Assistive TechnologyInternational Business and Trade

Taiwan Assures Global Chip Industry Will Withstand China’s Rare Earth Export Controls

Taiwan has reassured global markets that its semiconductor industry remains insulated from China’s latest rare earth export controls. The Ministry of Economic Affairs clarified that the restricted elements differ from those used in chip manufacturing processes, with most rare earth supplies sourced from Europe, the US, and Japan.

In a significant development for global technology supply chains, Taiwan has provided crucial reassurances that its semiconductor industry will remain largely unaffected by China’s newly implemented rare earth export controls. The announcement comes as welcome news to global markets concerned about potential disruptions to semiconductor manufacturing following China’s latest trade measures.

Taiwan’s Official Response to Export Restrictions

Anomalies and Alternative ScienceAssistive Technology

Software Solution Corrects James Webb Space Telescope Image Blurring

Ph.D. students from the University of Sydney have created a groundbreaking software solution that corrects blurring in James Webb Space Telescope images. Their AMIGO system uses neural networks and simulations to fix electronic distortions, achieving sharper-than-ever celestial observations without costly space missions.

In a remarkable achievement for space science and computational astronomy, researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a sophisticated software solution that corrects image blurring affecting NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in how we can maintain and enhance the performance of space observatories without requiring physical intervention or costly space missions.

The Blurring Problem Discovery

Assistive TechnologyBusiness Software

Firefox Adds Perplexity AI as Default Search Engine: What You Need to Know

Mozilla has made Perplexity AI a permanent search engine option in Firefox following positive user feedback. The AI-powered search provides conversational answers with citations, eliminating the need to sift through traditional results.

In a significant move for search engine diversity, Mozilla has officially integrated Perplexity AI as a default search option in Firefox for desktop users. This expansion follows a successful limited test earlier this year and represents Mozilla’s continued commitment to offering innovative search alternatives beyond traditional options.

From Testing to Permanent Fixture

Assistive TechnologyComputer Hardware

Intel’s Crescent Island GPU: 2026 Customer Testing Signals AI Chip Push

Intel confirms its Crescent Island data center GPU will reach customer testing in late 2026, representing the chipmaker’s strategic shift toward AI inference workloads. This comes amid intense competition and supply constraints in the AI chip market.

Intel has confirmed its upcoming GPU codenamed Crescent Island will enter customer sampling in the second half of 2026, signaling the semiconductor giant’s renewed determination to compete in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence accelerator market. This development comes as Intel seeks to establish a foothold against dominant players Nvidia and AMD, particularly in the data center segment where AI workloads have created unprecedented demand.

Crescent Island GPU: Intel’s Strategic AI Play