Emerging Tech Archives - Counterpoint

BlackBerry QNX Enables Software Development in Cloud using AWS

As the complexity of software increases in the SDV era, the need to develop hardware and software separately is increasing.
The cloud was a means for collecting vehicle information or distributing software in the automotive environment, but it has now emerged as an integrated development environment that provides powerful resources anywhere in the world, even without a vehicle.
BlackBerry’s QNX and AWS are providing a software development package on the public cloud. Stellantis N.V. was able to use this to build a virtual cockpit platform and introduce infotainment features and apps with a development cycle 100x faster than before.

As the automobile market moves toward Software Defined Vehicles (SDV), the environment for automotive software development is becoming increasingly important. Since the software on each vehicle model has different hardware characteristics based on their unique operating systems (OSs), it is important to test the software by directly running it on the vehicle. However, building and testing software directly on the hardware target system involves security issues and high costs. Therefore, emulating and testing the relevant software virtually can save a lot of time and resources.

Various methods are being used to determine how realistic the vehicle software emulation can be. Generally, the actual target image working in the vehicle is deployed on a virtual machine in the development environment, which is then tested while running.

QNX announced the QNX Accelerate plan in 2023, which is a cloud-based method of distributing and deploying target images using AWS. Currently, three OSs and one hypervisor are listed as Amazon Machine Image (AMI) in the AWS Market place, as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. QNX products on AWS marketplace

Each of these AMIs can be launched and used as an instance with a hypervisor. It is also possible to run multiple different images simultaneously. The user connects the Eclipse-based IDE provided by QNX to the Cloud and makes developments based on these AMIs after creating an account and setting up the environment to use AWS.

Figure 1 shows BlackBerry IVY as an example of how the target image uploaded to the actual cloud and the target in the actual vehicle hardware can be tested equally. BlackBerry IVY is a cloud-based automotive software platform that can provide QNX OS, which can deploy not only targets but also images posted on AWS. The image on the left is running on AWS, and the one on the right is from an actual vehicle. This shows that development and testing are possible without an actual vehicle by using tools and environments and using the same image.

Figure 1. Parity between cloud IVY target and hardware IVY target
Source: Amazon.com

QNX currently releases software development packages using AWS so that partner companies that need immediate development can use them. There are also plans to share and update software development packages if OEMs wish to use other cloud-based development environments, such as MS Azure.

Stellantis N.V. is the leading player using software development packages. The company formed Stellantis Virtual Engineering Workbench (VEW) together with QNX and AWS and is known to have introduced infotainment technology 100x faster than before in the case of the virtual cockpit platform. Through a software-driven approach and deploying QNX hypervisor in the cloud, Stellantis N.V. was able to quickly build infotainment features and applications by replicating the experience in the cockpit and making changes based on real-time feedback.

Benefits

From QNX’s perspective, software development packages are shared periodically using AWS, making it easier to perform security patches and OS upgrades on vehicle models that use the same OS. Additionally, it is expected that quality management will be easy as modern software development methods such as continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) test-driven development can be equally applied.

On the partner’s side, AWS’ pay-as-you-go policy may be burdensome, but it is expected to be more efficient as it reduces large upfront hardware investment costs and allows planning of usage according to the project budget. Developers can use the same development environment anytime, anywhere in the world and develop software separately from hardware with accumulated experiences in real time without a physical hardware system.

In the context of OEMs and partners, ensuring reliability and safety is important. OEMs can update vehicle information and software development environments periodically using a cloud environment. Partners are also expected to be able to follow the OEM’s standardized development methods and quality management regulations. This cloud-based software development helps expedite infrastructure set up, enhance collaboration, shorten waiting times and improve software development efficiency.

Viewpoint

This new development will trigger more cloud-based software development for the automotive ecosystem. Cars will become more like consumer electronics or computers, similar to the evolution from feature phones to smartphones.
QNX is trying to approach developers and partners more easily through real-time updates and packages that are open to the public cloud.
Automotive OSs have traditionally been closed. QNX is working towards an open ecosystem, similar to the PC or smartphone development environment. This is a major step towards SDVs.

AMD Acquisition of Europe’s Largest Private AI Lab to Help Fill Gap With NVIDIA

Silo AI acquisition will help meet the scarcity of AI talent being experienced in building custom AI models, MLOps and solutions on the AMD platform.
Silo AI is the third AI company to be acquired by AMD in the last one year as AMD moves to plug the gaps in its end-to-end AI solutions.
Through these acquisitions, AMD is strengthening its AI position to match market leader NVIDIA.

AMD has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Silo AI in an all-cash transaction valued at $665 million. Headquartered in Finland, Silo AI began operations in 2017, providing AI expertise and solutions. It has delivered over 200 AI projects to date. The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of the year.

Generative AI has been the key technological advancement in recent times, and as enterprises and vendors prepare to embrace this innovation, the M&A activity has accelerated. Companies are keen to gain a competitive edge in AI by filling capability gaps through acquisitions in hardware, software and, most importantly, talent. AMD’s latest move seems to be motivated by the scarcity of AI talent.

NVIDIA has had a headstart over AMD in the AI space. But AMD, also NVIDIA’s closest rival, is actively expanding its presence in the AI sector to close the gap.

Source: Silo AI

AMD’s acquisition spree to build end-to-end silicon-to-services platform

AMD’s acquisition strategy has been pivotal in its efforts to compete with rivals like Intel and NVIDIA. The purchase of Silo AI marks AMD’s third AI-focused acquisition within a year, following Nod.ai and Mipsology. Nod.ai strengthened AMD’s AI software ecosystem, providing developers with essential tools, libraries and models. Mipsology brought sophisticated AI inference and optimization solutions tailored for AMD hardware, supporting the company’s Unified AI stack for both training and inference across edge and cloud environments.

Silo AI brings significant LLM, Sovereign AI, MLOps talent and experience

AMD’s acquisition of Silo AI, Europe’s largest private AI lab, significantly bolsters its AI capabilities and market position. With over 300 AI experts, including 125 PhDs, Silo AI brings extensive experience in developing custom AI models and solutions, such as tailored large language models (LLMs). This strategic move grants AMD access to top-tier AI talent, enabling the company to rapidly implement and scale AI solutions for its global customer base. The integration of Silo AI’s expertise with AMD’s hardware prowess creates a comprehensive end-to-end offering, spanning from cutting-edge AI chips to sophisticated developer tools and AI integration solutions. By bringing this formidable AI lab in-house, AMD is poised to gain a substantial advantage in optimizing hardware, accelerating AI model deployment, and attracting a broader range of enterprise customers seeking robust, tailored AI solutions.

Source: Silo AI

A critical challenge in scaling AI is establishing a robust and scalable system for operating AI in production while continuously refining models. This is where MLOps proves invaluable. MLOps facilitates the deployment and operation of machine-learning pipelines in production environments in a repeatable and trusted manner. Silo AI’s core expertise lies in MLOps, effectively bridging the gap between experimentation and production. By acquiring Silo AI, AMD gains the capability to offer its customers a streamlined path from AI experiments to scalable production models. This strategic move allows AMD to develop a service layer atop its compute infrastructure, not only creating new revenue streams but also enhancing customer retention. Given that NVIDIA’s offerings already include MLOps solutions, this acquisition positions AMD to compete more effectively with NVIDIA in the long term, gradually closing the gap in comprehensive AI solutions.

Silo AI has been at the forefront of championing ‘Sovereign AI’ in Europe, with ambitious plans to develop LLMs for every official EU language. This initiative goes beyond mere technological advancement; it aims to preserve, promote and potentially revitalize low-resource languages. Sovereign LLMs trained on local languages have demonstrated superior performance compared to models primarily trained on English. Further, they offer more nuanced and culturally relevant outputs. While NVIDIA has been supportive of the Sovereign AI movement across various nations, AMD’s acquisition of Silo AI positions it to potentially leapfrog NVIDIA in the European market. Silo AI has already made significant strides in this direction, having developed multilingual LLMs like Poro and Viking on AMD’s platform. This strategic move not only enhances AMD’s AI capabilities but also aligns with Europe’s digital sovereignty goals.

By joining hands with AMD, Silo AI also benefits from access to AMD’s scale and resources. Founded in Europe, Silo AI counts some of the largest European companies, such as Phillips, Unilever, Allianz and Rolls–Royce, among its customers. With AMD’s support, Silo AI will gain the necessary scale and resources to expand its capabilities and reach. Silo AI’s commitment to open-source AI aligns with AMD’s strategy, potentially leading to more optimized open-source AI solutions for AMD hardware.

Wrapping up: Silo AI strategic milestone for AMD

AMD’s acquisition of Silo AI represents a strategic milestone in the company’s AI journey, positioning it as a formidable competitor in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. This move not only bolsters AMD’s AI capabilities with top-tier talent and expertise but also aligns with the growing demand for comprehensive, end-to-end AI solutions. By integrating Silo AI’s MLOps prowess and commitment to Sovereign AI, AMD is poised to offer more robust, culturally nuanced AI solutions, particularly in the European market. This acquisition not only narrows the gap with industry leaders like NVIDIA but also sets the stage for AMD to potentially lead in areas such as localized AI models and MLOps. As the AI industry continues to evolve, AMD’s strengthened position through this acquisition will ultimately benefit enterprises seeking advanced, tailored AI solutions. The coming years will likely reveal the full impact of this move on AMD’s market position and the broader AI ecosystem, but for the moment it makes perfect strategic sense.

MWC Shanghai 2024 Highlights: AI, 5G, and Cutting-edge Innovations

AI Innovations: Huawei, HONOR, and ZTE showcased AI advancements, from deepfake detection and AI-driven eyewear to ecosystem-driven AI solutions, shaping the future of intelligent services.
Product Innovations: From Xiaomi’s seamless device integration in SU7 to Lenovo’s Moto Razr 50 Ultra with AI-driven features and robust design, brands demonstrated cutting-edge advancements in consumer technology.
China Mobile’s ‘Jiutian’ LLM: AI applications in healthcare, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, underscoring China’s leadership in practical AI integration.

Under the ‘Future First’ theme, MWC Shanghai showcases the transformative impact of mobile technology in the world’s largest 5G market. Spread across five exhibition halls, the general buzz centered around AI, 5G-A and large language models (LLMs), highlighting advancements set to reshape industries.

In his opening keynote at the event, GSMA Director General Mats Granryd highlighted China’s impressive 5G growth, forecast over 1 billion connections by year-end 2024, and applauded the country’s leadership in the Open Gateway initiative. He emphasized China’s pivotal role in AI advancements, noting that around 40% of global LLMs are now developed here, with major telecom companies like China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom working on enterprise AI models and services. Granryd’s address underscored China’s significant contributions to both 5G and AI industries.

From AI-embedded consumer electronics to AR glasses and the latest AI solutions, attendees were given a glimpse into the future of connectivity and innovation. Below are the highlights:

Fibocom Unveils Compact LTE Cat 1 bis Module

Fibocom introduced the MC610-GL, a new LTE Cat 1 bis module noted for its high reliability, ultra-compact size and cost-effectiveness. This addition aims to boost IoT scalability in sectors such as asset tracking, e-mobility and advanced metering infrastructure. Counterpoint’s recent note on the Global IoT Cellular Market highlighted a 7% YoY growth in global cellular IoT module shipments in Q1 2024, driven mainly by demand in China and India. Fibocom saw significant growth in shipments, achieving a new quarterly record and securing a top-three position in the international market excluding China, thanks to the brand’s strong presence in the router/CPE and telematics segments.

Source: Fibocom

HONOR Debuts AI Deepfake Detection and Eye Protection at MWC

HONOR introduced two AI-powered features for smartphones – AI Deepfake Detection and AI Defocus Eye Protection. The AI Deepfake Detection tool promises to enhance security by identifying manipulated media, while the AI Defocus Eye Protection technology simulates defocus glasses on the display to reduce eye strain. These advancements represent a welcome step from HONOR towards enhancing user safety and comfort through AI.

Source: Counterpoint Research

Huawei’s Focus on 5G-A and Mobile AI

Huawei is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of 5G-A and Mobile AI technologies under the theme ‘Advancing the Intelligent World.’ Highlighting ‘Commercial 5G-A Experience Tours’ and partnerships with global operators, Huawei’s strategy aims to redefine telecommunications. David Wang, Huawei’s Executive Director and ICT Infrastructure Managing Board Chairperson, outlined the brand’s commitment to harnessing 5G-A and AI advancements for transformative impact, envisioning a future of intelligent services and pioneering business opportunities.

Source: Huawei

ZTE’s Insights on AI, 5G and Digitalization

ZTE showcased its advancements in AI, 5G and digitalization. The company participated in forums and introduced AI-powered eyewear-free 3D products and the Nebula Telecom Large Model. Emphasizing an ecosystem-driven approach, ZTE focused on partnerships and continuous innovation in intelligent computing and 10Gbps+ 5G experiences. ZTE’s initiatives, including Digital Nebula 3.0, has positioned it at the forefront of the intelligent era with a comprehensive AI Full-Scenario Intelligent Ecosystem 3.0.

ZTE has also addressed four key challenges in AI development – bottlenecks in computing power supply, errors in critical scenarios, an emphasis on training over inference, and difficulties in achieving a commercial closed-loop. ZTE’s hardware and software full-stack solution aims to tackle these issues effectively.

Source: Counterpoint Research

Xiaomi SU7: A Seamless Experience Revealed

The Xiaomi SU7 attracted considerable attention at its launch, thanks to the battery electric vehicle’s sleek design and sophisticated interior. A large tablet inside features a user interface and user experience similar to Xiaomi’s smartphones, indicating the company’s focus on providing a seamless experience across devices. This was further emphasized by Xiaomi’s booth demonstration of seamless connectivity between smartphones, tablets and laptops. Once again, Xiaomi appears to have successfully distilled the essence of industry-leading technology into a more affordable package, much like what it previously achieved in the smartphone market.

Source: Counterpoint Research

Lenovo Introduces the Moto Razr 50 Ultra: Advancing Clamshell Innovation

Lenovo showcased its latest innovation, the Moto Razr 50 Ultra, at MWC Shanghai. This clamshell-type foldable smartphone features a 4-inch LTPO outer display and runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen3 platform. It boasts a 4000mAh battery, an improved hinge design for durability and IPX8 waterproof certification. With dual 50MP rear cameras including OIS and AI-driven features like content identification and multi-device connectivity, Lenovo continues to push the envelope of clamshell smartphone technology.

Source: Counterpoint Research

China Mobile Introduces ‘Jiutian’ LLM

China Mobile showcased its versatile ‘Jiutian’ LLM at MWC Shanghai, demonstrating applications across government, healthcare, hospitality and entertainment. Highlights include AI-driven smart hotel management, advanced medical assistance and innovative exam monitoring systems. Migu, its content subsidiary, debuted China’s first AIGC-enabled short play and AI commentators for sports, highlighting Jiutian’s transformative potential across industries.

Source: Counterpoint Research

Counterpoint/DSCC Tech Market Research Conference

DSCC and Counterpoint Research will hold the Tech Market Research Conference in person in Silicon Valley on October 02, 2024. Hear from Counterpoint Research and DSCC analysts along with external speakers.

When: October 02, 2024
Where: Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley, Fremont, CA

About the Event

From Counterpoint analysts, learn how AI is reshaping the technology landscape and how it will develop over the next few years across the following areas: foundry to semis, where next for AI models, AI at the edge and applied AI.

DSCC analysts will address what lies ahead in 2025 for the display industry, how each market segment is likely to perform, how new technologies and costs are evolving, where prices and margins are headed and which companies are likely to outperform.

Venue and Co-located Event

The DSCC/Counterpoint Tech Market Research Conference will take place on October 2nd at the Fremont Marriott Silicon Valley (Fremont, CA). The prior day, DSCC’s AR/VR Display Forum will be held in-person to discuss the latest market outlook and technology in the AR/VR display market. This makes it simple and cost-effective to attend both events.

Event Agenda

AI Session:

Foundry to semis: How will AI drive leading-edge semiconductor development and manufacturing?
Where next for AI models? – scaling-up, scaling-down, data center capacity and infrastructure to support it all
AI at the edge – How will AI impact smartphones, PCs, other edge devices?
Applied AI – enterprise to consumer applications – smart office to smart home and more
Q&A roundtable

Display Session (2023 Agenda to be updated):

Display Market Outlook, Bob O’Brien, Co-Founder & Principal Analyst, DSCC
The Global TV Market Post-Pandemic, Bob O’Brien, Co-Founder & Principal Analyst, DSCC
Regional Trends in the Smartphone Market, Jeff Fieldhack, Research Director, Counterpoint Research
Advanced Smartphone Market Outlook, David Naranjo, Senior Director, DSCC
2024 Global Foldable and Rollable Market and Technology Outlook, Ross Young, Co-Founder & CEO, DSCC
Chinese OLED Makers’ 2024 Business Plan and Strategy, Rita Li, Director of China Operations, DSCC
IT Display Market Outlook, David Naranjo, Senior Director, DSCC
AMOLED Materials Market, Kyle Jang, Senior Analyst of Display Components and Materials, DSCC
MiniLED Market Potential and Expansion Outlook, Leo Liu, Director of Taiwan Operations, DSCC
Emerging Technologies: Outlook on MicroLED and AR/VR Displays, Guillaume Chansin, Director of Display Research, DSCC
Display Capex Market Outlook, Ross Young, Co-Founder & CEO, DSCC
Q&A Roundtable

