This week more info is shed on Chinese lighting market trends, as more LED manufacturers contend for larger market share in China, according to latest LEDinside report. China’s growing smart city projects are expected to bring smart lighting market to US $200 Billion by 2018. LED chip price upticks in May due to tight supply in China has been refuted by chip manufacturers, while Shanghai LED quality test lab SQI recommends the country make national lighting standards mandatory.

Nuclear energy has been a hot topic in Taiwan this week, as construction plans to the country’s fourth nuclear power plant have come to a temporary halt. LED industry heavy weights including Epistar and Delta Electronics have been weighing in, urging the government that LEDs are a better alternative energy solution. 

LEDinside editorial team was excited to attend the Taipei International Lighting Show (TILS) 2014 this year in Taipei, Taiwan. Some market trends observed at the show were increasing focus on smart lighting products, and Zhaga labeled products. It was Zhaga Consortium’s first time at the show. LEDinside’s analysts also successfully conclude seminar in Shanghai and offer insight to five top LED trends this year. 

A quick flash of important news this week: A University of Washington research team releases a three atom thick LED, the thinnest to date. Major international brands Cree and Philips have announced prices for new bulbs, including for the flat shaped SlimStyle bulb. The Zhaga Consortium and UL released new LED standards, while Korea amends LED retrofit lamp standards.

The DOE has released two new reports this week on the LED MR16 lamps and retail lamps. In the sapphire field, diversified sapphire substrate applications continue to contribute to sapphire manufacturer profits, while China’s MOCVD market is still to prove itself internationally. Epistar deal with Philips last week gives it an edge in Taiwan’s patent market. For more info please see below:

This week Epistar and Philips catches market attention as the two companies enter a patent cross-license agreement. This is the first time that Philips has signed an agreement with a Taiwanese company. In addition, Samsung and HTC latest smartphones are incorporating dual-flash LEDs. China’s largest AlInGaP maker Changelight has finally made up its mind about entering the InGaN market. For further details please see below:

This week new rumors surrounding Apple’s latest sapphire substrate applications emerge on the market. The company is rumored to launch its sapphire factory sometime this month to make critical components for the upcoming iPhone 6. Taiwanese sapphire substrate manufacturers are also scrambling to file patents as Apple aggressively acquires sapphire substrate materials. In addition, Osram Opto has expanded InGaAlP LED capacity to meet rising demands. For more details please see below: