At Computex in Taipei, Lokwon Kim, founder and CEO of the Korean semiconductor company DEEPX, shed light on his company's robust capabilities in designing high-performance AI chips that prioritize cost-effectiveness and power efficiency. DEEPX aims to compensate, rather than compete with, industry giants like NVIDIA, by focusing on the burgeoning "on-device" AI market.Kim came to sign an MOU of strategic partnership with Taiwan-based AIC Inc., a storage and server solutions provider. DEEPX's advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs) will be integrated with AIC's robust industrial-grade server platforms. This collaboration aims to deliver unprecedented computational power combined with significant energy efficiency and compact form factors tailored specifically for edge environments.Kim formalizes strategic partnership with Taiwan-based AIC Inc. through MOU signing. Credit: DEEPXKim's journey into AI chip design began during his PhD program at UCLA in 2007, where he had the opportunity to work on a deep learning processor project at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, which he calls "the number one research organization in the world." His research contributed to the early development of NPUs, even before the term "deep learning" was widely used."At that time there's no word like deep learning. We just call artificial neural network. So I was really extraordinary fortunate to start earlier than others," Kim shared. This early start gave him a significant advantage.Having graduated from UCLA, Kim's tenure at Cisco, working on semiconductors for internet routers, provided crucial insights into the explosive growth of connected devices and the impending data deluge. He foresaw that by 2025, 70 billion devices would be connected to the internet, generating an unprecedented amount of data that humans alone could not process. Furthermore, he recognized that "40% of the internet data must be processed in a real time manner, not the data center we are waiting for." This realization fueled his vision for a low-power, high-performance, and low-cost AI processing solution at the device level."We need a very low power, high-performance, low-cost solution to process that on device, not the data center," Kim explained that relying on the cloud makes no sense due to latency, cost, and security problems.DEEPX CEO Lokwon Kim at ex-Apple. Credit: DEEPXHe was inspired by the late Steve Jobs when he started working for Apple in 2014. "At the entrance of the Apple campus, there is this quotation from Steve Jobs that says, 'if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else that's wonderful…, Just figure out what's next." Kim decided it was time to answer that call when his internal startup idea was turned down by Apple. He decided to realize that dream by building a chip for the edge environment at his home country, South Korea, leveraging the foundry service of Samsung to support his fabless venture.In 2018, Kim established DEEPX, and now the company has more than 100 employees in South Korea and will soon establish a branch office in July 2025, with FA engineer and salesperson stationed in Taipei."We Compensate the Giant, Not Compete"Kim draws a parallel between the current AI chip landscape and the CPU market in the 1990s, where Intel dominated until ARM emerged with a more suitable solution for mobile devices due to its lower power consumption. He believes a similar dynamic is at play with AI processors, where NVIDIA's GPUs, while powerful, are not ideal for small, power-constrained devices due to their "high power consumption and very hot, high cost." As Kim put it, "We cannot put GPU solution into our small electrical devices. That's the point. So I wanted to solve it."DEEPX's strategy is to address this gap by providing AI chips specifically designed for on-device applications, thereby "compensating Nvidia's market." This approach prioritizes:• Real-time processing: "On device device zero latency guaranteed zero latency," Kim emphasized, highlighting the critical need for immediate responses in applications like self-driving cars and factory automation.• Privacy and security: Kim explained the risk of sending factory data to data centers for AI processing, stating, "If you send the used data to the cloud for AI processing, hackers may intercept and leak that data. " On-device processing mitigates this risk.• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): DEEPX offers a significantly more affordable long-term solution. Kim provided an example: "The cost of our chip is under $100 for 10 years."• Carbon emission reduction: Kim highlighted the environmental impact of current solutions: "Already, all the H100 GPUs in the world together consume more power than the total power consumption of France, which is one huge country." DEEPX's power-efficient chips offer a sustainable alternative.DEEPX is already demonstrating its capabilities through collaborations with major companies. They are working with a large IT company in China on industrial monitoring and smart city projects. They are also partnering with South Korea company for white appliances, enabling functionalities like autonomous movement for robot vacuum cleaners and home security features such as detecting unauthorized individuals or elders' falling. DEEPX has already shared samples of their chips with over 300 global companies, achieving significant success in the pre-mass production market. Their chips are manufactured by Samsung's 5nm process.DEEPX CEO Lokwon Kim at Computex Taipei 2025. Credit: DEEPXDX-M2: Chip for Generative AI at the EdgeLooking ahead, DEEPX is developing DX-M2, their next-generation chip for generative AI. DEEPX aims to enable generative AI models with over 1 billion parameters, such as Meta