Articles tagged with "android"

The Sub-2nm Paradox

The article discusses the challenges faced in semiconductor manufacturing at 2nm and below. It highlights the impact of process variation and physics on design, manufacturing, and economics. The focus is on faster data movement and more efficient computing rather than just increasing transistor density. The article also touches on the complexities of achieving performance, power consumption, and transistor density promises at these advanced nodes. Additionally, it mentions the shift towards multi-die assemblies of chiplets to address the limitations of single-die designs.

Samsung granted court injunction against imminent strike action in last-minute reprieve — talks resume as unions barred from occupying or locking facilities, obstructing workers

Samsung has been granted a court injunction in South Korea to limit an upcoming strike by employees, prompting a return to negotiations. The strike, scheduled to start on May 21, is driven by worker dissatisfaction over bonus caps and profit sharing. The court order mandates normal staffing levels and prohibits union members from obstructing facilities, with fines for non-compliance. Talks between Samsung and the labor union have resumed to prevent the strike, which could cost the company billions in revenue.

Samsung meeting transcripts show memory workers offered incredible 607% bonus worth $477,000, while logic chip staff get as little as 50% — union says misbalance 'creates a retention crisis the company cannot afford'

Samsung's internal wage negotiation transcripts reveal a significant bonus disparity, with memory chip division workers offered bonuses worth 607% of their annual salary, while logic chip staff were offered as little as 50-100%. This imbalance has led to internal tensions and is a key driver behind Samsung facing its largest strike in history. The union argues that this misbalance is creating a retention crisis for the company. Samsung has since made changes in its bargaining team and issued a public apology in response to the dispute. Additionally, workers have been leaving Samsung's foundry operations for competitors like SK hynix, which has set a market benchmark for employee bonuses.

Samsung starts winding down chip production six days before planned 18-day strike — company enters 'emergency management mode,' daily losses could hit $2 billion

Samsung has begun reducing chip production ahead of an 18-day strike by employees over bonuses, leading to potential daily losses of $2 billion. The company is implementing "emergency management mode" by limiting new wafer input and adjusting production lines to focus on high-value chips. The pre-strike slowdown could extend to six weeks, with potential total losses estimated in the billions. The strike, with over 43,000 workers signed up, could disrupt global DRAM and NAND supply, impacting Samsung's reputation in the long term. Talks between Samsung and the union have collapsed, with negotiations potentially resuming after the strike ends on June 7.

Samsung's critical union negotiations break down eight days before planned 18-day chip factory strike that's projected to cost $700 million per day — Korean PM calls emergency meeting as strike looms

Samsung's critical union negotiations have broken down just eight days before an 18-day chip factory strike, which could cost the company $700 million per day. The breakdown has led to an emergency meeting called by the Korean Prime Minister as the strike looms. The union and Samsung failed to reach an agreement on bonus payments, with the union demanding changes to bonus calculations and profit allocations. The potential strike could result in significant financial losses for Samsung, impacting its semiconductor division's annual sales. The union, representing over 90,000 members, has warned of the economic impact of the strike on South Korea's exports, particularly in the semiconductor industry.

Google's new laptop platform, 'Googlebook,' leaks ahead of reveal event — new laptops powered by Android and Google Gemini, meant to succeed Chromebook

Google's new laptop platform, 'Googlebook,' has leaked ahead of its reveal event, set to feature laptops powered by Android and Google Gemini, aiming to succeed Chromebooks. The platform integrates Android OS with Gemini AI, offering features like deeper integration with Android devices and AI-powered widgets. The leaked images also showcase a "Magic Pointer" and a unique "Glowbar" feature. Googlebook laptops will be manufactured by PC vendors like Asus, Dell, and Lenovo, hinting at a potential unification of Android and ChromeOS into a single platform.

