Asianometry

The discussion dives into the surprising water needs of TSMC's Arizona facility, using up 18,000 cubic meters daily. The podcast explores why a water-intensive factory is built in Phoenix, showcasing its unique advantages. It tackles complex questions about agricultural water demands vs. industrial growth and highlights historical drought challenges. The show also examines innovative water recycling methods that TSMC is implementing, and considers future water needs, emphasizing the balance between economic benefits and resource sustainability.

Singapore aimed to grow 30% of its food by 2030, pivoting from a history of food security dominated by imports. The podcast dives into the unfortunate decline of local agriculture due to land loss and government decisions favoring economic development. It reveals the ambitious plans of the SFA, disrupted by COVID and global shocks, and explores the challenges faced by startups in vertical farming and alternative protein sectors. Ultimately, it concludes with lessons learned as Singapore refines its focus toward more realistic agricultural goals.

In the early '90s, Apple teamed up with IBM and Motorola to create the PowerPC chip, hoping to challenge Intel’s dominance. The journey was marred by cultural clashes, market skepticism, and software challenges. Despite initial strong sales of the Power Macintosh, the PowerPC failed to gain traction due to market competition and manufacturing issues. Apple's eventual pivot to Intel came as a strategic match for its needs, marking the end of PowerPC's era in favor of a more compatible partner.

TSMC's groundbreaking 2nm process node introduces Gate-All-Around transistors alongside innovative curvilinear photomasks. These curved masks are a game-changer, enhancing the manufacturing capabilities for GPUs. The podcast dives into the complexities of photolithography, resolution challenges at smaller nodes, and how inverse lithography technology is changing the mask-making landscape. With advancements in multi-beam mask writers and the demand from AI accelerator chips, the future of semiconductor manufacturing looks promising!

In 1994, Apple licensed its Mac OS, leading to a surprising partnership with the upstart Power Computing. The podcast explores Steve Kang's background and how his innovative approach skyrocketed Power’s revenues. Listeners learn how Apple's hesitance and internal conflicts contributed to its decline, while Power's cutting-edge strategies attracted enterprise customers. The dramatic rise was short-lived, culminating in Apple's 1997 decision to terminate licensing, leaving Power in shambles. A riveting journey through the brief but impactful era of Mac clones!

Explore the fascinating world of American catalog homes that boomed in the early 1900s. Discover how companies like Aladdin and Sears transformed house buying into a mail-order phenomenon. Learn about the innovative financing models that broadened access to home ownership while sparking local backlash. Hear how post-WWI demand drove sales to peak levels before the market crashed in 1929, leading to the decline of this unique housing model. Lastly, reflect on the cultural legacy of these kit homes and their place in architectural history.

Discover the fascinating rise and fall of Amalgamated Wireless Australasia, once Australia's largest electronics company. Explore how AWA became pivotal in long-range wireless communication and its ambitious foray into semiconductor fabrication. Learn about the innovative Homebush Bay fab, producing advanced integrated circuits crucial for medical and defense applications. The tale takes a somber turn as financial scandals and land acquisition lead to the fab's tragic closure during a global chip shortage, marking the end of an era in local electronics.

A recent trip to SEMICON West in Phoenix revealed the vibrant energy behind America's semiconductor boom. The event showcased impressive attendance and underscored TSMC's significant role in driving local growth. The integration of AI dominated discussions, raising concerns about energy needs. Additionally, the emergence of digital twins for manufacturing optimization was highlighted. Notably, Phoenix's semiconductor roots and community debates over water usage reflect the complex dynamics of local development. Overall, the future looks bright for the semiconductor industry.

Explore the fascinating evolution of electronic organizers and how they transitioned to PDAs. Discover the rise of programmable pocket computers and the impact of key players like Scion. Learn about the ambitious Newton project, its handwriting troubles, and the enduring legacy of the Palm Pilot. Dive deep into the competition between Palm and Microsoft, and witness the convergence that birthed smartphones. This journey highlights the tech industry’s shifts and innovations that paved the way for today’s devices.

Drought conditions in the UK expose the flaws of a privatized water system dating back to 1989. The history of water privatization reveals excessive debt and infrastructure challenges faced by companies like Thames Water. Public health crises led to municipal takeovers that improved outcomes, but privatization has since fueled rising bills and operational failures. Regulation's contradictory role hampers investment while the looming debt crisis raises questions about the future of water ownership. Alternatives like public and mixed ownership models are explored as potential solutions.