通信行业周报：AI应用起势，软硬件共振可期

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the industry [1] Core Insights - AI applications are accelerating, with multiple favorable developments emerging both domestically and internationally. The user numbers and usage of existing AI applications, primarily large language models, continue to rise significantly. Major tech companies are launching new AI application plans, contributing to a bullish sentiment in the market [2][3] - The report emphasizes that the relationship between AI software and hardware is not a zero-sum game; rather, they resonate together. The demand for AI hardware, particularly chips and optical communication modules, remains strong as AI applications proliferate [5][10][35] Summary by Sections Investment Strategy - The report suggests focusing on the following sectors: - Optical communication: Companies like Zhongji Xuchuang, Xinyi Sheng, and Tianfu Communication - Computing equipment: Companies such as ZTE, Unisoc, and Huadian Technology - Satellite communication: China Satcom and other related firms [20][11] Market Review - The communication sector experienced a decline, with operators performing relatively well. The report notes that the overall market sentiment is cautious, but the long-term outlook for AI computing and data center construction remains supportive for the optical module industry [26][23] Weekly Topic - AI applications are gaining momentum, with significant increases in user engagement and application launches. The report highlights the growth of major AI products, with ChatGPT leading in traffic, reaching 3.7 billion visits, a 17% year-on-year increase [32][33] - Future updates and expansions in AI applications are anticipated, with a trend towards multimodal capabilities [3][4] Canalys Report - According to Canalys, the global AI PC market share reached 20% in Q3 2024, with a total shipment of 13.3 million units. Windows devices accounted for 53% of AI PC shipments, indicating a growing trend in AI-enabled computing [38][39] Baidu Innovations - Baidu introduced the Xiaodu AI glasses, which are lightweight and equipped with advanced AI features. The glasses are expected to launch in the first half of 2025, marking a significant advancement in smart wearable technology [44] - Baidu also announced two new AI technologies aimed at enhancing application capabilities, addressing previous limitations in large models [45][46] OpenAI Developments - OpenAI plans to release a new AI agent called "Operator," which will be capable of controlling computers and executing tasks independently. This development is seen as a potential breakthrough in AI applications [57] Industry Trends - The report indicates that AI applications are first gaining traction in the B-end market, with significant deployments across various industries, including energy, finance, and education. Baidu's AI cloud services are leading in this space, with a daily call volume exceeding 1.5 billion for its large models [60][62]