LLaMA4 and Deepseek MoE, to run on-devices with just 5 watts of power consumption, and they are also considering TSMC 3nm or Samsung 2nm for future products.Kim believes this will address the current financial challenges of generative AI. "Generative AI is not profitable right now because OpenAI pays huge energy bills to maintain its operations," said Kim, emphasizing DEEPX's solution would make generative AI accessible and affordable, with the chip costing under $50 and a module under $150, effectively eliminating the need for expensive data center charges for a decade once purchased. Kim believes this on-device generative AI will be a "hugely popular product." He acknowledges the skepticism, recalling similar disbelief when they announced their first chip's performance with low power, but he remains confident in their ability to deliver." Actually when we announced our DX-M1, nobody believed... But we did it. We proved it. Now we will do it again," he affirmed.Lokwon Kim, CEO of DEEPX, on a mission to break into tech's top 10. Credit: DEEPXAiming to be Top 10 Players in TechDEEPX's long-term vision, as outlined by Kim, aligns with the suggestion of Jensen Huang, who he admires and considers a "rockstar." Huang's suggested phases for chip companies include:1. Low cost and high usability: DEEPX has achieved this by creating chips that are highly useful and inexpensive.2. Patent protection: DEEPX boasts over 300 patents for NPU technology, exceeding those of Intel, ARM, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA.3. Ecosystem development: The next phase involves building an ecosystem with software frameworks and applications to increase the solution's value and profitability.Kim's ultimate goal for DEEPX is to become "one of the major families in the world, within the top 10 players in the world" within the next 5 to 10 years, contributing to "the process of transformation process of human civilization, which is going to the super-intelligent."This ambition, fueled by a decade of pioneering research and a clear strategic vision, positions DEEPX not just as a chip maker, but as a key enabler of a more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable technological future. As the demand for on-device AI continues to skyrocket, DEEPX's commitment to cost-effective, power-efficient, and high-performance solutions promises to democratize AI, making its transformative power accessible to countless devices and industries worldwide. To stay updated on the latest from DEEPX, follow the official DEEPX LinkedIn page.

In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, industrial organizations play a pivotal role in establishing robust specifications and standards. These entities bridge the gap between industry needs and regulatory frameworks, ensuring the creation of secure, interoperable, and scalable solutions. Among the most influential players in this domain are Eurosmart, GlobalPlatform, and the Trusted Computing Group (TCG). Additionally, organizations like the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) contribute significantly to shaping global cybersecurity frameworks. Together, these organizations form a cohesive ecosystem to address the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity.Eurosmart: Advocating for secure digital solutionsEurosmart, an association dedicated to fostering security in digital interactions, has long been a key player in shaping cybersecurity specifications. Focused on secure elements, identity solutions, and security subsystems in Systems on Chips (SoCs), Eurosmart promotes standards that address emerging threats and technological advancements.Key Contributions:• Standardization of Secure Elements: Eurosmart develops specifications for secure elements used in smart cards, e-passports, and secure SoC subsystems. These standards ensure data integrity and protection against unauthorized access.• Engagement with Regulatory Bodies: By collaborating with EU regulators, Eurosmart aligns its specifications with legislative requirements like the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). This ensures that security measures meet both industry and governmental expectations.• Focus on Secure Subsystems: Eurosmart plays a significant role in defining cybersecurity specifications for secure SoC subsystems, Focuses on embedded security functions within SoCs, including external secure NVM, secure boot, data integrity, and cryptographic functionalities. These ensure robust protection against sophisticated threats, making SoC subsystems integral to secure digital infrastructure.Eurosmart's contributions extend beyond technical specifications. Its advocacy for certification frameworks ensures that products meet high-security benchmarks, enhancing consumer trust and market reliability.GlobalPlatform: Enabling interoperability and securityGlobalPlatform focuses on the standardization of secure digital services and devices, with an emphasis on enabling interoperability. This organization's specifications are widely adopted in the mobile, IoT, and payments industries, making it a cornerstone of secure device communication.Key Contributions:• SESIP Certification: Through the Security Evaluation Standard for IoT Platforms (SESIP), GlobalPlatform provides a streamlined certification process tailored to IoT products. This approach reduces complexity while maintaining high-security assurance levels.• Secure Component Standardization: GlobalPlatform defines standards for secure elements, trusted execution environments (TEEs), and mobile platforms. These standards ensure compatibility and security across devices and services.