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Peking University transistor could outperform Intel, TSMC, and Samsung’s top silicon chipsFull gate coverage boosts speed and cuts energy use in breakthrough Chinese transistor designChina may have just leapfrogged US chip tech with this silicon-free transistor innovation

Chinese researchers at Peking University have announced what seems like a breakthrough in transistor design, which if commercialized, could dramatically shift the direction of microprocessor development.The team created a silicon-free transistor based on a two-dimensional material, bismuth oxyselenide.The innovation hinges on the gate-all-around (GAAFET) architecture, where the transistor’s gate wraps completely around the source. Traditional FinFET designs, which dominate current silicon-based processors, only allow partial gate coverage. This full-wrap structure enhances the contact area between the gate and the channel, improving performance by reducing energy leakage and enabling better current control.

Could this mark the end of silicon chips?

Published in Nature Materials, the paper suggests that the new 2D GAAFET could rival or even surpass silicon transistors in both speed and energy efficiency.The researchers claim their 2D transistor achieves speeds 40% faster than Intel’s latest 3nm chips while using 10% less power, performance which would place it ahead of current processors from TSMC and Samsung.The partial gate coverage in traditional designs limits current control and increases energy loss. The new full-gate structure addresses these issues, resulting in high voltage gain and ultra-low power usage. The team has already constructed small logic units using the new design.“It is the fastest, most efficient transistor ever,” said Peking University. These claims are supported by tests conducted under identical conditions to those used for leading commercial chips.“If chip innovations based on existing materials are considered a ‘shortcut,’ then our development of 2D material-based transistors is akin to ‘changing lanes,’” said Professor Peng Hailin, the project’s lead scientist.Unlike the vertical structures of FinFETs, the new design resembles interwoven bridges. This architectural shift may overcome miniaturization limits faced by silicon technology, especially as the industry pushes below the 3nm threshold. It could also benefit the fastest laptops that require such compact chips.The team developed two new bismuth-based materials: Bi₂O₂Se as the semiconductor and Bi₂SeO₅ as the gate dielectric.These materials feature low interface energy, reducing defects and electron scattering.“This allows electrons to flow with almost no resistance, like water through a smooth pipe,” Peng explained.The performance results are backed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and validated through physical tests using a high-precision fabrication platform at PKU.The researchers claim the transistors can be manufactured using current semiconductor infrastructure, simplifying future integration.

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Panasonic unveils its full 2025 TV range, with OLED, mini-LED and LED modelsThe lineup is led by the Panasonic Z95B OLED TVThe Z95B could be the brand's best OLED TV yet

Panasonic has revealed its 2025 TV lineup, which features several OLEDs and a wide range of LED models, including a mini-LED TV.The latest OLED lineup has been trimmed down from last year for both the US and UK markets. It consists of the flagship Panasonic Z95B, successor to the Panasonic Z95A, one of the best TVs of 2024; the Panasonic Z90B, a mid-range model; and the entry-level Panasonic Z80B.The LED lineup consists of the Panasonic W95B, a flagship mini-LED model; the Panasonic W85B, a model with premium features; the Panasonic W80A, a QLED set; the Panasonic W70A, an LED model; and the entry-level Panasonic W61A 4K LED TV.The US lineup consists of the flagship Panasonic Z95B OLED, the flagship Panasonic W95B mini-LED, and the entry-level Panasonic W70A LED, which is exclusive to the US and sits between the W80A and W61A.There are currently no confirmed prices or release dates for any of the above TVs, but once we have this information, we’ll be sure to let you know.Most of Panasonic’s new TVs will use the Fire TV smart TV platform, except for the entry-level models, which will use TiVo. The Panasonic Z95B and Z90B OLEDs and the W95B mini-LED will support a new Prime Video Calibrated Mode, which was first introduced in Sony’s 2024 TVs and also appeared in last year’s Panasonic Z95A.Another exciting new feature in the Panasonic Z95B and W95B TVs is Calman Ready, which allows users to easily calibrate their screens using Calman’s new AutoCal feature (set to arrive in a software update to the Calman Color Calibration software during the Summer).

