The goal of the policy fund is to increase long-term investments and support research programs and early-phase infrastructural projects. The fund will be managed by the South Korean government through the Korea Development Bank. It will be financed through bonds guaranteed by the state with the managing bank covering operational costs.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Speaking at a ministerial meeting on economic affairs and industrial competitiveness, South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok underscored the accelerating global tech race and emphasized the need for the country to maintain a lead in key sectors.

“The ongoing tech race among major economies is also accelerating, as the industrial landscape involving advanced technologies such as chips, AI, and EVs is changing rapidly. First and foremost, we should be ahead of the curve,” Choi said on March 5.

South Korea plans to merge previous financial support programs that are offered to the semiconductor industry under the new South Korea National Strategic Industries Fund. To underpin its latest move, the government of South Korea also introduced new policies that are designed to attract talent in highly competitive industries across the globe.

“Competitiveness in advanced strategic industries has emerged to be the core of national economic security amid heightened external uncertainty under the new U.S. administration,” the government said.

Focus on Economic Security

The policy fund will offer low-interest investments and loans over the coming five years. Its focus will be on national strategic technologies that include AI, aerospace, biopharmaceuticals, future mobility, and rechargeable batteries.

The government plans to protect these industries and provide them with targeted financial support in response to the rising global competition and supply chain fragmentation. The South Korean government sees growth and development of these technologies as critical in enhancing the country’s national economic security in the face of increased global uncertainty and protectionism.

The Initiative will integrate the 17 Trillion won South Korea semiconductor industry financial support program that was launched in 2024. It will also incorporate the 34 Trillion won program for biotech and EV batteries. Through the policy fund, the South Korean government expects financial support to hit the 100 trillion won mark, with private banks providing additional funding.

To underpin its latest move, the government of South Korea announced the introduction of new policies that are designed to attract top talent from highly competitive industries across the globe. One strategy that the government plans to apply is offering permanent residency and top-tier visas to skilled foreigners that have experience working in leading global firms. This, the government says, will make it easier for them to enter local firms in advanced sectors.

Rising Trade Tensions

South Korea’s decision to launch a policy fund to finance development of strategic technologies comes at a time when trade tensions are rising globally after the introduction of new tariffs that have aggravated uncertainty in international trade.

“With the US government imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and China, and an additional 10% on Chinese imports, uncertainty in the trade environment continues to expand,” Choi added.

Trump’s tariffs target key trading partners and selected industries that include chips, biopharmaceuticals, and automotives. The government of South Korea expressed willingness to take “bold and disruptive support measures” that include setting up a fund dedicated to strategic industries to secure its leadership in top-notch technology development.

The post South Korea to Set Up a $34 B Funding Facility for Chips, AI, and EV Technologies appeared first on Tech Research Online.

TSMC said the expansion plans included setting up of three new chip fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities and a major research and development center. Additionally, TSMC’s quarterly earnings exceeded expectations due to high demand for AI chips in the U.S.

A Strategic Expansion of TSMC in the US

The plans for expansion are a historic move towards strengthening TSMC chip manufacturing in America. As industries across the globe face chip shortages, TSMC’s new manufacturing units will provide a constant supply of sophisticated semiconductors to industries. The investment comes as part of the larger objective of reshoring chip production and furthering national security through reducing risks of global supply chain breakdowns. The $100 billion investment aims to enhance domestic semiconductor production and reduce U.S. dependence on Asia.

TSMC’s expansion into the U.S. will highly impact the American economy positively. While TSMC has not specified a timeline for the new investments, the initiative is expected to create 40,000 construction jobs over the next four years. Though the TSMC says that the delays in the Arizona plant will benefit Taiwan as the country will receive advanced Chip Tech first.

Andrew Tsai, chairman of Taiwan consulting firm Capital Investment Management Corp, “Higher costs are definitely a concern for TSMC.”

