Amid uncertainties posed by major powers such as the US and China, Japan and Europe are strengthening their ties. The scope of Japan-EU cooperation could potentially expand to include the development of rare earth resources in Greenland.

Tencent Holdings has unveiled its most comprehensive AI and cloud strategy to date, opening its artificial intelligence capabilities and confirming full compatibility with China's mainstream domestic processors. The company framed AI as a core driver of industrial efficiency and global expansion, aligning with Beijing's tech self-sufficiency agenda amid tightening US export restrictions.

Apple's US$3,499 Vision Pro mixed-reality (MR) headset has struggled to find a foothold with consumers. Its hefty price tag, bulky design, and a limited number of applications have all been obstacles since its launch. But while it may not be a hit with the average user, the device is quietly finding its niche in the business world, emerging as a new tool for training, design, and retail.

On September 17, Meta Platforms unveiled its first consumer-ready smart glasses with a built-in display, marking a significant push into AI-integrated wearables.

Apple is moving closer to entering the foldable smartphone market, with early development of a foldable iPhone already underway, industry sources told Nikkei Asia. The company has discussed plans with suppliers to establish a test production line in Taiwan, while mass production is expected to take place in India ahead of a possible 2026 launch.

Cyient Semiconductors has entered a strategic partnership with US-based Anora, headquartered in Texas, to provide end-to-end semiconductor development solutions, from design to production testing. The collaboration combines Cyient's expertise in custom ASIC/ASSP design and intelligent power platforms with Anora's specialization in semiconductor test, validation, and production.

The AI rivalry between Google and OpenAI has reached a new phase as Google's Gemini app recently overtook OpenAI's ChatGPT to claim the top spot on the US App Store's free app chart. This milestone comes after years of Google striving to match OpenAI's breakthroughs, signaling a possible shift in industry momentum. At the same time, Google's growing AI stature has coincided with easing pressures from ongoing antitrust investigations in the US.

With increasing demand in artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and new energy sectors, relay manufacturer Song Chuan is transforming its business model to capitalize on these emerging markets. The company reported a significant revenue surge in its new energy products, highlighting a strategic pivot from traditional relay manufacturing toward becoming a comprehensive new energy solutions provider.

A recent report on OpenAI's ChatGPT usage reveals that more than 70% of conversations are unrelated to work, with about 40% of work-related dialogues focusing on writing assistance. The report also highlights a user trend toward employing different AI platforms depending on their needs, as competition intensifies among OpenAI, Alphabet Inc., and Anthropic.

Electromechanical controller manufacturer Syntec Technology officially debuted on the stock market on September 17, marking a new chapter for the Taiwan-based company in the robotics industry. Chairman Peter Tsai expressed confidence in the firm's post-IPO prospects, highlighting the substantial development potential in smart robotics over the coming 10 to 20 years. While acknowledging that the technology may not always be at the forefront of innovation, Tsai emphasized that this represents a fundamentally new application field.