06-20: Google has unveiled a new AI which it believes can predict if and when a patient is going to die more reliably than doctors; Google will invest USD550M in cash in JD.com; etc.

Chipset

Samsung reportedly aims to build flagship GPUs but will start from the more affordable segment so that it can gain experience. The 2nd-gen GPUs should go into high-end phones along with other applications – self-driving cars and machine learning. (GSM Arena, Winfuture, GizChina)

Cambricon has announced completion of hundreds of millions of dollars in Series B funding. After the series funding, the market value of Cambricon is estimated at USD2.5B. (Laoyaoba, Sohu, iFeng)

MediaTek plans to pour in additional investments to its advanced technology R&D as the company expects to speed up deployments in emerging sectors such as 5G and AI, according to company chairman MK Tsai. 2 years ago, MediaTek disclosed plans to invest a total of NTD200B (USD6.64B) in the R&D of chip technology for 5G, AI and other emerging applications in the next 5 years. (Digitimes, press, China Times, UDN)

Touch Display

According to Display Supply Chain Consultants (DSCC), after a record 4Q17, OLED revenues fell 33% QoQ in 1Q18 but grew 39% YoY to USD5.9B, and after declining further in 2Q18 on seasonal slowness, are expected to recover in the 2H18, with full year revenues reaching USD26.95B. (DSCC, press, Laoyaoba)

According to TrendForce’s LEDInside, the Micro LED market value in 2025 is expected to reach USD2.891B. The Micro LED market value in large-size display in 2025 is expected to reach USD1.98B, which takes up 68% of the entire application. (TechNews, LEDInside, press)

Apple has reportedly ordered 45M panels for the Plus model, 25M for the 5.8” model that will replace the iPhone X, and 30M for the supposedly cheaper 6.1” LCD model. (The Bell, Telefoon Abonnement, Mashable, WCCFTech, BGR, JRJ, Tencent)

Huawei’s patent describes a semi-modular design that allows for even thinner bezels while still maintaining essential features like water and dust resistance and anti-static properties. (Phone Arena, GSM Arena, Lets Go Digital, Sohu)

AU Optronics (AUO) has begun delivering samples of its mini LED-backlit LCD panels for gaming monitors to clients for verification, with commercial shipments of such panels likely to start in 4Q18, according to company president Michael Tsai. Certain types of TV panels are likely to balance out eventually in the second half of the year as it is unlikely for panel prices to hover below cost levels for a long period, Peng said.  (Digitimes, press, UDN)

Camera

Digital camera ODM and imaging solution developer Altek is transforming business operation to become a provider of smart vision solutions, which focus on 3D depth-sensing chips, dual-lens CCMs (compact camera modules) and imaging processing technologies for licensed use, according to company chairman Alex Hsia. (Digitimes, press, Money DJ, UDN)

Storage

Fujitsu has announced that it has developed the MB85RS64TU, a 64-Kbit FRAM. This memory is capable of operating at temperatures as low as -55°C, a first for the Fujitsu’s family of FRAM non-volatile memories. Mass-produced products are currently available. (TechNews, Electronics Maker)

Samsung Electronics has allegedly started using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography to develop 1ynm DRAM memory. Samsung is expected to enter production of DRAM chips built using its EUV 1ynm process technology by 2020. (Digitimes, press, My Drivers)

Phone

OPPO officially enters Europe as it hits 200M users. There are currently over 90M OPPO phones out there with VOOC fast charging support. (GSM Arena, Sohu)

LG X5 (2018) is announced – 5.5” HD, MediaTek MT6750, rear 13MP + front 5MP, 2GB+32GB, Android 8.0, 4500mAh, KRW363,000 (USD330). (Android Authority, Android Headlines, GSM Arena, LG)

OPPO Find X is launched in Europe with 3D facial recognition dubbed “O-Face” and “slider” camera – 6.42” 2340×1080 FHD+ AMOLED, Qualcomm Snapdragon 845,  rear dual 16MP – 20MP + front 25MP, 8GB+128/256GB, Android 8.1, VOOC Flash Charge (5V/4.5A), 3730mAh, from EUR999. (Android Central, Android Authority, CN Beta, CNET)

Wearables

Garmin Fenix 5 Plus rugged smartwatch is announced, range in size 42mm-51mm, equipped with a wrist-based Pulse Oximeter useful for higher altitudes activities. It is priced from USD700~USD1150. (Phone Arena, Garmin, iFeng, China.com)

Augmented / Virtual Reality

Google launches VR180 creator for streamlined VR video editing. Google has released a tool for macOS and Linux (Windows will surely come soon) that allows users to plug their VR180 raw content in, then convert it for use in Adobe’s Premiere Pro, or Apple’s Final Cut Pro.  (CN Beta, Engadget, Google, Hot Hardware)

Internet of Things

According to IC Insights, the total IoT system sales in 2018 is projected to be USD93.9B, but dollar volumes in end-use categories were adjusted due to slight changes in expected growth rates and also because USD2.5B in revenues were reclassified and moved from the large connected cities segment to the broad-ranging Industrial Internet group, which covers most commercial applications, including medical.  (IC Insights, press, Laoyaoba)

Artificial Intelligence

Google has unveiled a new AI which it believes can predict if and when a patient is going to die more reliably than doctors. The algorithm can quickly access a patient’s medical records for important data which could indicate the likelihood of their survival. (Android Headlines, My Drivers, Independent, Digital Trends, The Sun, AI News)

E-Commerce

JD.com and Google have announced that Google will invest USD550M in cash in JD.com as part of a strategic partnership. Google and JD.com plan to collaborate on a range of strategic initiatives, including joint development of retail solutions in a range of regions around the world, including Southeast Asia, the U.S. and Europe.  (TechCrunch, Globe Newswire, Reuters CN, Wall Street CN)

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