Trump’s Influence in Securing the Investment

President Donald Trump’s involvement in procuring this agreement highlights political and economic importance of semiconducting manufacturing. Accounts indicate that a meeting of TSMC CEOs with Trump was instrumental in securing the deal. This partnership of TSMC with U.S. leaders like Nvidia and AMD cement the country’s goal to be a leader in semiconductor innovation.

The TSMC investment in the US is a watershed moment for the world’s semiconductor market. By having a more robust presence in the U.S., TSMC not only strengthens homegrown manufacturing capacity but also reduces America’s reliance on Asia. This move is set to disrupt global supply chains, leading other leading semiconductor players to re-evaluate their approach.

With billions of dollars being invested in new plants and leading-edge technology, this investment might reshape America’s position in the semiconductor industry for decades to come.

On Monday, TSMC stated, “We look forward to discussing our shared vision for innovation and growth in the semiconductor industry, as well as exploring ways to bolster the technology sector along with our customers.”

The post Trump and TSMC Announce $100 Billion Plan to Strengthen US Chip Manufacturing appeared first on Tech Research Online.

According to Yahoo Finance, the Japanese semiconductor giant confirmed its plan to build a $681 million plant, remaining positive about the sustained AI spending. Tokyo Electron AI revealed its expansion plans after reporting better than expected earnings. The company is a supplier to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. as well as Samsung Electronics and has had a profit of $13.1 billion in the Q4 of 2024, surpassing analyst estimates of $11.4 billion.

Tokyo Electron Financial Performance

Recent earnings reports show that Tokyo Electron’s financial performance has stayed strong, due to the steady demand in the semiconductor industry. Although AI chip spending has slowed down a bit, the company keeps reporting stable growth in other semiconductor areas.

Tokyo Electron plans to build a new factory in Miyagi Prefecture, northeast Japan, to boost its production. This move comes from high demand by big clients. Companies such as Samsung, TSMC, and SK Hynix Inc. have shown they’ll keep spending a lot on tools to turn wafers into chips.

Tokyo Electron’s leaders have stressed that spreading out across different semiconductor markets has helped lower risks tied to AI-related slowdowns. They think that the ongoing need for high-performance chips in various industries, like cars and consumer electronics, will keep Tokyo Electron’s revenue growing for years to come.

AI Spending Concerns

Despite the semiconductor sector experiencing rapid growth due to AI advancements, there is an increasing apprehension that investments in AI might begin to slow down. Industry analysts believe that the growth of demand for AI chips might not be as rapid as had been anticipated and this could impact the spending of equipment manufacturers like Tokyo Electron.

Still, Tokyo Electron believes that its prospects in the semiconductor market are quite good. There are long-term support factors, driven by global initiatives for self-sufficiency in semiconductors, together with growth in demand for sophisticated chips for use in data centers, mobile devices, and electric vehicles.

Tokyo Electron Growth Plans Continue

To reinforce its position as a market leader, Tokyo Electron growth initiatives include new investments in production facilities and research. The company is expanding its presence in key markets, particularly in Asia and North America, where semiconductor manufacturing activity is surging.

Tokyo Electron growth initiatives include new investment for production and research facility build-outs as it tries to maintain its position as a market leadership. The company is expanding its footprint into various high-growth markets, particularly Asia and North America, where semiconductor manufacturing activity is growing rapidly.

In this scenario, Tokyo Electron is investing in next-generation chip-making technologies. However, Tokyo Electron must sustain significant levels of excellence by staying well ahead of peers while continuously reining innovation combined with operational improvements for better financial performance.

The post Tokyo Electron Revenue Growth on Track as Expansion Plans Move Forward appeared first on Tech Research Online.

According to Reuters, the German chipmaker’s shares rose by 11% after Infineon forecasted quarterly sales above expectations. Charter Equity Research analyst Jack Egan said, “ Infineon’s report likely eased concerns about continued deterioration in automotive demand as it guided for flat-to-slightly up Automotive revenue in FY25. The Power & Sensor segment is also expected to be up significantly in FY25, most likely due to Infineon’s (artificial intelligence) server products.”