Samsung holds desperate final talks with union over 18-day chip factory strike that could cost $20 billion — government-mediated summit seeks to avert industrial action that could hit HBM production

Samsung is engaging in final negotiations with its largest labor coalition to avert an 18-day chip factory strike that could cost the company $20 billion. The talks, mediated by the South Korean government, aim to prevent a shutdown of the world's largest memory chip operation. The union has threatened a general strike from May 21st to June 7th if an agreement is not reached. The dispute centers around the union's demand to uncap performance payouts at 15% of operating profit, with management offering industry-leading compensation but refusing to remove the cap permanently. Fractures within Samsung's workforce, particularly between divisions, are adding complexity to the negotiations.

Samsung chip workers reject $340,000 one-time bonus, demand annual payouts like SK hynix's $900,000 — workers want share of AI windfall, impending 18-day strike could cost Samsung up to $11.7 billion

Samsung chip workers have rejected a $340,000 one-time bonus offer and are demanding annual payouts similar to SK hynix's $900,000 bonuses. The impending 18-day strike could cost Samsung up to $11.7 billion. The National Samsung Electronics Union and management are close to agreeing on a 13% operating profit allocation as a bonus, but the union wants it guaranteed annually. The workers seek a share of the AI windfall and are pushing for a larger bonus, citing the significant profits from the AI infrastructure build-out. The strike threat looms as negotiations continue.

Union rally causes Samsung fab production to plummet by 58% during night shift as workers demand up to $400,000 bonuses — updated figures show over 40,000 people attended rally for better pay and bonuses

Samsung's production took a hit during a one-day strike by the labor union, with memory fab output dropping by 18% and contract chip foundry by 58.1% on the night shift. The union demands up to $400,000 bonuses, a 7% pay increase, and removal of the 50% bonus cap, while Samsung management offered a 10% operating profit bonus and 6.2% wage increase. The union plans an 18-day labor action if an agreement isn't reached, potentially costing Samsung over $20 billion. A general strike on May 21 involving 40,000 members could disrupt operations and impact the global memory chip supply.

More than 30,000 Samsung union members take to the streets to demand an average bonus of $400,000 per worker — May 21 strike date looms, union points to rival SK hynix granting higher bonuses to its employees

Samsung union members, with over 30,000 rallying in South Korea, are demanding a $400,000 average bonus per worker, totaling $27 billion. The union seeks 15% of the company's operating profit for chip-division workers, a bonus cap removal, and a 7% pay increase. Samsung management offered a 10% profit allocation, a 6.2% wage hike, and benefits, but the union rejected it, citing SK hynix's higher bonuses. If unresolved, a strike starting May 21 could lead to significant losses for Samsung.

Samsung engineer sentenced to 7 years in prison for selling chipmaking trade secrets to Chinese chipmaker — ex-employee supplied 10nm DRAM data to CXMT for $2 million

A Samsung engineer has been sentenced to seven years in prison for selling chipmaking trade secrets to Chinese chipmaker CXMT. The engineer, known as "Jeon," supplied detailed steps on DRAM manufacturing to CXMT for $2 million, causing potential trillions in losses for South Korea. Jeon's low compensation at Samsung was considered a mitigating factor in the sentencing. The stolen information allegedly helped CXMT advance its technology, leading to concerns about lost sales for Samsung and potential national security implications. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting intellectual property in the tech industry.

Non-functioning counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSDs are circulating in Europe — Despite convincing packaging, blue PCB easily gives away the dupe

Counterfeit Samsung 990 Pro SSDs are being circulated in Europe, with a customer in Austria receiving a non-functioning fake drive despite convincing packaging. The fake drives have a blue PCB instead of the original black, making them easily distinguishable upon closer inspection. These counterfeit SSDs are not recognized as genuine products by Samsung's software and lack proper firmware naming conventions. The affected buyer also received a third suspicious drive, prompting the vendor to investigate the matter. Samsung advises consumers to purchase its products only from certified retailers to avoid falling victim to such scams.

Samsung preps PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD with a controller based on open-source RISC-V architecture — BM9K1 delivers speeds up to 11.4 GB/s for 'personal AI workloads'

Samsung has introduced the BM9K1 SSD, a PCIe 5.0 drive with QLC NAND that boasts sequential read speeds of up to 11.4 GB/s, targeting 'personal AI computing' workloads. The drive features a controller based on the open-source RISC-V architecture, offering improved energy efficiency and firmware optimization for QLC NAND management. Samsung plans to launch the BM9K1 in 2027 in capacities of 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB. This move puts Samsung in competition with Micron's 3610 PCIe 5.0 QLC SSD, with Samsung's drive offering higher sequential read speeds but lower capacities.

