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Arm seeks to capture 50% of Windows PC market in five years

Mohammed Fahad
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Arm seeks to capture 50% of Windows PC market in five years
  • Microsoft’s decision to run its flagship Windows operating system on Arm-designed chips, there is a strong possibility that the market dynamics could undergo a significant shift.

Arm Holdings, a leading chip designer, has set an ambitious goal of capturing more than 50% of the Windows PC market within the next five years.

The announcement comes as Microsoft and its hardware partners are gearing up to launch a new wave of computers that will be powered by Arm’s cutting-edge technology.

The demand for Arm’s technology in personal computers has received a significant boost following Microsoft’s recent unveiling of plans to introduce a new generation of PCs with artificial intelligence features, in a bid to compete with tech giants like Alphabet and Apple.

Historically, Intel chips have dominated the PC industry for decades. However, with Microsoft’s decision to run its flagship Windows operating system on Arm-designed chips, there is a strong possibility that the market dynamics could undergo a significant shift.

If Arm’s push into the Windows PC market proves successful, it could potentially reorder the entire industry landscape.

In an interview with Reuters, Arm’s CEO, Rene Haas, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to capture a substantial market share in the Windows ecosystem. Haas stated, “Arm’s market share in Windows – I think, truly, in the next five years, it could be better than 50%.”

Moreover, he expects 100 billion Arm devices worldwide will be ready for artificial intelligence by the end of next year.

Challenging the status quo

The bold proclamation underscores Arm’s determination to challenge the status quo and establish itself as a major player in the PC market.

Microsoft has made a significant commitment to promoting Arm’s technology as a viable alternative to the traditional x86 architecture used by Advanced Micro Devices and Intel. The tech giant has invested in developing a suite of software developer tools to facilitate the creation of programs that are compatible with Arm-based chips.

According to Haas, Microsoft has made substantial progress in enhancing its software infrastructure to support Arm technology, signaling a strong commitment to driving adoption among consumers.

Driving meaningful change

Following in the footsteps of Apple, Microsoft and hardware vendors are actively embracing Arm designs to capitalise on the success of the M Series processors.

These Arm-based chips have garnered praise for their exceptional battery life and high performance, making them an attractive choice for consumers and businesses alike.

Qualcomm has taken the lead in introducing the first Arm-based chip for Windows-based machines, with other vendors expected to follow suit in the near future.

The convergence of Microsoft’s endorsement, innovative hardware designs, and improved developer tools bodes well for Arm’s prospects in the Windows PC market.

As the industry witnesses a paradigm shift towards Arm’s technology, consumers can look forward to a new era of PC computing characterised by enhanced efficiency, performance, and versatility.

With a committed ecosystem of partners and a clear strategic vision, Arm is well positioned to drive meaningful change in the PC industry and solidify its position as a key player in the market.

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Samsung struggles to maintain its dominance in foldable phones

Ana Mary Joseph
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Samsung struggles to maintain its dominance in foldable phones
  • Apple’s potential entry into this segment could significantly alter market dynamics, given the company’s loyal customer base and reputation for premium products.
  • Big opportunities for both established players and newcomers to make their mark in the rapidly evolving industry.

Shipments of foldable phones are set to reach 17.8 million units in 2024, though they will account for only 1.5 per cent of the overall smartphone market share.

Despite challenges such as high repair rates and costs, market penetration is expected to climb to 4.8 per cent by 2028, according to research firm TrendForce.

Samsung, a tech giant known for its innovative products, played a pivotal role in pioneering the foldable phone market. In 2022, Samsung commanded over 80 per cent of the market share in this segment.

However, with the emergence of increased competition from various brands in 2023–2024, Samsung’s market share dipped to about 50 per cent, indicating challenges in maintaining its dominance in this rapidly evolving market.

Huawei, another major player in the smartphone industry, made significant strides with its 4G Pocket S in 2023, which helped boost its market share to 12 per cent.

In 2024, Huawei further expanded its offerings with upgraded 5G models like the Mate X5 and Pocket 2. The company’s upcoming launch of the world’s first tri-fold phone in Q3 is expected to further enhance its market position, potentially raising its market share to nearly 30 per cent.