Infineon Profit Forecast

Infineon’s profit forecast surpassed analysts’ expectations while maintaining its strong sales figures. The German chipmaker maintained its profitability through higher margins which stemmed from premium auto and industrial product pricing even during uncertain economic times.

CEO Jochen Hanebeck said in a statement, referring to the group’s 12-month accounting period until end-September, “Following the expected inventory reduction, we continue to anticipate that the recovery in demand will be gradual for the current fiscal year.”

The latest Infineon Q1 sales report highlights the rising automotive chip requirements creating this sector into one of the company’s primary revenue pillars. High production of electric vehicles has generated growing demand for superior semiconductors and has resulted in higher business for suppliers like Infineon.

However, Chief Financial Officer Sven Schneider cautioned that uncertainty remains due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, especially if they trigger a cycle of retaliatory measures, “To be very clear, a major escalation of tariffs is not included in our guidance,” Schneider told Bloomberg Television. “Because we are still not giving up and advocating for free trade. An escalation of tariffs and counter-tariffs would be negative.”

Infineon Market Outlook

The Infineon market outlook indicates sustained development opportunities focused on automotive and industrial fields. The company has to keep up with the emerging semiconductor trends like energy-efficient chips combined with AI-driven technologies to continue its growth trajectory.

Infineon has provided investors with confidence about stability and growth potential through its powerful profit forecast and impressive Q1 sales performance. The strong automotive sector demand positions Infineon as semiconductor market leadership while driving additional growth in upcoming quarters.

The company said, “it expects fiscal second-quarter revenue of 3.6 billion euros ($3.7 billion), beating a company-provided analyst forecast of 3.42 billion.”

The post Infineon Profit Forecast Soars as Automotive Chip Demand Fuels Growth appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Economic Growth Warning

Taiwan is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which is the biggest contract chip producer in the world. This makes the Asian island country an important link to the global tech supply chain for big companies such as Nvidia and Apple.

“For our semiconductors and advanced processes, there is an advantage of technological leadership that cannot be replaced, and so the impact will be small, “Taiwan’s Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei said.

But even as Jyh-huei downplays the impact of Trump chip tariffs, Taiwanese policymakers have cautioned that new tariffs could affect the growth of the country’s export-dependent economy. Trump has said he will introduce a 10% blanket tariff on imports entering the US market from around the world.

In November last year, the President-elect said a 25% tariff will be introduced on imports from Mexico and Canada. For Chinese goods, the incoming president has said a 60% tariff will be introduced.

Shifting Supply Chains

As a way of circumventing high Taiwan chip export tariffs, the country says it would consider relocating supply chains to the country if needed.

“Now we see that we should be able to develop the aerospace supply chain industry in the United States, and do some joining up with the US aerospace companies, so that some of Taiwan’s aerospace research and development centres can be moved there,” Kuo Jyh-huei added.

The Asian country is also eying Japan. The country plans to establish an office in Japan within the first half of 2025 to enable Taiwanese companies to invest in the country and build partnerships in the development of drones and AI.

US Investments

Taiwanese chip manufacturing companies that produce semiconductors in the US have benefited immensely from Chips Act funding. In October 2024, the US Department of Commerce finalized a $6.6 billion award to Taiwan’s largest contract chipmaker, TSMC under the Chips Act. The Department also finalized a $406 million Chips Act funding for Taiwanese chip manufacturer GlobalWafers to boost its silicon wafer production in the country.

But investment isn’t the only thing that Taiwanese chip makers in the US are attracting. An earnings report released on January 10, 2025, shows that quarterly revenues for TSMC surpassed analyst expectations after hitting the $26.3 billion mark. This positive performance reinforced investor confidence even as hopes of continued spending in 2025 remain rife.

The go-to chip producer for Apple and Nvidia maintained a strong performance, reporting a 39% revenue increase in the October-December 2024 quarter. TSMC stocks surged by 7% following the positive operational and financial performance as well as the company’s potential to expand.

Last month, TSMC commenced talks with AI chip maker Nvidia Corp to manufacture Blackwell chips at its new Arizona factory. TSMC plans to commence operations in the new facility this year.

