A recent report indicates that Snapdragon PCs are struggling to gain traction in the market, leading to declining shipments and concerns for the future of Windows on ARM devices. Meanwhile, Intel is focusing on revitalizing its business through partnerships and funding, while other tech updates include product launches from Snapchat and HTC, as well as ongoing legal challenges for TikTok and Amazon’s return-to-office mandate.
In a recent report, it has been highlighted that Snapdragon PCs are struggling in the market, which could jeopardize the future of Windows on ARM devices. According to DigiTimes, disappointing reviews and market feedback have led to a decline in shipments and overall momentum for these laptops. Despite some positive personal experiences with Snapdragon-powered devices, the initial hype has not translated into strong sales. This downturn could also affect other chip manufacturers like MediaTek, which was planning to enter the ARM market for Windows soon, alongside competitors such as Nvidia, Samsung, and AMD.
Intel has announced significant plans to revitalize its business, which has faced challenges in recent years. The company has formed a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to produce custom AI chips, which could be a crucial win for Intel. Additionally, Intel has received up to $3 billion in funding from the U.S. government’s Secure Enclave program to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. However, the company has decided to pause its European expansion plans for at least two years, focusing instead on U.S. manufacturing, which raises concerns about chip independence in Europe.
The potential ban on TikTok in the U.S. is becoming more likely as the company faces legal challenges against government actions to remove it from app stores or force a separation from its Chinese parent company. Bloomberg Intelligence has reduced TikTok’s chances of successfully fighting the ban from 70% to 30% following a difficult court hearing. The company has until January 19 to win its case, and the situation appears increasingly dire, with many users seemingly indifferent to the looming threat of a ban.
In product news, Snapchat has unveiled its fifth-generation Spectacles, aimed at developers, featuring an impressive waveguide display and improved battery life. Meanwhile, HTC has launched the Vive Focus Vision headset, which includes eye tracking but has received mixed reviews due to its pricing and specifications. Other notable releases include the first Thunderbolt 5 dock, DJI’s new action camera, and Huawei’s innovative watch that offers 24-hour blood pressure monitoring.
Lastly, various tech updates include Apple’s plans to launch its self-developed Wi-Fi chip in 2025 and a new 5G modem for the iPhone SE in 2024. MediaTek’s upcoming chip is expected to launch soon, while Google has won a legal battle in the EU regarding a significant fine. In the workplace, Amazon has mandated a return to the office for employees, reflecting a broader trend among companies moving away from remote work. Additionally, there are ongoing legal disputes in the gaming industry, including Nintendo’s lawsuit against a company for creating a Pokémon-inspired game without a license.