Click here to Register and learn more about the event

Meet Counterpoint at MWC Shanghai, 2024

Counterpoint will be attending MWC Shanghai 2024 from June 26 to June 28

Our analysts will be attending MWC Shanghai 2024 and would love to meet with you to discuss everything 5G, IoT, cloud and AI related. You can schedule a meeting with them to discuss the latest trends in the technology, media and telecommunications sector and understand how our leading research and services can help your business.

Analysts in attendance:

Ethan Qi – Associate Director
Minsoo Kang – Senior Analyst
Flora Tang – Senior Analyst
Shenghao Bai – Senior Analyst
Varun Gupta – Research Analyst
Archie Zhang – Research Analyst
Shaochen Wang – Research Analyst

When: June 26 – June 28
Where: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)

About the event:

MWC Shanghai is the largest and most influential gathering of the connectivity ecosystem in Asia. It’s where world-leading companies and trailblazers share the latest thought leadership about the progression and future of connectivity.
At MWC Shanghai, they host debates that will define society’s relationship with technology, and cutting edge technology demos that will redraw the boundaries of possibility. They dedicate a hall to our 5GIN event where we introduce investors to startups to fuel innovation and grow ideas that will change the world.
As the world is recovering at an unprecedented speed, the entire mobile ecosystem must seize this moment to be a force for change. Join them at the centre of it all – MWC Shanghai, where innovators, creators and leaders gather to get business done.

Click here to schedule a meeting.

MediaTek-NVIDIA Partnership to Bring Windows-on-Arm PCs in 2025

MediaTek is set to enable ubiquitous AI computing from edge to cloud.
Aiming to mirror its success in mobile devices, MediaTek’s automotive platform is now locked and loaded.
Windows on Arm could be the next battlefield for MediaTek and other mobile players.

AI is changing the way people interact with technology. It allows a more immersive user experience and increased convenience when working with mobile devices. As one of the leading chip vendors for the mobile platform, MediaTek also provides solutions across handset, IoT and automotive segments. This year, MediaTek will work with NVIDIA to extend their partnership into PCs, with the launch of their first AI PC expected in 2025.

MediaTek to enable ubiquitous AI computing from edge to cloud

At Computex 2024, MediaTek announced the extension of its partnership with NVIDIA from automotive to cloud-based GenAI accelerator products. This suggests the potential for hybrid ASIC+GPU designs coming soon.

According to MediaTek CEO Rick Tsai, the total addressable market for customized Arm-based server CPUs will reach $5 billion in size by 2028, with custom AI accelerators leveling up to $40 billion market size. This implies that MediaTek is also set to enable AI computing from edge to cloud.

MediaTek’s automotive platform locked and loaded

Last year, MediaTek announced its partnership with NVIDIA for an automobile platform, Dimensity Auto Cockpit Drive OS. The companies see the platform as an outstanding solution leveraging rich IPs from both sides. MediaTek will embed high-performance computing, communication and connectivity technologies into the smart cockpit combined with NVIDIA’s advantage in AI and GPU to provide a better user experience and lower latency. We can expect the first car carrying the two companies’ leading technologies to be rolled out in 2025.

Source: MediaTek

Windows on Arm next battlefield for MediaTek, other mobile players?

Windows on Arm has been regaining its exposure and gradually seeing higher penetration in the quarters following Microsoft’s release of Windows 11 updates with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform instead of Intel or AMD, which are key vendors for the x86 architecture. PC vendors including Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus and Samsung have already introduced new AI laptops. We believe that as the exclusive agreement between Qualcomm and Microsoft expires in 2025, MediaTek will leverage its advantage in mobile platforms and the capability to step into the PC market.

Based on our checks, we expect MediaTek will likely launch a Windows-on-Arm solution in the second half of 2025 with a new brand name in addition to its Kompanio platform used for Chromebooks. Besides, MediaTek will extend its partnership with NVIDIA from the automotive to the PC industry, with the former focusing on CPU and connectivity and the latter providing NPU solutions. To catch up with leaders in the PC industry, the new Windows-on-Arm solution will likely be equipped with at least the same TOPS performance on its NPU as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform (i.e. 45 TOPS), which is also in line with Microsoft’s minimum requirements for Copilot+. Meanwhile, an upgraded version of the Kompanio series is likely to be introduced to support the next-generation AI Chromebook, which is also one of MediaTek’s key product lines.

Commenting on MediaTek and NVIDIA’s partnership for Windows on Arm, Senior Analyst William Li elaborated: “The new PC solution from MediaTek and NVIDIA will likely trigger another wave of Arm PC expansion after Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform. If the Snapdragon X platform fares well in the second half of 2024, it would incentivize other players to join the market. Therefore, Windows on Arm could be the next battlefield for MediaTek and other mobile players.”

Apple Intelligence a Home Run for Apple AI?

Unlike Google, Apple avoided creating any grandiose narrative for AI at WWDC. Instead, it focused on specific, practical applications.
Apple AI’s focus is on intuitive features and seamless cross-app integration.
Through the introduction of Apple Intelligence, Apple focuses on harnessing its chip expertise and hardware-software synergy.

The world has been anxiously waiting for Apple’s AI roadmap for over 18 months since the rise of ChatGPT, and it has finally arrived. In this blog, we provide a quick rundown of this year’s WWDC and key analyses of Apple’s AI strategy.

