Although demand for 5G smartphones is expected to pick up dramatically in 2020, prices of related SoC are expected to stay unfriendly for the first half of 2020 and are unlikely to begin to drop until the second half. Meanwhile, Quanta's plant in Thailand for making Google's smart speakers will start trial production earlier than expected. HDI PCBs are seeing strong demand from many different applications and their quotes are also expected to pick up and benefit the related makers' profitability, while Tyntek has begun trial production at its 6-inch epitaxial wafer factory for sensors and LED chips.
Prices of 5G SoC may drop in 2H20: Unit prices for 5G mobile SoCs may begin to ease off in the second half of 2020, according to industry sources.
Quanta new Thailand plant ready for Google Home trial production: Taiwan-based ODM Quanta Computer reportedly will begin trial production of Google Home smart speakers at its new plant in Thailand later in December well ahead of schedule, according to industry sources.
HDI PCB makers striving to improve product mix for higher profits: Taiwan-based HDI PCB manufacturers have put increased focus on non-handset applications to improve product portfolios, which is expected to drive up their quotes and profitability in 2020 amid the increasingly tight supply, according to industry sources.
Tyntek starts trail run at 6-inch epitaxial wafer factory: LED chip and Si-based sensor maker Tyntek has begun trial operation of its 6-inch epitaxial wafer factory, focusing on production of customized Si-based sensors for use in automotive sensing, medical care, industrial automation and monitoring, according to the company at a December 16 investor conference.