Microsoft says, for once, Windows update isn't to blame for Galaxy Book4 laptops losing access to C: drive — the Galaxy Connect app was the culprit, and it's been taken down from Microsoft Store

Microsoft clarified that a recent issue causing Galaxy Book4 laptops to lose access to their C: drive was not due to a Windows update but was caused by the Galaxy Connect app. This app, used for screen sharing with Samsung Galaxy phones, interfered with Windows, leading to permission revocation and drive access problems. Microsoft and Samsung have addressed the issue by removing the app from the Microsoft Store and providing recovery steps for affected users. The problem was identified before the February 2026 Windows 11 security update, and Microsoft has marked it as "externally resolved."

Microsoft and Samsung scramble to fix a major C: drive lockout bug on Galaxy devices — faulty Galaxy Connect app leaves users with 'limited' recovery options following recent Windows 11 update

Microsoft and Samsung are addressing a critical bug that locks out the C: drive on Galaxy devices after a recent Windows 11 update. The issue, caused by the Samsung Galaxy Connect app, hinders users from accessing apps, files, and performing administrative tasks. While the app has been temporarily removed from the Microsoft Store and Samsung has reverted to an older version, recovery options for affected devices are limited. Reports suggest the bug may stem from broken Access Control Lists triggered by app updates. Users of specific Samsung models are advised to remove the app or revert to a recommended version to avoid potential data loss.

Several PC games run on Snapdragon 8 Elite Android device with 16GB RAM and emulation — The Witcher 3, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Cyberpunk 2077 playable at 720p

PC emulation on high-end Android devices like the Snapdragon 8 Elite with 16GB RAM has reached a point where games like The Witcher 3, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Cyberpunk 2077 are playable at 720p resolution. The YouTuber ETA Prime demonstrated the performance of various Android devices running PC games through emulation, showcasing smooth gameplay for titles like GTA V, Left 4 Dead 2, and more. The use of apps like GameHub and Game Native enables this emulation, with advancements in translation technology making it possible to run x86 and Windows code on ARM-based Android devices. While PC emulation on Android is not flawless, it has become more accessible with apps like GameHub available on the Google Play Store, simplifying the process of running PC games on Android devices.

High-end Android phones are now powerful enough to emulate the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077 — YouTuber gets 2020's hottest PC game running at playable frame rates on Red Magic 11 Pro

A YouTuber successfully emulated the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077 on a Red Magic 11 Pro Android phone, achieving playable frame rates of 30 to 40 FPS. By utilizing GameSir's GameHub platform and the phone's powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset with internal cooling features, the emulation delivered smooth performance even at low settings. With frame generation enabled, the phone reached up to 50 FPS, showcasing the advancements in PC emulation on smartphones. The demonstration highlights the potential for high-end Android devices to handle AAA PC games through emulation, hinting at future possibilities for mobile gaming performance.

Windows 11 KB5074105 25H2 adds Android Resume feature, direct download links for .msu (offline installer)

Windows 11 KB5074105 update for version 25H2 or 24H2 introduces the Android Resume feature, allowing users to seamlessly continue tasks from their Android devices on their Windows PCs. The update also enables the option to disable or enable Smart App Control without needing to reinstall the OS. Microsoft has shared direct download links for offline installers (.msu) for this update, which is optional and requires manual installation. Additionally, improvements to Windows MIDI Services and the ability to toggle Smart App Control are included in this update.

How to setup an Android smartphone as a webcam — Camo Studio unlocks new uses for old smartphones in Windows 10 or 11 and OBS software

Camo Studio allows users to repurpose old Android smartphones as webcams for Windows 10 or 11 and OBS software. The setup process involves installing Camo Studio on a PC and the Camo Camera app on the Android device, then connecting the two over Wi-Fi. Users can adjust camera settings, apply filters, and use templates for a customized video stream. Additionally, the article provides steps for integrating Camo with OBS to create a multi-camera setup for streaming or recording videos.

