The US administration is considering taking new actions to make it harder for China to source important semiconductors by tightening control on Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC.

It’s suggested that the South Korean firms, along with the Taiwanese chip manufacturer, are on the list of companies to receive special attention from the U.S. Department of Commerce. If decided, these firms will no longer receive U.S. goods and technologies to their plants inside China, which will turn into a nightmare.

Over the past decade, the US has taken many steps to curb China’s access to advanced technologies and goods produced by US companies. For example, Nvidia is not allowed to sell its high-end AI chipsets to Chinese customers due to the chip restrictions. Samsung also abides by these restrictions by not selling advanced chipsets and high bandwidth memory.

However, the case of foreign companies was a bit different. Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC had special permission to operate within China for years even after special chip curbs. This new move is likely to revoke that special allowance and stop US goods and technologies to their subsidiaries.

Samsung has a large NAND flash memory plant in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, which fulfills about 40% of its overall global NAND demand. In 2021, the company invested $25.8 billion in this plant. The South Korean company also runs a chip packaging facility in Suzhou, which completes the final stages of semiconductor production.

On the other hand, TSMC has a wafer fabrication facility in Shanghai for 28nm or above process technologies. This facility provides wafers for Chinese clients for less advanced chip used in smart ars, smartphones and other industries. Its Nanjing plan makes 16nm and 28nm chips, directed toward Chinese customers for the mobile and computing sectors.

Not Final

A White House official revealed that this decision is not final and it’s being saved as a measure of assurance that China stays in check within the current trade deal talks.

A Commerce Department spokesperson said the foreign chipmakers can continue to operate in China but they may need a U.S. goods supply license review in order to continue their businesses.

(source)

Hey everyone! We’ve got some serious news about a massive data breach that might affect billions of people. Over 16 billion login details – yes, 16 billion, have been exposed, and some of these belong to major platforms like Apple, Google, and Facebook. That’s a lot of personal information, and hackers can use it right now.

This major breach includes full login information, like the website address, usernames, and passwords, many of which are still valid. This means hackers can easily use them to get into accounts.

Unlike older leaks that contained old or outdated information, this data is recent and dangerous. Experts believe malware called “infostealers” is behind the breach. This malware is designed to steal personal details from infected devices, including login credentials, browsing history, and session cookies.

Hackers can use the stolen data to get into your email, bank, or social media accounts. They might also trick you with fake messages or bypass security like two-factor authentication.

So, what can you do to stay safe? First, change your passwords, especially if you use the same one across multiple accounts. Use strong and unique passwords for each account and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Make sure to scan your devices for malware, too.

This breach is a reminder that we all need to take control of our online security. With 16 billion logins exposed, now is the time to be extra careful and protect your digital life.

Google could declare war on Samsung’s Now Brief feature with the new Gemini Space. The Pixel 10 series is expected to launch with this new Gemini Space, which should function in the way Now Brief does on Galaxy devices.

Samsung’s Now Bar displays small updates on the lock screen, while Now Brief offers a full-screen overview of contextual information. Google’s Gemini Space and Ambience Hub might deliver a similar experience for Pixel users.

Last year, Google tested moving the At a Glance widget to the bottom of the Pixel lock screen. This change aligns its design with Samsung’s Now Bar and Apple’s Live Activities, suggesting a visual overhaul for Gemini Space.

While Pixel’s At a Glance already provides some contextual data, it lacks the depth of Samsung’s Now Brief. Gemini Space could bridge this gap, offering Pixel users a richer, more accessible lock screen experience.

As Google prepares to launch Gemini Space, Pixel users can expect a more dynamic and informative interface. With its potential to rival Samsung’s features, Gemini Space could elevate the Pixel experience significantly.

Gemini Space

Evidence of Gemini Space first appeared in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 release, which includes a system configuration file named “Ambient Data.” This file is likely the internal codename for Gemini Space, hinting at its purpose.

Link between Gemini Space and Ambience Hub suggests a connection to contextual data, similar to features like ambient display or AOD. Findings indicate Gemini Space may include finance recaps and sports scores, enhancing the lock screen experience.

As Google preps a Now Brief-like feature for Pixel phones, Samsung is gearing up to elevate Galaxy experiences even further. The new One UI 8 update brings even more smart features and service integration that enhance the Now Brief feature.

Samsung joined forces with EA and Xbox to bring EA SPORTS FC 25 right to your TV – no console needed! Thanks to Samsung’s Gaming Hub, you can kick off the soccer action with ease, plus a free Xbox Game Pass freebie is also up for grabs.

You can stream the EA SPORTS FC 25 game on select Samsung Smart TV models and monitors using Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). All you need is an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and a controller.

Here’s the best part: new Xbox Game Pass subscribers can snag two months of Ultimate for free! This deal works for current Samsung TV owners or anyone buying a 2025 model like Neo QLED or OLED.

Just grab the Samsung Promotions app on your TV. Tap the Xbox banner or scan the QR code, then follow the steps to unlock your free Game Pass subscription.

Samsung is the first to bake Xbox Cloud Gaming into smart TVs, and it’s a total win for soccer fans. Play EA SPORTS FC 25 anywhere, anytime, without extra gear. It’s a game-changer.

Source – Samsung Newsroom

EA SPORTS FC 25 brings cool features like 5v5 Rush mode, letting you team up with buddies. Additionally, FC IQ gives you smarter tactical control, making every match feel more real and strategic.

The EA SPORTS FC 25 game is packed with over 19,000 players, 700 teams, and 30 leagues. It’s as close to real soccer as it gets, with authentic competitions and stars, all driven by real-world league data.

“We are delighted to bring EA SPORTS FC 25 to Samsung TVs and monitors through cloud gaming on Samsung Gaming Hub,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As the world’s leading TV manufacturer, one of our goals is to immerse soccer fans around the world in the exciting game of soccer, whether they are playing the game or watching a match live on a Samsung TV.”

Samsung Electro-Mechanics has begun making and supplying silicon capacitors to Marvell Technology, a well-known US company that makes chips for artificial intelligence. In Q1 2025, the company started producing these silicon capacitors and has now delivered them to Marvell. This move is seen as a new challenge to Nvidia, the leader in AI chip technology.

So, what are silicon capacitors? Think of them as tiny helpers inside computer chips that keep power steady and help signals move smoothly. They are made using silicon wafers and can be placed very close to the main chip, which makes the whole system faster and more reliable. This is very important for AI chips that need to work quickly and handle lots of data.

At CES 2025, Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ CEO, Jang Deok-hyeon, mentioned they’ve already signed two big clients for these capacitors. He also shared the company’s goal to earn more than 100 billion won (about $75 million) in sales within one to two years from now.

This project is just a part of a bigger plan to develop new technologies. Last year at CES 2024, the company introduced a project called ‘Mi-RAE,’ which includes five new areas –  silicon capacitors, all-solid-state batteries, hybrid lenses, glass substrates, and solid oxide electrolysis cells.

Samsung is also getting ready to produce glass substrates and provide battery samples to clients this year. Meanwhile, hybrid lenses are already being mass-produced.

By working with Marvell, Samsung is joining the US market for AI chips. As AI continues to grow, this collaboration could play an important role in the future of smart devices and high-performance computing in the US and beyond.