The growing popularity of ultrabook laptops is set to have a major impact on the global electronics supply chain, boosting demand for sensors and power management chips, but hurting demand for upgrade memory modules, a market research firm forecast recently.
Backed by Intel Corp and other major PC brands such as Acer Inc (宏碁) and Asustek Computer Inc (華碩), global ultrabook shipments are expected to jump to 136.5 million units in 2015 from fewer than 1 million this year, IHS iSuppli said in a recent report.
Though ultrabooks are categorized as notebook computers, they use different components than conventional mobile PCs to achieve their super thin and lightweight characteristics, and they are likely to shake up the supply chain.
One major semiconductor winner in the transition will be the sensor, including devices based on micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology.
“In terms of usage of sensors, ultrabooks much more closely resemble media tablets than conventional notebooks,” said Jeremie Bouchaud, principal IHS iSuppli analyst for MEMS and sensors.
“Media tablets make extensive use of such devices, incorporating MEMS microphones, accelerometers, gyroscopes and pressure sensors, as well as non-MEMS devices like compasses, ambient light sensors and possibly proximity sensors,” Bouchaud said.
Another beneficiary of higher ultrabook sales would be analogue semiconductors, particularly power-management devices, but the new model would weaken the market for DRAM modules, especially those used for memory upgrades, the company said.
NEW MARKET: The partnership opens up India to the Dutch company, which already has a strong hold in the semiconductor market of South Korea, Taiwan and China ASML Holding NV entered into a partnership agreement with Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd aimed at ramping up India’s goal to develop domestic chip-manufacturing capabilities. The Dutch company’s technology would help power Tata Electronics’ planned 300 millimeter (mm) semiconductor foundry in Gujarat, according to a joint statement from the two companies on Saturday. The signing of a memorandum of understanding coincides with a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Netherlands, which is looking to deepen bilateral relations with New Delhi. ASML, whose top customers include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (台積電) and Samsung Electronics Co, makes lithography machines that can print
TECH RELIANCE: Growth is increasingly reflecting an unequal K-shaped distribution, where technology sectors outperform and other industries struggle, an expert said Standard Chartered Bank has significantly raised its forecast for Taiwan’s economic growth to 9.5 percent this year, up from 7.6 percent previously, citing surging artificial intelligence (AI) demand driving exports, semiconductor production and investment. The upgrade reflects a sustained AI supercycle that continues to fuel demand for advanced chips and technology infrastructure, which form the backbone of Taiwan’s exports, the bank said in a report this week. “We raise our 2026 growth forecast to reflect a much stronger-than-expected first-quarter GDP figure,” Standard Chartered senior economist for greater China and Asia Tommy Wu (胡東安) said in the report. Driven largely by a 35.3 percent
Tokyo Electron's Taiwan unit today said in a written response that it respects the judicial process, takes the court ruling seriously and would not appeal in the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電) trade secrets case. Last month, a court fined the Taiwan unit of Japan's Tokyo Electron NT$150 million (US$4.74 million) in a case involving trade secrets related to TSMC's sensitive chip technology.
Two of Taiwan’s international carriers, Starlux Airlines Co (星宇航空) and EVA Airways Corp (長榮航空), have retained the five-star airline rating awarded by international airline review organization Skytrax. Starlux was awarded the distinction for a second consecutive year, while EVA Air received it for the 11th straight year, Skytrax said in statements released yesterday and on Thursday last week, respectively. The five-star rating is considered one of the airline industry's highest honors and is awarded following professional audits of airline product and frontline service standards, Skytrax said. The ratings are based on in-depth assessments using unified global quality standards rather than customer review scores
RSS