Leaked images showcase Android's new Aluminum OS desktop interface — Google's nascent Windows rival spotted in screen recording of a Chromebook bug

Google has been working on merging ChromeOS into Android, with leaked images revealing a new Aluminum OS desktop interface. The interface features a taller taskbar, relocated date and time settings, and a layout reminiscent of macOS. The Android desktop version appears to be running on older hardware, potentially indicating plans for existing ChromeOS users to transition to Aluminum OS. While there is no official release date, Google aims to launch the new operating system by 2026, with speculation that it may arrive sooner based on the leaked images.

Samsung refutes claims of '80% price hike' across all memory products — leaks and rumors denied by Samsung PR amidst historic RAM shortages

Samsung has refuted claims of an 80% price hike on its memory products, dismissing rumors amidst a historic shortage of RAM. Reports of the price increase were denied by Samsung and its manufacturing partners, stating that while prices are rising due to supply constraints, an 80% hike is not part of their plans. The rumors originated from an alleged memo from a Samsung distributor, but Samsung has clarified that they have not communicated any such price increase. Despite the denial, the volatile RAM market has seen significant price fluctuations, with DRAM prices growing 171% year-over-year from 2024 to 2025.

Windows 11’s “almost full-screen” Android apps mirroring now available for everyone via Phone Link app with supported phones

Windows 11 now allows users to stream Android apps in an "almost full-screen" mode using the Phone Link app, offering up to 90% of desktop screen space. This feature, called "Expanded screen," is available for all users through the Microsoft Store updates. The Phone Link app previously only supported a compact view for Android apps but now allows them to expand across the desktop. Some apps may require a restart to switch layouts, and not all apps support the expanded view. The feature mirrors Android apps in a wider layout on the desktop, leaving about 10% of the screen unused.

Microsoft wants you to use Windows 11 File Explorer for viewing Android phone’s photos, not Phone Link app. No iPhone support for now

Microsoft is discontinuing the Photos section in Windows 11's Phone Link app, prompting users to use File Explorer to view photos on Android phones instead. This change does not support iPhone connectivity. While File Explorer integration with Android phones is not new, it has faced issues with syncing and organization. Microsoft aims to offer a more consistent experience by moving the Photos feature to File Explorer, although some users prefer the simplicity and reliability of the Phone Link app.

Samsung eyed up for huge 8nm chip order from Intel — the Z990 chipset for Nova Lake CPUs could be Intel's 8nm debut

Samsung Foundry has reportedly secured a significant order from Intel to manufacture the Z990 chipset for Nova Lake CPUs using Samsung's 8nm process technology. This move marks Intel's potential debut on the 8nm process node and signifies a shift from their current chipset production at a foundry in Texas to Samsung's facility in Korea. The collaboration between Samsung and Intel extends back to previous chipset production, and this new partnership could provide Intel with advantages in features, power consumption, and thermals. Samsung's established 8nm manufacturing process has attracted major clients, with Intel's order being a notable achievement for the company. The production of Intel's 8nm chipsets is expected to begin next year, aligning with Intel's Nova Lake CPU launch plans.

You can now lock Windows 11 from Android remotely, send files to PC, share clipboard, mirror screen, and more

Microsoft has upgraded its "Link to Windows" feature on Android, allowing users to remotely lock Windows 11, send files between devices, share the clipboard, and mirror screens. The update, version 1.25102.140.0, introduces new controls and a revamped interface for managing connected computers. Users can now view their PC's battery level and network strength on their Android phones. Additionally, a new "Recent Activity" section displays interactions like file transfers and clipboard sync. The update also enables remote locking and unlocking of PCs, seamless file transfers between devices, and access to the Windows 11 clipboard from Android.

