March 24, 2026

Software Engineering Has Been Commoditized and Automated. What's Next? Automation has repeatedly commoditized skilled work, and software engineering now follows that arc. As AI tools absorb routine coding, companies cut jobs, shrink teams, and shift value upward, signaling a rapid transformation that threatens mid-level roles and rewards adaptability. EE Times

Sponsor Discover the power of vAI ProVision from Viscom Create and optimize 3D AOI and AXI programs in minutes. vAI ProVision boosts inspection depth, quality, and speed. Viscom develops & produces premium inspection systems. Viscom SE

Amazon is trying smartphones again after the Fire Phone flop with Alexa-first "Transformer" Amazon is developing a new smartphone, codenamed Transformer, that integrates Alexa, AI, and its services for a voice-driven, always-on experience. Led by J Allard, the device could range from a full smartphone to a minimalist "dumbphone" complementing existing devices. TechSpot

The "Fried Egg" Effect in Soldering Burnt-on flux residue that is visible on the solder mask of PCBs after improper reflow settings produces significant challenges to the reliability of finished boards. Technical Paper

Asia/Pacific PC Market Grew 11.6% in 2025, Supply Constraints and Pricing Pressures Expected to Impact 2026 IDC says Asia/Pacific PC shipments will drop 13.7% YoY to 92M units in 2026 as component shortages and rising prices squeeze supply and demand. After a strong 2025 refresh cycle, memory constraints and higher costs are expected to dampen buying activity. IDC

Sponsor ISM Storage and Software Integration Solutions We are specialized in storage solutions and our warehouses ensure efficient production. Patented cases maximize space, facilitating material handling. Essegi Automation

Microsoft stock may be in a slump. But here's why it is wrong to give up now Mounting challenges are converging on Microsoft, highlighting its weakened reputation in artificial intelligence and raising concerns about future growth in its Azure cloud business, as doubts over leadership in AI begin to affect broader strategic momentum. CNBC

Potted Assembly Interfacial Reliability Under Inclined 25000g Mechanical Shock This study investigates the time and temperature-dependent evolution of interfacial fracture toughness in four distinct potting compounds for printed circuit boards (PCBs). The investigation focuses on the evolution of the interfacial fracture toughness at the potting material-PCB interface. Technical Paper

Technical Papers ■ Scaling SMT Traceability ■ The Drawbacks of Internal Recycling Systems for Solder Dross ■ Engineering ESD-Safe PCB Assembly for High-Reliability IoT and Industrial Electronics ■ The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible ■ PCB Rework Evolves, With X-ray a Constant Support ■ How pH Cleaning Agents Affect Production Performance ■ A Universal AI-Powered Segmentation Model for PCBA & Semiconductor ■ RAIG Minimizes Corrosion, Allows Higher Gold on ENEPIG ■ High Reliability Lead-Free Solder Paste with Rosin and Anti-Crack Resin ■ Understanding Solder Dross: Causes and Control Strategies MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor Dedicated Tool for Process Development Advanced plating capability at Uyemura Tech Center: Process Development, UBM, pilot production. ENIG, ENEPIG, EPIG/EPAG, RAIG immersion gold; all substrates. On-site analysis. Uyemura

Could AGI really be the 'last invention'? I. J. Good's "last invention" vision fuels AGI ambitions, but real innovation hits bottlenecks in tacit knowledge and execution. Even powerful AI depends on human judgment, collaboration, and institutions to turn breakthroughs into practical impact. Taipei Times

California bill targeting Big Tech self-preferencing gains industry support as Apple faces scrutiny Tech leaders back California's BASED Act to curb platform self-preferencing, aligning with federal antitrust efforts. As support grows, Apple faces scrutiny for restricting apps like Replit, highlighting concerns over App Store control, competition, and fair access for emerging startups. TechSpot

The True Business Impact of IIoT Technology Pitfalls and opportunities in IIoT solution technology, at the device level, the manufacturing execution management system layer, and enterprise business systems layer. Technical Paper

Sponsor Copper Stud & CTE Nano Tech Underfill AIT's proven flip-chip and BGA multi-level underfills offer both 18 ppm/°C copper CTE matching fine-pitch & nano-pitch with 10 µm & 0.3 µm respective cut-off particles. AI Technology, Inc.

Gartner Says CFOs Need to Rethink the ROI of AI Investments Gartner warns CFOs misjudge AI by forcing a single ROI lens on diverse initiatives. Instead, they should manage AI as a portfolio, balancing productivity, process, and transformational bets while valuing nonfinancial gains like agility, decision quality, and innovation. Gartner

Sam Altman Issued a 'Code Red' After Anthropic Started Dominating the Business Market. Now OpenAI Is Doubling Its Workforce. Sam Altman flagged a "code red" as OpenAI lost enterprise ground to Anthropic. He now plans rapid hiring, product focus, and monetization efforts to win business customers and convert ChatGPT users into paying clients. Entrepreneur

Requirements on a Class 0 EPA - ESD Equipment and Measurements The requirements “0 volt” can be achieved, when die maximum value will be required. Today we do not have any ESD material, which requires these limits. Technical Paper

Sponsor Rework/Removal of Underfilled Parts AVX250/1000M High precision milling with zero adjacent clearance. Auto laser height measurement of board and component. Learn more. Air-Vac Engineering

Nebraska Wants To Build Batteries For Storing Renewable Energy Nebraska advances a bill to expand large-scale battery storage, enabling private firms to support public utilities, stabilize renewable energy supply, and track data center power use, aiming to improve grid reliability despite rising energy demands and renewable limitations. BGR

What's the right path for AI? At an MIT symposium, Karen Hao and Paola Ricaurte urged moving beyond hyperscale AI toward smaller, purpose-built models. They highlighted energy efficiency, human-centered design, and public input to ensure AI delivers equitable, real-world community benefits. MIT News

Sponsor 440-R + Ultrasonics = Safe & Efficient Cleaning Low power density ultrasonic cleaners combined with 440-R-SMT detergent provide safe and effective cleaning of stencils, pallets, misprints & SMD adhesives. Smart Sonic

How GlobalFoundries Takes AI from Pilot to Global Scale AI is evolving from niche tools into a core operational layer in semiconductor fabs, enabling adaptive control, early defect detection, and global scalability. At GlobalFoundries, leaders drive disciplined, human-centered AI adoption to boost yield, efficiency, and decision-making. EE Times

When is it Time to Switch from Manual Assembly to Automation? We are a new start-up assembling wireless sensors. All assembly is now manual. We are experiencing large reject rates due to hand soldering of components. Board Talk

Micron says driverless cars and robots will need 300GB of RAM Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra warns surging demand from autonomous cars and AI-powered robots will deepen the memory crisis, with each requiring around 300GB DRAM, as robotics enters a decades-long growth phase and drives industry expansion. TechSpot

Rising Attacks on Power Grids Push Utilities to Prepare In a 2025 exercise called GridEx, utilities and government partners simulated attacks on Beryllia's power grid during a heat wave, highlighting rising physical threats to electricity infrastructure. Over 28,000 participants explored AI, robotics, and sensor fusion to prevent grid disruptions. IEEE Spectrum

Sponsor Maximize Yield with Patented Vacuum Reflow Heller's innovative, patented vacuum reflow solves the throughput bottleneck by shortening cycle times for maximum yield and minimal voiding. Experience the speed with us. Heller Industries

Apple iPhone Fold Might Have A Sun Glare Problem Apple plans its iPhone Fold with ultra-thin glass, CoE filters, and a liquid metal hinge to boost efficiency and durability. However, higher reflectance—seen in Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra—may worsen glare, potentially impacting outdoor visibility. wccftech