The post Trump’s Import Tariffs will Have Minimal Impact on Semiconductor Exports, Taiwan Says appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The associations comprise 6,400 companies drawn from the largest industries in China. Their memberships are drawn from the digital economy, telecommunications, semiconductors, and automobile industries. The statements from the associations appeared to be well coordinated, coming shortly after each other. However, the statements did not outline details why US chips are not safe or reliable.

China-US Chip Trade Conflicts

The warning from the Chinese association comes soon after the US launched the third major crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry. The crackdown has seen the US government restrain exports to 140 Chinese companies.

Over the last two days, economic wars between the two countries have escalated tensions prior to Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The president-elect has already stated that he will impose heavy tariffs on Chinese imports. These pronouncements have revived trade that the incoming president ignited during his first term.

The Chinese associations claim that the chip export restrictions imposed by the US have caused significant damage to the development of the country’s Internet industry. However, companies targeted by the US export controls said their production will not be disrupted by the restrictions.

Impact on US Chip Manufacturers

China’s chip safety concerns could have a huge impact on large US chip manufacturers like AMD, Nvidia, and Intel. These companies have been selling their products in the Chinese market regardless of export controls. The US Semiconductor Industry Association called on the two governments to de-escalate the conflict, saying China’s assertion that US chips are unreliable is not accurate.

“Coordinated calls in China to limit procurement of U.S. chips are unhelpful, and any claims that American chips are ‘no longer safe or reliable’ are simply inaccurate. Export controls should be narrow and targeted to meet specific national security objectives. We encourage both governments to avoid further escalation,” the Association said.

The warnings from the Chinese manufacturers association may be viewed as soft advice to their members. Companies could take it up, but that will be determined by the market.

“China had been moving quite slowly or carefully in terms of retaliating against moves by the United States, but it seems pretty clear that now the gloves are off,” Trivium China Associate Director, Tom Nunlist said.

China’s Mineral Export Ban

On December 3, 2024, China announced a ban on all rare mineral exports used in solar cells, military applications, fiber optic cables, and other processes. The US said it will be taking steps to deter further coercive actions by China following the ban. The US also said it will continue to diversify its supply chains from China. Nunlist sees China’s mineral export ban as more crucial.

China’s Internet Society has also asked local companies to reconsider US chips and instead expand their partnership with manufacturers in other countries or regions. The Society specifically asked its members to use chips manufactured by Chinese-owned companies both locally and internationally.

The Association of Communication Enterprises called on the Chinese government to investigate the security of the country’s information infrastructure. The latest chip safety warnings mirror China’s actions towards US memory chip manufacturer, Micron. Last year, China subjected Micron to a cybersecurity review soon after the US announced export restrictions on its chipmaking technology to the country.

Later, China banned Micron from selling chips to Chinese companies. The ban had a huge impact on Micron’s revenue. In October 2024, China’s Cybersecurity Association called for a review of Intel products claiming that they have been harming the country’s national interests and security.

The post The Chinese Raise Alarm over Safety of US Chips as China-US Trade Wars Intensify appeared first on Tech Research Online.

According to Reuters, New export restrictions under the CHIPS Act, include 140 manufacturers who can import the chip technology from the U.S.. This restricted list also includes the chip equipment maker, Naura Technology Group, and ACM Research.

The Impact of New US Export Curbs

The recently introduced U.S. export rules aim to Chinese access to superior semiconductor technologies, such as those used in AI chips. These curbs on export of chips are part of the wider attempt to restrict China from building technologies that are useful in military and AI applications. Therefore, Chinese chip companies are facing growing restrictions on acquiring essential equipment and software needed to manufacture advanced AI chips

China’s Push for Self-Sufficiency

In response to the U.S. restriction on chip exports, China is now increasing efforts to localize its semiconductor supply chain. The drive to manage chip technology restrictions has attracted R&D investment in domestic facilities. Chinese local players, like SMIC, are trying to boost production capacity with its proprietary chips and designs.

Although they are going to face challenges in competing with companies such as TSMC and Samsung, Chinese firms believe that they can level with their global counterparts over time.

