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TECHSWU #9
Tech Stuff We Use



BMW has announced a long-term partnership with Rimac Automobili to co-develop and co-produce innovative solutions in high-voltage battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs) ๐ฅ. Rimac, which has previously partnered with companies such as Porsche, Aston Martin, and even Ferrari, will help BMW expand its lineup of EVs ๐๐. The collaboration is separate from BMW's Neue Klasse range, which will feature the company's sixth-generation eDrive technology. Rimac's involvement is expected to start soon after the launch of the Neue Klasse models, and there is speculation that its quad-motor layouts, featured in its Nevera and Pininfarina Battista models, could be implemented in a rumored quad-motor electric M3 in the future. The partnership is a significant milestone for Rimac, as it transitions from a niche high-performance solutions supplier to a high-volume Tier 1 supplier ๐โจ.

MIT engineers are working on a method to enhance the intelligence and adaptability of household robots with the integration of large language models (LLMs) ๐ค๐ก. The goal is for robots to be able to generalize to different tasks and situations and anticipate the needs of human users. The engineers used LLMs to break down tasks into smaller steps and automate the identification and sequencing of these subtasks โ๏ธ๐. This approach allows robots to adjust and recover autonomously in real-time โฑ๏ธ๐. The advancements in AI-driven robots could lead to increased efficiency in both homes and businesses ๐ผ๐ก. The integration of robots into daily life is growing, with the average person now possessing six connected devices ๐ฑ๐ป. Interest in robots is also increasing, with companies like Apple potentially venturing into the personal robotics market ๐๐ค. Additionally, the global industrial robotics market is predicted to reach $60 billion by 2030 ๐ฐ๐.

Google has announced plans to develop custom Arm-based server chips with the aim of making cloud computing more affordable. The new processor, known as Axion, is expected to become available in 2024. By introducing its own Arm-based chip, Google is catching up to competitors like Amazon and Microsoft, who have been using similar strategies for years. Currently, Google holds 7.5% of the cloud infrastructure market, while Amazon and Microsoft collectively control around 62%. The custom Arm-based chips offer several advantages, including improved energy efficiency and faster application speeds. Google already uses Arm-based servers for internal purposes and plans to gradually transition them to the cloud-based Axion instances. Customers such as Snap and Datadog have expressed interest in adopting the new technology. โจ๐
Highlights:
โข Google aims to make cloud computing more affordable with its custom Arm-based server chips. ๐ป๐ฐ
โข The Axion chips are expected to become available in 2024. ๐โฐ
โข Arm-based chips offer improved energy efficiency and faster application speeds. ๐กโก๏ธ
โข Google currently holds 7.5% of the cloud infrastructure market, while Amazon and Microsoft control around 62%. ๐
โข Customers such as Snap and Datadog are interested in adopting the new technology. ๐ธ๐ถ
โข The use of Arm chips could lead to lower carbon emissions for certain workloads. โป๏ธ๐

๐ Apple's Vision Pro, a device defined by its immersive experiences, has been lacking in content since its release. โพ Major League Baseball's visionOS app didn't meet expectations, with missing features and glitches. ๐ฅ Apple's immersive video of Major League Soccer took three months to deliver and was not up to par. However, the addition of Spatial Personas, which places 3D representations of other Vision Pro users in the user's space, has received some praise. Apple is moving forward with improving the Vision Pro, but the slow pace of content release has left some perplexed. ๐ค The Macalope questions how Apple classifies this product and whether it was prematurely released. ๐ The success of the Vision Pro will depend on how compelling Apple can make the device and whether it can satisfy its customers who have already purchased the expensive device.

Berlin-based beauty tech brand GESKE German Beauty Tech has launched its first-ever global celebrity and influencer campaign. ๐ The campaign features top stars such as Nina Dobrev, Megan Fox, and Charli D'Amelio, who will try and share the brand's range of skincare devices on social media. GESKE German Beauty Tech aims to inspire brand awareness and highlight the affordability of high-quality skincare. ๐ซ The company offers a range of accessible, tech-forward devices that leverage AI to help users curate personalized skincare routines. The devices have been developed, tested, and approved by German dermatologists. GESKE German Beauty Tech has won over 90 awards, including the CES Innovation Award and Red Dot Design awards. ๐ The products are available for purchase on the company's website and through various retailers worldwide. ๐ป๐๏ธ

