Programmable processors l Kneading chips; Semiconductors are becoming more malleable, too.
Economist, Nov. 18, 2010.
http://www.economist.com/node/17528052?story_id=17528052
My comment: Another take on Intel's entry of foundry business.
-----------------------------Separately
(1) Japanese manufacturers l Leaving home; Japan’s big companies are shipping production abroad. Economist, Nov. 18, 2010.
http://www.economist.com/node/17527225?story_id=17527225&CFID=149576052&CFTOKEN=32169053
Quote:
"Losing factories in Japan is particularly pernicious because much of the country’s advantage lies not in design but in process—producing at large scale and with a low defect rate.
"And the idea that Japan will at least keep the most sophisticated manufacturing jobs is wishful thinking. After all, much of the fancy electronics inside Nintendo gadgets comes from South Korea, Taiwan and elsewhere.
(2) Innovation in IT l The liquefaction of hardware; The rise of the virtual computer. Economist, Nov. 18, 2010.
http://www.economist.com/node/17528042?story_id=17528042
My comment: it is hard for me to believe. So you may not want to read it.