Empyrean, a maker of electronic design automation (EDA) tools also known as Beijing Huada Jiutian Technology, said its inclusion on the list would have little impact on operations. “The company will seize the development opportunity to accelerate the localization process of full-process EDA tools,”

Last week, Chinese tech giant Huawei also launched its new operating software Harmony OS along with the smartphone Mate 70.

Martijn Rasser, managing director at Datenna, a data intelligence platform focused on China’s technology said, “The U.S. curbs target the “weakest spot” in the Chinese semiconductor industry, which relies heavily on foreign equipment for manufacturing.”

U.S. Export Restrictions on Chips

The AI chip U.S. trade policy is a challenge as well as an enabler; within China’s semiconductor industry. These export controls are making Chinese companies dependent on domestic sources, thus helping the development of indigenous technologies.

The restrictions that the US has placed on the export of chips to China were meant to slow down the growth of this market and prevent the emergence of new players, but they may accelerate the development of this sector in the long term.

Future of the Global Semiconductor Market

As the U.S. and China continue to engage in a technological battle, the global semiconductor market faces uncertainty. The future of chip production will depend heavily on the outcomes of AI chip export curbs and China’s ability to develop competitive alternatives.

Chinese firms, though affected by new U.S. export curbs, are innovating and adjusting to a rapidly changing global landscape. The ongoing trade war is going to reshape not only the semiconductor industry but also the global tech economy at large.

The new U.S. export curbs are posing significant challenges to Chinese semiconductor firms, but the sector is resilient and moving towards greater self-sufficiency. The conflict between the U.S. and China over semiconductor technology is far from over, and the outcome will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the global market.

The post China Pushes for Localization as US Put Restrictions on Chips Export appeared first on Tech Research Online.

According to Yahoo Finance, these actions will ensure the region can compete with China and the US in chip manufacturing.

Need for Speedy Action

Chip group SEMI argues that the EU needs to move with speed in making decisions regarding its export policy. The US and China have already commenced export restrictions on strategic minerals and chip technology.

SEMI’s legislative submissions focused on boosting the EU’s future competitiveness in emerging technologies like driverless cars and AI. The association emphasized the need review the current legislative and possibly launch the European Chips Act 2.0

“The European Chips Act has generated strong momentum, and our recommendations highlight urgent actions to continue the progress made. Policymakers must build on this momentum by strengthening the legislative framework and advancing toward a Chips Act 2.0,” SEMI Europe President, Laith Altimime said.

SEMI expressed its commitment in working with stakeholders in the review of the current legislative framework.

“SEMI Europe is committed to engaging with stakeholders to advocate for a comprehensive ‘Chips Act 2.0’ initiative that will address gaps in the current framework. This initiative will help solidify Europe’s position in the global semiconductor sector, boost competitiveness, and enhance security,” Altimime said.

Protecting EU Interests

In its statement, SEMI asserted its support for the ECB report that was released in September 2024. In the report, the ECB underscored the need for a consolidated EU budget to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem in the EU beyond the initial Chips Act, 2023. The report also recommended additional spending on the semiconductor industry and a seamless approval process for strategic tech projects.

SEMI also wants the European Commission to align protective measures like export tariffs and export controls on lithography equipment to boost the EU’s global competitiveness. According to SEMI, an assertive EU chip policy is needed to “protect EU strategic interests and to assert a strong EU voice on the global stage,” the group’s statement said.

Europe’s Green Deal

SEMI says it supports goals such as attracting new manufacturing as outlined in the original Chips Act. However, the group highlighted the need for the EU to incentivize companies to support new semiconductor supply chains and technologies, terming them as critical to the success of the EU’s transition to the green economy.

The associationI is keen on having the European Commission integrate semiconductors in the European Green Deal. The association says this can be done by developing a policy that balances innovation, sustainability, and research.

Such a framework should ensure the sustainability of essential chemicals while maintaining the competitiveness of the EU semiconductor supply chain. SEMI has a sustainability consortium that was established two years ago. The talent in this consortium will be key in supporting the framework development process.

