September 25, 2025

Google and Qualcomm Hint at "Incredible" Android PC in Development Google and Qualcomm are collaborating on an Android-powered PC, aiming to merge mobile and desktop ecosystems. Executives highlighted AI integration, ChromeOS-Android convergence, and enhanced desktop functionality, though release details remain scarce. TechSpot

Sponsor In-House Assembly? We're the Experts The right equipment, expert installation, technical training, and full support—every step made easy. On-site or remote, we set you up for success. Manncorp Inc.

Practical Steps Toward a Fit-for-Purpose Sustainability Reporting Framework for Electronics The Global Electronics Association urges EU policymakers to refine the sustainability reporting omnibus package, backing JURI’s amendments and calling for harmonized rules, sector-specific standards by 2030, and reduced burdens to safeguard competitiveness. Global Electronics Association

Maintenance: The Basics of Cleaning Series Part 4 This article is the fourth and final part of the series titled "The Basics of Cleaning". In this final chapter, some of the common mistakes in maintenance cleaning applications found in electronic assembly operations will be covered and a summary of the entire series. Technical Paper

Apple Teases Homegrown Modems For Future iPhones, iPads, Macs, And More Apple has upgraded its iPhone Air with the new C1X 5G modem, claiming double the speed of the previous C1 and superior power efficiency. Higher-end iPhone 17 models still use Qualcomm modems as Apple gradually expands its in-house technology. BGR

Sponsor Inline Automatic X-Ray Inspection: TruView™ Verus TruView™ Verus is a high-resolution inline AXI system offering advanced 2D, 2.5D, and 3D imaging to detect defects in electronic assemblies with exceptional accuracy and speed. Creative Electron

Will U.S.-U.K. Tech Deal Cost the U.K. Its Digital Sovereignty? The U.S. president's U.K. visit secured a £150B tech pact, with £30B from U.S. giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Google, funding AI supercomputers, data centers & 120,000 GPUs. While boosting jobs & AI growth, experts warn it risks U.K. digital sovereignty & regulatory control. EE Times Europe

Technical Papers ■ How pH Cleaning Agents Affect Production Performance ■ A Universal AI-Powered Segmentation Model for PCBA & Semiconductor ■ RAIG Minimizes Corrosion, Allows Higher Gold on ENEPIG ■ High Reliability Lead-Free Solder Paste with Rosin and Anti-Crack Resin ■ Understanding Solder Dross: Causes and Control Strategies ■ Optimizing BGA Rework: Challenges, Techniques and Quality Control ■ Maintenance: The Basics of Cleaning Series Part 4 ■ The Economics of Electronic Component Salvage and Reuse ■ Cutting Without Contact: How Laser Depanelling Redefines PCB Manufacturing ■ The "Fried Egg" Effect in Soldering MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor High Reliability Lead-Free Solder Paste with Rosin and Anti-Crack Resin A new 'crack-free' flux paste enhances durability in harsh environments, meeting strict insulation and electro-migration standards for high-reliability electronics like automotive applications. Koki Americas

China makes landmark pledge to cut its climate emissions China has pledged, for the first time, to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 7–10% across the economy by 2035, marking a milestone in global climate efforts, though experts warn the target falls short of what's needed to meet Paris goals. BBC

Industrial electricity use rises 1.12% on AI Taiwan's industrial power use rose 1.12% in August, fueled by booming AI, semiconductors, and consumer electronics. Chipmakers set record consumption, offsetting weakness in traditional industries and underscoring tech's resilience amid global uncertainty. Taipei Times

Sponsor High Accuracy SMT / SEMI Inspection Discover TRI's High Accuracy Inspection Solutions for the SMT and SEMI Back-End Electronics Manufacturing. Test Research, Inc.

How to Measure Nothing Better Researchers are developing a quantum sensor using ultracold atoms to measure extreme vacuums with unprecedented precision. Unlike traditional ion gauges, this atom-based approach requires no calibration, detects lower atomic densities & could set a universal vacuum standard. IEEE Spectrum

Chinese giant Xiaomi challenges Samsung with new smartphones and appliances Xiaomi launched its 15T and 15T Pro smartphones in Munich, positioning them as affordable flagships to challenge Samsung's A and S series. Priced competitively, the devices headline Xiaomi’s broader push into premium phones and global home appliances. CNBC

Sponsor Get the Revisiting Underfill Handbook Today's underfill applications are constantly evolving. As chip populations increase, dispensing applications must deliver smaller amounts of fluid with precision. Read this handbook. Nordson Electronics Solutions

Amazon's Zoox seeks U.S. approval for driverless car deployment Zoox is pushing U.S. regulators for broader approval to operate up to 2,500 fully autonomous cars without steering wheels or pedals. The Amazon-owned firm seeks exemptions from safety standards, signaling plans for wider commercial deployment of its robotaxis. The Detroit News

Letting AI Write for You Can Be Dangerous — Here's Why Entrepreneurs rely on writing for pitches, contracts, and marketing, yet many struggle due to past anxieties. Tools like ChatGPT offer relief, quickly generating drafts and ideas, allowing users to bypass grammar worries and focus on achieving business goals. Entrepreneur

Sponsor X-Ray Inspection Verifies Quality of Complex PCBs A Netherlands-based PCB supplier relies on real-time X-ray inspection to ensure the quality of HDI, hybrid, multi- layer, flex-rigid & other complex boards. Glenbrook Technologies

Minimizing Printed Circuit Board Warpage in Assembly Process The purpose of this paper is to present a cleaning process for difficult no-clean, lead-free and high temperature flux residues on reflowed PCBs. Circuit Insight - Production Floor

Robot Navigates Tough Terrain With New 3D Mapping Technique Researchers in Hong Kong developed a quadrupedal robot with a multi-layer mapping model, enabling it to autonomously crawl, jump, and climb over complex obstacles. Tested indoors and outdoors, it adapts to diverse terrains, offering potential for hazardous inspections. IEEE Spectrum

Reliability of Polymer Reinforcement and Solder Alloy Material Sets This paper presents a comprehensive study focusing on new high-performance underfills and Edgebond materials aimed at improving the reliability of various commonly adopted BGAs. Circuit Insight - Materials Tech

Sponsor Reinforce Critical Components on PCBs Low modulus wire tacking & ruggedizing adhesives hold vital BGAs & VGAs in place, enhancing shock & vibration resistance of electronic assemblies. Dymax

Trump's H-1B visa changes could 'kneecap startups,' drive talent elsewhere, experts say President Trump's new $100,000 H-1B visa fee has rattled the tech sector, with critics warning it could limit startups' access to foreign talent and harm U.S. competitiveness, while some leaders like Reed Hastings and Sam Altman praised the changes. CNBC

Louisville factory lays off workers after their legal immigration status was revoked GE Appliances' Louisville plant faces strain as layoffs hit Cuban immigrants after the CHNV parole program's end. With 5,000 workers making millions of dishwashers yearly, fears of legal uncertainty among remaining staff threaten production and morale. CBS News

Memory Safety Will Be Key to Tackle Fundamental Cyber Security The U.K.'s Digital Security by Design initiative showcased CHERI, a memory-safe hardware technology, in London. Experts praised its cybersecurity potential but noted adoption challenges. With 160+ companies involved, standardizing memory safety remains a key priority. EE Times