Your Tech Story

tech news

Bosch

Bosch opens chip test center in Malaysia

The German electronics maker Robert Bosch said on Tuesday that it has launched its latest testing facility for semiconductors plus sensors for 65 million euros approximately $71.62 million in Malaysia and that it had plans to make investments of an additional 285,000,000 euros by the second half of the next decade.

By the middle of the 2030s, 400 more employment may be generated, it noted.

bosch
Image Source: just-auto.com

The majority of Bosch’s final evaluation for semiconductors is presently done in its plants in Germany, Reutlingen, China, Suzhou, and Hungary.

The brand-new testing facility in Penang will join those locations since Bosch is getting support for it from Malaysia.

“With our new semiconductor test center in Penang, we are creating additional capacity within our worldwide manufacturing network to meet the continued high demand for chips and sensors,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the Bosch board of management. “Semiconductors are a decisive success factor for all Bosch business areas, and the expansion of this business is strategically very important.”

Source: bosch-presse.de

On the Penang mainland area, Bosch has an overall of about 1 lakh square meters of property allocated. The brand-new test facility is greater than 18,000 square meters in size and has workplaces, neat spaces, and testing facilities for manufacturing as well as quality assurance.

Also Read: Apple rolling out second public beta of iOS 17 and macOS 14

There are expected to be up to 400 colleagues employed there by halfway through the following decade. With the addition of the new facility and an overall staff of 4,200 employees, Penang has grown to be Bosch’s largest Southeast Asian site.

Frontend production and backend production are the two main divisions in semiconductor production. Malaysia serves as a key node in the worldwide supply chain for semiconductors in the second case. According to estimates, the nation accounts for roughly thirteen percent of the world’s backend manufacturing.

In the past few years, the territory of Penang has produced over five percent of the global semiconductor market’s income, following government statistics.

“The new test center in Penang brings our manufacturing network closer to the companies that serve the further value chain of semiconductor manufacturing as well as to customers in this important Asian market. That shortens delivery times and routes, and it improves our competitiveness,” says Dr Markus Heyn, member of the Bosch board of management and chairman of the Mobility business sector.

Source: bosch-presse.de

Through its semiconductor sector, Bosch has embarked on an agenda of international expansion. The business intends to spend almost 3 billion euros in Dresden as well as Reutlingen during the following three years.

Apple

Apple rolling out second public beta of iOS 17 and macOS 14

Exciting news for Apple enthusiasts as the tech giant releases the second public beta of its highly anticipated software updates: iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and macOS Sonoma.

A week after the initial release to developers, these beta versions are now available to users registered in the Apple Beta Software Program. This move comes as Apple continues to fine-tune its operating systems for a seamless user experience.

Apple
Image Source: 9to5mac.com

The updates have been in developer beta testing since June, and earlier this month, Apple expanded the testing program to include the public beta as well. While watchOS 10 and tvOS 17 retain the same builds as those shared with developers last week, iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma are being introduced with revised builds.

The version details are as follows:

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17: 21A5291j (beta 4 build: 21A5291h)

watchOS 10: 21R5320i

tvOS 17: 21J5318

macOS Sonoma: 23A5301h (beta 4 build: 23A5301g)

Despite the similar numbering, today’s builds are not expected to contain any additional features. However, users can look forward to several exciting enhancements from these upcoming software updates.

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 introduce significant improvements to Phones, Messages, and FaceTime. Additionally, users will enjoy the new Standby feature, allowing the display of information in landscape mode. iPadOS 17 will include Lock Screen customization, the Health and Journal apps, and various other improvements.

Also Read: WhatsApp Launches Instant Video Messages

macOS Sonoma will bring enhancements to Messages and FaceTime on the Mac and will also introduce an exciting new Game Mode. This feature is expected to elevate the gaming experience for Mac users.

WatchOS 10 comes with a fresh interface for Apple Watch apps, promising a smoother and more intuitive user experience. On the other hand, tvOS 17 marks a major milestone as FaceTime is finally enabled on Apple TV for the first time, making video calls more accessible to users.

Apple has confirmed that the stable versions of these software updates will be officially released to the public in the fall. However, users are reminded that beta software may have bugs that could impact the overall device experience. It is crucial to back up data before installing beta software, and if possible, refrain from using the beta on primary devices.

The public beta program provides an opportunity for eager users to explore and test the new features before the official launch, while also enabling Apple to gather valuable feedback and identify potential issues. This collaborative approach ensures a smoother and more refined final release of the software.