SEMI is the largest trade semiconductor industry association in Europe. The group has 300 members drawn from equipment suppliers like ASML, research centers, and manufacturers.

The post Chip Industry Group, SEMI Calls for an Assertive EU Industrial Policy appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Our exclusive magazine, “Alerting Digital Consciousness,” gives you a behind-the-scenes look into how the Metaverse is being leveraged to solve real-world challenges, reshape business strategies, and create immersive human experiences like never before. Technology is at its core, but this is about redefining experiences, tapping into fresh opportunities, and staying ahead of a fast-moving digital world.

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According to Yahoo Finance, the Chips Act is aimed at revitalizing the US semiconductor industry following decades of external production. Last week, Wolfspeed announced that it would be receiving $1.5 billion in Chips Act funding to boost its operations. It allocates $39 billion in grant financing and $75 billion for loans and loan guarantees.

Executing the Chips Act

The new semiconductor tax credit rules will facilitate implementation of the US Chips Act. Tax refunds are among the three main subsidy streams provided for in the Act. Grant funding and loans and loan guarantees have captured the attention of chip manufacturers across the US.

However, tax credits promise to have an even bigger impact on manufacturers. With Chip Act funding covering between 10% and 15% of project costs, tax credits are a game changer because they enable manufacturers to retain up to 25% of chargeable tax.

“Our goal is to give you the minimum amount of money necessary to get you to expand on our shores in a way that advances our economic and national security objectives. That means looking at all sources of funding and then figuring out how our funds get you over that hump,” Mike Schmidt, Director at the Commerce Department, Chips Office said.

Tax Credit Beneficiaries

Different US companies will benefit from the chip tax credit. These include manufacturers of chip making equipment and semiconductors. The US will extend semiconductor tax credits to chips and solar wafers manufacturers.

The solar wafer makers tax is aimed at spurring domestic production of solar panel components. The US has been struggling to boost production of these components locally despite increased investment in solar panel manufacturing companies. But the solar tax credits will not benefit the entire solar supply chain. Companies that produce materials like polysilicon that’s needed to make wafers will not enjoy tax cuts.

Surge in Production Activities

In recent years, chip manufacturers have said they’d be making investments amounting to more than $400 billion in the US. These manufacturers include leaders in the semiconductor industry like Intel Corporation and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. In March 2024, Intel announced a $100 billion investment to expand its US chip making capabilities and capacity.

Currently, the US is experiencing a surge in chip and semiconductor production. This means that the government may have to invest more in the Chips Act than initially planned. Originally, the Congressional Budget Office projected that tax credits would amount to $24 billion. However, based on current investment trends, experts forecast that foregone revenue could hit the $85 billion mark. This represents an 80% budget overrun.

In most instances, the tax credits extended by the US government will account for the highest share of incentives that any company receives under the Chips Act. For instance, Micron Technology expects to receive $11.3 billion in tax cuts for two chip plants in New York. This is more than the $6.1billion the company seeks to receive in grants and $7.5billion that it is seeking in loans to support the two plants and a third one in Idaho.

The post US Government Finalizes Rules Required to Extend Tax Credits to Chip Manufacturers appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Companies can do this while safeguarding their brands. Adobe Express is powered by Adobe Firefly genAI service. It’s a one-stop-shop AI content creation app that allows users to ideate. Users also use it to design and share videos, social media posts, flyers, logos, and other content formats fast and with ease.

New Features

Businesses need captivating visual content to stand out. These include social media posts and marketing assets. They also include emails, flyers, and presentations. Adobe Express is designed to place generative AI at the fingertips. During the Adobe design event, the company unveiled more Adobe Express features.

These included presentation and print features that allow users to design anything from anywhere with ease. Its AI-powered custom models, reference images, and bulk create and generate features are supercharging users. They are helping users to achieve more.

