In a recent interview, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman unveiled plans to develop a generative AI-powered device aimed at replacing smartphones. Through this ChatGPT-optimized device, OpenAI seeks to establish dominance in both AI software and hardware markets.
In 2024, India experienced slight growth in smartphone shipments but saw a significant increase in revenue driven by premiumization. MediaTek maintained its lead in the smartphone SoC market, while the iPhone captured over 10% market share for the first time in India.
Before the Lunar New Year, HTC disclosed that a portion of its extended reality (XR) research and development team would be incorporated into Google during the first quarter of 2025. Furthermore, Google will acquire non-exclusive licensing rights to HTC's XR intellectual property for a sum of US$250 million.
Samsung unveiled its latest trio of flagship smartphones this week, with promotional campaigns set to roll out across major global markets in the coming weeks. However, persistent concerns about its chip strategy have placed Samsung in a challenging "triple dilemma" that remains unresolved.
Huawei has recaptured the leading position in China's smartphone market for the first time since facing US sanctions, marking a significant shift in market dynamics. According to the latest report from Counterpoint Research, Huawei secured an 18.1% market share in the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily propelled by strong sales of its Nova 13 series and high-end Mate 70 series, achieving a 15.5% increase compared to the same period last year.
Google invested US$ 250 million in the acquisition of HTC Vive's R&D team, highlighting its ambitions in the headsets and smart glasses sectors. Regarding this acquisition, Google Taiwan has reportedly begun a small-scale organizational restructuring, reallocating personnel from its smartphone and tablet divisions to support new product development.
India is trying to pry open the doors of the world's biggest app stores, setting up a likely clash with Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc. over social services, safety standards, and access to the country's smartphones.
Glass technology leader Corning and Samsung Electronics have announced a collaboration to introduce Gorilla Armor 2 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This innovation marks the industry's first scratch-resistant, anti-glare ceramic glass material designed for mobile devices.
According to a DIGITIMES survey, the global EMS/ODM industry is becoming increasingly important due to the relocation of global supply chains. However, their 2024 revenues diverged due to differing trends in the AI and smartphone markets.
Samsung's fourth-quarter 2024 financial performance missed market expectations. The company aims to regain momentum in 2025 by focusing on AI, robotics, and subscription services. According to Digital Today, Samsung's revival strategy revolves around three key areas: robotics, AI, and smart home solutions.
Tech giant Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy S25 series, marking a shift from hardware upgrades to the seamless integration of generative AI (GenAI). By enhancing AI control and user experience, Samsung aims to simplify daily tasks across work, entertainment, and social interactions.
Samsung Electronics has officially unveiled its flagship smartphone lineup—the Galaxy S25 series. This latest collection boasts three distinct models: the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. While Samsung has placed a strong focus on cutting-edge hardware advancements, it has equally prioritized the evolution of its software, particularly with the integration of advanced generative AI (GenAI) technologies. Among the standout innovations are its Human-like AI Agents, a unified AI platform, and a suite of personalized AI features.
HTC and Google have struck a major deal in the XR field, with Google agreeing to pay HTC US$250 million. Under the agreement, a portion of HTC's XR R&D team will join Google, and HTC has granted Google a non-exclusive license for its XR-related intellectual property while retaining the right to continue developing and using these technologies.
On January 17, it was officially announced that George Zhao would step down as CEO of Honor. Reportedly, the newly appointed CEO Jian Li is a veteran of Huawei, known for his deep research background, extensive overseas market experience, and ability to tackle tough challenges.
Nintendo's recent official announcement of the Switch 2 console launch in the first half of 2025 has generated significant excitement among gamers. Consumer feedback indicates strong pent-up demand for the new device, suggesting a potentially substantial upgrade cycle.
Apple's US$95 million settlement over Siri privacy violations has brought AI governance and accountability into sharp focus. The case highlights the growing challenges of balancing AI innovation with privacy protection, as different regions adopt varying regulatory approaches. While the European Union implements strict controls, Taiwan works to establish a balanced framework that could shape the future of AI governance.
Over the past four years, the Biden administration has worked to reduce reliance on China's supply chain through initiatives such as the Quad, which has benefitted countries like India. However, US President Donald Trump's focus on addressing the US trade deficit could impact India's fast-growing electronics supply chain, particularly in the smartphone and solar energy sectors.
The optics industry saw robust growth in general in 2024, with leading players Largan Precision, Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO), and Asia Optical all posting strong results for the year. Moreover, the field of robotics has emerged as a new battleground for the industry.
India-based EMS supplier Dixon Technologies reported significant increases in sales and profit over the past quarter, driven by a doubling in mobile phone manufacturing sales following acquisitions, such as Ismartu's Indian assets. Additionally, the company, having established a display assembly factory with China's HKC, plans to capitalize on the India Semiconductor Mission 2 to build a display fab.
With just two days remaining before the Legislative Yuan's 11th session adjourns on January 21, 2025, tensions are mounting over the central government's budget vote showdown. The Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) majority presents a significant challenge to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as opposition parties push for budget cuts and freezes. Premier Cho Jung-tai has urged legislators to approach the situation rationally and reconsider their positions.
The sudden resignation of Honor CEO George Zhao has raised some eyebrows, as the Chinese smartphone brand's market share continues to decline. Analysts believe that Honor's major shareholders are dissatisfied with Honor's weak sales performance ahead of its IPO.
The mobile phone ODM industry continues to grapple with significant challenges, including pressure from both suppliers and customers, while being characterized by labor-intensive processes and low profit margins. In response to persistent losses, leading companies like Huaqin and Wingtech have begun pursuing new growth opportunities.
Chinese smartphone brand Honor announced on January 17 that CEO George Zhao has resigned. Jian Li, a former Huawei executive, is set to take over the role. According to the company's statement, Zhao stepped down from both his director and CEO positions for personal reasons. Honor praised his significant contributions to the company's growth and development. Zhao also shared his decision on social media, describing it as "an extremely difficult decision."
China's trade-in program officially begins on January 20, 2025, introducing subsidies for purchasing smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and fitness bands. In response, Apple has adjusted its pricing strategy in China, reducing the cost of several iPhone models to align with the subsidy threshold of CNY6,000 (US$820.17) per unit.