• Collaborative Technical Working Groups: GlobalPlatform engages with technical working groups to address specific industry challenges, ensuring its standards remain relevant and comprehensive.GlobalPlatform's emphasis on interoperability ensures seamless integration across devices and networks, enhancing both user experience and security.Trusted Computing Group (TCG): Building Trustworthy SystemsThe Trusted Computing Group (TCG) specializes in developing open standards for hardware-based security. Its specifications provide foundational trust mechanisms for a wide range of devices, from PCs and servers to embedded systems.Key Contributions:• Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs): TCG's TPM specifications establish a hardware root of trust, enabling secure boot processes, encryption, and key management. TPMs are integral to safeguarding critical data and system integrity.• Embedded Systems Security: TCG extends its standards to embedded systems, addressing the unique challenges of securing constrained devices. Its specifications are widely used in industrial automation, automotive, and healthcare sectors.• Collaboration with Technical Groups: TCG works closely with groups like ISCI to enhance standards for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure security.TCG's focus on hardware-based security provides a strong foundation for building resilient systems capable of withstanding sophisticated cyber threats.ETSI: Shaping telecommunications securityThe European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is a global leader in creating standards for telecommunications, including cybersecurity. ETSI's work ensures secure communication protocols and infrastructure.Key Contributions:• Development of Cybersecurity Standards: ETSI's EN 303 645 serves as a baseline for IoT security, outlining requirements for device integrity, data protection, and vulnerability management.• Support for Telecommunications Security: ETSI has developed specifications to secure 5G networks, addressing threats like unauthorized access and data breaches.• Collaboration with Industry: By working with network operators, manufacturers, and regulators, ETSI ensures its standards meet the dynamic needs of the telecommunications sector.ETSI's focus on telecommunications security ensures that global communication networks remain robust and resilient.IEC: Global safety and security standardsThe International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) develops standards for electrical and electronic systems, integrating cybersecurity into its frameworks. Its work spans industries like energy, healthcare, and industrial automation.Key Contributions:• Industrial Control System Security: IEC 62443 provides comprehensive guidelines for securing industrial control systems, mitigating risks associated with cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.• Healthcare Device Security: IEC collaborates with ISO to create standards for medical device security, ensuring patient safety and data protection.• Integration with Cyber-Physical Systems: IEC's standards address the cybersecurity challenges of interconnected systems, including smart grids and autonomous vehicles.Collective impact on cybersecurityEurosmart, GlobalPlatform, TCG, ETSI, and IEC collectively contribute to a cohesive cybersecurity landscape. Their specifications ensure:• Enhanced Security: By addressing vulnerabilities at both hardware and software levels, these organizations provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.• Global Interoperability: Standardization efforts promote compatibility across devices and systems, fostering international collaboration and trade.• Market Confidence: Certification programs and adherence to high-security benchmarks enhance consumer trust in products and services.Challenges and future directionsDespite their significant contributions, industrial organizations face challenges such as:• Keeping Pace with Technological Advances: Rapid innovation demands continuous updates to specifications and standards.• Global Harmonization: Aligning standards across regions requires extensive collaboration and negotiation.• Balancing Security and Usability: Striking the right balance between robust security measures and user convenience remains a critical task.Looking ahead, the role of industrial organizations will expand to address emerging technologies such as quantum computing, AI, and blockchain. By continuing their collaborative efforts, these organizations will ensure that cybersecurity specifications remain relevant, effective, and universally adopted.ConclusionIndustrial organizations like Eurosmart, GlobalPlatform, TCG, ETSI, and IEC are at the forefront of defining and implementing cybersecurity specifications. Their efforts underpin the secure operation of digital services and devices worldwide. By addressing current and future challenges, these organizations ensure that the global digital ecosystem remains resilient, secure, and trustworthy.Winbond actively participates in key industry organizations such as GlobalPlatform and Eurosmart, contributing to the development of new cybersecurity standards and ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory requirements.All Winbond Secure Flash products meet modern cybersecurity regulations and requirements, supporting industry standards and certification processes. They are pre-certified with various cybersecurity frameworks, easing the certification burden for customer platforms. Additionally, Winbond provides a complete turnkey solution, including pre-certified devices, software, and conformance documentation, tailored to regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED).For more details on how Winbond can help secure your supply chain and simplify compliance, visit Winbond's website or contact Winbond directly, or download the latest Hardware Security White Paper.