OLED TVs

Panasonic Z95B

(Image credit: Future)

Available in 55, 65 and 77-inch sizes, the Panasonic Z95B features the same Primary Tandem RGB, or ‘four-stack’, OLED panel used in the LG G5, one of this year’s best OLED TVs. It also uses a new ThermalFlow cooling system that Panasonic says increases panel efficiency, resulting in higher brightness and better overall picture quality. The Z95B will support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats and use the HCX AI Processor MKII.Similar to its predecessor, the Panasonic Z95A, one of the best TVs for sound, the Z95B has a 5.1.2-channel speaker array. Panasonic has upgraded this sound system, however, moving the virtual positioning of the rear channels and boosting the size of the side and up-firing speakers.Elsewhere, the Z95B is packed with gaming features including 4K 144Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync supported), ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming. Its game control board (part of Game Master Extreme) has also received new features, including a 60Hz refresh mode designed for older consoles. There will still only be two HDMI 2.1 ports.Finally, the Z95B gets a design update via a fabric material for the front speaker array and surround frame. The corners have also been rounded to give it a more uniform appearance compared to previous generations.

Panasonic Z90B & Z80B

Image 1 of 2Panasonic Z90B OLED TV (Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2Panasonic Z80B OLED TV (Image credit: Future)

The Panasonic Z90B will be available in 42, 48, 55, 65 and 77-inch sizes. It will support Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range and provide many of the same features as the flagship Panasonic Z95B, including the same HCX AI Processor MKII.Audio features include Dynamic Theater Sound Pro with a built-in 30W subwoofer and Dolby Atmos support . The Z90 B is also well equipped for gaming, with 4K 144Hz, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync VRR and ALLM, as well as Panasonic’s Game Control Board. Once again, there will only be two HDMI 2.1 ports.Finally, the Panasonic Z80B is the entry-level model in the OLED lineup, and will be available in 48, 55 and 65-inch sizes. It will support both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and use the step-down HCX Processor. It has Panasonic Surround Sound Pro and Dolby Atmos audio, and for gaming supports 4K 120Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium) and ALLM.

Mini-LED and LED TVs

Panasonic W95B

(Image credit: Future)

The Panasonic W95B is Panasonic’s only mini-LED TV for 2025 and will be available in 55, 65, and 75-inch sizes, plus a new 85-inch size. It will use the same HCX AI Processor MKII as the OLED TVs and support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, along with improved Hybrid Tone Mapping for better backlight control over its predecessor, the Panasonic W95A.For audio, the W95B will support Dynamic Theater Surround and Dolby Atmos. Gaming features include 4K 144Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium included), and ALLM, as well as Panasonic’s Game Control Board.

Panasonic W85B, W80A, W70A and W61A

The W85B is a QLED TV that will be available in 43, 50, 55 and 65-inch sizes and use the HCX Processor. It will support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, Surround Sound Pro for audio and, 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM as well as Game Mode Extreme for gaming.The Panasonic W80A and W70A carry over from 2024. The W80A uses a QLED panel, is available in 43, 50, 55 and 65-inch sizes, and supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos. Gaming features include 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Game Mode Plus.The W70 is an LED model available in 43, 50, 55 and 65-inch sizes. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and 4K 60Hz, VRR, and ALLM for gaming.Finally, the entry-level W61A LED TV will be available in 43, 50, 55 and 65-inch sizes. It will use TiVo as its smart TV platform and support 4K 60Hz and ALLM for gaming.

Panasonic Z95B: a potential TV of the year?

(Image credit: Future)

The Panasonic Z95A was an impressive TV when we reviewed it in 2024, thanks to its dynamic sound, gorgeous picture quality, and improved smart TV platform. Its successor, the Z95B, looks set to be even more impressive.It will use the new Primary Tandem RGB OLED panel for higher brightness and bolder colors, and has a fine-tuned speaker system and new cooling system to improve peak brightness. Plus, it has a sleeker and more uniform design, which I found to be more visually appealing when I saw it in person.The flagship OLED market will be a real battleground in 2025, with the excellent, five-star LG G5 currently setting the bar. But both the Samsung S95F and Sony Bravia 8 II also looked to be real contenders when we saw them earlier this year. The Panasonic Z95B is set to take the fight to all of these TVs, and if the price is right, it could be a TV of the Year candidate.

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The harsh reality of modern software development and delivery is that many organizations compromise on software quality to prioritize speed.We’ve witnessed the disastrous consequences of poor quality assurance time after time. Last year’s $5.5bn CrowdStrike outage demonstrated just how crippling the effect that failing to prioritize testing can have. And with the European Union preparing to enforce its updated Product Liability Directive (PLD) in late 2026, there are many new rules and responsibilities that software makers need to be aware of in order to minimize any associated liability risks.The PLD update introduces major changes for software producers that emphasize safety and accountability in the face of complex software systems. Designed to protect consumers in a world increasingly dependent on software, it means that software makers will automatically be responsible if their product has safety issues.They will be on the hook for problems and defects that show up post-release, as well as issues caused by third-party add-ons and even changes made by AI that make the software unsafe. There is no need to prove negligence; the fact that the software caused harm is enough to hold them liable. In this new world, testing will play an even more critical role in identifying safety threats and taking preventative measures.

