Lextar Electronics has disclosed its collaboration with European automotive brands to develop smart vehicle miniLED displays, with mass production expected to begin in the next two to three years.
CES, one of the world's most influential technology events, once again showcased groundbreaking innovations. Although electronic paper wasn't the main highlight of this year's event, companies like PocketBook and Continental AG introduced fresh, eye-catching applications, all powered by E Ink's technology.
Oversized televisions took center stage at CES 2025, with both Micro LED and Mini LED backlit TVs making a significant impact at the annual technology showcase.
Paul S.L. Peng's resignation from Qisda's board has reignited speculation about the shifting dynamics between Qisda and AUO. Earlier in 2024, AUO reduced its stake in Qisda, fueling rumors of a growing divergence in its transformation strategies. Despite this, both companies have reiterated that AUO retains a board seat, underscoring their ongoing partnership.
AUO Corporation reported December 2024 consolidated revenue of NT$24.59 billion (US$7.43 billion), representing a 5.7% increase month over month and an 11.8% rise year over year.
BOE Technology Group, a global leader in display innovation, has unveiled its subsidiary BOE Varitronix Limited at CES 2025, marking the international debut of its "HERO" initiative, a cutting-edge smart automotive application platform.
The HDMI Forum introduced the HDMI 2.2 specification at CES 2025, a major upgrade designed to expand the capabilities of the HDMI ecosystem. This new standard provides content creators in television, film, and gaming with enhanced production quality while supporting compatibility across multiple transmission platforms.
2024 marked the year of color E-books and a year of prosperity for Netronix, as the company achieved record-breaking annual revenue. Looking ahead to 2025, Netronix predicts a 20% year-over-year revenue growth, even though the first quarter remains a traditional off-season. The company plans to begin shipping its color electronic panels for advertising banners as early as the second quarter, with gross margins expected to surge past 25% in the latter half of the year.
As the new year unfolds, the global economy and trade dynamics remain highly complex and unpredictable. Among these developments, significant policy changes in both China and the US are heavily impacting the television market.
The global display panel industry is currently experiencing a significant turning point as production lines transition into a phase of replacement and adjustment. Has the closure of outdated factories become a "necessary pain" for the display industry to transition toward transformation and upgrading?
In 2024, the optoelectronics industry faced challenging market conditions. Despite this, OLED panels are expanding from smartphones into tablets, PCs, and other IT products, driving investments from major players. Microdisplays, automotive panels, and glass substrates are also gaining traction, with competition expected to intensify post-2025.
South Korean TV giants face mounting pressure as Chinese manufacturers gain ground in the premium TV segment. Samsung Electronics' global premium TV market share dropped to 30% in the third quarter of 2024, down from 43% a year earlier, while LG Electronics saw its share decline from 20% to 16% during the same period.
LG Display (LGD) has implemented a self-developed artificial intelligence (AI) system into its OLED manufacturing process. The AI system collects and analyzes OLED process data in real-time to identify optimal solutions, expected to save over KRW200 billion (approx. US$139 million) in operational costs annually.
AmTRAN's operational performance showed marked improvement throughout 2024, with the company announcing plans to expand into AI-enabled display products. While maintaining its core partnerships with US-based manufacturers for display solutions, the company is developing new AI-integrated products slated for launch in 2025. Simultaneously, AmTRAN is streamlining its product portfolio by phasing out underperforming lines to enhance profitability and gross margins.
Google has newly unveiled Android XR, a spatial computing operating system (OS) designed for extended reality (XR) devices, poised to compete with Meta Platforms and Apple. The OS supports XR headsets, smart glasses, existing Android apps, and immersive VR content.
AmTRAN Technology, Taiwan's leading TV and monitor maker, has experienced a surge in orders from US and South Korean customers, fueled by major sporting events and early operations at its Vietnam factory. Over the first 11 months of 2024, the company shipped approximately 4.3 million TVs and gaming monitors, along with 36 million computer peripherals such as mice and webcams, surpassing its total shipment volumes for the entirety of 2023.
The fierce competition in the display industry has prompted companies like AU Optronics (AUO), Innolux, and Qisda to diversify into the healthcare sector. These industry leaders will showcase their latest medical innovations at the Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo, running December 5-8 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, as they seek to establish footholds in the expanding medical market.
Powertip Technology's transformation from a basic display manufacturer to a comprehensive solution provider marks a significant shift in its business model. The company has evolved its product mix, with TFT displays now comprising nearly 70% of its portfolio, up from 50%, while black-and-white displays have decreased from 45% to approximately 30%.
Samsung Electronics maintained its leadership in the global premium TV market during the third quarter of 2024, despite a notable decline from the same period in 2023. Conversely, Chinese brands Hisense and TCL achieved remarkable growth, with their shipment volumes more than doubling year-over-year, underscoring their expanding influence.
Data Image Corporation, a Qisda subsidiary, expects revenue to bottom out in the fourth quarter of 2024 due to delayed shipments from key clients. A significant rebound is anticipated starting in the first quarter of 2025, with annual revenue expected to surpass the numbers in 2024. Notably, with US President Donald Trump poised to assume office, Data Image's Vietnam facility is set for further expansion in 2025.
China's government has initiated a new wave of subsidies under the "Trade-In for New" policy for televisions and consumer electronics, effectively boosting TV demand. However, compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Holiday, the sales volume in the latest Single's Day shopping festival was lower than expected. Still, the surge in high-end TVs such as ultra-large screens and Mini LED backlight models significantly lifted overall sales revenue.
Winstar Display, an innovative display solutions provider, has extended its order visibility to the second quarter of 2025. The company has secured significant replenishment orders from existing clients and integrated into key domestic and international supply chains. These efforts are driving a pipeline of large-scale projects anticipated to contribute to revenue growth by 2025.
The newest round of subsidies for trade-in programs made by China's government targeting TVs and consumer electronics has effectively boosted LCD TV demand in the fourth quarter, stabilizing panel prices. The most notable growth was observed in the ultra-large TV segment, but concerns about the potential overdrawing of future demand remain.
Taiwan-based display driver IC (DDI) manufacturer Fitipower Integrated Technology reported that its revenue for the third quarter reached nearly a nine-quarter high. The growth of mobile device DDIs has been a significant driving force; however, an increase in the shipment proportion of mobile device chips during the third quarter negatively impacted the overall product mix, leading to declines in gross margin and profitability.
Donald Trump's potential return as the US President has captured global attention. Peter Chen, chairperson of Qisda, notes that from an economic and industrial perspective, Trump's anticipated presidency is expected to boost the US stock market through his proposed quantitative-erasing policies. Lower interest rates and the resulting capital influx could positively impact the economy.