VR is totally shaking up online poker, pulling players into virtual casinos where they can actually interact with others and feel like they're sitting at a real poker table VR's come a long way—it's not just about slick graphics anymore. Now, it's all about offering an interactive experience that regular online poker can't quite keep up with. It brings a new level of connection, making the experience feel more authentic and engaging.Expanding horizonsAs virtual reality (VR) reshapes online poker, players are exploring new ways to enhance their experience. VR isn't just changing poker tables—it's impacting the gaming world in general. For example, in Population: One, players interact in vast virtual spaces, adding a new layer to social gaming. Similarly, VR is transforming fitness with games like Beat Saber, turning exercise into a fun challenge. In poker, VR platforms are bringing realistic, interactive environments, making online play feel more like a live casino experience.Okay, so let's talk about offshore poker platforms. They've got a lot to offer—more games, better bonuses, and a whole bunch of benefits that can seriously step up your game. These platforms offer a broader selection of game types and tournament structures, accommodating both beginners and seasoned players. They often provide more attractive bonuses and promotions than domestic sites, enabling players to maximize their bankrolls. Additionally, these platforms support a variety of payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, ensuring secure and efficient transactions. For those interested in exploring these opportunities, this guide on offshore online poker can provide valuable insights into selecting the right platform and understanding the associated benefits.As VR keeps evolving, it's not just gaming that's changing. It's touching everything, from fitness to socializing—and honestly, it's pretty wild to think about. The technology is making waves in fields like fitness, with games such as Beat Saber engaging users in a fun and active way.How VR transforms the poker tableOnline gaming has always had that sense of connection, but there's always been something missing, right? You're playing with others, but you're not really with them. That's where VR changes everything. Picture this: you're at a poker table, but each player is in their own space. Still, it feels like you're all there together. You can see their faces, hear them react to the game, and feel the intensity of the cards being dealt. It's not just about playing your hand anymore—it's about the whole experience of sitting at the table with real people, feeling the buzz of a real game. That's something you can't quite replicate on a flat screen.And honestly, when's the last time you felt like you were actually socializing in an online game? I mean really socializing, not just chatting with someone in the background while focusing on your cards. With VR, that's exactly what happens. It's not just a game anymore—it's a way to truly connect with other people, to share in the highs and lows together. The cards, the strategy—they all become part of a bigger experience. That's why VR poker keeps players coming back.Take PokerStars VR. It started off pretty basic—just a VR poker room. But now? It's something way more immersive. It's like going from a cheap knockoff to the real deal. Now, it's not just poker—it's a whole casino experience. You've got blackjack, roulette, and slots. And the coolest part? You're not just playing against avatars who don't react. You're playing with real people, in a lively, interactive environment. It's like being at a real casino, but without leaving your home. The sense of connection is palpable—everyone's there, sharing the moment. It's poker at its most immersive.The social side of VR pokerOnline gaming is usually about connection, but let's face it—sometimes it still feels a bit distant. VR changes that completely. Imagine sitting at a poker table with others. Everyone's in their own space, yet it feels like you're all together. You can see their faces, hear their voices, and feel the excitement of the game. It's no longer just about the cards; it's about the people you're playing with.When was the last time you truly felt like you were socializing in an online poker game? VR makes that happen. It brings players together, creating a real community. You can share strategies, celebrate big wins, or just enjoy some lighthearted banter between hands. It's not just a game—it's an experience. And that's what keeps people coming back for more. The game is fun, but the social connection? That's what makes it special.VR and the future of online pokerSo, what comes next for online poker in the world of VR? We're just scratching the surface. There are still a few obstacles to clear—better VR hardware, faster internet speeds, and the time it takes to adapt to new interfaces. But the potential? Massive. As VR technology advances, poker will likely feel even more immersive. Imagine smoother gameplay, environments that almost look and feel real—it's a whole new level of experience.And here's the interesting part: cross-platform play could soon become a reality. Picture this: logging into a VR poker room with your headset but still playing against someone on a computer or mobile device. That would open up the game to a whole new group of players, making VR poker accessible no matter the device they're using. This kind of flexibility could bring in a much wider audience, each with different tech preferences.VR poker is tapping into something much bigger: the increasing demand for immersive digital experiences. As more players step into virtual casinos, the need for fresh, innovative platforms is only going to grow. We may be seeing the early days of a shift in online gaming—a time when the divide between the virtual and real worlds gets blurrier, making the experience feel much closer to reality.Looking ahead, VR poker's future looks pretty exciting. With how fast VR tech is moving, poker will probably look completely different in just a few years. It's going to be wild. Traditional 2D avatars could soon feel outdated as VR takes center stage. Right now, though, this is still a space that's evolving, where the thrill of the game and the excitement of a casino are coming together in ways that could change digital gaming for good.