Wireless Power Transmission
circuit diagram
Wireless Power Transmission
Wireless power transmission has been a dream since the days when Nikola Tesla imagined a world studded with enormous Tesla coils. But aside from advances in recharging electric toothbrushes, wireless power has so far failed to make significant inroads into consumer-level gear.
What is it? This summer, Intel researchers demonstrated a method--based on MIT research--for throwing electricity a distance of a few feet, without wires and without any dangers to bystanders (well, none that they know about yet). Intel calls the technology a "wireless resonant energy link," and it works by sending a specific, 10-MHz signal through a coil of wire; a similar, nearby coil of wire resonates in tune with the frequency, causing electrons to flow through that coil too. Though the design is primitive, it can light up a 60-watt bulb with 70 percent efficiency.
When is it coming? Numerous obstacles remain, the first of which is that the Intel project uses alternating current. To charge gadgets, we'd have to see a direct-current version, and the size of the apparatus would have to be considerably smaller. Numerous regulatory hurdles would likely have to be cleared in commercializing such a system, and it would have to be thoroughly vetted for safety concerns.
Assuming those all go reasonably well, such receiving circuitry could be integrated into the back of your laptop screen in roughly the next six to eight years. It would then be a simple matter for your local airport or even Starbucks to embed the companion power transmitters right into the walls so you can get a quick charge without ever opening up your laptop bag.
USB 3.0 Speeds Up Performance on External Devices
USB 3.0 Speeds Up Performance on External Devices
The USB connector has been one of the greatest success stories in the history of computing, with more than 2 billion USB-connected devices sold to date. But in an age of terabyte hard drives, the once-cool throughput of 480 megabits per second that a USB 2.0 device can realistically provide just doesn't cut it any longer.
What is it? USB 3.0 (aka "SuperSpeed USB") promises to increase performance by a factor of 10, pushing the theoretical maximum throughput of the connector all the way up to 4.8 gigabits per second, or processing roughly the equivalent of an entire CD-R disc every second. USB 3.0 devices will use a slightly different connector, but USB 3.0 ports are expected to be backward-compatible with current USB plugs, and vice versa. USB 3.0 should also greatly enhance the power efficiency of USB devices, while increasing the juice (nearly one full amp, up from 0.1 amps) available to them. That means faster charging times for your iPod--and probably even more bizarre USB-connected gear like the toy rocket launchers and beverage coolers that have been festooning people's desks.
When is it coming? The USB 3.0 spec is nearly finished, with consumer gear now predicted to come in 2010. Meanwhile, a host of competing high-speed plugs--DisplayPort, eSATA, and HDMI--will soon become commonplace on PCs, driven largely by the onset of high-def video. Even FireWire is looking at an imminent upgrade of up to 3.2 gbps performance. The port proliferation may make for a baffling landscape on the back of a new PC, but you will at least have plenty of high-performance options for hooking up peripherals.
Nehalem and Swift Chips Spell the End of Stand-Alone Graphics Boards
Nehalem and Swift Chips Spell the End of Stand-Alone Graphics Boards
When AMD purchased graphics card maker ATI, most industry observers assumed that the combined company would start working on a CPU-GPU fusion. That work is further along than you may think.
What is it? While GPUs get tons of attention, discrete graphics boards are a comparative rarity among PC owners, as 75 percent of laptop users stick with good old integrated graphics, according to Mercury Research. Among the reasons: the extra cost of a discrete graphics card, the hassle of installing one, and its drain on the battery. Putting graphics functions right on the CPU eliminates all three issues.
Chip makers expect the performance of such on-die GPUs to fall somewhere between that of today's integrated graphics and stand-alone graphics boards--but eventually, experts believe, their performance could catch up and make discrete graphics obsolete. One potential idea is to devote, say, 4 cores in a 16-core CPU to graphics processing, which could make for blistering gaming experiences.
When is it coming? Intel's soon-to-come Nehalem chip includes graphics processing within the chip package, but off of the actual CPU die. AMD's Swift (aka the Shrike platform), the first product in its Fusion line, reportedly takes the same design approach, and is also currently on tap for 2009.
Putting the GPU directly on the same die as the CPU presents challenges--heat being a major one--but that doesn't mean those issues won't be worked out. Intel's two Nehalem follow-ups, Auburndale and Havendale, both slated for late 2009, may be the first chips to put a GPU and a CPU on one die, but the company isn't saying yet.