The 2024 IMD Smart City Ranking has revealed that European and Asian cities are dominating the Top 20 cities for improving the urban quality of life. ๐๐ The ranked cities were evaluated based on factors such as openness, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Zurich maintained its position as the top-ranked city for the fifth consecutive year. ๐ Several North American cities, however, saw a decline in their rankings, with no North American cities making it into the Top 20. ๐ The report suggests that high-performing cities prioritize inclusive digitalization as a "smart investment." The cities that have consistently performed well since the ranking started in 2019 include Zurich, Oslo, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Beijing, and Seoul, among others. The top-ranking cities have demonstrated a commitment to building resilient and adept cities that can address the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. ๐๏ธ๐ช๐

In this engaging opinion piece from The New York Times, the author argues that electric cars are too boring and that this lack of excitement is hindering widespread adoption of the technology. ๐
The article highlights several headline-grabbing instances of electric car setbacks, such as Ford cutting production targets for its electric truck and Hertz selling off a portion of its electric cars. ๐
The author suggests that while there are obvious challenges for electric vehicles (cost, range, and charging infrastructure), the more subtle issue of their perceived boredom is also preventing greater acceptance. ๐ด
The article explores the sensory experience of driving an electric car compared to a traditional combustion engine car, emphasizing the absence of familiar rituals and sensory feedback. ๐๐จ
Ultimately, the author posits that in order to make electric cars better, they may have to embrace some of the joys and excitement associated with the combustion engine experience. โก๏ธ๐ฅ

In an exciting development for the future of technology, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into Internet of Things (IoT) chips is making significant progress. ๐ Arm, a prominent semiconductor architecture company, has recently introduced two groundbreaking innovations in this field: the Ethos-U85 Neural Processing Unit and the Corstone-320 IoT Reference Design. These advancements signify a major step forward in the evolution of edge computing, as IoT continues to expand its reach and capabilities. ๐ช
Some highlights from the article include:
โข The integration of AI into IoT chips marks a significant advancement in edge computing. ๐
โข Arm is leading the way in this transformation with its latest innovations. ๐
โข The Ethos-U85 Neural Processing Unit and the Corstone-320 IoT Reference Design are designed to enhance the functionality and efficiency of IoT devices. ๐ฒโจ
โข With AI integrated into IoT chips, devices will be able to make intelligent decisions and operate more autonomously. ๐ค๐ก
โข This development in AI and IoT opens up possibilities for a brave new future of technology and innovation. ๐๐ฎ
Overall, the integration of AI and IoT is expected to bring numerous benefits and drive advancements in various industries, promising an exciting future ahead. ๐ซ๐

๐ Ethereum is revolutionizing the sports industry through its blockchain-based platform, providing secured and auditable transactions that benefit sports organizations, athletes, and fans. Some highlights from the article include:
โข Ethereum's flexible blockchain technology has various use cases in sports, such as asset tokenization, fan engagement through NFTs, athlete management, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
โข Asset tokenization allows for fractional ownership of team ownership, stadium real estate, and athlete contracts, providing fans with investment opportunities. ๐ผ
โข NFTs built on the Ethereum blockchain enhance fan engagement by creating digital collectibles, granting access to exclusive content, and running loyalty programs. ๐๏ธ
โข Ethereum's blockchain smart contracts streamline athlete performance data management and sponsorship deals, ensuring transparency and fairness. ๐
โข DAOs allow fans, athletes, and sponsors to participate in the decision-making process, potentially democratizing sports governance. ๐ณ๏ธ
โข Ethereum's impact extends to sports and esports leagues, particularly in the gambling industry, by offering attractive possibilities for digital asset integration and in-game economies. ๐ฐ
โข Ethereum's future potential in the sports sector includes innovations in ticketing, broadcasting rights, and anti-doping measures. ๐ซ
โข The use of blockchain by Ethereum creates fairer, more efficient, and inclusive ecosystems for athletes, fans, and stakeholders in the sports industry. ๐

Apple may be working on a foldable iPad, according to rumors. ๐ฑ๐ฅ While there's no indication of when such a device may be released, one of the major challenges Apple faces in the development of a foldable iPad is the issue of the display crease. ๐ค๐ก Currently, all foldable smartphones have a visible crease in the middle of the display where the hinge mechanism is positioned behind the screen. ๐ฌ๐ฒ Apple is reportedly working on a solution for this problem and won't release a foldable iPad unless it can fix the issue. ๐ซโ The company is known for its commitment to delivering products that meet its own standards and won't rush to market with compromised devices. The crease is a compromise that users have accepted in current foldable phones, but Apple aims to develop a solution that creates a perfectly flat display when the device is unfolded, without a visible hinge. โ๏ธโจ Other smartphone vendors, like Samsung, are also working on fixing the crease issue, and if Apple can develop a successful solution, it's possible that other manufacturers may replicate it. ๐ค๐

