ByteDance reportedly eyes 2Q26 launch for new Doubao phone with dual-track partnerships

Tencent CEO Pony Ma sharply criticized the Doubao phone as “extremely unsafe and irresponsible” at the company’s year-end meeting in late January 2026. However, recent reports from China’s supply chain reveal that ByteDance launched the official version project of its Doubao phone assistant at the end of 2025, aiming to release a next-generation model in the second quarter of 2026.

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AMD and Broadcom back Powertech’s FOPLP; monthly revenue to hit NT$3 billion

Memory packaging giant Powertech Technology is aggressively expanding into fan-out panel-level packaging (FOPLP), with chairman Duh-Kung Tsai optimistic about the AI industry. Amid ongoing memory shortages and rising demand for advanced packaging, Powertech aims to become the top partner outside the TSMC ecosystem, expecting a significant revenue surge in 2027-2028 as FOPLP capacity reaches full utilization, contributing NT$3 billion (US$95 million) monthly.

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Salesforce highlights three AI trends shaping agentic enterprises

Salesforce has released its outlook on artificial intelligence (AI) trends for 2026, describing the year as a turning point for the emergence of what it calls the “agentic enterprise.” Citing its latest research, the company said that AI adoption by chief information officers has increased by 282%. However, concerns around data reliability and governance remain the primary constraint on scaling enterprise automation.

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China bans hidden EV door handles, forcing industry-wide redesigns

China has stepped up electric vehicle safety regulation, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology approving a new mandatory national standard, Technical Requirements for Automobile Door Handle Safety (GB 48001-2026). The rules require all EVs sold in China to feature independently operable mechanical door-opening mechanisms on both the inside and outside, banning designs that rely entirely on electronic systems or concealed handles.

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Apple deepens AI-hardware integration with Q.ai acquisition

Apple has taken a significant step in the intensifying AI competition with Meta Platforms and Alphabet by acquiring Israeli startup Q.ai, a move that underscores its effort to rebuild momentum in artificial intelligence. Reuters reported the acquisition, citing sources who said the deal is valued at about US$1.6 billion, while the Financial Times put the price closer to US$2 billion. If confirmed, the transaction would rank as Apple’s second-largest acquisition, after its 2014 purchase of Beats Electronics.

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Univacco Technology to launch Vietnam factory, targets global market competitiveness

Vacuum coating film maker Univacco Technology plans to begin mass production at its new Vietnam facility in the first half of 2027. The overseas factory is designed to take advantage of tariff benefits, lower manufacturing costs, and an ample labor supply, supporting the company’s efforts to strengthen competitiveness in international markets.

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iPhone gains in China squeeze MediaTek, Qualcomm revenues

Last week, Apple released its latest financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, with the iPhone 17 series continuing to post strong sales. Overall, iPhone shipments grew 23% year over year, with particularly standout performance in the Chinese market. Apple CEO Tim Cook said the number of users switching from Android to Apple far exceeded expectations. Considering that China’s overall smartphone market did not actually grow in the previous quarter, this implies a relative decline in market share for other Chinese smartphone brands. This undoubtedly adds revenue pressure for other SoC vendors such as MediaTek and Qualcomm.

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