Clear, practical and intuitive AI features

Unlike Google, Apple avoided creating any grandiose narrative for AI. Instead, it focused on specific, practical applications. The company has introduced Apple Intelligence, which it describes as “the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that is incredibly useful and relevant”. The focus here is on intuitive features and seamless cross-app integration:

Text: Apple Intelligence has introduced a feature called Priority Notifications. When this feature is enabled, the system sorts notifications based on their importance. The most critical information, such as an email containing the user’s boarding pass, will be displayed at the top.

Another key feature is the Systemwide Writing Tool, which is available across Mail, Notes, Pages and various third-party apps. Users can expand, proofread and summarize text in different applications. Besides, they can adjust the tone of their wording or receive suggestions for smart replies.

Image: Apple Intelligence introduces Genmoji and Image Wand features. Genmoji helps users create original images and emojis, but currently only supports sketch, cartoon and illustration styles. Image Wand can transform users’ rough hand-drawn sketches into more refined images. It can also generate images based solely on text descriptions, just like Stable Diffusion.

New Siri: The highlight of this event was the upgrade to Siri. Driven by Apple Intelligence, Siri is now equipped with a “semantic indexing feature”, promising a somatic understanding of its users’ intentions. This allows Siri to organize a semantic index library based on the user’s photos, calendar, files, emails and more, enabling smarter information search and retrieval.

It is worth noting that Apple has designed a brand-new framework for Apple Intelligence. This framework allows developers to introduce Apple Intelligence into their applications through the App Intents API. This means that Siri will be able to perform complex operations across multiple apps in the future.

Last but not least, Apple has entered a collaboration with OpenAI, linking the recently released GPT-4o model with Siri. Users can access most of the model’s features for free without needing to create an account.

AI strategy analyses

In the arena of large-model innovation and AGI race, Apple’s core technology has been admittedly lagging. However, at this year’s WWDC, the company’s precise tactical approach shone once again.

First and foremost, Apple highlights the existence of its proprietary AI models, marking its entry into the generative model arena. Unlike Google and Microsoft/OpenAI, Apple doesn’t have a frontier LLM. However, it has developed a suite of small and medium generative models, including a 3-billion-parameter on-device language model and a larger server-based model accessible via Private Cloud Compute on Apple silicon servers.
Apple leverages its unique ecosystem, mitigating the impact of its temporary technological lag. Through the introduction of Apple Intelligence, it focuses on harnessing its chip expertise and hardware-software synergy, emphasizing the “on-device” large-model capabilities and addressing common concerns about data security and user privacy in large-model applications. This creates a distinct space for Apple’s AI despite its initial shortcomings.
Apple develops partnerships with leading large-model provider OpenAI, establishing a connection between Siri and GPT-4o. This provides users access to the most advanced models.
However, Apple subtly downplayed the partnership with OpenAI, only announcing it at the end of the event. It emphasized that this collaboration would require user permission for external access rather than being deeply integrated at the OS level, ensuring the advanced model doesn’t overshadow Apple’s own systems.
In fact, Apple is adopting a model agnostic approach. Its partnership with leading LLM providers will not stop at OpenAI. Google’s Gemini and other specialized, fine-tuned large models could be the next in line for integration with the iPhone.
Recognizing that many iPhone users may be new to generative AI, Apple championed “AI for the rest of us” at WWDC. This consumer-friendly approach aims to drive widespread AI adoption on Apple devices. By leveraging its unique hardware, software and private cloud infrastructure, Apple not only differentiates itself from OpenAI but also strengthens user trust and reinforces customer loyalty.

In the fast-paced developments of generative AI, all the leading players, exemplified by OpenAI and Google, are trying to “move fast and break things”. Apple’s WWDC has signaled that the slow and steady can also win the race, especially in its edge AI.

In our upcoming short report on Apple Intelligence, we will further dissect Apple’s AI and its impacts on industry ecosystems and players. Moreover, Apple’s patent applications reveal numerous machine learning-powered innovations across its devices. Securing these patents not only strengthens Apple’s position in the AI devices market but also helps fend off competitors. Based on these insights, we will forecast Apple’s next strategic moves.

FDD Sub-3GHz Massive MIMO Radios Will Play A Critical Role Enabling Operators To Maximise Opportunities Offered By 5G Advanced

Over the next few years, 5G Advanced will provide networks with enhanced capabilities, including improved uplink, lower latency and better coverage resulting in higher network performance and increased reliability. This will enable operators to enhance existing services while generating additional sources of revenues via new services. However, to do this operators will need to maximise their spectrum assets across all bands, particularly their legacy Sub-3GHz spectrum.

Benefits of Sub-3GHz Bands

While higher TDD spectrum bands are being used to provide 5-10Gbps downlink speeds required for premium customer experiences, FDD Sub-3GHz spectrum is also needed to extend high-speed 5G mobile broadband coverage across urban, suburban and rural regions and to provide reliable coverage for IoT services. In particular, Sub-1GHz spectrum is vital for indoor coverage. In addition, FDD spectrum offers lower latency than TDD as different channels are used for the uplink and downlink channels.

Most operators have around 80-120MHz of Sub-3GHz spectrum as this was the primary spectrum used by previous cellular generations and most of this spectrum is becoming available for 5G as operators switch-off legacy 2G and 3G networks. Refarming existing FDD spectrum bands will allow operators to quickly build up their 5G footprint. However, as there is less spectrum available in the Sub-3GHz bands compared to higher bands, operators will need to introduce advanced radio technologies with much improved spectrum efficiencies, throughputs and latencies. In addition, this must be done using compact, cost-efficient radio solutions in order to keep capex and opex costs to a minimum.

FDD Triple-band MIMO and Massive MIMO

Several vendors offer 4T4R and 8T8R ultra-wideband modules for low-band (700MHz, 800MHz and 900MHz) and mid-band (1.8GHz, 2.1GHz, and 2.6GHz) frequencies. As a result, only two multi-antenna, single RAN RF modules are required to cover both spectrum bands – instead of six as with conventional radios. In addition, some vendors offer 32T32R massive MIMO modules which can be deployed in a compact radio/antenna enclosure for the mid-band spectrum bands.

FDD triple-band massive MIMO radios significantly boost capacity and coverage compared to conventional 4T4R radios. This enables operators to improve the spectrum efficiency of their existing Sub-3GHz resources, while at the same time, satisfying higher traffic demands and improving user experience. From an investment viewpoint, FDD massive MIMO radios also reduce operators’ overall capex and opex costs.

Key Radio Technologies

Key technologies at the heart of state-of-the-art FDD RF modules include FDD Beamforming, GigaBand multi-band fusion technology plus innovative energy-saving features enabled primarily by innovations in power amplifier technologies.

FDD Beamforming

To date, beamforming has primarily been used in TDD spectrum as operators initially deployed 5G in TDD bands. However, beamforming can also be used in FDD spectrum which has been supported since 3GPP’s Release 15 specification. As with TDD spectrum bands, the main benefit is increased spectrum efficiency as the directional beams focus the radio signals where they are needed rather than distributing them across the entire cell. This increases radio capacity and coverage while reducing interference. Increasing the number of transmit antenna – and hence the number of beams – means narrower and more focused beams, resulting in even higher capacity and better spectral efficiency.

Multi-Band Power Amplifier Technology

Multi-band technology allows the functionality of several radios to be combined into a single radio unit with a single transceiver accommodating two or three bands. A tri-band radio therefore only requires one power amplifier and one filter rather than three power amplifiers/filters as required in a conventional radio. This significantly increases the level of integration thereby reducing tower footprint. As traffic rarely peaks in all bands simultaneously, a multi-band power amplifier allows power to be dynamically shared between different bands. This means that it is possible to provide full power output for each band but without designing the power amplifier for simultaneous peak power in all bands.

GigaBand Technology

Compared to wide-band TDD spectrum, 700-900MHz low-band FDD spectrum is limited, fragmented and consists of narrow bandwidth channels. The same is true of 1.8-2.1/2.6GHz spectrum. GigaBand technology is a multi-band fusion technology that converts these disparate spectrum assets into a single 100MHz-wide FDD carrier. Using carrier aggregation and Multi-Band Serving Cell (MBSC) technology, six Sub-3GHz spectrum bands can be combined into a single carrier which maximises spectral efficiency.

Energy Saving AI Software

Service requirements are higher with 5G, which means that peak-to-average traffic ratios are also higher. As a result, the requirements for higher energy efficiency at peak hours and low power consumption in idle time are more urgent. AI software solutions are playing a major part to help reduce energy consumption in 5G networks by enabling shutdowns at network, cell and at radio levels coupled with fast wake-up capabilities, with AI/ML being used in real-time to optimise network parameters according to traffic demands.

In the radios, state-of-the-art AI-based software solutions can achieve “deep sleep dormancy” with very low power consumption in an idle state coupled with fast on-demand wake-up. For an operator using multiple frequency bands at a single cell, smart algorithms can progressively shut down different frequency bands depending on traffic loads until only one band is operating, with all other frequencies being in a dormant state.

Huawei FDD MIMO and massive MIMO Radios

In 2022, Huawei launched the industry’s first FDD triple-band MIMO modules supporting GHz-level bandwidths contained in a single radio box. The modules are available in 4T4R, 8T8R and 32T32R configurations.

GigaBand RF Modules – Huawei’s FDD ultra-wideband RF modules have an instantaneous bandwidth (IBW) in excess of 800MHz per module. This is a major advantage for operators with fragmented spectrum as one ultra-wideband radio can replace two or even three narrower band radios. Alternatively, ultra-wideband radios can be used for RAN sharing, which means that two operators can share one radio, again reducing capex and opex costs.
Advanced Power Amplifiers – key to this ultra-wideband capability is Huawei’s advanced power amplifier technology, which leverages breakthroughs in several technologies, including AI-based DPD[1] beamforming algorithms, advanced power amplifier architectures, RF filter materials and improved passive cooling via bionic heat sinks. Huawei claims that its power amplifiers are 10% more efficient than industry rivals and that its innovative filter materials generate 1dB less filter loss compared to industry rivals.
GigaGreen Platform – at the heart of the GigaGreen platform is Huawei’s “0-bit, 0-Watt” and “More-bit, Less-Watt” solutions, which leverage breakthroughs in materials technology, energy saving policy orchestration and smart algorithms. With millisecond level carrier and channel shutdown, Huawei’s “0-bit, 0-Watt” solution can achieve 99% “super deep sleep dormancy” enabling RF modules to consume almost zero power under low load, while its “More-bit, Less Watt” solution continuously minimizes energy consumption under medium and high loads – without compromising user experience. Achieving these low power consumption levels requires independent shutdown of individual power amplifiers and full power sharing across all carriers, frequency bands and Radio Access Technologies (RATs).

FDD sub-3GHz Deployment Example

FDD Sub-3GHz triple band radios are designed from the outset to simplify deployments at cell sites while reducing power consumption. For operators, this translates into capex and opex savings. For example, many operators use four or five FDD frequency bands at a single tower site. Traditionally, this would require four or five radios, i.e. one RF module per frequency band. However, with ultra-wideband 4T4R, 8T8R and 32T32R massive MIMO modules, only two radios are required. In addition, the operator has the option to add one (or two) additional frequency bands.

