Tech News Digest Week 20: Top Ten Biggest Tech News

Hello and Welcome to tech news!

This week we will be covering some exciting news pieces from AI to UWB technology, blockchain, levitation technology, you name it and we’ve got it all – so without any further delay let’s get into our top 10 tech news for Week 20 of 2021.

I | Chips Shortage

When the pandemic first struck in 2020 many carmakers cancelled orders for chips causing some chip making factories to be closed. With the opening of major world economies in 2021, demand has roared back more quickly than anticipated. The backlog in production was compounded by soaring demand for chips from a boom in sales of laptops, game consoles and mobile phones as people were forced into lockdown.

This chip shortage has caused automakers globally to curtail production. It is estimated that this crisis will hit the production of 3.9m vehicles this year, pushing the cost to the automobile industry to $110bn from an earlier forecasted impact of $61bn. The shortages have also affected industries such as the manufacture of household appliances from washing machines to toothbrushes that rely on both memory and processing chips. As per IBM’s boss Jim Whitehurst, these shortages will lead to price inflation, both of which could last another two years.

II | Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology

OPPO has launched the world’s first smartphone phone case that comes equipped with Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a wireless technology with several advantages over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It offers accurate positioning, wide application, low power consumption, and low interference. ThIs phone case, which is equipped with UWB, enhances the spatial perception of the smartphone so you can operate smart devices effortlessly. For instance, you can make TV screen casting simply by pointing it. In the same case, your light, Bluetooth and other devices in your home can also be controlled through the slightest of gestures and even enable your device to identify and locate you.

III | AI in Healthcare

DataRobot is a leader in AI implementation in healthcare and predictive analysis. DataRobot has announced Artificial Intelligence for Health Incubator, a new initiative that encourages entrepreneurs, companies, institutions, colleges and universities and non-profits to develop and deploy novel solutions for the health and healthcare market. The AI for Health Incubator will provide pro-bono access to the DataRobot platform and hands-on support from its customer success teams. Interested organizations can apply now through June 11. If you are keen to apply, I will include the application link in the description of this video.

IV | Blockchain Wallet

Samsung was one of the major smartphone makers to bring a cryptocurrency wallet to its smartphones starting with the Galaxy S10 in 2019.

Its blockchain wallet supports major virtual tokens, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Given the rising interest in cryptocurrencies, Samsung has now expanded support for blockchain users trading virtual assets on its Galaxy smartphones. The South Korean tech giant said that its latest update to the wallet will allow users to easily manage their transactions by importing their virtual assets stored on select cold hardware wallets to the Samsung Blockchain Wallet which is available on most Galaxy smartphones by default. Samsung Galaxy devices can now connect to more hardware wallets, including the Ledger Nano S and X. Samsung Blockchain Wallet users will be also able to access news related to cryptocurrency, including articles.

V | Magnetic Levitation Technology

As you must be aware, Magnetic levitation, or MagLev, is a method by which an object is suspended in the air with no support other than magnetic fields. This week Appear Inc. announced it has acquired Crealev, the world's leading levitation technology company.

The strategic acquisition of the Netherlands-based Crealev adds to Appear's portfolio of best-in-class, innovative technologies. As a magnetic levitation market leader, Crealev will build synergy between its experienced team of "mechatronics" designers and engineers and Appear's acclaimed engineering group.

VI | Next generation HDR

Dolby Vision the next generation of HDR is coming. Although HDR can offer brighter visuals with vivid colours and deeper blacks, it has to be tuned depending on the display, settings, and content. Dolby Vision, on the other hand, automatically sets up if you are using a compatible display and watching content created in Dolby Vision, something like IMAX but for a separate used case. Microsoft has announced Dolby Vision gaming has now formally rolled out to Xbox Series X and S consoles registered with the Xbox Insider Alpha Ring. Dolby Vision gaming joins the support for Dolby Atmos object-based audio for games that Xbox has supported since the Xbox One, meaning people with compatible TVs and audio gear can now enjoy a full Dolby gaming experience from a console for the first time. If you are not sure whether your TV is Dolby Vision capable or not, make sure you’ve updated your Series X/S with the latest firmware and head into its 4K TV Details screen. The new update now contains checks for compatibility with Dolby Vision at 4K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz.

VII | Quantum Computing

To build better batteries, or to create fertilizer to feed the world without creating 2% of global carbon emissions, or to create more targeted medicines and to stop the next pandemic before it starts, we need to understand and design molecules better. That means simulating nature accurately. But you cannot simulate molecules very well using classical computers. This is where Quantum computing comes in – it could help us understand and simulate the natural world around us.

Now, let’s get to the news - Google recently unveiled its new Quantum AI campus in Santa Barbara, California and announced that it aims to build a useful, error-corrected quantum computer by 2029. The new campus will include its first quantum data centre, new research laboratories, and quantum processor fabrication facilities. In 2019, Sycamore -a quantum processor created by Google’s Artificial Intelligence team completed a task in 200 seconds that would take a state-of-the-art supercomputer 10,000 years to finish.

VIII | Google IO 2021 keynote

unveiled a series of product announcements, including a new look coming to Android, a bunch of features coming to its Google Workspace productivity suite, and even a new AI using the new LaMDA language. I have covered the top product announcements including some honourable mentions in the below video.

IX | Apple's new OS update

Apple unveiled the next-generation software features designed for people with mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive disabilities. Apple’s operating systems are set to undergo software updates later this year that would allow people with limb differences to navigate the Apple Watch using AssistiveTouch, while the iPad will support third-party eye-tracking hardware for easier control and low-vision communities.

Apple also launched SignTime, a service that allows customers to communicate with AppleCare and retail customer care by using American Sign Language (ASL) in the U.S., British Sign Languate (BSL) in the U.K. or French Sign Language (LSF) in France right in their web browsers. Customers visiting Apple Store locations can also use SignTime to remotely access a sign language interpreter without booking ahead of time. This service will be initially available in the US, UK, and France, with plans to expand to other countries in the future.

X | Hydrogen based fuel cells

Two leaders of the commercial vehicle industry – Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group – officially outlined their pioneering roadmap for the new fuel-cell joint venture cellcentric, to accelerate the use of hydrogen-based fuel cells for long-haul trucks and beyond.

With the ambition of becoming a leading global manufacturer of fuel-cell systems, cellcentric will build one of Europe’s largest planned series production of fuel-cell systems, with operation planned to commence in 2025. To accelerate the rollout of hydrogen-based fuel-cells, the two cellcentric shareholders called for a harmonized EU hydrogen policy framework to support the technology in becoming a viable commercial solution.

These were our top tech picks for the last week, if you like to see more videos or articles on tech, do consider subscribing to the YouTube channel.