Core Insights - Himax Technologies, Inc. has announced the adoption of its HX85200 series on-cell OLED touch controller IC by multiple leading global IT brands, with mass production set to begin in Q1 2026 [1] - The new OLED touch controller IC integrates advanced differential signal processing circuitry and algorithms for enhanced multi-finger capacitive touch performance, supporting various OLED panel architectures [1][2] Product Features - The on-cell OLED touch controller IC is designed to be compatible with different OLED panel types, including rigid, flexible, and hybrid, effectively suppressing background display noise and ensuring stable display performance [2] - It offers configurations of 138-channel and 118-channel to optimize touch accuracy and power consumption for various panel sizes, with the 138-channel version aimed at 13- to 16-inch laptop displays and the 118-channel version tailored for tablets [3] Market Trends - The demand for superior visual quality and intuitive user interaction in high-end IT devices is driving the need for advanced touch technologies, as OLED panel structures become thinner and display environments more complex [4] - Himax is focused on innovation in touch technology and is collaborating with global brands to enhance the integration of display and touch solutions, aiming to improve user experiences across IT applications [4] Company Overview - Himax Technologies is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider specializing in display imaging processing technologies, with a diverse product range including display driver ICs and timing controllers [5] - The company holds a significant market share in automotive display technology and is also involved in emerging fields such as tinyML visual-AI and optical technologies, with a total of 2,595 patents granted and 364 patents pending as of December 31, 2025 [5]

Key Takeaways February 4, 2026 12:37 AM GMT A different time than Covid: DDI supply chains benefited from strong PC demand during Covid (see our Novatek upgrade report), expanding gross margins meaningfully. However, the current upcycle is driven by AI via CSP spending, triggering price hikes across components – from memory to CPU, and from foundry to OSAT. For traditional GC semi design houses, we think only a few with AI-linked growth drivers can offset the headwinds (e.g., OW Mediatek TPU report). Greate ...

Core Viewpoint - Himax Technologies, Inc. will hold a conference call on February 12, 2026, to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results [1]. Company Overview - Himax Technologies, Inc. is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider focused on display imaging processing technologies [4]. - The company specializes in display driver ICs and timing controllers, which are widely adopted across various industries, including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, and industrial displays [4]. - Himax is recognized as the global market share leader in automotive display technology, offering a range of innovative automotive IC solutions [4]. - The company is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology, with its WiseEye Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology being deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT applications [4]. - Himax has a significant patent portfolio, with 2,595 patents granted and 364 patents pending approval as of December 31, 2025 [5]. Conference Call Details - The conference call will take place at 8:00 a.m. EST and 9:00 p.m. Taiwan Time on February 12, 2026 [2]. - A live webcast will be available, and a replay will be accessible two hours after the call on the company's website [3].

Core Viewpoint - Vuzix Corporation and Himax Technologies have announced a new Optical Component Reference Design for AR glasses, combining advanced display and waveguide technologies to create lightweight, prescription-ready AR eyewear suitable for mass production [1][2][3]. Company Overview - Vuzix is a leading supplier of AI-powered smart glasses and AR technologies, holding over 450 patents and numerous IP licenses in optics and augmented reality [5]. - Himax Technologies specializes in display imaging processing technologies and is a market leader in automotive display technology, with 2,586 patents granted and 371 pending as of September 30, 2025 [8]. Product Features - The reference design features Himax's HX7319FL color sequential Front-lit LCoS microdisplay, which has a resolution of 720 × 720 and is compact, measuring just 0.34 cubic centimeters and weighing 0.79 grams [2]. - Vuzix's waveguide technology supports high-index glass options and features an ultra-thin 0.35 mm plate architecture, enabling scalable manufacturing in both glass and plastic [2]. Market Implications - The collaboration aims to accelerate commercialization in consumer and enterprise AR markets by providing a production-ready optical platform that balances performance, form factor, power efficiency, and cost [2][3]. - The reference design will be showcased at CES 2026, with evaluation units and engineering documentation available to select OEM partners [4].

