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According to IC Insights, semiconductor market research firm, 2020 was a record year for chip deals, with mergers and acquisitions totalling $118 billion, overtaking the 2015 peak of $107.7 billion. The five biggest 2020 M&A agreements, announced in July, September, and October respectively, had a combined value of $94.0 billion, representing about 80% of the total for the whole year. The second half of 2020 saw a wave of huge acquisition agreements, led by Analog Devices announcing in July that it would purchase Maxim Integrated Products for $21 billion in stock. The deal is expected to complete in the summer...

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According to industry officials, a shortage of European-made chips used in automotive manufacturing threatens to disrupt production in China well into 2021, with chip makers announcing that they may raise prices and expand production in response. From computerised engine control for improved fuel economy, to driver assistance systems such as emergency braking, the auto industry has become increasingly dependent on chips - many of them manufactured in Europe. Due to Covid-19 lockdowns, early 2020 saw a slowdown in automotive production, but the industry has seen a resurgence in demand as consumers look to travel in private vehicles rather than using...

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The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a significant shift in consumer spending, directly impacting Europe's consumer electronics industry. In times of economic uncertainty, consumers are choosing to buy essential items such as groceries and household items, rather than big-ticket purchases such as televisions and smartphones. According to figures presented by finaria.it, Europe's consumer electronics market revenue is expected to reach $213.8bn in 2020 - a drop of $14.2bn in the wake of the pandemic. European PC and smartphone sales to witness greatest revenue drop in 2020 In recent years, the European consumer electronics segment has seen steady growth, with revenue increasing...

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Following a turbulent 2020, organisations should re-visit their outlook on which emerging tech innovations will be key for future opportunities. Tech research firm, Lux Research, has published its latest annual report on the top tech innovations that will have the biggest impact over the next decade, based on expert insight and proprietary data science tools. 12 key overall technologies are identified in the new report, which are expected to reshape the world. Additionally, this year's report ranks the top five technologies across five key industries: chemicals and materials, automotive, food and agriculture, electronics and IT, and energy. The top three...

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While the Covid-19 pandemic caused delays to the production and shipments of hearables technology in early 2020, consumer demand has remained strong. This has largely been driven by increased digital media consumption, the widespread shift to home-working, and the popularity of virtual fitness coaching. As manufacturers continue to enhance hearables over the next 3 years, with more artificial intelligence (AI) and audio and sensor technologies, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17% from $26bn in 2019 to $146bn by 2030, according to industry analysts, GlobalData. According to a new report from GlobalData, while...