A broader liability net

Under the new directive, software producers will be held liable for safety defects leading to personal injury, property damage, or material loss, regardless of negligence or intent. This applies whether the software is embedded in hardware, provided as a cloud service, or installed on a device. Injured parties will have to demonstrate harm and a causal link to a defect but are not required to prove misconduct by the producer.Liability isn’t just limited to software production, either. Post-release updates introduce an added layer of accountability, with defects emerging from authorized software updates, evolving AI behavior, or the failure to provide necessary security patches all representing areas of responsibility. An everyday example could be a GPS navigation app providing incorrect and potentially unsafe directions due to a faulty update. This type of error highlights how seemingly minor software updates, if left unchecked, can pose safety risks, reinforcing the need for rigorous testing and quality control in software development and maintenance.Software providers are also responsible if third-party components have safety issues, so due diligence must be given to the integration of external elements. For example, if third-party software integrated by a medical device manufacturer for a heart rate monitor has a bug that causes inaccurate readings, patients could be misdiagnosed or not receive critical medical attention. Even though the defect originated in an external component, the heart rate monitor manufacturer could still be held accountable under the updated PLD. Thorough supplier oversight and integration testing are, therefore, key.One further key inclusion to the update is liability for digital manufacturing files - software that provides instructions for automated production. If a faulty design file causes the production of unsafe physical products, the software provider could face legal consequences. These provisions emphasize the need for meticulous oversight in software deployment, updates, and integrations.

Steps to help minimize liability risks

With compliance taking full effect in December 2026, organizations have a critical window to align their processes and products with the new PLD requirements to minimize potential liability exposure. Software producers must prioritize safety at every stage of development and maintenance, acknowledging that an effective product is not necessarily a safe product.They must go beyond functional testing to evaluate safety risks comprehensively. While testing for every foreseeable use and misuse scenario may not be feasible, they can continuously reassess and reprioritize risks based on current knowledge and emerging threats as their products evolve.Implementing continuous safety-focused risk assessments and testing throughout the product lifecycle will be crucial in detecting and addressing potential hazards before they escalate. Designing software to perform safely even when users act negligently is essential, and incorporating diverse perspectives in development teams can help identify overlooked risks.Conducting safety-related regression testing and benchmarking will help detect the introduction of unsafe behavior over time, while interactive, problem-seeking exploratory testing will be essential in uncovering previously unknown safety issues. Frequent safety assessments are also necessary to ensure that evolving software remains within safety parameters, particularly as AI-driven adaptations and post-release updates introduce new variables.AI tools and machine learning systems must be continuously tested and monitored to detect and prevent unsafe behaviors evolving from learning processes. Safeguards and benchmarks should be in place to detect and correct these risks before they pose harm, with rapid response protocols developed to restore systems if safety is compromised.Managing third-party components is another key consideration. Thorough integration testing and robust oversight of external software elements can reduce liability exposure. Establishing clear contractual agreements with third-party providers will help define safety responsibilities.Ensuring effective updates and cybersecurity measures is also critical. Regular patches should enhance safety without introducing new vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity strategies must proactively counter emerging threats. Users should also be educated on the importance of updates to maintain security and compliance.Last but not least, companies need to be prepared for regulatory scrutiny. Comprehensive documentation of safety measures and testing will be required to demonstrate compliance while balancing transparency with intellectual property protection.

Planning ahead

The EU’s updated Product Liability Directive signals a new era of accountability for software producers. The heightened focus on consumer protection demands proactive safety measures, thorough risk assessment, and continuous monitoring.Software producers can mitigate liability risks and build trust in an increasingly software-driven world by prioritizing safety, reinforcing cybersecurity, and adopting rigorous testing methodologies. The evolving regulatory landscape underscores that software safety and accountability are no longer optional but an obligation that must be integrated into every stage of software development and deployment.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

CTOs are facing a paradox of unprecedented technological opportunity and macroeconomic volatility. And those in retail and commerce are feeling it the most.Consumers expect personalized experiences, seamless buying journeys and interactions across all channels—both online and in-store. Meanwhile, the geopolitical crises and ongoing price increases are making it harder for CTOs to successfully marry budget management with innovation.In short, it means the ‘traditional’ way of working for CTOs in commerce doesn’t work anymore. Just keeping the lights on is not good enough.The emerging breed of CTOs are thinking differently. They are no longer just engineers and tech experts. They’re strategic decision-makers, team shapers and transformation catalysts.And while every business is different, the most innovative ones have one thing in common: they are disruptive.

