foreign firms in establishing labs and manufacturing units in India.

The new regime is expected to attract international players, drive domestic manufacturing, and foster the transfer of global best practices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of domestic semiconductor production, stating in September, “India’s semiconductor ecosystem is a solution not just for India’s challenges but also for global challenges.”

This amendment is part of a broader push to reduce India’s reliance on imports and address surging demand for semiconductors driven by sectors like consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and telecommunications.

By simplifying taxation and offering financial incentives, the government seeks to secure India’s place in the global semiconductor value chain while meeting domestic needs. KNN