Adobe’s Digital Media Business President, David Wadhwani said, “The new Adobe Express is built for business, making it easy for anyone in an organization to design on-brand visual content that drives business outcomes. With Adobe’s responsible approach to AI, strong record of product innovation, and proven ability to deliver products that empower businesses of all sizes, Adobe Express offers an unparalleled combination of deep creative expertise and enterprise credentials business leaders and users can trust.”

Adobe Express also comes with Firefly Image 3 Model and locked templates’ capabilities. These features allow businesses to protect their brands. Adobe software also enhances collaboration between creative studio teams, business users, and agencies.

Real Use Cases

Marketing leaders from leading brands attended the Adobe event. These included IBM and Unilever. Nonprofits like Limbitless Solutions and 100 Cameras participated in the event. Teams from these brands shared their experiences with Adobe Express.

They showcased real use cases and product demos to bring their experiences to life. Social media teams are using the software to automate content quickly. Sales teams are using Adobe designs to customize shareable videos and pitches with ease. Regional marketers reported using Adobe software. They used it to repurpose content for different cultures, contexts, and languages.

IBM’S Senior VP of Marketing and Communication said, “Marketers are looking for trusted AI that seamlessly integrates into their work. Adobe Express for Enterprise is empowering marketers at IBM to create on-brand content aligned to business objectives that delivers compelling, personalized experiences to targeted audiences.”

High Adoption

Adobe said strong product innovation guided its software design during the Adobe Design Made Easy event. This innovation has attracted leading brands.

Unilever’s Global VP for Consumer Experience Technology, Aaron Rajan said, “Over the last year, we have been pioneering the use of AI technology like Adobe Firefly and Adobe Express with all our marketers worldwide, helping responsibly create and scale on-brand content for our 400 brands across 100+ marketers and 3.2 billion consumers who use our brands every day.”

Dentsu, the world’s biggest advertising agency network, empowered marketers to use Adobe Express. The company registered a 70% faster time to market as a result.

Adobe said its software resulted in a 96% increase in monthly active mobile users. The company also recorded an 86% increase in cumulative creations generated annually.

The post AI-Powered Software Carries the Day at Adobe’s Design Made Easy Event appeared first on Tech Research Online.

For over a decade now, wearable technology has advanced significantly with fitness trackers, smartwatches, and augmented reality glasses becoming extremely popular. Smart rings are poised to take wearable devices a notch higher. Though much smaller than other wearables, digital rings are increasingly changing the way people interact with technology. They offer advanced solutions for lifestyle enhancement and provide users an unobstructed way to track health metrics and access information without the need to carry bulky devices.

Digital rings come with a stylish appearance that easily makes them the preferred option for tech-savvy consumers. These aspects place wearable technology rings at the top of wearable technology market innovation according to a MarkWide Research Report. In this article, we delve deeper into what digital rings can do and the benefits they offer users.

What Are Smart Rings?

Smart rings are wearable electronic devices that are fitted with mobile components such as NFC chips and sensors. These stylish but compact wearables are worn on the finger and are capable of performing electronic tasks like receiving notifications, tracking health metrics, and making contactless financial transactions. The best smart rings feature multiple technologies including:

1. Sensors

This technology enables wearable technology rings to track varying parameters. Some of the sensors that are fitted in digital rings include optical or infrared sensors to monitor pulse or heart beat, gyroscope sensors that detect balance, 3-axis accelerometer sensors to track movement and sleep, and EDA sensors to track cognition, emotions, and feelings. Other sensors that come with smart rings for health include SpO2 which monitors oxygen levels in the blood, NTC thermistor which tracks body temperature, and glucose sensors which monitor blood sugar levels.

2. Near Field Communication (NFC)

NFC refers to wireless connections that utilize magnetic field induction to enable communication between devices that are located in close range. NFC technology works effectively with common applications in laptops, smartphones, access cards, digital wallets, transport cards, point-of-sale terminals, and many others.

3. Bluetooth

This technology syncs the data that’s collected by sensors, allowing smart ring companies to analyze and generate user-friendly reports and personalized recommendations to users. These give further smart health and wellness promotion plans based on data, which are particularly unique to each user. Such integration makes the technology useful and easy to use and thus the concept improves user experience.

