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Explainer

What's Behind Intel's Plan to Sell Its Networking and Edge Business?

Intel, the long-time titan of the semiconductor industry, is reportedly exploring the sale of its Network and Edge (NEX) unit, a business that generated $5.8 billion in revenue in 2024. The move is said to be part of a strategic shift under new leadership, aiming to sharpen the company’
What's Behind Intel's Plan to Sell Its Networking and Edge Business?

Why Xiaomi's 3nm Chip Matters for China's Tech

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has announced it has begun mass production of its self-designed 3-nanometer system-on-a-chip (SoC), the XRING 01, ahead of its debut in new smartphone and tablet devices. The move positions Xiaomi as only the fourth company globally to design a 3nm mobile chip for mass production, putting
Why Xiaomi's 3nm Chip Matters for China's Tech

Why US-Middle East AI Chip Deals Ignite Security Debate

President Donald Trump’s recent tour of the Middle East resulted in a flurry of agreements to provide advanced artificial intelligence chips from companies like Nvidia Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to entities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These deals, involving hundreds of thousands to over
Why US-Middle East AI Chip Deals Ignite Security Debate

MediaTek, Qualcomm Push into AI Markets Beyond Mobile

MediaTek, one of the world’s largest mobile chip developers, announced its plan recently to adopt TSMC’s cutting-edge 2-nanometer chipmaking technology as early as September, signaling its intent to stay competitive in the AI era by accessing the most advanced manufacturing available. This move, along with its stated ambitions
MediaTek, Qualcomm Push into AI Markets Beyond Mobile

The Shift to Custom Silicon: Why Companies Are Designing Their Own Chips

Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant, recently announced its self-developed mobile chipset (XRING 01), rumored to be built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process and aiming to rival performance levels seen in top-tier chips like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The move positions Xiaomi as only the fourth global smartphone
The Shift to Custom Silicon: Why Companies Are Designing Their Own Chips

Japan’s Semiconductor Lag Exposes a Two-Speed Global Market

Japan is investing billions to rebuild its semiconductor industry, aiming to bolster global supply chain resilience and reclaim a leading position. Yet, a report from Nikkei Asia reveals a surprising paradox: only three of seven new chip plants built or acquired in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 have begun mass
Japan’s Semiconductor Lag Exposes a Two-Speed Global Market

Why ASML and TSMC Are the Chokepoints in Global Chipmaking

The explosion in artificial intelligence capabilities, particularly since the advent of large language models, is driving unprecedented demand for advanced computing power. But this power relies on physical chips — trillions of transistors packed onto silicon wafers. The manufacturing of these semiconductors is incredibly complex, and concentrated among a few key
Why ASML and TSMC Are the Chokepoints in Global Chipmaking