By combining an active massive MIMO radio/antenna with a six-band passive antenna into a single package, the number of “boxes” per sector can be reduced from seven to two (Exhibit 1). This enables new frequency bands to be added without increasing the number of base stations or power consumption while opex is also reduced.

©Huawei

Exhibit 1: Leveraging Ultra-Wideband Radios To Enable Site Simplification

Analyst Viewpoint

FDD technology at Sub-3GHz frequency bands is set to play a critical role as 5G Advanced is rolled out over the next few years. To fully leverage the opportunities offered by 5G Advanced, Counterpoint Research believes that it is imperative that operators maximise their existing FDD Sub-3GHz spectrum assets in order to ensure seamless coverage across urban, suburban and rural regions. Not only will this provide an enhanced user experience for customers, it will also enable operators to offer a range of new high-data, low-latency services with guaranteed service levels across their entire network footprint.

As less spectrum is available at Sub-3GHz, however, operators will need to boost the spectrum efficiencies of their RAN equipment at these FDD frequencies. In practice, this will involve investing in the latest, advanced massive MIMO radios, which offer significant spectral efficiency gains compared to conventional radios. For example, Huawei claims that its Sub-3GHz 32T32R massive MIMO radio can offer operators up to 10X more capacity, 10X more data downlink throughput, a 10dB increase in coverage and a 30% reduction in power consumption compared to a 4T4R radio.

Counterpoint Research believes that this transition to advanced massive MIMO radios must be done without substantially increasing capex and opex costs for operators, particularly power consumption. RAN operations are typically a trade-off between radio performance and power consumption. Despite their higher throughputs and superior spectrum efficiencies, massive MIMO radios can also help minimise capex and opex costs. As seen in Exhibit 1, replacing multiple single-band radios with a single multi-band radio leads to considerable site simplification and thus a lowering of tower leasing costs. In many cases, using radios with higher spectral efficiencies can also result in a reduction in the number of cell sites required and may even lower operators’ investments in new spectrum bands. In addition, by leveraging state-of-the art radio technologies, including the latest power amplifiers coupled with the latest AI-driven power saving techniques, smart algorithms, etc., massive MIMO radios can also reduce overall power consumption on a cell site basis, thus reducing opex costs for operators, while helping to minimise their carbon footprint.

This blog was sponsored by Huawei

TDD Multi-Carrier Aggregation Builds Foundation For New 5G Advanced Experiences

Since its launch in 2019, 5G has experienced fast adoption surpassing all previous cellular generations. Yet despite this rapid adoption, operators are only beginning to monetise their 5G investments. Over the next few years, 5G Advanced will provide operators with much improved network capabilities that will enable them to offer a raft of innovative new applications as well as enhancing existing consumer and business services.

The Benefits of 5G Advanced

While 5G essentially provided higher data rates compared to 4G, 5G Advanced will help operators enhance existing 5G networks making them more efficient, with superior uplink and downlink performance, higher throughput and capacity coupled with lower latency and improved network reliability. 5G Advanced will also enable up to 100 billion device connections.

To a large extent, these enhancements will be enabled by the introduction of new 5G base station products such as advanced massive MIMO radios leveraging state-of-the-art multi-antenna and ultra-wideband technologies. 5G Advanced will also introduce new use cases such as passive IoT and Integrated Communications and Sensing (ICAS), two technologies with considerable potential to revolutionize mobile communications. 5G Advanced will also bring deeper integration of AI/ML across the network, including inside radios, devices and across networks, bringing significant gains in network performance as well as improving mobility and coverage.

5G Advanced Will Need More Spectrum

In many cases, operators will need access to new spectrum in order to maximise the full potential of 5G Advanced. The last World Radio Conference (WRC-23) allocated more mid-band spectrum in the 3.5GHz band while the 6GHz band was designated as a mobile band in most regions. The emergence of 6GHz band spectrum will be important as it provides operators with an option to acquire more mid-band spectrum to support higher data transfer rates and increased network capacity, thus helping them to realize new service opportunities. In Europe, much of the 6GHz range is currently used for Wi-Fi, with only a modest amount of the band set aside for cellular use. However, the agreement at WRC-23 will allow more cellular access to the upper portion of this band in Region 1 (Europe, Africa, Middle East). This means that local operators have an opportunity to work with regulators to secure a larger amount of 6GHz spectrum.

Another important band is the millimetre band. Continuously rising data consumption plus 5G Advanced’s demand for more spectrum is reviving operator interest in the millimetre wave bands. However, although more than 140 operators worldwide have acquired millimetre wave spectrum, less than 5% of them have actually deployed any networks, due mainly to the limited coverage of millimetre wave cells. A good example of a millimetre wave network deployment is that of China Unicom Beijing, which has deployed a 5G Advanced network in Beijing’s financial district. The network leverages the latest Extra Large Antenna Array (ELAA) technology with high and low frequency coordination and serves as a benchmark demonstration of the commercial capabilities of millimetre wave spectrum.

Leveraging TDD Multi-Carrier Aggregation

5G Advanced heralds the start of the Multi-Gigabit era. TDD multi-carrier aggregation combines spectrum from different TDD frequency bands and is a proven method for augmenting data throughputs in wireless networks. It allows operators to increase network capacity, providing higher downlink data rates and increased coverage thereby allowing operators to maximise their spectrum assets. TDD multi-carrier aggregation can be used across 2.6GHz, 3.5GHz, C-band, 4.9GHz as well as millimetre bands such as 26GHz and 28GHz. The choice of 3GPP-specified 5G Component Carrier (CC) configurations, for example, 2CC, 3CC, 4CC, etc., continues to expand and enables multi-Gigabit 5G data rates across a wide variety of sub-6GHz and millimetre spectrum allocations globally.

