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[Report] Samsung Foundry Division undergoes major restructuring
Samsung Foundry is not doing well with the newest cutting-edge technologies. Now, a new report from a Korean media outlet suggests that Samsung could begin DS Division restructuring by year-end, aiming to break down silos.
According to ChosunBiz (via TrendForce), Samsung plans a major shuffle in the DS (Semiconductor Foundry) Division. The move is aimed at addressing issues like lack of communication and team self-interest.
Additionally, Samsung is also facing competition in the DRAM market, falling behind SK Hynix in HBM and DDR5. TrendForce highlights that the company needs to go beyond restructuring to fundamentally change its organization.
Samsung’s DS division reportedly planning to strengthen collaboration processes by integrating existing team-based structures into a project-centered model, to resolve issues arising from the siloed operation of departments.
Recently, it was reported that the company is planning to cut up to 30% of its workforce in the future. The Korean tech giant’s Foundry business is struggling due to various issues, including low yields for the 3nm GAA process.
Earlier, The Korea Times reported that yield for Samsung’s 3nm process remained in the single digits until Q1 this year, and slightly improved to about 20% in Q2. The company needs the yield rate to be at least 60 percent to trigger mass production.
A Samsung spokesperson cited by Chosun Biz admitted that there continues to be a disconnection between the departments developing new processes and those responsible for mass production, with serious issues arising from the shifting of blame for failures.
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 will be equipped with Multimodal Gemini Nano capabilities. MediaTek today confirmed its collaboration with Google. Future flagship chipsets, starting with the Dimensity 9400 will feature Gemini Nano with multimodality.
According to MediaTek, Dimensity SoCs are now optimized to support Gemini Nano with new multimodal capabilities. The upcoming chip will debut Gemini Nano integration, with existing models that could also add support in the future.
MediaTek revealed that the Dimensity 9400 features a new 8th-gen NPU with hardware acceleration for text, image, and speech. The Taiwanese chip designer is expanding its footsteps eyeing significant growth amid the AI boom.
Samsung’s recently launched Galaxy Tab S10 series supports GenAI capabilities. It means the Dimensity 9300+ processor could also gain multimodal Gemini Nano integration. We are hearing that the S25 could also use Dimensity 9400.
MediaTek’s partnership with Google highlights a shared vision for bringing Generative AI experiences across the Android ecosystem, and is a big step forward in the advancement of complex AI models running on-device.
Multimodal Gemini Nano will ensure users can take images and receive detailed descriptions of what’s been captured. MediaTek previously announced support for Google’s LLM, optimized for on-device AI processing.
Samsung recently updated its software support plan for October 2024, and it has noted that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G will no longer receive any updates. This popular foldable smartphone has been removed from the list of eligible devices for One UI updates and security patches because it has completed its update cycle.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was launched in 2020, initially coming with Android 10. It has since received updates, including the Android 13 update with One UI 5.1.1. After that, it is not eligible for any more major Android OS updates. Now, Samsung has also ended its software support, which means it will not receive any new security updates.
Even though the Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G will not receive further updates from Samsung, it is still a secure and functional device for everyday use. The phone operates on Android 13, which supports all major apps, including those for banking, so users can continue to perform their daily tasks without issues.
Additionally, Google Play continues to provide system updates to ensure that the phone’s key features remain up to date.
For those considering an upgrade, Samsung offers new foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5. These newer models come with improved features and will receive software updates for a longer period.
However, if your Galaxy Z Fold 2 is still working well for you, there’s no need to replace it. The device can still serve your needs effectively, even without the latest updates.
October 2024 | Samsung Galaxy Devices getting Monthly and Quarterly Updates
Samsung issued a rare apology shortly after announcing the 3Q24 earnings estimation. The frank apology comes from the newly appointed Head of DS Division and VC at Samsung Electronics, Yong-Hyun Jeon.
Through a press release, Samsung’s leadership extended its deepest apology to customers, investors, and employees. The announcement highlights several potential decisions as part of reclaiming the edge in the mobile industry.
Samsung VC’s statement:
“We have fallen short of market expectations, causing concern not only about our fundamental technological competitiveness but also about the future of our company.”
“Many people have expressed concerns about Samsung’s current crisis, and we take full responsibility for it as the leaders driving our business.”
Samsung’s operating profit declined by 12.84% compared to the previous quarter. The company managed to increase its sales in Q3, but it fell short of expectations. The company eventually failed to secure significant growth despite the AI boom.
Samsung reiterates its commitment to turn crises into opportunities through challenges, innovation, and perseverance. The company’s leadership team will take the lead in overcoming this crisis, the Newsroom post states.
Potential decisions eyeing long term growth:
- Samsung will restore our fundamental technological competitiveness.
- Samsung will ensure fundamental competitiveness.
- The development of new technologies that do not yet exist in the world and achieving unparalleled quality are the only ways for Samsung to rise again.
Preparation before deployment:
- Samsung will pave the way forward, reigniting the passion it’s known for.
- Samsung won’t adopt a mindset of merely defending anymore, but it will realm itself with a spirit of challenge, racing toward even higher goals.
Organizational reshuffle:
- Samsung said to closely re-examine the organizational culture and working methods as well as immediately correct anything that needs fixing.
- When the company identifies issues in the field, it will openly discuss and fiercely debate them to drive improvements.