While Samsung and Huawei are key players in the foldable phone market, brands like Motorola and Nubia have also made significant impacts. Motorola’s Razr 40 and Razr 40 Ultra, priced competitively between CNY 3,999 to 5,699 ($552 to $787), have garnered substantial attention and are projected to exceed one million units in sales, capturing a six per cent market share.

Nubia, a Chinese brand, has capitalised on pricing advantages by launching the Nubia Flip in Japan at a competitive price point of $499, leveraging components from Chinese suppliers to reduce costs and appeal to cost-conscious consumers.

Challenges and opportunities for Apple

Rumours surrounding Apple’s potential entry into the foldable phone market continue to circulate. While TrendForce suggests that Apple is evaluating component specifications and performance, with a strong emphasis on crease and reliability, the tech giant is unlikely to release a foldable phone before 2027.

Nevertheless, Apple’s potential entry into this segment could significantly alter market dynamics, given the company’s loyal customer base and reputation for premium products.

As consumer preferences evolve and technology continues to advance, the future of foldable phones remains both challenging and promising. With Apple’s potential entry on the horizon, the market is poised for further disruption and transformation in the years to come.

As TrendForce’s projections indicate, the future of this segment holds significant potential for growth and innovation, with opportunities for both established players and newcomers to make their mark in this rapidly evolving industry.

Agriculture sector faces rise in cyberattacks due to digitisation

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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Agriculture sector faces rise in cyberattacks due to digitisation
  • Large-scale cyberattacks can even pose a threat to entire food supply chains.
  • Industry relies heavily on technology such as robotics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things  to improve productivity, efficiency, and decision-making.

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical issue across all industries, including the agriculture sector.

As technology continues to play a more prominent role in farming practices, the need to secure information and data has never been more important.

Cyber threats are constantly evolving and agriculture businesses need to be proactive in protecting their systems and data from potential breaches.

The agriculture sector relies heavily on technology such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve productivity, efficiency, and decision-making.

Increased reliance on digital tools

From precision agriculture, where drones and sensors are used to monitor crops and soil conditions, to automated machinery and equipment, technology has revolutionised the way farmers operate. However, this increased reliance on digital tools and systems also opens up new vulnerabilities to cyberattacks.

“Cybersecurity is a growing concern in the agriculture sector. The industry is increasingly adopting technological solutions to support shrinking workforces and improve productivity. However, these technologies come with security risks that are often overlooked,” Holly Anness-Bradshaw, Associate Thematic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, said.

Moreover, she said that large-scale cyberattacks can even pose a threat to entire food supply chains while food suppliers and distributors are facing a greater number of ransomware attacks, causing delays in produce shipments.

Exploiting weaknesses in systems

Cyber threats in the agriculture sector can take many forms, including ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and data breaches. These threats can have serious consequences, from disrupting operations to compromising sensitive information.

For example, if a hacker were to gain access to a farmer’s data on crop yields or financials, it could result in significant financial loss or damage to reputation.

To mitigate these risks, agriculture businesses must take cybersecurity seriously and implement robust security measures. This includes investing in advanced firewall and antivirus software, conducting regular security audits, and training employees on best practices for safeguarding information.

It’s also important for companies to stay updated on the latest threats and trends in cybersecurity, as hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit weaknesses in systems.

In addition to protecting their own systems, agriculture businesses also need to be mindful of the security of their supply chain partners and third-party vendors.

A breach in a supplier’s system could have ripple effects on the entire industry, so it’s essential to vet partners for their cybersecurity practices and protocols.

Government regulations and industry standards can also play a role in improving cybersecurity in the agriculture sector.

By enforcing data protection laws and promoting cybersecurity initiatives, policymakers can help create a more secure environment for businesses to operate in.

 “Traditional agricultural companies like John Deere and Lely are all hiring and innovating in cybersecurity. There is an interesting development in the industry, with companies not only making machines like tractors and combiners but also making technology. John Deere tractors now incorporate tablets and AI. Therefore, John Deere is making the important step to protect clients and incorporate security measures into devices,” Anness-Bradshaw said.