apple hot news Apple Updates Mac mini
Apple Updates Mac mini
October 16, 2014Apple has updated Mac mini with the latest technologies and a new lower starting price, making Apple’s most affordable Mac an even better value. Mac mini now features fourth-generation Intel Core processors, faster integrated graphics, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Thunderbolt 2. “People love Mac mini. It’s a great first Mac or addition to your home network, and the new Mac mini is a nice upgrade packed into an incredibly compact design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With the latest CPU and graphics, faster Wi-Fi, two Thunderbolt 2 ports, OS X Yosemite, and starting at just $499, the new Mac mini is the best value ever.” Read more: apple.com/mac-miniiPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Available in China on October 17
September 30, 2014Apple has announced that iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available in China beginning October 17 from the Apple Online Store, Apple’s retail stores, and an expansive network of retail stores through all three major carriers and Apple Authorized Resellers. Customers can pre-order iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus from the Apple Online Store starting October 10. Beginning October 14, customers can reserve the new iPhones for in-store pick-up starting October 17. “We are thrilled to bring iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus to our customers in China on all three carriers at launch,” said Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. “With support for TD-LTE and FDD-LTE, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus customers will have access to high-speed mobile networks from China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom for an incredible experience.”Read more: apple.com/prFirst Weekend iPhone Sales Top 10 Million, Set New Record
September 22, 2014Apple has sold over 10 million new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models, a new record, just three days after the launch on September 19. The iPhones are available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and the UK and will be available in more than 20 additional countries on September 26. The new phones will be available in 115 countries by the end of the year. “Sales for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus exceeded our expectations for the launch weekend, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We would like to thank all of our customers for making this our best launch ever, shattering all previous sell-through records by a large margin. While our team managed the manufacturing ramp better than ever before, we could have sold many more iPhones with greater supply and we are working hard to fill orders as quickly as possible.” Read more: apple.com/iphone-6Apple Unveils Apple Watch — Apple’s Most Personal Device Ever
September 9, 2014Apple has unveiled Apple Watch — its most personal device ever — featuring revolutionary new technologies and a pioneering user interface with a beautiful design that honors the rich tradition of precision watchmaking. Apple Watch introduces a specially designed and engineered Digital Crown that provides an innovative way to scroll, zoom, and navigate. Apple Watch will enable you to communicate in new ways right from your wrist and will include comprehensive health and fitness apps. The watch comes in three distinct collections — Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition — available in two different sizes. “Apple introduced the world to several category-defining products, the Mac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “And once again Apple is poised to captivate the world with a revolutionary product that can enrich people’s lives. It’s the most personal product we’ve ever made.” Apple Watch will be available in early 2015. Read more: apple.com/watchApple Announces iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus — the Biggest Advancements in iPhone History
September 9, 2014Apple has announced iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the biggest advancements in iPhone history, featuring two new models with stunning 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch Retina HD displays, and packed with innovative technologies in an all-new dramatically thin and seamless design. Both phones include the Apple-designed A8 chip with second generation 64-bit desktop-class architecture, advanced iSight and FaceTime HD cameras, ultrafast wireless technologies, iOS 8, and Apple Pay. “iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are the biggest advancements in iPhone history,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The iPhone is the most loved smartphone in the world with the highest customer satisfaction in the industry and we are making it much better in every way. Only Apple can combine the best hardware, software, and services at this unprecedented level and we think customers are going to love it.” The new iPhones will be available September 19, and customers can pre-order them beginning September 12. Read more: apple.com/iphone-6Apple Announces Apple Pay
September 9, 2014Apple has announced Apple Pay, a new category of service that will transform mobile payments with an easy, secure, and private way to pay. Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus through a groundbreaking NFC antenna design, a dedicated chip called the Secure Element, and the security and convenience of Touch ID. Apple Pay is easy to set up, so hundreds of millions of users can simply add their credit or debit card on file from their iTunes Store account. Apple Pay will also work with the newly announced Apple Watch, extending Apple Pay to over 200 million owners of iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5s worldwide. “Security and privacy is at the core of Apple Pay. When you’re using Apple Pay in a store, restaurant or other merchant, cashiers will no longer see your name, credit card number, or security code, helping to reduce the potential for fraud,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “Apple doesn’t collect your purchase history, so we don’t know what you bought, where you bought it, or how much you paid for it. And if your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can use Find My iPhone to quickly suspend payments from that device.” Apple Pay will be available in the U.S. for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus as a free update to iOS 8 starting in October.Read more: apple.com/apple-payApple Announces iOS 8 Available September 17
September 9, 2014Apple has announced that iOS 8, the biggest release since the launch of the App Store, will be available starting September 17 to iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users as a free software update. iOS 8 delivers a simpler, faster, and more intuitive user experience with new Messages and Photos features, predictive typing for Apple’s QuickType keyboard, and Family Sharing. iOS 8 also includes the new Health app, giving you a clear overview of your health and fitness data and iCloud Drive, so you can store files and access them from anywhere. “We’re excited for hundreds of millions of users to begin experiencing iOS 8, with incredible features that offer new ways to use your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “iOS 8 also creates an extraordinary environment for developers, providing them the ability to create amazing new apps like never before.” Read more: apple.com/iosApple and U2 Release Album Exclusively for iTunes Store Customers