Core Viewpoint - Himax Technologies and Vuzix Corporation have announced a new optical reference design for augmented reality (AR) glasses, combining Himax's microdisplay technology with Vuzix's waveguide technology to create lightweight, prescription-ready AR glasses that are ready for scalable manufacturing [1][3][4]. Group 1: Product Features - The reference design features a compact architecture with a field of view ranging from 30° to over 1000 nits of brightness, showcasing flexibility for original design manufacturers (ODMs) [2]. - Himax's HX7319FL LCoS microdisplay has a resolution of 720 × 720 and measures only 0.34 cubic centimeters, weighing 0.79 grams, making it suitable for all-day wear [2]. - Vuzix's waveguide technology supports high-index glass options and features an ultra-thin 0.35 mm plate architecture, enabling scalable manufacturing in both glass and plastic [3]. Group 2: Market Implications - The collaboration aims to provide OEMs and eyewear manufacturers with a production-ready optical platform that balances performance, form factor, power efficiency, and cost, thereby accelerating commercialization in consumer and enterprise AR markets [3][4]. - The design will be showcased at CES 2026, indicating a strategic move to attract OEMs and partners in the AR space [2][5]. Group 3: Company Background - Himax Technologies is a leading global fabless semiconductor provider specializing in display imaging processing technologies, with a strong market presence in automotive display technology and a portfolio of over 2,586 patents [6]. - Vuzix Corporation is recognized for its AI-powered smart glasses and AR technologies, holding more than 450 patents and having received multiple awards for innovation at CES from 2005 to 2024 [8].

Core Viewpoint - Himax Technologies, Inc. reaffirms its strategic partnership with FOCI Fiber Optic Communications, Inc. in the Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) field, emphasizing ongoing collaboration and progress despite media claims to the contrary [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership and Collaboration - Himax is a key strategic partner of FOCI in the CPO sector, with active collaborations continuing as planned [1]. - The companies have made significant advancements in silicon photonics technology, with their first-generation CPO solution currently being validated by key customers [2]. - Joint development efforts are focused on high-speed optical transmission technologies to meet the increasing bandwidth demands driven by AI data centers and high-performance computing applications [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Himax Technologies is a leading fabless semiconductor provider specializing in display imaging processing technologies, with a diverse product range including display driver ICs and timing controllers [4]. - The company holds a significant market share in automotive display technology and offers a variety of innovative automotive IC solutions [4]. - As of September 30, 2025, Himax has been granted 2,586 patents and has 371 patents pending approval worldwide [4].

Core Viewpoint - Himax Technologies, Inc. is set to showcase its advanced technology portfolio at CES 2026, focusing on intelligent devices and AI innovations, particularly its WiseEye™ endpoint AI solutions and automotive display ICs [1][2]. Group 1: AI Innovations - WiseEye AI enables always-on sensing and real-time AI inference with minimal power consumption, applicable in smart home, surveillance, automotive, and smart city solutions [2][4]. - The WiseGuard endpoint AI solution offers ultra-low power smart sensing with average power consumption below 0.1 mA, allowing for up to five years of battery life while detecting events at distances of up to 10 meters [3]. - WiseEye's human presence detection (HPD) is gaining traction among global brands, with features like gesture recognition and voice-activated keyword spotting being developed for enhanced user convenience [4]. Group 2: Smart Glasses and Wearables - Himax is one of the few companies capable of providing both display and AI technologies for next-generation smart glasses, enhancing AR experiences with intelligent sensing and high-performance microdisplays [5]. - The latest Front-lit LCoS microdisplay balances form factor, weight, resolution, and power consumption, making it suitable for AR glasses [5]. - Collaborations with waveguide partners are ongoing to improve the performance and system readiness of display solutions for AR glasses [5]. Group 3: Automotive Solutions - Himax will highlight its automotive IC solutions, particularly Tcon solutions for advanced cockpit displays, addressing the growing demand for information-rich automotive displays [6]. - The company’s innovations in optical, imaging, and sensing technologies include drone AI imaging solutions and a next-generation optical thermal sensor, catering to various industries [7]. Group 4: Company Overview - Himax Technologies is a leading fabless semiconductor provider specializing in display imaging processing technologies, with a strong market presence in automotive display technology [9]. - The company has a significant patent portfolio, with 2,586 patents granted and 371 pending as of September 30, 2025, indicating its commitment to innovation [9].

