Sharp

Foxconn wants more Sharp shares, aims to beat Samsung displays on clearness

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 18, 2012

In another hint that Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known in the Western world as Foxconn, could be gearing up for mass production of a rumored Apple television set, Reuters now reports that Foxconn is in talks with the Japanese multinational corporation Sharp about increasing its stake.

This is interesting development as Foxconn in March bought an eleven percent stake in Sharp worth $844 million. The two companies now run Sharp’s cutting-edge display plant in Sakai, Osaka, leading some to speculate that Foxconn made the move on behalf of its biggest customer, Apple of California, which has long been rumored to be readying production of a full-blown television set, which Foxconn publicly denied...

Sharp to share know-how for new iPhone display factory

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Well, we didn't have to wait too long for the first fruits of a recent partnership struck between Asian product assembler Hon Hai Precision Industry, also know as Foxconn, and Japanese electronics giant Sharp.

According to a new report, Sharp will share its technological know-how with Foxconn's new manufacturing facility in Chengdu that will produce display panels for Apple's iPhone and other consumer electronics devices...

Loewe confirms it is not in talks over a potential takeover by Apple

Oliver Haslam ∙ May 14, 2012

We told you not long ago that German TV maker Loewe was potentially the subject of an audacious takeover bid by iPhone and iPad maker, Apple. The rumor made a modicum of sense considering talk of an Apple Television being in the works just won't go away.

Now though, such a takeover appears to be out of the question, with the Germans themselves saying that no such takeover talks are in process after contacting German site, Heise.

Rumors of a $113 million buyout have been quashed after Loewe's official stance was recorded as there being 'absolutely nothing to it.'

DisplayMate CEO says Apple settled for Plan B with new iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 7, 2016

CNET is out with a new report this week, which highlights some interesting comments made by DisplayMate's CEO Raymond Soneira. The company is in the video diagnostics business, calibrating and testing displays for manufacturers.

Anyways, according to Soneira, the iPad that Apple unveiled earlier this year was actually Apple's "Plan B" for the product. It seems that the company's "Plan A," a slimmer, lighter tablet, required technology that just wasn't ready in time...

More Apple Television speculation suggests a 2013 release

Oliver Haslam ∙ March 28, 2012

Now the new iPad is here, attentions have begun to turn to Apple's next big thing. While it is true that the iPhone 5, or more likely the "New iPhone" will be that device, the proposed Apple Television is the thing that we are all getting excited about.

There are plenty of things we don't know yet about what Apple has up its sleeve. In fact, it's true that we know absolutely nothing for certain. As is so often the case, we are running on rumors and guesswork right now, not least when it comes to a potential release date.

The latest rumors surround just that, with Business Insider reporting that the Apple Television will debut in 2013...

Here’s what Foxconn’s strategic deal with Sharp could mean for Apple, iPad and iTV

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 28, 2012

Yesterday's news that Apple's contract manufacturer Foxconn bought an eleven percent stake in the Japanese multinational corporation Sharp sent the tongues wagging. With a 46.5 percent stake in Sharp’s LCD plant in Sakai, Osaka, conventional wisdom has it that Foxonn, which just released its 2011 financial report, will bolster Sharp's LCD business and make it more profitable by securing the lowest prices on components.

Other folks think the two partners joined forces to battle LG Display and Samsung for orders of Retina displays for the new iPad. After all, Sharp is already been credited with small-volume shipments of 2,048-by-1,536 pixel resolution panels for the device and they're about to ramp up production in the second quarter.

Another intriguing possibility includes next-generation flat panels for a rumored Apple-branded television set, nicknamed the iTV...

Apple’s favorite contract manufacturer Foxconnn secures 11% stake in Retina display maker Sharp

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 27, 2012

Japanese electronics maker Sharp said today it will form a strategic global manufacturing partnership with Foxconn parent Hon Hai Precision Industry Co that will see the latter take eleven percent ownership in the former. In a nutshell, an assembly company has just purchased a stake in a manufacturer.

Things get really interesting knowing that Hon Hai's Foxconn is Apple's long-standing manufacturing partner producing iPhones, iPads and Mac notebooks, but also PlayStation 3s, Xbox 360s and a host of other consumer electronics products for Western companies.

On the other hand, Sharp is currently on Apple's list of supply chain partners and has allegedly produced 2.71 million Retina display panels for the new iPad, with plans to ramp up production in the second quarter. This strategic partnership should also help Foxconn and Sharp together battle LG and Samsung for Apple orders.

Sharp, LG Display ramping up second-quarter Retina display shipments for the new iPad

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 23, 2012

Asian trade publication DigiTimes reported this morning that both Sharp and LG Display are set to increase their respective manufacturing output of Retina displays for the new iPad. The news follows a recent report by the same publication that Sharp shipped 2.71 million iPad Retina panels to Apple.

This might mean that production issues have finally been sorted out after both firms had reportedly failed to meet Apple's exact quality requirements. Something tells me Samsung won't like this. As you know, Apple is clever enough not to put all eggs in one basket, so to speak.

As a result of LG Display and Sharp jumping on the Retina bandwagon, Apple should be able to achieve a significant increase in iPad shipments for the next quarter and onwards...

Rumor: Sharp joins the Retina party, but brings only 2.71 million iPad panels

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 20, 2012

Last week, Bloomberg reported that Apple's long-time supplier and frenemy Samsung has fulfilled the bulk of orders for the new iPad's stunning 2,048-by-1,536 pixel resolution display, marketed under the Retina moniker. Piggy-backing on that story, Reuters chimed in with claims that LG Display is also filling iPad Retina display panel orders.

A new report by DigiTimes, a hit-and-miss Asian trade publication, asserted this morning that Sharp too is supplying Retina display panels for the tablet. Apple is known for sourcing components from multiple suppliers in order to reduce risks and squeeze the best prices possible. Unfortunately, quality issues with the highest-resolution display on a mobile device meant Sharp delivered lower-than-expected Retina shipments, pegged at 2.71 million units...

Sharp to begin cranking out Retina displays of its own

Oliver Haslam ∙ March 19, 2012

A new report out of the Wall Street Journal claims that Sharp is closer than ever to being able to ramp up production of Retina displays for Apple's new iPad.

Current shipping iPads feature Retina display panels manufactured by, ironically enough, Samsung, with both Sharp and LG supposedly set to join the fray sooner rather than later.

The Wall Street Journal suggests that Sharp may be the first to offer backup for Samsung, with mass production set to be underway "as soon as possible," according to a source...