September 9, 2014Apple, Universal Music Group, and legendary rock band U2 have announced the release of the album “Songs of Innocence,” which Apple is gifting to iTunes Store customers around the world, making it the largest album release ever with over half a billion copies distributed. The album features 11 new songs from the band and charts their earliest influences from ’70s rock and punk rock to early ’80s electronica and soul. The album is free for iTunes Store account holders in 119 countries and is available exclusively on iTunes until October 13. Read more: apple.com/U2iTunes Festival kicks off in London
September 2, 2014iTunes Festival kicked off 30 nights of performances with a show on September 1 headlined by deadmau5. Other acts set to perform in London’s historic Roundhouse during the month include Tony Bennett, Pharrell Williams, Ed Sheeran, and Placido Domingo. You can experience the festival for free on iTunes or with Apple TV.Read more: http://www.itunesfestival.com
Apple Introduces 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K Display
Apple has unveiled the 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display, featuring the world’s highest-resolution display — with 14.7 million pixels. At this resolution, text appears sharper than ever, videos are more lifelike, and you can see new levels of detail in photos. “Thirty years after the first Mac changed the world, the new iMac with Retina 5K display running OS X Yosemite is the most insanely great Mac we have ever made,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With a breathtaking 14.7-million-pixel display, faster CPU and graphics, Fusion Drive, and Thunderbolt 2, it’s the most beautiful and powerful iMac ever.” Read more: apple.com/imac-with-retina
OS X Yosemite Now Available as a Free Upgrade
October 16, 2014
Apple has announced that OS X Yosemite, the latest major release of the world’s most advanced desktop operating system, is now available as a free upgrade for Mac users from the Mac App Store. Yosemite delivers a fresh, modern look and introduces Continuity features that make it easy to hand off activities between Mac and iOS devices and even make and receive iPhone calls from your Mac. Yosemite also includes a new Today view, a redesigned Spotlight, and updated versions of Safari, Mail, Messages, and iTunes. “OS X Yosemite is the most advanced version of OS X we’ve ever built, with a brand new design, amazing Continuity features, and powerful versions of the apps you use every day,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “OS X Yosemite ushers in the future of computing, where your Apple devices all work together seamlessly and magically. It’s something only Apple can do, and it’s available today.” Read more: apple.com/osx
Apple Pay Set to Transform Mobile Payments Starting October 20
Apple has announced that customers can start making payments with the touch of a finger on October 20, when Apple Pay becomes available in the U.S. Apple Pay offers an easy, secure, and private way to pay using Touch ID on iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in stores and within apps. Users of the just-announced iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 will be able to use Touch ID on their devices for Apple Pay within apps. The new service will be enabled by a free software update to iOS 8. “Our team has worked incredibly hard to make Apple Pay private and secure, with the simplicity of a single touch of your finger,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “The reaction to Apple Pay has been amazing. We continue to add more Apple Pay-ready banks, credit card companies, and merchants, and think our users will love paying with Apple Pay.” Read more: apple.com/apple-pay
Apple Introduces iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3
Apple has introduced iPad Air 2, the thinnest and most powerful iPad ever. The new iPad features an improved Retina display for enhanced contrast and richer, more vibrant colors, and better cameras for taking stunning photos and videos. Available in gold, silver, and space gray, iPad Air 2 and the new iPad mini 3 offer Touch ID and — in the U.S. — Apple Pay. “iPad is a magical piece of glass that runs more than 675,000 apps specifically designed for it, and is thin and light enough that you can comfortably hold it all day; the new iPad Air 2 is packed with amazing new innovations, weighs less than a pound, and at just 6.1 mm is the thinnest tablet in the world,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPad Air 2 has a new Retina display with anti-reflective coating, second generation 64-bit A8X chip, all-new iSight and FaceTime HD cameras, faster Wi-Fi and LTE wireless, and includes the revolutionary Touch ID fingerprint identity sensor.” Read more: apple.com/ipad
Apple Reports Fourth-Quarter Results
Apple has announced financial results for its fiscal 2014 fourth quarter ended September 27, 2014. The company posted quarterly revenue of $42.1 billion and quarterly net profit of $8.5 billion, or $1.42 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $37.5 billion and net profit of $7.5 billion, or $1.18 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 38 percent compared to 37 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 60 percent of the quarter’s revenue. Apple’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $.47 per share of the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on November 13, 2014, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 10, 2014. “Our fiscal 2014 was one for the record books, including the biggest iPhone launch ever with iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “With amazing innovations in our new iPhones, iPads, and Macs, as well as iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite, we are heading into the holidays with Apple’s strongest product lineup ever. We are also incredibly excited about Apple Watch and other great products and services in the pipeline for 2015.”Read more: apple.com/pr
Developers Start Designing Apps for Apple Watch
Apple has announced the availability of WatchKit, software that gives developers a set of tools to easily create experiences designed specifically for Apple Watch. Developers can now begin developing WatchKit apps before the watch becomes available. “Apple Watch is our most personal device ever, and WatchKit provides the incredible iOS developer community with the tools they need to create exciting new experiences right on your wrist,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With the iOS 8.2 beta SDK, developers can now start using WatchKit to create breakthrough new apps, Glances, and actionable notifications designed for the innovative Apple Watch interface and work with new technologies such as Force Touch, Digital Crown, and Taptic Engine.” Read more: apple.com/pr
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