Invisalign's 'Better Way' Campaign Revolutionizes Orthodontics for Kids with Palatal Expander System
Align Technology has launched a new advertising campaign, called "Better Way" โจ, to promote the Invisalign Palatal Expander System as a more positive and effective option for expanding a child's narrow palate. The campaign aims to inform parents about the benefits of the system, including its safety ๐ก๏ธ, effectiveness ๐ช, and less painful experience compared to traditional metal expanders that require manual cranking ๐ง. The Invisalign Palatal Expander is a removable 3D-printed appliance that is clinically proven to be safe and effective, promotes better oral hygiene ๐ฆท, and is just as effective as traditional expanders. The campaign includes targeted messages and materials for consumers and doctors and will be promoted through digital platforms ๐ฒ, in-office collateral ๐ข, and a social media campaign targeting "Mom Influencers" ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ.
Key highlights from the article:
โข Align Technology launches the "Better Way" campaign to promote the benefits of the Invisalign Palatal Expander System ๐
โข The campaign aims to inform parents about the safety, effectiveness, and less painful experience of the system compared to traditional metal expanders ๐ก
โข The Invisalign Palatal Expander is a removable 3D-printed appliance that is clinically proven to be effective and promotes better oral hygiene ๐
โข The campaign includes targeted messages and materials for consumers and doctors, as well as a social media campaign targeting "Mom Influencers" ๐ข๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ

Potential Leap in โ Apple Watch Battery Life with New Display Technology ๐๐ฑ
A recent report sheds light on the possibility of the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10 featuring a significant improvement in battery life โก. Allegedly, Apple is considering the introduction of a new Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) Thin Film Transistor (TFT) technology for its smartwatch displays. This advancement is expected to reduce energy consumption compared to the screens deployed in the Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. ๐ก
Insights suggest that Appleโs continuous commitment to OLED screen development could further enhance future Apple Watch models. Interestingly, the technology trialed in Apple Watches often serves as a precursor to enhancements in iPhone display tech. If these projections are verifiable, the LTPO TFT discussion underscores a synergy between Appleโs wearable innovations and their flagship smartphones. ๐๐ฑ
The manufacturing of this complex display technology is a collaborative effort, with reports pinpointing LG Display and Japan Display Inc. (JDI) at the helm. Speculation is also mounting over Samsung Displayโs potential involvement in the production chain for the next iteration of the Apple Watch, as they have yet to adopt the novel LTPO OLED tech. ๐ค๐
A noteworthy aside, amidst various rumors, hints at a major design overhaul in the Series 10. This change could potentially spell the end of band compatibility with past models, a move intended to slim down the watch profile and simultaneously boost its battery capacity. This evolving narrative anticipates a new chapter for wearable aesthetics and performance benchmarks within the tech giantโs ecosystem. ๐๐
The smartwatch industry, of which Apple Watch is a significant player, continues to grow as these devices evolve from mere fitness trackers to full-fledged communication and health monitoring tools. The improvements in the Apple Watch Series 10โs battery life reflect an ongoing trend in the wearables market where consumers are increasingly demanding devices that can operate for extended periods without charging. This need pushes the industry to innovate in power management and energy-efficient display technologies. ๐ชโ๐ฏ
The global smartwatch market is experiencing a surge, bolstered by the growing popularity of wearable technology and an increasing focus on health and fitness. Market research firms forecast continuing expansion, with compound annual growth rates projecting significant increases in unit shipments and revenue over the coming years. As Apple is one of the leaders in this market, these improvements in technology and battery life are likely to help the company maintain or even grow its market share. ๐ฅ๐
Despite the optimism, the industry faces challenges regarding interoperability, data privacy, and security. As smartwatches become repositories for sensitive health data, manufacturers like Apple must ensure their devices are secure and that the data they handle is protected according to global privacy standards. Moreover, the issue of electronic waste is becoming more critical as the pace of technological change accelerates, and consumers replace their devices more frequently. Companies are under increasing pressure to make their products more sustainable, recyclable, and less impactful on the environment. ๐๐
The production of the LTPO TFT technology for Apple Watch displays demonstrates the complex network of collaboration in the tech industry. LG Display and Japan Display Inc. (JDI) are already known partners in the display manufacturing domain, and potential involvement by Samsung Display would not be surprising, given their expertise in OLED technology. These collaborations indicate how tech giants often rely on an interconnected supply chain. ๐๐ผ
In conclusion, while the Apple Watch Series 10 is poised to bring exciting advancements to users with improved battery life and display technology, it represents a broader trend in the smartwatch industry of prioritizing efficient power use. Furthermore, it highlights market growth projections, the necessity for continued innovation, and the importance of addressing industry-wide challenges. As new technologies like the LTPO TFT are introduced, the dynamic between product development, market competition, and consumer demand becomes even more pronounced. ๐๐๐