As Apple continues to innovate and enhance its ecosystem, the tech community eagerly awaits the stable versions of iOS 17, watchOS 10, and macOS Sonoma. With the promise of improved functionality and user experience, these software updates are poised to elevate Apple devices to new heights.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp Launches Instant Video Messages

Instant Video Messages, an updated feature that was initially tested previously this year on both iOS and Android devices, has now been officially released on WhatsApp which is a messaging service owned by Meta. As the name suggests, WhatsApp now allows you to send brief video messages to your family and friends in addition to voice communications.

Whatsapp
Image Source: businesstoday.in

“Video messages are a real-time way to respond to chats with whatever you want to say and show in 60 seconds”. “We think these will be a fun way to share moments with all the emotion that comes from video, whether it’s wishing someone a happy birthday, laughing at a joke, or bringing good news,” WhatsApp said in a blog post.

Source: neowin.net

In the chat window for WhatsApp, the bottom-right voice messaging button now serves two functions. To toggle between video and audio messaging modes, touch on it. You may simply hold down the button to begin capturing a video for sending as an instant video message on WhatsApp.

When you withdraw your finger from the record button, the video will be immediately delivered, similar to voice messages. According to WhatsApp, video communications are also encrypted from end to end and may be locked and recorded hands-free by just swiping up.

Also Read: Binance and its CEO seek dismissal of CFTC complaint

A WhatsApp video conversation can be recorded for up to 60 seconds.

When the receiver accesses the chat window, the video message will immediately begin playing on mute, they may tap on the video to activate the audio.

Videos as communications are not a new concept. The functionality has been available on Telegram for a while and it functions similarly. In addition, the feature of WhatsApp to send video messages is currently being released and will be available to all customers in the weeks to come.

This year, WhatsApp released several new features, including status reactions, the ability to save vanishing messages, connectivity to multiple cellphones, the ability to edit sent texts, Conversation Lock, the ability to block unknown calls, and contextual sticker compatibility.

Additionally, sending messages to unfamiliar telephone numbers has become simpler thanks to instant messaging software. Without first adding the contact information to their contacts, users may SMS contact information from within the app.

Binance

Binance and its CEO seek dismissal of CFTC complaint

Binance and its CEO Changpeng Zhao have taken a decisive step in response to the complaint filed against them by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). According to a court filing made on Thursday, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange and its CEO are seeking to have the CFTC’s complaint dismissed.

Binance
Image Source: coinedition.com

The CFTC had initiated legal action against Binance, Zhao, and former Chief Compliance Officer Samuel Lim in March, alleging that they had violated the Commodity Exchange Act and certain federal regulations. The regulatory body accused the exchange of operating an “illegal” exchange and having a “sham” compliance program.

One of the main arguments presented by Binance for the dismissal of the case is that the CFTC is attempting to regulate foreign individuals and corporations that are based and operate outside the United States. They cited a 2007 ruling that stated U.S. law governs domestically but does not have authority worldwide.

It is worth noting that the holding company of Binance is located in the Cayman Islands, and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, is a Canadian citizen. The CFTC, however, claimed that Binance had been involved in offering and executing commodity derivatives transactions on behalf of U.S. persons since at least July 2019, which would be in violation of U.S. laws.

Also Read: Japan’s Advantest sees AI driving demand for chip testing

In response, Binance asserted that starting from June 2019, it had implemented measures to restrict and off-board potential U.S. users and ensured that new users were not U.S. persons. The company also emphasized that the alleged digital asset derivative products were not offered until July 2019 and later, which was after the implementation of these restrictions.

Meanwhile, Samuel Lim, the former Chief Compliance Officer, has filed a separate motion to dismiss the CFTC claims against him, further complicating the legal proceedings. As of now, the CFTC has not provided any public comments on the recent motion filed by Binance and Zhao. The regulatory body is responsible for overseeing commodities and derivatives markets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

It’s important to highlight that this is not the only legal challenge Binance and its CEO are facing. In June, they were also sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which accused them of operating a “web of deception.” The SEC listed 13 charges against Binance, Zhao, and the operator of its purportedly independent U.S. exchange.

As the legal battle unfolds, the cryptocurrency industry will be closely watching the outcome of these cases, as they may have significant implications for the regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets in the United States and beyond.

