News

Micron, the only US manufacturer of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chips, is doubling down on US manufacturing amid China’s bans on US technologies. With plans to bring advanced memory production to the US, Micron aims to increase its share of DRAM production from its current 2% to 15% in the next 20 years. The company is investing $15 billion in a chip fabrication plant in Boise, Idaho, and another $100 billion over 20 years to build four fabs in New York. Micron’s expansion comes as the demand for memory chips, driven by smartphones, computers, AI, and other applications, continues to grow.

However, Micron faces challenges, such as the major price slump for memory chips and tensions with China. Despite this, Micron remains optimistic about its growth in the smartphone business and its foray into rapid-growth markets like automotive and AI. The company also emphasizes the need for a predictable investing environment between the US and China. With investments, government incentives, and CHIPS and Science Act assistance, Micron aims to increase its US chip manufacturing and reduce dependence on Asia.

Google has reportedly laid off around 40-45 employees in its news division, which has raised concerns due to the ongoing battle against misinformation. The company has not disclosed the exact number of layoffs but confirmed the cuts, stating that they have made internal changes to streamline the organization. The impacted employees will receive support during their transition period, including severance and outplacement services. Google News is a widely used platform that provides users with links to articles from various publishers, attracting attention particularly during times of conflict or crisis. The layoffs come at a critical time when disinformation related to the Israel-Hamas conflict is spreading across platforms. There is growing pressure on tech companies to take stricter measures to combat false and misleading content, with European Union industry chief Thierry Breton demanding action from Google and other platforms. This move by Google follows previous job cuts in different parts of the company earlier this year.

Finnish company Nokia announced plans to cut up to 14,000 jobs in an effort to reduce costs after experiencing a 20% drop in third-quarter sales, primarily due to weaker demand for 5G equipment. The company’s shares fell by 2% following the news. Nokia’s CEO, Pekka Lundmark, expressed concerns about the challenging market situation, particularly the 40% decline in net sales in the North American market. Nokia aims to save between €800 million and €1.2 billion ($842 million to $1.26 billion) by 2026 and expects at least €400 million in savings in 2024. The company did not revise its full-year outlook but stressed the need for investment in faster mid-band equipment to address the growth in data traffic. Additionally, Nokia plans to protect its research and development division during the job cuts.

Ford Motor announced that it will be laying off an additional 150 workers in Michigan as a result of the ongoing United Auto Workers (UAW) strike. This brings the total number of furloughed workers to 2,730. The UAW strike at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant prompted the new layoffs at a Michigan axle plant. Currently, 16,600 Ford employees are on strike at three assembly plants, including the Kentucky Truck Plant, which is the company’s largest plant globally. The targeted strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis began on September 15.

United Airlines is set to introduce a new boarding order that will prioritize economy-class passengers who have selected window seats. The change, which aims to save approximately two minutes during the boarding process, will commence on October 26. This adjustment comes in response to the increased boarding times experienced by the airline since 2019. By allowing window seat passengers to board ahead of those with middle and aisle seats, United expects to minimize delays and potential disruptions throughout the day. The new procedure will be implemented on both domestic and select international flights.

Amazon has announced plans to bring its drone delivery service to the UK and Italy by the end of 2024, in addition to expanding to a third US location. The specific locations have not been disclosed yet. The company’s new MK30 drone will be used for these deliveries, which has improved range, noise reduction, and weather capability. Amazon aims to integrate the drones into its existing delivery network and work closely with regulators and governments to meet its goal of delivering 500 million packages by the end of the decade.

Amazon has announced that it will now deliver medications via drones in College Station, Texas, as part of its expanding drone delivery operations. Customers can receive free deliveries in less than an hour for over 500 medications, including those for flu, asthma, and pneumonia. This move aims to narrow the crucial “golden window” between diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes. The announcement comes as Amazon integrates its pharmacy division, Amazon Pharmacy, into its operations, following the acquisition of Pillpack in 2018. While drone deliveries are currently limited to College Station, Amazon plans to expand drone operations to additional US cities and countries by the end of next year.