AI search startup Perplexity has released an AI agent called "Computer" that coordinates 19 different models to serve high-value enterprise use cases. The company says the system is designed to exploit model specialization as different models excel at distinct tasks.

The intensifying conflicts in the Middle East are fueling demand for defense digitalization. Getac Holdings chairman James Hwang noted that as countries worldwide increase their defense budgets and adopt new warfare technologies like drones and AI digitalization, Getac's defense-related revenue, which accounted for about 20% in 2025, is expected to grow further in 2026.

As demand for computing power from AI large language models (LLMs) continues to surge, power density in data centers is rising in tandem, bringing the conversion losses of traditional power architectures to the forefront. The market expects 2026 to mark a critical transition period for the accelerated adoption of new technologies such as high-voltage DC power architectures and solid-state transformers (SSTs). Mastery of these power supply chain technologies is set to become a key barrier to entry in the next phase of market competition.

Taiwan President Ching-te Lai stated on March 2 that one of the government's core policy goals for 2026 is to boost the economy by fully promoting the country's AI major infrastructure projects. Silicon photonics (SiPh) is reportedly a key focus within this plan. Cheng-Wen Wu, chairman of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), confirmed that the government has decided to actively invest in localizing SiPh equipment and materials. TSMC has pledged to assist Taiwan's traditional industries in developing related equipment and materials, opening new opportunities for these sectors.

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) has ranked Taiwan second worldwide in its latest National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), up one place from the previous survey, trailing only the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Under Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's National Project of Hope blueprint, innovation and entrepreneurship have been elevated to the level of national strategy, with the government committed to continuing to provide startup subsidies and share failure risks.

Tesla's pivot to free factory space for its humanoid robot Optimus by cutting Model S and Model X production lines highlights a broader shift in the robotics industry toward a structural competition between Tesla's closed-off approach and an Nvidia-led alliance connecting automakers and robotics firms. The move raises questions about risks tied to vertical integration and the alternative offered by platform-driven collaboration.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, and Google senior vice president James Manyika jointly outlined a shift in the competitive landscape for artificial intelligence, arguing that deployment speed, task reorganization, capability gaps, and physical integration will determine outcomes over the next five years.

Samsung Electronics officially launched its annual flagship Galaxy S26 series smartphones and Galaxy Buds 4 Bluetooth earphones on February 26. Following integrations with Bixby and Google's Gemini, Samsung has now added support for Perplexity, broadening compatibility with multiple large language models (LLMs). Observing Samsung's AI strategy for 2026 phones reveals three key characteristics.

Apple on March 2 unveiled the iPhone 17e and the latest iPad Air powered by the M4 chip, signaling a focus on performance, value, and ecosystem expansion amid a cooling global consumer electronics market. Analysts suggest these updates aim to defend Apple's market share in midrange segments, attract price-conscious consumers, and encourage upgrades from older devices, rather than directly drive near-term revenue growth.