Advantest

Japan’s Advantest sees AI driving demand for chip testing

On Wednesday, Japan’s Advantest Corporation announced that it expects rapid use of advanced semiconductors for generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications to carry on demand for its chip testing machinery.

“We can expect rapid growth in demand. However, we still don’t have concrete visibility,” Advantest CEO Yoshiaki Yoshida told an earnings briefing.

Source: theprint.in
Advantest
Image Source: japantimes.co.jp

As the world’s interest is grabbed by the potential of ChatGPT and other solutions designed at bringing web services more sophisticated and human-like Advantest stocks have soared 36 percent this year, nearing all-time highs. The corporation anticipates that operational profit would increase by 48 percent to 170 billion dollars in the financial year that ended in March.

The industry is expected to decrease this year as a result of clients hoarding surplus inventory, according to Advantest, a global leader in chip testing machinery together with Teradyne Inc. of the United States.

“Despite the fall this year I believe we will eventually face a growth curve,” Yoshida said. Advantest shares have more than doubled in value since the start of the year.

Source: theprint.in

Microsoft, as well as Alphabet’s child company Google, are one of the first to include generative artificial intelligence into their online tools, but a competing race to establish a dominating artificial intelligence platform in the world’s biggest internet marketplace has begun in China, driven by SenseTime, Alibaba Group Holding, Group, as well as Baidu.

Also Read: Intel, Ericsson to work together on custom 5G chip

Data centers are necessary for managing and developing artificial intelligence models that power anything from smart chatbot assistants to self-driving cars. The best hardware at the moment for real-time data analysis is numerous thousands of graphics processors, which are needed to do it.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Masahiro Wakasugi, the expanding usage of AI is straining the capabilities of sophisticated packaging and chip miniaturization, increasing the possibility of production errors.

Chip tester requirement is significantly increased as a result, enabling producers to ensure product quality and performance.

Teradyne, a competing company established in North Reading, Massachusetts, is rivaling Advantest. When a client switches vendors, which is exceedingly uncommon because it requires rethinking more machinery or whole lines of production, as well as retraining people, switching testing instruments might result in an important change in market share between the two.

In a couple of years, outstanding performance Graphics Processing Unit chip testers’ global sales would probably surpass those of smartphone chip testers, according to Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda.

Logitech

Logitech raises sales forecast for the first half of 2024

In the initial batch of economic numbers since the departure of longtime chief executive officer Bracken Darrell from the manufacturer of desktop and laptop accessories a month ago, Logitech International (LOGN.S) upped its revenue and earnings projection for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024.

“While the markets are still challenging, I am proud of the team’s achievements during our first quarter,” said Guy Gecht, Logitech’s interim chief executive officer. “Our high-caliber seasoned team, design-led engineering, and strong execution truly set us apart. Our latest innovations and elevated outlook are just a glimpse of Logitech’s full potential as we execute our strategic vision.”

Source: news.logitech.com

A computer keyboard and mouse manufacturer reported that the hunt for a replacement was going smoothly and that there will be a follow-up when there is information to tell.

Logitech
Image Source: finance.yahoo.com

Guy Gecht, the interim chief executive officer of Logitech, stated that the financial markets were constantly competitive for the company. Throughout the global epidemic lockdown, individuals loaded up on Logitech’s web cameras and other tools so they could work from home, which led to a boom for the company.

Ever since then, performances have been hampered by decreased spending by firms and consumers due to the recession.

The Swiss-American business was, though, a little more upbeat on Tuesday, stating that it now anticipates first-half revenues of 1.875 billion USD to 1.975 billion USD, higher than the prior estimate of 1.8 billion USD to 1.9 billion USD.

Also Read: Netflix falls as benefits from password-sharing limit to take time

Additionally, the business anticipates non-GAAP operating earnings in the range of 180 million dollars to 220 million dollars for the first half of this fiscal year, up from its earlier forecast of 160 million dollars to 190 million dollars.

In addition, Logitech predicted full-year revenues of 3.8 billion dollars to 4 billion dollars in its first prediction for this fiscal year.

According to the chief financial officer Charles Boynton, Logitech achieved steady success in cutting operational costs and inventories over the three months leading up to the finish of June.

The present economic decline presents a dilemma for Logitech because it hasn’t yet hired Darrell’s replacement. Darrell left last month to take the CEO position at VF Corporation (VFC.N), the company that makes Vans trainers and The North Face outerwear.

Darrell, who oversaw Logitech for ten years, is credited for the company’s comeback through more rapid product introductions and enhanced design.