Digital Innovation: Jan 20 (5 stories)

Here is your Daily summary for Technology across the world for Tue 20th January 2026

FuriosaAI, an AI chip startup, is aiming to raise up to $500 million in a funding round ahead of its IPO, positioning itself to compete with Nvidia in the burgeoning AI chip market. Meanwhile, ASM International reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter orders, driven by a rebound in Chinese demand and a surge in AI-related spending, highlighting the sector's resilience.

In consumer tech, Apple has reclaimed the top position in China's smartphone market, with iPhone shipments soaring 28% despite ongoing memory chip shortages. Conversely, the metaverse appears to be fading as VR technologies struggle to keep pace with AI advancements, particularly impacting Meta's ambitions in the space. Additionally, Apple's reliance on Google's Gemini for AI capabilities raises questions about its competitive edge in the AI landscape.