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Competition in the smart speaker market is poised to intensify in the second half of 2018, when manufacturers such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft launch their new products.
Digitimes reported Wednesday that a lot of new generation smart speakers are coming in this second half. Global giants Amazon, Microsoft and Google, as well as Alibaba and Tencent, are gearing up for the launch of their new smart speakers and smart devices.
According to industry sources, the new smart devices that the aforementioned companies plan to launch will have enhanced voice interface features. The sources added that manufacturers are strategically launching their new devices this second half to take advantage of the traditional boom season for electronic products.
It is unlikely that Apple will introduce a new smart speaker this time since its first-generation HomePod was launched in February following an announced delay. In addition, according to some sources, HomePod sales have not met expectations. Therefore, it would take some time before the Cupertino giant could unveil a second-generation HomePod.
As many manufacturers plan to launch new smart devices in the last months of 2018, IC designers should benefit from growing orders from customers. Demand for chipsets will skyrocket as global shipments of smart speakers and smart home appliances are expected to double from last year.
In 2017, MediaTek was the biggest winner in the smart speaker chip market. The reign of Taiwanese semiconductor company fabless is expected to continue this year as Amazon, Google and Alibaba are among its customers. It is also important to note that Tencent and Apple are interested in partnering with MediaTek.
IBTimes learned earlier this week that Apple was still considering a possible deal with MediaTek, while it would provide modem chips for the Cupertino giant's new iPhones. Apple also wants to partner with MediaTek to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm as part of its legal dispute with the semiconductor and telecommunications equipment company in San Diego, California.
MediaTek's next-generation smart speaker chip would have more powerful computing performance, more stable network connectivity, and lower power consumption than its predecessor. As a result, future smart devices from MediaTek customers will benefit from the same improvements.
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