Hardware
Qualcomm at MWC 2015: Snadragon 820 CPU, machine learning smartphones and ultrasonic fingerprint scanner
Qualcomm had a very large presence straight from day one at MWC 2015 where they made a number of important announcements. Among these announcements, came news that the Snapdragon 820 processor will be the company’s next big chipset to use the already infamous 64-bit architecture. Although there are few details available at the moment, we do know that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 will feature the company’s ARMv8 CPU – nicknamed Kryo – and that the processor will be the first one capable to handle the company’s new Zeroth platform, but more on that in a minute. The folks over at Qualcomm also announced that they will start testing the new Snapdragon 820 chipset on upcoming mobile devices, presumably flagships, sometime in the second half of the year.
As for Qualcomm Zeroth, the company says that this is a new cognitive computing platform that will be paired with the Snapdragon 820 CPU. While it’s not artificial intelligence per se, Zeroth will feature machine learning capabilities that will allow your smartphone to “learn about you and customize itself over time,” according to Qualcomm president Derek Aberle. The platform will be able to improve various aspects of your smartphone, such as the camera or the user interface. Zeroth will reportedly feature face detection, so that when you take a photo of someone with your smartphone, the platform will let you know who that person is. In addition, Zeroth can also recognize objects and places, is able to provide an increased level of security against unknown viruses, and offers a user interface that relies on head movements and facial expressions. At the moment, Zeroth is intended to be first used on mobile devices, but Qualcomm said at MWC 2015 that the platform will also be used on cars and other vehicles at some point in the future.
Last but not least, Qualcomm announced the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. This latest security feature is officially being called Qualcomm Snapdragon Sense ID 3D Fingerprint Technology and does a better job a recognizing your fingerprint while also making sure that potential hackers will have a very hard time replicating it. The new and improved technology works its magic by using ultrasounds that map your fingerprint down to the smallest of details and is even able to read your sweat pores. What’s more, the Sense ID 3D scanner can detect your fingerprint through various materials, such as glass, metal, and plastic. As a result, this allows the scanner to be installed on the back of the phone or on the sides rather than placing it under the home button like most manufacturers do today.
All in all, Qualcomm managed to impress a lot of people with all these announcements and considering that MWC 2015 has only just begun, we might hear more exciting news in the coming days. We’ll definitely let you know as soon as we learn about any other interesting announcements, so make sure you stick around for more MWC 2015 coverage.
Hardware
8 Effective Ways to Cut Energy Costs During Summer
As the temperature rises during the summer months, so does our energy consumption. Air conditioners, fans, and other cooling systems work hard to keep us comfortable, but they can also lead to skyrocketing energy bills. However, with a few smart strategies and adjustments to your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your energy costs without sacrificing your comfort. In this article, we will explore eight effective ways to cut energy costs during the summer season.
Utilize Natural Ventilation:
- Make the most of cooler evenings and early mornings by turning off your air conditioner and opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through your home. Consider using window fans or installing attic fans to draw in the cooler air and expel warm air. By relying on natural ventilation, you can reduce your reliance on energy-consuming cooling systems.
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings:
- Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you are away from home or during the night when you’re sleeping. A recommended temperature is around 78°F (25.5°C) for a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Consider using a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature adjustments, ensuring optimal energy savings without compromising your comfort suggest Corgihomeplan.co.uk.
Take Advantage of Shade:
- Direct sunlight can significantly increase the temperature inside your home. Utilize window coverings, such as blinds, shades, or curtains, to block out the sun’s rays during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, consider installing outdoor shading devices, such as awnings or pergolas, to prevent direct sunlight from entering your windows and heating up your living space.
Enhance Insulation:
- Proper insulation is essential to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Inspect your doors, windows, and walls for any leaks or gaps that can let in warm air. Seal these areas with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. Adequate insulation not only helps cut energy costs but also improves overall energy efficiency.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances and Lighting:
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures to reduce your overall energy consumption. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Similarly, replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED lights, which consume less energy and emit less heat. These small changes can make a big difference in reducing your energy bills.
Practice Smart Cooling Habits:
- Instead of solely relying on air conditioning, adopt smart cooling habits to stay comfortable. Use ceiling fans or portable fans to create a cooling breeze, as they consume significantly less energy than air conditioners. Additionally, dress appropriately for the weather, opting for lightweight and breathable clothing, and stay hydrated to help regulate your body temperature naturally.
Maintain and Clean Your Cooling Systems:
- Regular maintenance of your cooling systems is crucial to ensure they operate efficiently. Clean or replace air filters regularly, as dirty filters obstruct airflow and make your system work harder. Schedule professional maintenance at the beginning of the summer season to inspect and tune up your air conditioning unit. Properly maintained systems operate more efficiently and consume less energy.
Unplug Electronics and Appliances:
- Many electronic devices and appliances continue to consume energy even when they’re not in use. Unplug chargers, gaming consoles, televisions, and other devices when you’re not actively using them. Consider using power strips or smart power plugs that allow you to turn off multiple devices with a single switch, ensuring they’re not drawing power in standby mode.
Conclusion:
With these eight effective ways to cut energy costs during the summer, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable living space without the burden of exorbitant energy bills. Implementing these energy-saving strategies not only helps
Gaming
Astro Bot Is Cuter With This Plush Toy
Fangamer’s latest plush is another hit. Astro Bot, the adorable robot from Astro’s Playroom, is now a licensed soft toy.
Astro’s plush form, 7.5 inches tall, is adorable. He can be posed on your shelf because his antenna and limbs are articulated. He’s not for sale yet, but you can sign up for pre-orders.
Astro has previously been made into a Nendoroid figurine. Whether it’s a plush toy or a plastic figure, this little character is great. Team Asobi, when’s the next game?
Do you like this Astro Bot plush?
Engineering
RVs can use the more expensive Starlink internet connection from SpaceX
For its hardware kit, an upfront payment of $2,500 is required.
While the Starlink service for RVs provides a way to stay online even while you are off the grid, it has one significant drawback: It cannot be used while moving. Now that you may utilize Starlink on moving vehicles, SpaceX has released a new version called “Flat High Performance” for RVs. To use the service, you merely need to be prepared to pay nearly five times as much for the required dish.
The Flat High Performance Starlink for RVs has a larger rectangular terminal with a 35 percent greater field of view than its normal version, making it ideal for use when moving. Additionally, it features improved GPS capabilities that provide the dish the ability to connect to more satellites, making it possible to access the Starlink internet even when a vehicle is moving. The terminal has higher performance in hot weather and snow as well as improved weather resistance. However, the Flat High Performance dish must be permanently mounted on top of your RV as opposed to the conventional version, which can be set down on the ground.
Flat High Performance is already available for pre-order in a few locations, and deliveries will begin in December. Be aware that the hardware kit for it costs $2,500 and includes the dish and mount. Only $599 must be paid up front for the regular Starlink for RVs’ equipment. Like the basic version, the service itself costs $135 per month, which is $25 more than a standard Starlink connection. However, you are not required to pay for the months you do not utilize the service because you can pause (and unpause) it at any moment.
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