SpaceX is reportedly working with semiconductor manufacturers to develop a custom chip that will enable its upcoming direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communication service, aimed at connecting ordinary smartphones directly to its Starlink satellite network. The service is slated for testing by the end of 2026, marking a major step in the company's ambitious plan to reshape global connectivity.
As Microsoft intensifies its focus on artificial intelligence, several non-AI-related divisions have faced significant cuts — with the Azure Space satellite initiative reportedly among the latest casualties. While the tech giant confirmed that Azure Space has not been fully discontinued, several of its products have been retired or shifted in scope. The number of employees affected by these changes remains unclear.
Airoha, MediaTek's chip subsidiary, reported strong growth for the first half of 2025 driven by networking infrastructure and AIoT. Second-quarter revenue rose 12.7% year-on-year to NT$5.522 billion. It plans optical communication expansions with 50G/400G PAM4 DSPs and grows Bluetooth audio and hearing assistance markets, targeting mass production by 2026.
