These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories during the week of February 5 - February 14.
Nintendo Switch ditches OLED, favors LCD
Nintendo's new generation of the Switch gaming console will be equipped with LCD panels. The company's pick of LCD is a surprise to some in South Korea's display industry, which expected the new Switch to be equipped with OLED. Nintend's choice could affect the OLED business plans of Samsung Display (SDC). Omdia researcher Hiroshi Hayase pointed out that Nintendo will launch a new Switch product equipped with an 8-inch LCD panel in 2024.
SMIC reportedly building 5nm capacities in Shanghai to produce Huawei's smartphone and AI chips
SMIC is said to have set up a new semiconductor production line in Shanghai and hopes to utilize its existing US and Dutch manufacturing facilities to mass-produce Huawei HiSilicon's new-generation high-end mobile processors using 5nm process technology within 2024. If this chip manufacturing effort is successful, then HiSilicon's most powerful AI processor, i.e. Ascend 920, may also be produced by the SMIC 5nm process in the future.
TSMC discloses plan for 2nd fab in Japan
TSMC has announced plans for a second wafer fab through Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), a joint venture between the Taiwan-based pure-play foundry and its Japanese partners, which now include Toyota Motor. According to a joint statement, TSMC, Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS), and Denso have made additional investments in JASM to build a second fab, which is slated to commence operations by the end of 2027.
Eeny meeny miny SMIC: US removes China's SMIC HK from military companies list
SMIC Hong Kong International Company Limited (SMIC HK) has been removed from the US Department of Defense (DOD) 1260H list of Chinese military companies. A US DoD press release announced on January 31 that it had updated the list of Chinese military companies operating directly or indirectly in the US In a surprising development. SMIC and its subsidiaries remain on the 1260H list, and the press release indicated that SMIC Hong Kong Limited (0981.HK) has been removed.
TSMC in no rush to embrace ASML's High-NA EUV technology
In December 2023, a report from research institution SemiAnalysis created a significant buzz by revealing Intel's adoption of High-Numerical Aperture (High-NA) Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUV) equipment from ASML, a Dutch supplier known for simplifying High-NA EUV exposure processes. However, TSMC has still taken a cautious, wait-and-see approach toward incorporating the latest cutting-edge lithography technology into its advanced chip manufacturing, attracting significant attention from external observers.
With new iPads around the corner, how will Apple adjust its tablet strategy?
As rumors pick up of Apple holding a product launch as early as March to unveil its latest iPad Pro, speculation has reached beyond the usual display and processor upgrades and how increased specs will drive sales. Market observers are also watching how Apple will adjust its iPad line, which currently spans multiple generations and spec variations: in particular, if Apple chooses to discontinue its 10.2-inch 9th generation iPad, it will leave a void in the US$300 price range.
Foxconn announced plan to build manufacturing facilities in India
Amid production expansion in India, Foxconn announced a new investment plan. Whether the latest announcement is for mobile phones, EVs, or electronic component manufacturing remains to be seen. According to a corporate filing to the Taiwan Stock Exchange, Foxconn said its Indian subsidiary, Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development Private Limited, would invest INR12 billion (US$144.46 million) to build manufacturing facilities using its land, and the investment is for operational needs.