Need to take proactive measures

Cybersecurity is a pressing issue for the agriculture sector as technology becomes more ingrained in farming practices. Agriculture businesses must prioritise cybersecurity and take proactive measures to safeguard their systems and data from cyber threats.

By investing in security measures, staying informed on the latest threats, and working with trusted partners, agriculture businesses can protect themselves from potential breaches and ensure the continued success of their operations.

 “Companies should invest in cybersecurity measures across all stages of the agricultural supply chain. Such a critical infrastructure cannot afford to go down due to cyberattacks, as this could lead to food shortages, increased prices, and spoilage. Trading and distribution involve extensive supply chain networks with vast amounts of data at risk. Agriculture companies should view cybersecurity as a key vulnerability to protect against,” Anness-Bradshaw said.

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What are the chances of Nvidia overtaking Apple’s market cap in 2024?

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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What are the chances of Nvidia overtaking Apple’s market cap in 2024?
  • One of the primary hurdles that Nvidia faces is the highly competitive nature of the technology industry, characterised by rapid innovation cycles and shifting consumer preferences.
  • Apple’s formidable brand loyalty, coupled with its strong ecosystem of hardware and software products, poses a significant barrier to Nvidia’s ambitions of climbing the ranks of corporate valuation.
  • Market volatility, competitive pressures, and unforeseen disruptions in key sectors could hamper Nvidia’s growth trajectory and limit its ability to outshine Apple in valuation terms.
  • Apple’s enduring appeal to consumers, coupled with its diversified revenue streams and entrenched position in the consumer technology landscape, could serve as formidable barriers that Nvidia struggles to overcome.
  • In the ever-evolving landscape of the global economy, the battle for supremacy among technology giants has been a spectacle to behold.

Two behemoths that stand at the forefront of this titanic struggle are Nvidia and Apple. Nvidia, a powerhouse in the realm of graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, has been steadily carving a path of innovation and growth, while Apple, renowned for its consumer electronics and software ecosystem, has long reigned as one of the world’s most valuable companies.

The question that looms large in the minds of industry analysts and investors alike is whether Nvidia has the potential to overtake Apple and claim the coveted title of the world’s second-most valuable company by the year 2024.

One company that has been gaining increasing attention is Nvidia. The question on many people’s minds is whether Nvidia will become the top tech company soon.

As of March 26, 2024, Microsoft was the leading tech company by market capitalisation globally, followed by Apple and Nvidia. 

Nvidia became the fastest company to grow from $1 trillion to $2 trillion in 2024, zooming past Amazon.com, Google-parent Alphabet and Saudi Aramco.

As of June 1, 2024, the market capitalisation of Microsoft stands at $3.09 trillion while Apple stands at $2.95 trillion and Nvidia at $2.70 trillion.

Nvidia’s focus on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, gaming, and data centres has allowed them to establish a strong presence in the market.

Analysis of current market dynamics

To delve into the possibilities of Nvidia’s ascension and the potential overtaking of Apple, it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the current market dynamics surrounding both companies.

Apple holds a lofty position as the world’s second-most valuable company, with a market capitalisation that hovers around the trillion-dollar mark. Its iconic products, such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac lineup, coupled with a burgeoning services segment, have solidified its standing as a consumer technology juggernaut.

On the other hand, Nvidia, with its focus on cutting-edge GPU technology and AI advancements, has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with its market capitalisation steadily climbing to rival that of established giants like Intel and AMD.

Factors driving Nvidia’s growth trajectory

Several key factors serve as the driving forces behind Nvidia’s remarkable growth trajectory and its potential to overtake Apple soon.

Furthermore, Nvidia’s strategic acquisitions, such as the purchase of Arm Holdings, have expanded its reach and bolstered its portfolio, laying the foundation for sustained growth and diversification.

Moreover, Nvidia’s foray into emerging technologies, such as autonomous driving, edge computing, and quantum computing, showcases its commitment to staying at the vanguard of technological advancements.

The company’s focus on research and development, coupled with a keen eye for emerging trends, has enabled it to anticipate market shifts and capitalize on new opportunities swiftly.

 As Nvidia continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of computing, it is poised to reap the rewards of its foresight and innovation in the years to come.

Challenges on the path to overtaking Apple

Despite Nvidia’s impressive growth trajectory and innovative prowess, several challenges loom on the path to overtaking Apple as the world’s second-most valuable company.

One of the primary hurdles that Nvidia faces is the highly competitive nature of the technology industry, characterised by rapid innovation cycles and shifting consumer preferences. Apple’s formidable brand loyalty, coupled with its strong ecosystem of hardware and software products, poses a significant barrier to Nvidia’s ambitions of climbing the ranks of corporate valuation.

Additionally, geopolitical factors, regulatory hurdles, and market volatility present external challenges that could impact Nvidia’s growth prospects. Trade tensions, intellectual property disputes, and shifting regulatory landscapes in key markets could pose risks to Nvidia’s expansion efforts and financial performance.

Navigating these external headwinds will require a deft touch and strategic foresight on Nvidia’s part to mitigate potential risks and safeguard its long-term growth trajectory.

Potential scenarios for 2024

As we look ahead to the year 2024, several potential scenarios emerge regarding the rivalry between Nvidia and Apple for the coveted title of the world’s second-most valuable company.

In an optimistic scenario, Nvidia’s continued focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and market expansion could propel it past Apple’s market capitalisation, fueled by sustained investor confidence and robust financial performance.

A surge in demand for Nvidia’s GPUs and AI technologies, coupled with the successful integration of acquired assets such as Arm Holdings, could tilt the scales in Nvidia’s favour and herald a new era of technological supremacy.

Conversely, a less favourable scenario envisions challenges and obstacles that impede Nvidia’s progress towards surpassing Apple.

Market volatility, competitive pressures, and unforeseen disruptions in key sectors could hamper Nvidia’s growth trajectory and limit its ability to outshine Apple in valuation terms. Apple’s enduring appeal to consumers, coupled with its diversified revenue streams and entrenched position in the consumer technology landscape, could serve as formidable barriers that Nvidia struggles to overcome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether Nvidia will overtake Apple to become the world’s second-most valuable company by 2024 is a complex and multifaceted one.

While Nvidia’s innovative prowess, technological advancements, and strategic acquisitions position it as a formidable contender in this race, numerous challenges and uncertainties stand in its path. The interplay of market dynamics, external factors, and strategic decisions will ultimately shape the trajectory of both companies in the years to come.

Whether Nvidia can surpass Apple and claim the title of the world’s second-most valuable company remains a matter of conjecture and speculation, contingent upon a myriad of variables and unknown variables.

As we await the unfolding of this high-stakes rivalry, one thing remains certain: the world of technology and finance will be closely watching the battle between these two giants with bated breath.

New technology for long-life of lithium-ion batteries for fast charging

Naushad K. Cherrayil
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New technology for long-life of lithium-ion batteries for fast charging
  • A simple process for treating the surface, rather than the materials inside the electrode, prevents irreversible lithium loss.
  • High-energy-density anode coated with aluminum oxide (4.4 mAh/cm²) maintains more than 83.4% of its capacity (residual capacity ratio) even after 500 cycles of rapid charging.

Fast-charging technology has improved a lot with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles but has raised concerns about the long-life of lithium-ion batteries.

Fast charging is also essential for user convenience.

However, increasing the energy density of lithium-ion batteries necessitates thicker electrodes, which can lead to battery degradation and performance deterioration during rapid charging.

A team of researchers at Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) Battery Materials and Process Research Centre in cooperation with a Hanyang University have developed a core technology to ensure the charging/discharging stability and long-life of lithium-ion batteries under fast-charging conditions.

To address this issue, the KERI team discovered a solution by partially coating the surface of the anode of the lithium-ion battery with aluminum oxide particles smaller than one micrometre.

Aluminum oxide

While many researchers worldwide have concentrated on the materials within the electrode, such as introducing functional nanotechnology into anode materials like graphite, researchers employed a straightforward processing technique to coat the electrode’s surface with aluminum oxide.

