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Samsung scores 1st 2nm AI chip contract from Japan, edge over TSMC
Samsung and TSMC are currently the real contenders in the battle of producing cutting-edge chips. Meanwhile, the South Korean tech firm – Samsung has left TSMC to cry in the corner by winning the first 2nm AI chip mass production contract from Japan’s PFN.
According to the input, Samsung Electronics the world’s largest memory chipmaker, has won its first 2nm AI chip production contract from Japanese startup Preferred Networks. It means, Samsung will make AI accelerators and other AI chips with its latest 2nm chip processing tech for PFN.
This partnership will benefit both as PFN could gain access to newer chip technologies that will allow it to gain the edge against the competition. While Samsung has secured an actual customer for its most advanced chip tech, gaining ground in foundry against TSMC.
To be mentioned, PFN has been collaborating with TSMC since 2016 but this time it decided to produce its next-generation AI chips on Samsung’s 2nm node. Accordingly, TSMC is the leader in the contract chipmaking arena grabbing the most business from Apple and Qualcomm.
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However, Samsung officials have refused to confirm its deal with PFN but an analyst confirms that PFN’s switch could signal a reversal in Samsung’s favor, opening the door for more important clients to sign with the Korean chipmaker.
Samsung further confirms that it will begin mass production of the 2nm process for mobile applications in 2025 and will apply the same advanced technology to high-performance computing chips for supercomputers and computer clusters in 2026 and then to automotive chips in 2027.
Samsung officially launched the Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Tab S10 series, and Fit 3 fitness tracker in Singapore. The new Fan Edition already went live on pre-order, while the tablet and fitness tracker will be available from October 10, 2024.
The Galaxy S24 FE is available in Blue, Graphite, and Mint, and 256GB and 512GB storage options in Singapore. The Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra are available in Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver colors with 256GB storage.
Lastly, the Galaxy Fit3 is available in Gray, Silver, and Pink Gold colorways. The company has also announced several accessories for the newly released smartphone and tablets that will help you further elevate your Galaxy experience.
From 27 September to 9 October 2024, customers who purchase the Galaxy S24 FE can enjoy the following pre-launch special benefits:
- Up to S$150 Overtrade Bonus
- S$100 Samsung e-voucher
- 50% off their 2-year Samsung Care+ purchase (worth S$71)
From 10 October to 8 November 2024, customers who purchase the Galaxy Tab S10 series will receive the following launch promo bundle:
- Book Cover Keyboard Slim with Galaxy AI Key (worth S$321 for Tab S10 Ultra and S$260 for Tab S10+)
- Samsung EVO Plus 256GB MicroSD Card (worth S$44)
- 50% off 2-year Samsung Care+ (worth S$105)
- Up to S$250 Overtrade Bonus
Vivo beats Google and Samsung in the Android 15 rollout race. The Chinese phone maker started releasing the Stable Android 15 update to select models. This is surprising as Google has yet to push the update to Pixel phones.
Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 is rolling out to Vivo X100 series, Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, and iQOO 12. It brings wonderful new features and enhancements. Notably, the company has scheduled the deployment for September 30.
September is almost finished and there’s no One UI 7 Beta announcement. Google could update Pixel phones with Android 15 in mid-October. Meanwhile, Samsung will be holding the 2024 Developer Conference on October 3.
Google usually debuts Android 15 first, then other OEMs follow. Last year, Oppo and OnePlus kicked off the rollout shortly after Google. Things are just different this year as the owner of Android is stuck and a vendor kicked off the release.
Pixel phones currently running Android 15 QPR Beta build. The company has ended the Beta Program and shifted Pixels to either Android 14 or QPR Beta. Users who didn’t wipe data are still stuck on Android 15 Beta, awaiting the Public build.
Vivo’s Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 update comes with AI Eraser in Gallery – similar to Google’s Magic Editor. The Live Transcribe is also included as an accessibility tool, letting users follow conversations in real time.
The new software also adds partial screen sharing for enhanced privacy during presentations or collaborations, and native support for satellite connectivity, enabling communication in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
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Samsung Galaxy A16 will be announced soon in LTE and 5G options. As we await the official unveiling, the phone appeared on the FCC platform. The 5G variant is also spotted on the TUV Rheinland listing, revealing key specs.
FCC listing revealed Galaxy A16 4G’s Mac address, Wi-Fi Mac Address, and serial number. The handset carries an A3LSMA165M FCC ID that will be equipped with connectivity features such as 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth, and GPS.
The listing also suggests the charger will have the model number EP-TA800 and the data cable EP-DN980. Meanwhile, the TUV Rheinland database revealed that both phones will support 25W fast charging at 9V and 2.77A.
The 5G model carries the SM-A166B/DS model number and A3LSMA166M FCC ID. The phone will have 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. The sketch aligns with the design revealed in CAD renders, suggesting triple rear cameras.
Both LTE and 5G variants may come with a rated battery of 4860mAh and 5,000mAh typical. We are already aware of the nearly final design and specifications of the devices. Key Island will also be slapped surrounding the volume rockers.
The 5G model could use Exynos 1330 chip and LTE could get power from MediaTek Dimensity 6300. Both network variants will boot Android 14-based One UI 6.1 out of the box, featuring up to six years of software updates support.