
Asianometry
Newsletter for the Asianometry channel. Studies on Asia - Financials, semiconductors, history, demography, development and other stuff.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Mar 16, 2025 • 0sec
What Happened to the Capacitors in 2002?
In the early 2000s, a bizarre crisis erupted as PC motherboards suffered from the infamous capacitor plague. Reports flooded in of popping sounds and strange smells as capacitors leaked or burst. Consumers were baffled, often bringing their failing machines to repair shops, unaware of the underlying issue. The inconsistency left many wondering what caused such a widespread problem in the tech world. Delve into the theories and challenges posed by this peculiar crisis that left its mark on electronics.

Mar 9, 2025 • 0sec
Why the Chips Get Hot
Today's leading edge chips get hot. Like really hot. And nowadays much work is being done to try and keep them from getting TOO hot. Fancy things like dipping the whole chip into water or oil. But why do the chips get hot? And how does that heat spread? Simple question right? In this video, we explore heat at nanometer scale. Easier video ever.
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Mar 6, 2025 • 0sec
4G LTE: One Standard To Rule Them All
Remember how it used to be that we had to worry about whether we had a Verizon or AT&T iPhone? And that the AT&T iPhone was the one that you can use abroad? While the Verizon one was just for America? Wasn't that weird? Now we don't have to worry about that. Because when we moved to 4G, the world chose a single global wireless standard: LTE. After the bruising battles of 3G, 4G LTE's dominance came far more smoothly. In this video, we look at how 4G LTE won the wireless world.
Get all episodes of Asianometry, Sharp Tech, Sharp China, Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Greatest of All Talk, and Dithering as part of Stratechery Plus for $15/month or $150/year.
Listen to Stratechery.
Listen to Dithering.
Listen to Sharp China.
Listen to Sharp Tech.
Listen to Greatest Of All Talk.

9 snips
Mar 2, 2025 • 0sec
The Special Solar Cells That Go Up Into Space
Discover the fascinating world of space-grade solar cells, as a New Zealand-American company secures significant funding to enhance its manufacturing facility. Learn about the evolution of solar technology, from its origins in the 1950s to its essential role in powering satellites. Delve into the unique challenges faced by solar cells in space, like extreme temperatures and radiation exposure. Finally, explore advancements in materials that improve durability and efficiency, promising exciting future applications both in space and on Earth.

7 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 0sec
Sending Signals like Neurons Do (At the Edge of Chaos)
Discover how a remarkable experiment mimics neuronal signal transmission, showcasing the efficiency of biology over silicon design. Learn about self-amplification, a key concept that could revolutionize future computer technologies. Delve into the 'Edge of Chaos,' where neurons balance chaos and order, and see how these principles are being replicated in non-biological materials. This exploration opens exciting new avenues for semiconductor innovations.

5 snips
Feb 23, 2025 • 0sec
Why Was Japan So "Good" at Semiconductors?
Discover the dramatic rise of Japan's semiconductor industry in the late 20th century. From capturing nearly 40% of the market to shaking American business confidence, their unique vertical integration played a key role. Yet, as quickly as they ascended, factors like global competition contributed to their decline. This intriguing analysis reveals whether Japan's semiconductor prowess was genuinely exceptional or if it was a case of overstated capability.

Feb 20, 2025 • 0sec
The Birth and Glory of Swedish Computers
Discover the incredible journey of Sweden's computing innovation in the late 1950s, when they boasted the world's fastest computer. Learn about the rise of groundbreaking companies like Saab and DataSaab, and their pioneering military and tech advancements. However, the glory was short-lived, as competition with IBM led to significant financial struggles for DataSaab. The narrative explores not only the successes but also the eventual sale of Ericsson Information Systems, shedding light on Sweden's pivotal role in computing history.

Feb 16, 2025 • 0sec
How Indonesian Instant Noodles Became a Nigerian Sensation
Discover how Indonesian instant noodles, specifically Indomie, transformed into a beloved staple in Nigeria. The journey reveals historical ties and economic factors that fueled its rise. The initial hurdles of gaining acceptance are discussed, showcasing clever marketing strategies that turned skepticism into popularity. Indomie's surprising presence in Nigerian culture, even appearing in rap lyrics, highlights its status as a favorite packaged food across Africa. It's a fascinating exploration of globalization and culinary crossover!

17 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 0sec
Nissan Motors’ Likely End
Nissan Motors is facing a critical turning point with a proposed merger with Honda, driven by the Japanese government's push to rescue the beleaguered automaker. The tumultuous history of Nissan includes leadership controversies and struggles in adapting to the evolving EV market, where competition from Chinese companies looms large. Internal management issues further complicate their strategy. As merger talks progress, the outlook for Nissan's independence appears grim as pressure mounts for profitability by 2026.

Feb 10, 2025 • 0sec
The iPhone Was 3G's Killer App
Explore the rise and fall of mobile telecommunications, highlighting the shift from 1G to 3G and the revolutionary impact of the iPhone. Witness how the launch of this game-changing device reignited consumer interest and reshaped mobile technology. Delve into the explosion of mobile data usage driven by the iPhone and Android, revealing the challenges networks faced in managing this surge. Unearth the competitive battles between Apple and Android amid rising concerns over data consumption and network strains.