South Korea pours billions into memory chips and robotics
South Korea, along with Samsung and SK Hynix, has announced massive investments exceeding $550 billion to expand memory chip production and develop humanoid robots. The initiative, described as a response to the global 'RAMageddon,' aims to solidify South Korea's dominance in the memory semiconductor market. TechCrunch, Ars Technica, and Tom's Hardware all highlight the scale of capital commitment, with the total potentially reaching $1 trillion when government spending is included.
Goldman Sachs warns that global smartphone shipments are set to decline, while Apple is reportedly preparing six new iPhone models for 2027 with significant upgrades. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have cut their 2026 shipment targets for the second time in response to weakening demand. The contrasting outlooks highlight diverging strategies among major players in a cooling smartphone market.
The debate over AI's impact on jobs is intensifying. TechCrunch reports growing confusion around the issue, while MIT Review argues that AI agents should not be viewed as 'coworkers.' The human toll is visible: a Nikkei Tech piece features tech graduates from top US universities who have applied to thousands of positions with no success, as AI tools increasingly handle entry-level work that would have gone to new hires.
ByteDance is planning a next-generation custom CPU with development targeting early next year, partnering with Qualcomm on foundry capacity. Meanwhile, IBM has unveiled new chip technology that promises to extend Moore's Law for another decade. MIT Review also highlights a $400 million machine that is shaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing. These developments signal continued momentum in processor innovation.
Public backlash against delivery robots is growing in the UK, with reports of residents complaining about sidewalk obstructions and safety concerns. The Guardian covers both the opposition and the novelty of receiving deliveries from robots in Milton Keynes. At the same time, UK ministers are likely to support legal changes that would allow delivery robots on public paths, signaling a policy shift toward embracing the technology.