What are the Uses of Smart Rings?

Digital rings are used for different applications. Health and fitness are the most common applications in the market with Apple smart rings set to lead in monitoring health metrics while Oura smart rings and Samsung smart rings are perfect for tracking daily activities and nightly rest. Other practical smart ring capabilities include:

1. Contactless Payments

Digital rings like K Ring and McLEAR are already paving the way for contactless payment systems. Rings with these capabilities allow users to tap and make transactions of amounts that don’t exceed MasterCard and Visa global contactless payment terminals. Countries such as the Netherlands, the U.K., France, Japan, Australia, and Russia already have banks that allow smart ring contactless payments for debit and credit payments via activated MasterCard and Visa payment terminals.

2. Smart Key

Digital rings that are fitted with optical sensors can replace conventional keys or access badges or cards by working as smart keys that open homes, offices, and cars. These capabilities improve security systems as taking the ring off the finger halts access and ensures that no one can access your home, office, or the car you connect to the smart ring. Tesla smart rings are great examples of the convergence between smart and digital rings. The rings allow users to lock, start, and unlock a range of Tesla models including Model Y, Model 3, and Model S 2021.

3. Transit Pass

Various NFC smart rings come with tap-to-pay card readers that passengers can use to access transit gates, allowing them to serve as tickets or travel passes in public transportation. The rings work like stored-value cards, holding monetary value and making it readily available during travel without requiring third-parties from network connections or credit/debit accounts. A good example is the K Ring that provides transit passes for most rail services in London as well as Transport for London services.

4. Device Control

Wearable digital rings allow users to control devices like smartphones remotely. Users can improve their productivity and reduce screen time by using them to receive messages, control music, get call notifications, and set alarms remotely.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Smart Ring?

In addition to their tracking capabilities, wearable technology rings offer users a range of benefits that include:

1. Gesture Control Capabilities

Digital rings come with tiny sensors that support gesture control. This allows users to interact with other devices, including smart home appliances by waving their hands. This feature enhances accessibility to technology and supports home automation.

2. Better Privacy and Safety

Although wearable devices function the same way, digital rings have an edge when it comes to privacy. The absence of screens means that your information remains inaccessible to those around you. Wearable technology rings also come with SOS features or panic buttons that can alert emergency services or predefined contacts when a user is in distress. In critical situations, these features can save lives.

3. Less Cumbersome

Digital rings are more comfortable to wear because of their lightweight and compact design. They provide a seamless and intuitive experience to users who prefer to use them for fitness tracking and contactless payments.

4. Longer Battery Life

Smart wearable rings have no screens. This reduces their power consumption significantly compared to other wearable devices like fitness bands and smartwatches. The majority of digital rings have a battery life of 3 to 7 days compared to fitness bands and smartwatches whose batteries last for 1 to 2 days.

5. Valuable Jewelry Pieces

Smart rings are both technology and jewelry pieces. When you get one, you wear it on your finger every day. There are varying ring styles to choose from, and you can opt for a minimalist, sleek, or more noticeable design. Whatever style you go for, the aesthetics that come with wearable rings make them valuable jewelry pieces that enhance your look.

What are the Best Smart Rings Available in the Market?

These smart rings are on the way to becoming the next big thing in wearable tech. At the top of this list are Samsung Galaxy Ring, and Oura Ring. Both of them have features that are special for fitness, health, and ecosystem compatibility that suit various customers. Samsung Galaxy Ring vs Oura Ring was one of the main topics of debate between tech enthusiasts. Here are a few major differences between the two:

Future Outlook

With the rising demand for discreet and convenient wearables, the future of smart rings looks promising. These innovative wearables blend fashion, technology, health, and finance. There’s no doubt that moving into the future, the powerful features they offer will inevitably shape our interaction with technology.

These smart rings are not just capable of tracking your vitals but also allow you to do other tasks like answering a call without the need for a hand. Owing to their flexibility and operational simplicity, they stand out as a favorite in the continuously shifting wearables category.

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