Core Viewpoint - Himax Technologies and AUO Corporation have announced a new proprietary Front-lit LCoS microdisplay designed for AR glasses and wearable devices, set to be showcased at CES 2026, highlighting advancements in display technology [1][5]. Group 1: Product Features - The new LCoS microdisplay features a resolution of 720 × 720, delivering sharp images in a compact form factor [2]. - It operates at an ultralow power consumption of 200 mW, achieving brightness levels of up to 350,000 nits and 1 lumen output, suitable for various lighting conditions [2]. - The optical efficiency of the display is up to 1,000 nits/lm, ensuring high brightness and power efficiency [2]. Group 2: Design and Usability - The LCoS module is designed to be compact and lightweight, measuring 0.09 c.c. in volume and weighing only 0.21 grams without the collimator lens [3]. - With the collimator, the module remains compact at 0.34 c.c. and 0.79 grams, showcasing advanced optical miniaturization [3]. - The ultra-light design enhances comfort and usability for prolonged daily use, making it suitable for stylish device form factors [4]. Group 3: Color Performance - The microdisplay achieves 140% sRGB color gamut coverage, providing a rich and accurate color spectrum for an immersive AR experience [4]. Group 4: Industry Impact and Collaboration - The partnership between Himax and AUO aims to meet the growing demand for next-generation display technologies in AR wearables [5]. - The collaboration combines expertise in optics and waveguide technologies, enhancing the quality and integration of LCoS technology [5]. - The new LCoS module is currently being evaluated by several top-tier technology companies and AR glasses makers worldwide [5].

Core Viewpoint - Himax Technologies, through its subsidiary Liqxtal Technology, is set to showcase a new Drone AI Imaging Solution at CES 2026, integrating advanced optical and AI technologies for various applications in high-growth markets [1][4]. Group 1: Product Features - The Drone AI Imaging Solution combines Liqxtal's long-range electro-optical and thermal infrared camera systems with iCatch's edge AI SoC, significantly reducing system complexity while enhancing data security and privacy [1][2]. - The optical system features an ultra-lightweight camera module with up to 20 times optical zoom and thermal imaging capabilities, ensuring stable performance in various visibility conditions [2]. - The AI computing component delivers up to 4 TOPS of performance, enabling real-time image analysis and object recognition, which reduces reliance on cloud computing and improves system responsiveness [2][3]. Group 2: Market Applications - The solution targets high-growth markets such as aerial photography, security surveillance, and industrial inspection, providing flexible integration across various drone platforms [1][3]. - The system supports multiple communication interfaces and standard protocols, facilitating customization for diverse applications and accelerating product deployment [3]. Group 3: Strategic Collaboration - The partnership between Liqxtal and iCatch leverages their respective strengths in optics and AI computing, enhancing the integration of optical imaging and AI vision processing [5]. - This collaboration aims to reduce integration risks and shorten time to market for customers, thereby accelerating commercialization of AI applications [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the author's investment philosophy, emphasizing a long-term and sometimes contrarian approach to equities investing, with a focus on the Tech, Commodities, and Energy sectors as the world undergoes an energy transition [1]. Group 1: Investment Philosophy - The company adopts a long-term investment strategy that may involve contrarian views [1]. - Initially focused on the Tech sector, the company has expanded its coverage to include Commodities and Energy sectors [1]. Group 2: Market Context - The article highlights the ongoing energy transition as a significant factor influencing investment decisions in the Commodities and Energy sectors [1].