“Convenient fast charging and the energy density of lithium-ion batteries have long been considered a trade-off, which has hindered the widespread adoption of electric vehicles,” Dr. Choi Jeong Hee, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute Battery Materials and Process Research Centre and researcher leader, said.

“Our work will help develop stable, high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries capable of fast charging. This advancement will contribute to the wider adoption of EVs and support the achievement of national carbon neutrality.”

Aluminum oxide is widely used in various ceramics due to low in cost, excellent in electrical insulation and heat resistance, chemically stable, and possessing good mechanical properties.

Scaling up the technology

The KERI researchers found that aluminum oxide particles effectively control the interface between the anode and the electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries, forming an interfacial highway for efficient Li+ transport.

This prevents the electrodeposition of lithium (an irreversible change that makes the lithium unavailable for additional charging and discharging) during fast charging, thereby ensuring the stability and lifespan of the lithium-ion battery during charging and discharging.

Through various tests, the team confirmed that the high-energy-density anode coated with aluminum oxide (4.4 mAh/cm²) maintains more than 83.4 per cent of its capacity (residual capacity ratio) even after 500 cycles of rapid charging.

They have verified this performance with pouch cells of up to 500mAh. The team is now planning to scale up the technology to make it applicable to large-area, medium- to large-capacity cells.

Huawei overtakes Samsung to take top spot in foldable smartphone sales

Mohammed Fahad
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Huawei overtakes Samsung to take top spot in foldable smartphone sales
  • Global foldable smartphone shipments up 49% in Q1 2024, driven by Huawei, Honor and Motorola.
  • Honor and Motorola’s shipments outside of China rose sharply compared to a year ago.
  • Book-type foldables are gaining popularity, with their shipments exceeding those of clamshells for the first time in 11 consecutive quarters.

Huawei overtakes Samsung to capture 35 per cent of the foldable smartphone market in the first quarter despite US sanctions.

Huawei’s transition to 5G in foldables was a key driver of its 257 per cent year-on-year growth in the quarter, according to Counterpoint Research.

A year ago, Huawei’s foldable portfolio consisted solely of LTE devices. However, by Q1 2024, the proportion of 5G-enabled foldables surged to 84 per cent of the brand’s total foldable shipments.

Launched in September last year, Huawei’s first 5G book-type foldable, the Mate X5, has been one of the bestsellers in Chinese market for three consecutive quarters.

In April 2024, Huawei also released its first clamshell model Pocket 2, significantly contributing to the Q1 shipments. Despite facing challenges in securing supplies for its self-developed 5G SoC , Huawei will continue to treat foldables as a priority, considering their higher price positioning.

In contrast to Huawei’s focus on the Chinese market, Honor and Motorola have achieved substantial shipment growth in overseas markets. 

Honor’s global foldable market share jumped from 3 per cent a year ago to 12 per cent in Q1 2024, making it the third-largest player. Its shipments outside of China grew 12500 per cent YoY, driven by the slimmest infolding book-type model, the Honor Magic V2, which became the most shipped foldable phone in Western Europe  in Q1 2024.

Similarly, Motorola increased its global market share to 11 per cent to rank fourth, with the Razr 40  (aka Razr 2023) becoming a top model in North America.

Samsung capturing the second spot with 23 per cent market share despite falling 42 per cent year on year.

Samsung aims to reclaim its market leadership with the upcoming Z Flip 6, which promises enhanced performance and reliability. Huawei is also setting aggressive targets for the clamshell market, planning to add a lower-priced model to its portfolio. Both Honor and Xiaomi are poised to enter the clamshell competition for the first time, intensifying the market dynamics.

The global foldable market grew 49 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2024, marking its highest rate of increase in six quarters, primarily driven by significant shipment increases at several Chinese OEMs,

In Q1 2024, book-type foldables accounted for 55 per cent of the global foldable market shipments, surpassing the clamshell type for the first time since 2021 when the foldable smartphone market began its notable growth following the release of the Samsung Galaxy Z flip 3.

The clamshell market, predominantly led by Samsung, has always enjoyed popularity due to its more accessible pricing, except in the Chinese market.

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