In practice, operators have two primary options at the present time: use 3CC carrier aggregation to aggregate 200MHz of sub-6GHz spectrum or use 3CC in the U6G (6,425-7,125MHz) and millimetre wave bands to aggregate larger bandwidths exceeding 400MHz. With 3CC carrier aggregation in sub-6GHz, it is possible to achieve 5Gbps downlink speeds, i.e. 5 times the capability of current 5G. For example, China Mobile has achieved 5Gbps downlink throughput using 2.6GHz (100MHz & 60MHz) and 4.9GHz (100MHz) spectrum bands. However, millimetre wave spectrum is essential to reach 10Gbps. For example, China Unicom recently achieved a throughput of 10Gbps using 3CC in C-band (100MHz) and millimetre wave (800MHz) bands.

Services enabled by 5G Advanced

The improved network performance due to 5G Advanced will enable operators to enhance existing services by introducing more immersive mobile broadband offerings and improve connectivity in homes, enterprises and vehicles.

Enhanced mobile broadband – 5G Advanced will enable operators to introduce smarter, more interactive experiences which benefit from low-latency connectivity. For example, New Calling services, which introduce capabilities such as voice/video calls with real-time language translation, speech-to-text translation, screen sharing, interactive visual menus and enterprise ID cards.

UAE operator Du plans to use its 5G Advanced network to accelerate the introduction of 3D Internet-type services as well as offering services such as video calls, live video streaming, games and e-shopping, all of which require high-bandwidth and stable low latency connectivity in both uplink and downlink.

Connecting Homes – FWA-based 5G Advanced provides significantly more bandwidth and reduced latency thus making it possible to offer a range of FWA services across different markets. For example, 5G RedCap CPEs can offer downlink rates of up to 150 Mbps with 50% less power consumption compared to standard 5G CPEs. With RedCap CPEs expected to be priced around $40-$60, this could enable operators to target new markets such as homes without home broadband or served by lower-speed networks.

Operators could introduce a Home Plus type service by leveraging 5G Advanced-based FWA’s high downlink/low latency characteristics and guaranteed service quality offering. This would allow them to earn incremental revenue from existing subscribers by offering new services such as 8K video streaming, large scale cloud-gaming, home security monitoring and VR sports for multiple concurrent users. SMEs could be another new market. 5G Advanced could enable operators to offer “super-uplink” type FWA services with low latencies and guaranteed uplink rates between 50Mbps to 1Gbps.

Connecting Things – 5G Advanced introduces a host of features to improve device connectivity. For example, improvements in RedCap will boost the ability of 5G-Advanced to support lower-performance and more affordable devices, which should open new business opportunities for operators, particularly in IoT. Another promising new use case is passive IoT. Next-generation passive IoT tags will have a range of over 200 metres, far exceeding that of RFID tags, and with a significantly lower cost per tag.

Connecting Enterprises and Vehicles – by leveraging its enhanced uplink characteristics, 5G Advanced will enable fully wireless-connected factories enabling flexible production, a key to digitalization in manufacturing while bringing new capabilities to vehicles, for example, route planning beyond a driver’s line-of-sight, thus making transportation safer.

Operator Deployments

China Mobile has announced that it will launch 5G Advanced in more than 300 cities in China by the end of 2024 and has already launched services in around 100 cities. Full deployment across China is expected by the end of 2026. The operator expects that around 20 million devices and terminals will be shipped by the end of 2024. Key consumer services include New Calling, VIP Gbps, Cloud Phone and glasses-free 3D.

Other operators have also announced commercial 5G Advanced plans, including Beijing Unicom, Zain KSA and Finnish operator DNA. Beijing Unicom has announced that it will deploy 5,000 5G Advanced sites and will use TDD multi-carrier aggregation to provide high-bandwidth services. Zain is developing a 5G Advanced city in Riyadh and will showcase a number of 5G Advanced services, including enhanced FWA services. The operator plans to expand its 5G Advanced coverage to another eight cities by 2026. Meanwhile in Europe, Finnish operator DNA plans to launch a 5G FWA Gbps service.

Analyst Viewpoint

The improved network capabilities enabled by 5G Advanced will enrich the mobile experience for consumers and business users alike, while providing new monetization opportunities and service options for operators. This will allow them to expand existing services and earn incremental revenues through the introduction of new speed or uplink-based tariffs and guaranteed service quality levels. As a result, Counterpoint Research believes that operators should start upgrading their networks to 5G Advanced as soon as possible to ensure they can offer the enhanced user experiences that will be expected by customers, as well as being ready for the accompanying surge in bandwidth demands.

Over the next few years, TDD multi-carrier aggregation will play a key role in the 5G Advanced network upgrade ensuring that operators can offer 5-10Gbps fibre-like downlink speeds, as well as providing improved low-latency and high-data uplink experiences – an acute problem with existing 5G. However, some technical challenges remain in relation to antennas and data processing requirements. For example, 3D or even higher-dimensional computing may be necessary to provide the required user experience. In addition, deploying large-scale commercial 5G Advanced networks will require more cell sites while multi-carrier aggregation will be more challenging if an operator’s spectrum is highly fragmented.

Clearly, the use of millimetre wave spectrum will be crucial to provide the ultimate user experience and maximise the potential of 5G Advanced for operators. However, several problems, such as overcoming high-frequency signal loss and achieving TDD uplink/downlink symmetry, need to be solved first. As a result, Counterpoint Research believes that 3CC carrier aggregation in the sub-6GHz bands will be the preferred choice by many operators as the first wave of 5G Advanced commercial networks are rolled out. However, leading infrastructure vendors are working to overcome the technical challenges associated with TDD multi-carrier aggregation and are confident that they will be able to offer competitive products in due course.

This blog was sponsored by Huawei. To learn about FDD Sub-3GHz Massive MIMO click here.

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