We are seeing the most standardized specifications of AI hardware with the launch of AI PCs, and the operating system and the apps will be key to defining the "AI" on the PCs as a genie or a white elephant, said DIGITIMES Research analyst Joyce Chen, who just recently released a report regarding AI PC.
Based on DIGITIMES Research's statistics, first-quarter 2024 global server shipments are expected to climb 1.7% sequentially and resume year-on-year growth. Leading US-based cloud service providers were keen on AI server purchases in the second half of 2023, which squeezed their budget for general-purpose servers. Going into the first quarter of 2024, they are set to start a new round of purchases for general-purpose servers, giving rise to brisk server sales despite the traditional slow season, according to DIGITIMES Research's latest server report.
Global notebook shipments, not including detachable models, went down 5.8% sequentially in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to brand vendors' promotions on older-generation notebooks to clear inventory almost at the end; CPU players' new platforms not yet ready, and weak end demand pulling back brand vendors from placing keen orders for the quarter despite being the traditional strong season, according to the latest figures from DIGITIMES Research's fourth-quarter 2023 notebook report.
According to the survey and analysis by DIGITIMES Research, the shipment volume of Chinese smartphone AP in the fourth quarter of 2023 saw a quarter-on-quarter decrease of nearly 20% due to seasonal factors. The shipment volume in the first quarter of 2024 is expected to remain the same as the previous quarter. However, the low base caused by the inventory adjustment phase in 2023 meant that both quarters are expected to see double-digit percentage year-on-year growth. At the same time, market leader MediaTek is expected to see its market share continue to increase.
International carmakers have been exploring ways to secure their market share in China, where EVs see robust growth. Jessie Lin, senior analyst with DIGITIMES Research, said the strategic partnership Stellantis built with Leapmotor last year was comprehensive. If the model works, it may enable more collaboration between traditional foreign automakers and emerging Chinese car companies.
CES 2024 took place from January 9 through January 12 in Las Vegas. DIGITIMES Research visited the Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility Pavilion for a first-hand look at automakers' and automotive high-tech companies' showcases featuring AI-enabled services, cockpit experiences, and autonomous driving.
Considering the development plans of individual companies in China, Japan, and Korea, solid-state batteries are expected to enter mass production in 2025 and be available commercially in 2028. However, the critical factor lies in whether Toyota can successfully start mass production of vehicles with solid-state batteries by 2027, as its success could reshape the landscape of the automotive battery market, according to DIGITIMES Research's latest report on solid-state battery development.
Themed "All ON," CES 2024 hosted more than 4,000 exhibitors, featuring 1,200 startups, among them a significant representation from Taiwan. In a groundbreaking move, the event's primary visuals were a product of generative AI, highlighting the technology's pivotal role in the showcase.
DIGITIMES Research's findings show that compared with the recovery of the global automobile market in 2023, global electric vehicle (EV) sales grew more significantly last year, with an annual rise of 39% to reach 14.22 million units, according to the latest report covering the global EV market.
According to Canalys' latest research, worldwide smartphone shipments grew 8% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2023, reaching 320 million units. This ended seven consecutive quarters of decline. Apple led the market in the fourth quarter with a 24% share of shipments, thanks to new iPhone launches.
Smart wearable devices have been a rapidly growing product over the past several years. With the generative AI boom in 2023, more smart wearable products are also looking to integrate AI applications. According to DIGITIMES Research, AI will help wearable devices continue to trend upward in the foreseeable future. However, they still need to address several challenges, including pricing and input limitations, to be more widely accepted by consumers.