May 12, 2025

How Amazon Plans to Catch Google and Microsoft in the Quantum Computing Race Amazon jumps into the quantum-computing race with Ocelot, a proprietary chip unveiled in February. Built at its Caltech-based AWS Center, Ocelot uses cat qubits and scalable architecture to challenge Google and Microsoft in cloud innovation. CNBC

Sponsor AIT ORMET® TLPS for Component Attach AIT ORMET®TLPS is proven for outstanding reliability for component attaches and MLCC build-up for high temperature applications beyond 175ºC Ormet® TLPS

US and China agree to drastically roll back tariffs in major trade breakthrough The U.S. and China struck a surprise deal to slash tariffs for 90 days, easing trade tensions and boosting global markets. Both nations pledged deeper talks, with investors rallying as major indices and currencies surged. CNN

Recycling vs Circularity: Minimising E-Waste in Manufacturing Electronic waste generation is increasing globally. This paper explores solutions for electronic manufacturers to minimise their contribution, particularly through recycling and circular inventory practices. Technical Paper

"Prompt engineering" is no longer a job, but a skill Prompt engineering's brief boom as a standalone AI job has faded fast, as companies now expect those skills across roles—or automate them entirely. The AI job market is shifting toward deeper technical expertise and advisory positions instead. TechSpot

Sponsor Protecto - Precision in Motion ProtectoXP and ProtectoXC protect electronic assemblies from aggressive environ-mental influences such as moisture, corrosion, chemicals and more. The coating ensures functionality. Rehm Thermal Systems GmbH

How to Set Boundaries and Protect Your Peace When You're Overwhelmed In a noisy world of constant input, clarity and growth come from setting boundaries, consuming information mindfully, and embracing authenticity. Thoughtfully filtering advice, staying true to your values, and listening deeply helps you thrive personally and professionally. Entrepreneur

Technical Papers ■ Cutting Without Contact: How Laser Depanelling Redefines PCB Manufacturing ■ The "Fried Egg" Effect in Soldering ■ Flux Technology Development for Solder Paste Compatible with Formic Acid Reflow Ovens for Power Devices ■ Innovative Power Module Assembly Solutions ■ Unlocking the Potential of Nanoscale Conformal Coatings ■ Recycling vs Circularity: Minimising E-Waste in Manufacturing ■ Optimizing Cleaning Strategies for Advanced Packaging Technologies with Low Standoff Components ■ Probe Card Manufacturer 'Sees the Unseen' With X-ray ■ Electronic Assembly Cleaning Basics: Manual Concentration Monitoring Methods ■ An Eight-Step Methodology for Bringing a Process Under Statistical Control MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor SEHO makes production lines smarter Improve your work flow and reduce manufacturing costs with creative ideas and innovative solutions for automation, board handling and material management. SEHO Systems GmbH

Xiaomi founder has 'the hardest time' since fatal crash involving one of its cars Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun called the past month his toughest since founding the company, following a fatal SU7 crash involving its autonomous-driving tech. Amid public backlash, Lei paused public activity, later expressing renewed resolve to move forward. South China Morning Post

RISC-V Royalty-Driven Revenue to Exceed License Revenue by 2027 At Andes Technology's 20th anniversary RISC-V Con, the company celebrated record $42M annual revenue, major AI-driven growth, and rising automotive traction. Analyst data predicts RISC-V revenues will shift from licenses to royalties by 2027, highlighting growing market maturity. EE Times

Sponsor Maximize Your Process with Koki’s Complimentary Analytical Services Struggling with soldering issues or efficiency gains? Koki offers free analytical support to help diagnose process problems, optimize materials, and tackle new technologies. Koki Americas

Google would need to shift up to 2,000 employees for antitrust remedies, search head says In Google's antitrust search remedies trial, executive Liz Reid revealed implementing DOJ proposals could divert up to 2,000 staff. The DOJ wants Google to share click data and curb default search deals; closing arguments are set for May 29–30. CNBC

Big Trends in Embedded AI, Vision: Scaling and Multimodal Intelligence At the 15th Embedded Vision Summit, experts spotlight the rise of real-world AI deployment and the surge of multimodal systems combining vision, text, and audio. Keynotes and panels showcase scalable innovations in edge AI, computer vision, and generative applications. EE Times

Sponsor Reflow Oven and Wave Soldering Machine Maintenance Cleaning Maintenance cleaning is imperative. Investment in a cleaning schedule and chemistry creates reliable processes to extend equipment life. KYZEN

Apple said to use Brazil for lower-tariff iPhones, despite denials Apple denies claims that Foxconn's Brazil expansion targets U.S. iPhone exports, insisting production there remains local. While tariff pressures and supply chain shifts continue, Apple has only confirmed diversification efforts in India and Vietnam—not Brazil. Apple Insider

Google adds on-device AI to Chrome to catch scams in real time Google is deploying powerful AI tools across Search, Chrome, and Android to block scams more effectively. Its Gemini Nano model now detects 20 times more scam pages, slashes fake airline support sites by 80%, and enhances on-device security for users. TechSpot

Sponsor Probe Card Manufacturer 'Sees the Unseen' With X-ray Probe card manufacturer relies on mobile real-time x-ray inspection to verify the quality of its aligned probes at different stages along the assembly line. Glenbrook Technologies

Americans still dream about factory jobs. Can they be brought back? Despite bipartisan nostalgia for factory jobs, American manufacturing remains a shadow of its former self, shaped by declining union power, economic shifts, and cultural ideals. While political leaders tout industrial revival, the path forward remains complex and contested. NPR

Hand Soldering at Low Temperature We often need to make repairs in the field involving circuit board soldering. Is there any impact on a hand soldered circuit boards during winter where the circuit board and atmosphere are at 0 degrees C and humidity at 10%? Circuit Insight - Ask the Experts

Apple Watch shipments down 29% in two years, blamed on lack of new features Apple Watch shipments plunged 19% year-over-year in 2024, marking a second straight annual decline and a 29% drop since 2022. Counterpoint blames outdated models, no new Watch SE or Ultra 3, and weakening demand, especially in North America. TechSpot

Sponsor Innovative Power Module Assembly Solutions Power module production utilizes many different technologies. When industry leaders from these different fields join efforts on the design of these lines, higher efficiency and yields are the result. Infotech Automation Inc.

Robotic Systems Perform Experiments Speeding Up Research As explained recently in the journal Science Robotics, robots are rapidly, "Transforming Science Labs into Automated Factories of Discovery." Circuit Insight - Technology Briefing

China's exports to US sink, offset by trade with other economies, as US tariffs hit global trade China's exports to the U.S. plunged 21% in April as tariffs from both nations disrupted trade, accelerating a shift in global supply chains. Meanwhile, exports to Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa surged, highlighting China's diversification strategy. AP 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