Samsung denies rumors that it is phasing out its consumer SATA SSD production

Samsung has refuted rumors suggesting that it is discontinuing its consumer SATA SSD production. The company clarified that it remains committed to the consumer SSD market and will continue to offer a wide range of SSD products. This denial comes in response to speculation that Samsung might be phasing out its consumer SATA SSDs in favor of newer technologies. Samsung's SSD business has been a significant player in the market, and this statement aims to reassure customers about the company's ongoing commitment to SSD technology.

Microsoft is making Android apps streaming on Windows 11 more native with expanded mode

Microsoft is enhancing the experience of streaming Android apps on Windows 11 by introducing an "Expanded" view mode through Phone Link. This new mode allows users to increase the view area of Android apps on their Windows 11 PC for better visibility. While the expanded view widens the app window, it may not fully maximize to the screen's width and can have a black background on the sides. Some apps like VLC and Amazon can take full advantage of the expanded view, but others may appear slightly hazy and not optimized for larger screens. Microsoft is still refining this feature to improve the overall user experience before a stable release.

Samsung no longer making low-cost displays, creating trouble for Apple's new Vision Air headset

Samsung's decision to stop producing low-cost displays is causing issues for Apple's upcoming Vision Air headset. This move by Samsung will impact Apple's ability to source affordable displays for their new headset, potentially leading to production delays or increased costs. The Vision Air headset is rumored to be a mixed reality device that Apple has been working on for some time. With Samsung no longer offering low-cost displays, Apple may need to explore alternative display suppliers to ensure the timely release of their new product.

Samsung to show off its latest LPDDR6 memory and PM9E1 Gen5 SSDs and more at CES 2026

Samsung is set to showcase its latest LPDDR6 memory and PM9E1 Gen5 SSDs at CES 2026. The LPDDR6 memory is expected to offer improved performance and efficiency for mobile devices, while the PM9E1 Gen5 SSDs are designed to provide high-speed storage solutions for various applications. Samsung's presence at CES will also include displays of other cutting-edge technologies and innovations in the tech industry.

Show HN: Helium Browser for Android with extensions support, based on Vanadium

Helium Browser for Android is an experimental Chromium-based web browser that supports extensions and is based on Helium by imput and Vanadium by GrapheneOS. Users can install extensions by enabling the Desktop site in the Chrome Web Store and selecting "Add to Chrome." Debug URLs can be accessed using chrome://chrome-urls, and the WebRTC IP handling policy can be adjusted under Settings for privacy. The browser aims to enhance security and privacy, but users are warned that all builds are experimental. For better protection, it's recommended to use GrapheneOS with Vanadium. The project acknowledges contributions from various communities and provides build scripts for compiling on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions.

The Swift SDK for Android

The article discusses the release of the Swift SDK for Android, enabling developers to use Apple's Swift programming language to build Android apps. The SDK aims to provide a seamless experience for developers familiar with Swift, offering tools and resources to streamline the app development process. By expanding Swift's reach to Android, developers can leverage their existing skills to create cross-platform applications. The SDK's release signifies a significant step towards bridging the gap between iOS and Android development environments.

Hackers can steal 2FA codes and private messages from Android phones

A new attack called Pixnapping can steal 2FA codes, private messages, and other data from Android devices within 30 seconds. The attack requires a victim to install a malicious app that can read data displayed on the screen without system permissions. Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S25 phones have been demonstrated to be vulnerable, with potential for other models. Google released mitigations, but a modified version of the attack can still work even with the update installed. Pixnapping works by manipulating pixels on the screen to extract sensitive information from targeted apps.

Samsung takes a scalpel to its 2nm wafer price tag, bringing it down to $20,000 — Korean chipmaker now undercuts rival TSMC by 33%

Samsung has reduced the price of its 2nm wafer to $20,000, undercutting TSMC by 33%. This move aims to fill its 2nm fab capacity and secure returns on investments. Despite challenges, Samsung recently secured a $16.5 billion deal with Tesla for AI chip production in its Texas facility. Samsung's competitive pricing strategy may attract clients unwilling to pay TSMC's premium prices, while TSMC remains dominant in the 2nm market with multiple large clients.

Samsung could team with Intel in US semiconductor business with the help of President Trump