Apple Inc., aiming to catch up with rivals in the smart home market, is nearing the launch of a new product category: a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing, and use AI to navigate apps.

On November 12, Compal released its third-quarter financial report, showing revenue growth in PCs, wearables, and automotive electronics from the prior quarter, with other product lines remaining stable. The company's gross profit margin rose to 5.01%, reaching the 5% threshold for the first time in 13 years and increasing by 0.6 pp year over year, driven by an optimized product mix and a larger share of high-margin products.

Taiwanese hinge and precision components provider Jarllytech reported that its revenue performance in October remained flat, with a slight month-over-month decline primarily due to the postponement of mass production for new foldable devices from Chinese clients until late October, which resulted in lower-than-expected shipments for the company's mobile product line this month.

On November 8, 2024, Asus held its financial briefing for the third quarter, reporting a significant boost in gaming notebook sales in the Chinese market, driven by the popularity of Black Myth: Wukong.

Recently reports have emerged that the Biden administration has proposed a controversial plan to bolster Intel by merging its chip design division with AMD's corresponding departments. While both companies have established collaborative foundations, this speculation appears worrisome from both the market and technical perspectives.

According to sources at IC design houses, China's subsidies aimed at boosting replacement demand have managed to generate short lead-time orders for household appliance applications.

Global supply chains are transforming from lengthy, interconnected networks to shorter, regionalized structures, driven by the prolonged US-China trade and tech conflicts and pandemic disruptions. While this transition has placed substantial pressure on small and medium-sized suppliers, they are finding ways to adapt.

The Snapdragon Summit 2024, held October 21-23, placed Qualcomm's Oryon CPU and AI advancements at the center of its product showcase. Amid mixed reactions to Qualcomm's chip announcements, "Oryon CPU development" and "AI capabilities" have emerged as the foundation of the company's 2024 product portfolio, reflecting Qualcomm's strategic shift. In this article, DIGITIMES examines Qualcomm's recent advancements and strategies across semiconductors, AI, smartphones, PCs, and automotive platforms amid a flurry of market rumors.

Apple has unveiled the new MacBook Pro featuring the M4 processor. While the MacBook Air did not receive a processor upgrade, it now comes with 16GB of memory. This update brings Apple in line with non-Apple brands that have already introduced AI PCs equipped with 45 TOPS of NPU and 16GB of memory, establishing a unified specification standard across the AI PC market for 2024.

According to Bloomberg, the Times of India, and Hindu BusinessLine, Muralikrishnan B, president of Xiaomi's Indian operations, announced he will resign at the end of 2024 after six years with the company. He will continue with Xiaomi as an independent strategic adviser.

Despite numerous rumors and stories circulating that Apple is developing an affordable mixed reality (MR) device priced around US$2,000, with a potential release as early as 2026, recent news suggests that this affordable MR device may be launched later than expected. In contrast, the high-end second-generation Vision Pro 2 could debut ahead of schedule in 2025.

Seasonality is anticipated to impact PC sales in the first half of 2025, with the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election expected to send ripples into the industry, according to industry sources.

As AUO (AU Optronics) undergoes a strategic transformation, the company maintains a cautious stance on fan-out panel level packaging (FOPLP) but shows increased optimism about silicon photonics' future. Leveraging its optoelectronic expertise and Micro LED technology, AUO aims to enter the emerging silicon photonics field.

LG Electronics is following Samsung's lead in pursuing the lucrative medical technology field as a key future revenue source. The company plans to develop its medical technology business, particularly through medical monitors, through substantial investments and a distinct, high-quality product approach.

During Apple's earnings call on October 31, senior executives emphasized the company's commitment to quality, which has influenced the pace of the Apple Intelligence launch across regions. Additionally, favorable foreign exchange developments benefited Apple, helping the company maintain stable performance in China.

Apple's recent quarterly results met market expectations, though challenges in its China business and a significant profit decline signal potential headwinds ahead.

Huawei's third-quarter 2024 report reveals strong revenue growth from January to September, driven by consumer electronics, smartphones, and ICT. Despite this, net profit declined due to global competition and US sanctions. Huawei is boosting R&D in high-end 5G and AI, reaffirming its dedication to innovation and a diversified approach to competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

The surge in generative AI applications is fueling fresh demand for AI servers, while simultaneously revitalizing end-user devices like PCs and smartphones. More than a year ago, the supply chain signaled that Nvidia, riding high, was poised to challenge x86 giants Intel and AMD by partnering with MediaTek on an AI PC platform set for 2025.

As AI PCs shape the future of the computer industry, companies are increasingly focusing on sustainable design to align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. Major tech brands like Acer and Lenovo are leading the way with eco-friendly laptops, and rugged computer specialist Getac is also introducing recyclable materials into its products.

Xiaomi, entering its fifth year in the high-end smartphone market, has once again rolled out its annual flagship phone, the Xiaomi 15, setting itself as a contender against Apple. Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi Group, aiming to deepen its focus on its foundational technologies with the slogan "AI x OS x Chips", announced the company plans to up its R&D spending from RMB 24 billion (approx. US$5.34 billion) in 2024 to RMB 30 billion in 2025.

Infineon Technologies has disclosed its latest milestone in semiconductor manufacturing technology, following the announcement of the world's first 300-millimeter GaN power wafer and the inauguration of the largest 200-millimeter SiC power fab in Kulim, Malaysia. At a high-scale semiconductor fab, Infineon achieved a breakthrough in handling and processing the thinnest silicon power wafers ever made, measuring only 20 micrometers thick and 300 millimeters in diameter.

Apple Inc., heralding a "new era" for its devices, started rolling out its first set of Apple Intelligence features and introduced a new 24-inch iMac desktop with an AI-focused M4 processor.

Taiwan stands at a pivotal moment in the AI revolution. Having established itself as a leader in AI hardware manufacturing, Taiwan will also have a chance to lead in the next wave of AI applications across diverse industries, according to Matthew Miau, chairman of MiTAC-Synnex Group.

Garmin aims for double-digit growth in India, where rising health consciousness presents new opportunities despite fierce competition from local brands and Chinese smartphone makers.

Apple is scaling back production of its Vision Pro mixed reality (MR) headset, with production potentially halting by the end of 2024. The Information reports, citing multiple sources directly involved in the supply chain, that the production cutbacks began in early summer 2024 as Apple pivoted toward developing a more affordable version of the device, expected to launch in 2025.