Samsung Might Build Qualcomm’s Next Big 2nm Chip
In a major shift, Qualcomm is discussing using Samsung’s 2nm process for its upcoming high-end chip. This move could reshape the semiconductor foundry battle, especially against TSMC.
Category: Manufacturing
China’s Rare Earth Threat Is a Gut Punch for Japan Inc.
China is escalating export controls on rare earths and related tech to Japan, targeting a key vulnerability. Japanese firms have tried to diversify for a decade, but a 3-month disruption could still cost $4.2 billion and hit GDP.
Wisconsin Town Gets Secret $120k-Per-Acre Data Center Land Grab
Residents of Greenleaf, Wisconsin, are being offered big money to sell their land for a potential data center project. The developer’s identity is a mystery, but it’s part of a major building boom in the state.
Samsung’s New Galaxy Book6 Laptops Go All-In On Intel Panther Lake
Samsung has announced its new Galaxy Book6 laptop family, headlined by the Ultra model. The machines are among the first to feature Intel’s just-launched Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” processors and optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 or 5060 graphics.
VinFast’s Vietnam deliveries double, but overseas struggles continue
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast says it delivered about 170,000 units in its home country in 2025, nearly doubling its 2024 figure. The strong domestic growth contrasts sharply with its ongoing challenges and stock declines in competitive international markets like North America.
Exxelia’s New Space-Grade Magnetics Packs a 2kW Punch
A new integrated magnetics solution from Exxelia aims to shrink and simplify power systems for satellites and spacecraft. The design combines a transformer and inductor into one assembly, achieving high efficiency in a remarkably small, rugged package.
The 16 Industrial Startups That Almost Won TechCrunch’s Big Prize
TechCrunch whittled down thousands of applicants to 200 top startups, with 20 competing for the $100,000 prize. These 16 logistics and manufacturing companies were among the impressive contenders that didn’t make the final stage.
Starlink is moving thousands of satellites lower. Here’s why.
Starlink is undertaking a massive orbital reshuffle for safety. The company will lower thousands of satellites to a less cluttered altitude, aiming to cut deorbit times from years to months.
A Simple “Recharge” Could Finally Fix Our Lithium Recycling Mess
Researchers at Rice University have turned battery charging on its head to create a cleaner recycling method. Their process “recharges” old battery material to extract lithium, producing high-purity lithium hydroxide with just electricity and water.
China’s Factory Activity Finally Expands, But It’s a Fragile Rebound
China’s official manufacturing index crept back into expansion territory in December for the first time in eight months. The reading of 50.1, however, suggests a marginal recovery with underlying weaknesses in exports and small business activity persisting.