The innovation mindset

There’s no single way to be innovative—but there are powerful frameworks that can shape how to approach problems and opportunities. Here are five that we see consistently driving impact for commerce CTOs.

1. First Principles Thinking

Instead of starting with existing processes or looking at what competitors are doing, first principles thinking means going back to the fundamentals. It’s about stripping problems down to their core truths—then rebuilding with clarity.This approach pushes teams to avoid following hype or assuming the status quo is the best path forward. Instead of asking, “How do we make this work with our current tech?”, the better question becomes: “If we were building this from scratch, what’s the best way to solve it?”It’s a mindset that leads to more focused investments, smarter tech choices and long-term, high-impact solutions.

2. The Dialectical Method

Too often, tech decisions are framed as binary choices. Build or buy? Monolith or microservices? Headless or full-stack? The dialectal method takes a different approach, embracing nuance to create the best of both.Innovation-first CTOs move past those either/or debates. They look at both sides of the equation and ask: how can we take the best of each and build something better?This kind of thinking leads to more flexible, extensible architectures—ones that blend speed and control, scale and simplicity. It’s not about finding a perfect model. It’s about finding the right model for the business, and building with the confidence that it can evolve over time.

3. Creative Destruction

Austrian political economist Joseph Schumpeter formulated the concept of creative destruction to describe how innovation fuels economic growth and development. He saw the key drivers of this process as entrepreneurs—those who were willing to disrupt the status quo and forward radical ideas.In the realm of commerce, that can be the CTO.This means actively rethinking legacy systems, experimenting with new experiences, and challenging internal norms. Whether it’s using AI tools to rethink customer support, shifting from monolithic systems to modular platforms, or redesigning checkout flows to match real-world behavior—the best ideas often come when questioning what has been accepted as standard.Creative destruction doesn’t mean breaking things for the sake of it. It means asking: “What’s no longer serving us?” and having the confidence to change it before being forced to by internal and external forces.

4. Greedy Algorithms

Not every decision needs a five-year roadmap. Sometimes, the smartest move is the next right one.Greedy algorithm thinking is about identifying the highest-impact next step—quickly—and acting on it. It’s how high-performing tech teams avoid getting stuck in endless planning cycles. They move, test, learn and iterate.This approach is especially powerful in transformation programs, where complexity can become a blocker. Instead of aiming for a perfect rollout, teams focus on momentum—launching one product, replatforming one category, optimizing one part of the customer journey. Small wins compound fast.

5. Metcalfe’s Law

Originally formulated by Robert Metcalfe, the co-inventor of Ethernet, Metcalfe’s law says the value of a network increases exponentially as it grows. In commerce, that translates to this: the right ecosystem makes everything better.Innovation-first CTOs prioritize open platforms, extensible architectures, and communities that allow teams to plug in new capabilities as they need them. Rather than building every tool from scratch or assembling dozens of disconnected point solutions, they invest in systems designed to scale value with every new integration.The smartest platforms don’t just offer tools—they provide leverage.

Building Innovation into the Culture

Adopting these ways of thinking isn’t just for those in leadership positions, it requires root and branch cultural change. It means creating environments where experimentation is normal, where assumptions are challenged, and where teams are encouraged to think beyond “what’s worked before.”For many organizations, that’s a big shift. But it’s one worth making. It does mean adjusting project and business performance measures though.Instead of chasing exhaustive requirements lists or polished perfection, more teams need to work with defined minimum viable products, testing fast, and letting real data shape next steps. It means aligning around impact, not just output.

A Different Kind of CTO for a Different Kind of Future

The commerce leaders winning right now do not just deliver digital experiences. They design the operating models, teams and platforms that will define the next decade of growth and more.That takes courage. It takes clarity. And most of all, it takes a mindset built for change.Whether navigating a replatforming effort, exploring AI, or simply trying to move faster—you need to start with the right mindset to unlock better outcomes.This is a moment of massive opportunity. The future belongs to the CTOs willing to shape it.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro