Posts tagged SMARTPHONES
From bricks to clicks; mobile phones’ 40th anniversary!
Apr 3rd
A quick trivia question for you; how old would you be if you were born in the year 1973? Yes, that’s right, the same age as the first mobile phone, i.e 40 years old! The first mobile device that could be used outside your vehicle that is. Another pop question; can you name the company that was the first to release the very debut handset? No, not Nokia, it was actually Motorola.
April 3rd, 1973 marks the 40th anniversary of the widely regarded first public mobile phone call. Martin Cooper, a Motorola employee, had the honor of making this call in New York City on a Motorola DynaTAC, a device that was designated as a “brick” due to its size and weight.
If you actually think about the fact that 40 years ago, people were restricted to only using their landline, you’ll realize it is quite amazing how far we’ve come. Nowadays, basically everyone (even kids that are not yet 10 years of age) are holding a device and using it with extreme ease. In accordance with a study released just recently by the United Nations, there are circa seven billion people living on the planet. Now another quick trivia question: how many of those do you think hold a mobile device? A colossal six billion! Yes, we are not even kidding.
Getting back to the historical call that was conducted on the Motorola DynaTAC; it’s worth mentioning that the device was 9inches tall with a talk-time of 35 minutes and required 10 hours to recharge.
The two major breakthroughs in the mobile phone technology have been the widespread availability of devices and their ability to access the internet, conforming to Dr Mike Short, an expert from the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Mobile phone technology has come very far ever since; an achievement that has led to years of development, new inventions and the very creation of our beloved Smartphones. These smartphones are being used for internet acces, social networking, maps, morning alarms, games, snapping pictures, watching video clips, texting and obviously calling (though the actual telephone calls are soon to become obsolete with WhatsApp, Skype and Viber).
There is one thing that is truly both surprising and alarming that the previously mentioned UN study had revealed. Apparently, there are actually more individuals who have access to a cell phone today that those who have access to a toilet. Yes, only 4.5 billion have access to a toilet in this day and age!
Even though we cannot deny the increase of usage of smartphones while being in the toilet, if you had to choose between the two, what would your choice be?
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Wave goodbye to Gorilla and say hello to Sapphire!
Mar 25th
How many times have you scratched your smartphone’s screen for eternity from a simple drop? And how many times have you been surprised at the high price of this screen? Well, what if we told you there might be a way to ensure your screen is never again vulnerable to such unfortunate events even if it was directly rubbed by a rock? Yes, it might be possible thanks to Sapphire.
The hardest natural substance after diamond, Sapphire, might soon be employed to produce smartphone screens. The military already incorporate sheets of Sapphire glass to produce transparent armors. However, if more Sapphire- synthesizing startups have the green light , this will aid at making Sapphire glass become more mainstream –price wise- and applicable for a variety of consumer products. Smartphones will be the very first example of such products; tablets will soon follow as well as other ruggedized devices.
In case you’re intrigued to find out more about this mystical material we can help you out; Sapphire is a transparent, crystalline for of aluminum oxide (alumina) that is impeccably hard, scratch-resistant, with a melting point of 2,030 c and almost impenetrable to astringent chemicals. To simplify it for you; Sapphire is just modestly weaker and yet a much cheaper and more exuberant version of diamonds. Sapphire proposal ring anyone?
On a more realistic plate, Sapphire is around 10 times more scratch resistant than regular window glass, and considerably stronger than any other materials employed in optics applications. It is this crudeness that has led Sapphire glass to be the key element used in applications where normal glass does not suffice. Bullet-proof glass is a clear example, as well as watches and the front windows on barcode scanners.
Eminently speaking, synthetic Sapphire is quite easy to manufacture, though the exact processes used are usually proprietary. In general, all it takes is melting a large amount of aluminum oxide in a special furnace, and then allowing it to gradually cool off so as to create a single crystal of flawless Sapphire. A transparent crystal of Sapphire is created by straight-up aluminum oxide. If you’re eager to create a specific gemstone, however, trace minerals ought to be added; titanium and iron create the stereotypical blue Sapphire, while chromium turns it into a ruby. Once you have a big crystal – such as the picture above- a diamond saw is manipulated to slice it into sheets of glass.
With approximately 3 times the strength and scratch resistance of Corning’s Gorilla Glass, Sapphire glass would easily make an ideal smarphone screen. But you can’t have your cake and eat it too, right? According to a market analyst, a sheet of Gorilla Glass costs about $3, whereas the same piece of Sapphire glass would cost $30.
We can thank the increasing competition, though, that is quickly reducing the cost of Sapphire glass. We wouldn’t be taken aback if we were to see a high-end smartphone (such as an iPhone for example) use a Sapphire screen in the upcoming years. It’s note worthy to say that the iPhone 5 already uses Sapphire glass to foster its rear camera lens; Apple is certainly not in the dark when it comes to Sapphire’s potential.
Another alternative would be to create very thin sheets of Sapphire, which are then varnished onta a cheaper material. As reported by Technology Review, GT Advanced Technologies is implementing this idea. Through the acquisition of Twin Greeks’ ios cannon technology, which creates very thin sheets of silicon from a large crystal of silicon for use in solar cells, GT aims to produce sheets of Sapphire that are thinner than a human hair. In the video above, you can witness an iPhone that’s been retrofitted with a sheet of GT’s Sapphire glass – its durability is quite astounding.
How about a transparent smartphone?
Mar 4th
If you’re contemplating why you’d even need a transparent smartphone, don’t bother thinking too hard for you do not actually need one. There would be many downsides to such a phone; think of how difficult it would be to find it especially if it were powered down, not to mention being literally “transparent” means everything you’re working on will be easily exposed to others. Yet, if you take a harder look at the subject, you’ll find that the state of being non-transparent, or let’s say opaque, is indeed the more fragile state to be in. Once transparency is possessed by nature, opacity can be obtained just like any other option under the menu, while this does not go vice versa. Polytron Technologies from Taiwan are developing a prototype device in a bid to make the transparent smartphone a reality.
There are two creatures that have the unique ability to extract pigment-free color directly from the quantum, so to speak, and those are butterflies and jellyfish. These two obscure yet magnificent creatures can do so through precisely configured scales or undulating cilia- tiny hairs that protrude from a larger cell. These bio-antennea are used to bling out a calculated photon whenever the distance between thee hairs corresponds to the wavelength of the illumination that strikes them. Sometimes when creatures are stuck in a cave, they instantly turn down their pigment production and thus losing all ability to express it even after a couple of generations have passed. This is all for a beneficial reason since light-absorbing melanins and carotenoids are metabolically expensive to produce and actuate into position.
Yet, if we take larger creatures, such as in our case Smartphones, there are tons of elements that arise to obstruct transparency. For instance, the lens of the eye ought to burn a non-trivial amount of energy just to sustain transparency. In order to transform a large scale device to a transparent one, the first thing you ought to do is consider the smaller parts that comprise it and making those transparent. While you might think this is rather obvious, you’ll have neglected the fact that it isn’t enough to just put those transparent parts together to achieve your goal. The most challenging task you’ll have is to gain a smooth variation in the refractive indexes across the sub components.
Nowadays we can enjoy a variety of transparent display options that are available, and new methods are emerging all the time. One way to achieve this is to coat two pieces of glass with transparent yet conductive material sucha s indium tin oxide (ITO), and sandwich a gel of polarizable molecules between them. Once an electric field is applied, the liquid crystal changes its alignment and becomes transparent or non transparent, adhering to the materials that are used.
The display is not the issue for the Polytron phone which flaunts an OLED-based liquid crystal device. The problem lies in the smaller components, such as the battery and the memory. Transparent lithium-ion batteries have been formerly introduced based on PDMS; a favorite polymer material that is often used in the life sciences to build transparent microfluidic sensors and Polutron plans to incorporate these kinds of batteries in future versions of the phone. Transparent speakers and touchscreens will also be used on both sides of the final product.
Top 10 Apps of the week!
Dec 13th
Winter is getting cold but it’s always hot on our top 10 App list! This week we have you relive the nostalgia from old postcards, to the up-to-date filers that will “wow” your hipster instagrammers. We also never neglect out gammer fans out there, with a few apps that will surely be eligible time-killers. Be sure to read the very last app if you’re an avid business person that is always on the go and tracking your expenses! Let us know what your thoughts are and enjoy!
1. Snapseed (Get it for your android) Free
One of the best iOS photo editing apps is now finally available for Android, and yes it is free! You can thank Google for purchasing the app earlier this year and dropping the $5 price tag. Now you can edit your photos like a pro with filters that will surly wow your Instagramer hippies.
2. Ink Cards (Get it for your android) Free
Who says old fashioned postcards are a thing of the past? Now, with Ink Cards you can send created images as a real postcard right from your Smartphone. You can send your beautifully designed 5×7 cards to real mailboxes for $1.99. The App also suggests sending the photos to your closest FB friends.
3. Survival Run with Bear Grylls (Get it for your android) Free
“Oh no, not another Temple Run Clone!” you will cry at first! Well, it sort of is, but isn’t; the idea is the same but the implementation is different. In this game you have control over Bear Grylls while trying to surpass Grizzly Bear; you can also slife down hills, swim through river and even base jump.
4. Zooper Widget (Get it for your android) Free
If you’re a widget lover then you might want to try Zooper Wiget; it’s free for download even though there’s a pro version as well. You can enjoy plenty of customization options and even create your own templates. This app definitely adds a nice flare to any device.
5. G Cloud Backup (Get it for your android) Free
With over 70 million smartphones getting lost every single year and only 7% being actually recovered, we ought to immediately think of a way to protect ourselves and our digital life. For everyone who has coveted the simplicity of the iCloud, the backup software for iOS, here is an app for Android that is not only an equivalent, but as stated by one of the users: it puts the “Smart” in Smartphones.
6. Townsmen (Get it for your android) $1.10
Micromanaging lovers behold, this one is for you. Townsmen is a really fun game that offers quite deep gameplay while building a complex and functioning village with diverse supply chains. Those of you who’ve already played games such as Settlers will not find it peculiar.
7. Snapeous (Get it for your android) Free
Snapeous is the first social network built around objects. A nice little app to discover great content; discover photos and videos from people like you that have great things to share. Now real objects turn to a living experience as they claim but it’s still in beta and they’re fixing the bugs and problems that have been reported.
8. SkyBurger (Get it for your android) Free
Well this one is just a terrible game to play, on an empty stomach that is! Sky burgers is obviously all about making large hamburgers, and for the meat lovers among us will end up putting the game down to satisfy the doomed cravings it creates.
9. TapTu (Get it for your android) Free
RSS reader has received a makeover, by the Social club that is! Taputu provides easy access to your favorite web content as well as adding you Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter feeds so no news gets left out. The interface is simple, though a little cluttered, yet the offline options are appealing for those that spend time reading while disconnected.
10. Expensify (Get it for your android) Free
We all know how troublesome tracking work expenses might get, so it’s about time for us to cover an app that simplifies the process. With expensify you can use your device’s camera to scan receipts, capturing the date and amount charged for each receipt you upload. Mileage can be tracked with also importing expenses from bank and credit card accounts. The App connects to QuickBooks, but you can also send an expense report directly from the app itself.
Top 10 Apps of the week!
Oct 25th
The last week of October is upon us, and we’re pretty sure everyone’s preparing for Halloween that’s just around the corner. We’ve assembled a neat selection to round up this month, from apps that will help you to sleep better, locating the best & cheapest hotels, uncovering new and exciting locations, all the way to apps dedicated to help the kids with special needs. Don’t miss out on making your Android truly special. Let us know what your thoughts are.
1. Sleep as Android (Get it for your android) Free
Morning haters everywhere behold, this is the app you’ve been waiting for! Long gone are the days of being grumpy and hating on all the morning cheerful people; just download this handy little app and watch your life change. It is basically a sleep tracker; once placed near your pillow, it will track your lightest phase of sleep according to your movements and then wake you up with a 30-min time frame of your alarm time. Try it out, definitely worth it.
2. Jab Talk (Get it for your android) Free
This one goes out to all the parents with children suffering from disabilities especially those that are verbally challenged. The user interface is very simple yet intuitive. Pictures and their corresponding voice descriptions can be loaded especially those that are commonly used by your non-verbal child. Jab talk was originally targeting special needs kids such as those with Autism or PDD-NOS, but now this app is being used by a variety of children of different ages and abilities.
3. Hotels by Orbitz (Get it for your android) Free
The holiday season is right around the corner which means a lot of travelling for most of us so as to enjoy the long awaited family time. Chances are, at some point in the next couple of months you’ll be looking for a hotel room, and this is exactly when you’ll need this app. With all the gift buying, you’re probably going to be short on cash, so you’ll need Orbitz to find the cheapest hotel in your area.
4. Global Outbreak (Get it for your android) Free
Let’s take a moment and pretend we’re Rick Grimes, and play this zombie-killing game. We’re head of Blackhorne Industries, we have to gather weapons, build an army and save mankind from the undead before it’s all too late. This cool game comes with a 3D twist of reality; it’s location aware.
5. G Cloud Backup (Get it for your android) Free
With over 70 million smartphones getting lost every single year and only 7% being actually recovered, we ought to immediately think of a way to protect ourselves and our digital life. For everyone who has coveted the simplicity of the iCloud, the backup software for iOS, here is an app for Android that is not only an equivalent, but as stated by one of the users: it puts the “Smart” in Smartphones.
6. SwatchMatic (Get it for your android) Free
This beautiful app takes a look at the colors streaming into your Android’s camers, and then creates live, continually changing and dynamic color palettes from the relevant scene. Just tap on the screen and you’ll get your palette, output in HSV, RGB and WEB values. It’s a very neat little color tool, and best of all, it is free.
7. Redbeacon (Get it for your android) Free
We all know how tough it is to find a trusted contractor to do projects around one’s house, so that’s why this app comes in handy; it walks you through describing your project, and helps you find quotes on price. You won’t have to worry about the quality of contractors found on Redbeacon, for they are guaranteed, meaning the service has your back up to $1,000. So give it a go and you’ll find the notoriously difficult task a lot easier.
8. SkyMotion (Get it for your android) Free
SkyMotion is the Android adaptation of one of our beloved iPhone apps; Dark Sky. SkyMotion keeps you in the know for when it’s going to start raining, and when it will end. The app prides itself in having hyper local focus and GPS- authorization. We particularly like the minute-to-minute coverage.
9. Field Trip (Get it for your android) Free
If you’re one of those eager discoverers of new interesting locations then this is the app just for you. Field trip runs in the background on your phone, and once you get close to something interesting, it sends a push notification with details about the location. No click is needed, and if you’re using the headset or Bluetooth, it can read the info to you.
10. Instant Heart Rate (Get it for your android) Free
Well, let us just start off by saying that this is the “show off you Android” app. It works using the camera and its flash; the application searches for subtle changes in color when your finger is pressed against the camera lens. The changes in color are meant to represent your pulse, Instant Heart Rate then calculates your beats per minute based on the timing of the color change, or in other words, your pulse.
Inspector gadget; What to get this season?
Sep 5th
The fall season is almost upon us, hence all the tech rumors flying around for the toy season of the year. Christmas is right around the corner, and it won’t take you long to spot some new shiny gadget from Apple, Amazon or Google, encouraging you to spend your hard-earned cash. Nevertheless we’ve decided to aid you in keeping your pocket happy, and your tech-savvy heart even happier.
1. The new iPhone
Yes, once again, Apple has been able to stir things up with rumors flying for months now around their next flagship device that is set to hit the market just a few days from now; September 12th shall be the announcement and it should hit the markets by September 21st, as reported first by iMore in July.
Now, with all the rumors flying around, the only things we can predict regarding the new iPhone are: a bigger screen, a smaller dock connector, and 4G connectivity.
2. Nokia Windows Phone 8
Microsoft has certainly made substantial enhancements from Windows Phone 7 to Windows Phone 8, and Nokia will be producing the flagship device for the Redmond-based company. Amazingly, the new device has managed to stay under wraps, which is becoming quite a scarcity in the world of tech, the announcement has been scheduled for September 5th.
Nokia is finally seeing more clear skies with more good news; Verizon will be carrying the Nokia Windows Phone 8 device this year, according to Bloomberg. This is a good jump for the Finnish company and Microsoft, since Verizon practically eschewed the Windows Phone platform carrying only one device since its initial release in 2010.
3. Amazon Kindle Fire 2
Just behind Apple’s flagship tablet, the iPad, comes in the original Kindle Fire as the second highest-selling tablet even though it lacks many of the features that its competitors had. Well, this will not be true for very long. Many tech websites are reporting that the Kindle Fire 2 will integrate a higher resolution of 1280 x800 and a built-in camera, all this while reducing its weight and thickness. These enhancements will definitely put the Kindle Fire 2 on par with the new competitors such as the Nexus 7. The kindle Fire 2 will definitely be a big seller this fall, with a price that is expected to stay at $199 and a release date sometime this fall.
4. iPad Mini
The rumor of all rumors might just come to realization this magic fall. The smaller tablet is being built this year, after confirmation by Bloomberg and WSJ. Soon after this, news of the iPad Mini’s alleged parts began to leak,
which gave even more merit to the rumor.
Here is what we can actually confirm: the size has been consistent coming in at 7.85 inches, which is considerably larger than the 7-inch tablets currently available. The screen resolution reports have also been consistent, coming in at 1024 x 768, which is the same as the original iPad and iPad 2. That’s where the consistency stops and speculations turn up. Reported prices range from $199 to $350, and just as the new iPhone, no one can confirm what the inside will look like. Yet, what we do know is that if the iPad Mini will be released, stay tuned for it will be very soon.
5. New Nexus device
Last but not least, is Google’s soon to be released Nexus this fall, with a few bonuses. Unlike the norm, Google will not be selecting one company to build its once-a-year flagship device. This fall; Google seems to be opening up to multiple entities. As The Wall Street Journal reported, Google will be working with up to five manufacturers to build a stable of Nexus device, the first of which were the Nexus 7 ( produced by Asus) and the Nexus Q.
The next Nexus device, with two down, may be built by Samsung yet again.
Enhancements include better rear and front cameras, faster processor, and a microSD card slot,we may be getting the next Nexus device very soon.
This fall will certainly be one to remember. We hope we made your Christmas list a little more tech friendly and helpful. Let us know what you end up buying!
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
Top 8 Apps of the week!
Jul 26th
For the last Thursday of the month, here is a recap of the best 8 Apps for July. From photo editing apps that will arouse the Picasso in you to coloring Apps for your kids that will surly leave your walls and door cleaner than ever. We hope you enjoy this edition and be sure to send us your favorite one:
1. Colour Splash FX (Get it for your android)
Create stunning artwork with your photos by removing or changing colours! Gray out everything in your photo except your face! Make your hair green; paint a flag over your face; change the color of the water, the sky, anything you like! It isn’t the first app of its kind, but it’s a good-looking effect, the fast and liquid smooth interface makes Colour Splash FX easy and fun.
2. Widgetsoid (Get it for your android)
is a toggle and launcher widget that allows you to create a row (vertical or horizontal) of “buttons” that will toggle or open up settings or even launch an app or call/text someone. The desktop widget is highly customizable and the number of toggles/settings available is unbeatable.
3. Amazing Alex (Get it for your android)
This new Android Game is the first new IP put out by Angry Birds pioneers Rovio. This game is based on Casey’s Contraptions and features physics based puzzles. Amazing Alex takes place in a young boy’s messy house. Each level presents a different physics puzzle that involves cleaning up: you have to put balls in a bin, topple some books, or pop balloons. You then use the objects available to you to solve the puzzle, earning bonuses for each of the three stars you collect.
4. Ninja Fishing (Get it for your android)
This game takes the best elements out of Fruit Ninja and other games and gives you the total package. You can drop your line in the water while avoiding fish. Once you get to the bottom your job is to catch as many as you can. Once your fish are all caught you engage in the slashing of yummy sushi.
5. AutoReader 3D (Get it for your android)
Being able to carry copies of digital books may have made things easier for many of us, but if you read something for hours on end, it won’t take long before you’ve developed a headache and eyestrain. We have different ways of coping. Some of us turn down the brightness level of our mobile devices, while others change the background and the text color. Smarter, savvier Android users will have a different approach to preventing eyestrain; like downloading this app.
6. X-Ray for Android (Get it for your android)
This DARPA-funded app shows you the security holes on your Android device. Don’t be confused though; X-Ray is not an antivirus app, so it won’t attempt to identify malware-ridden apps. Instead, the app looks at the system and identifies the holes that attackers might take advantage of to compromise your Android device. Many of the holes are well-known in the world of security researchers, yet carriers do little to patch them. For instance, the GingerBreak vulnerability, found in Android 2.3 Gingerbread (the most prevalent Android flavor today), is a well-known bug that has been commonly abused by digital wrongdoers for more than 18 months.
7. G Cloud Backup (Get it for your android)
With over 70 million smartphones getting lost every single year and only 7% being actually recovered, we ought to immediately think of a way to protect ourselves and our digital life. For everyone who has coveted the simplicity of the iCloud, the backup software for iOS, here is an app for Android that is not only an equivalent, but as stated by one of the users: it puts the “Smart” in Smartphones. So get it and never worry about losing your phone or having it stolen.
8. Samo Coloring for Kids (Get it for your android)
The Google Play Store doesn’t only make room for apps for grownups but also has a selection of apps for children who are starting to figure out what they can do with their little hands. Letting small children get their hands on coloring materials could turn your walls and furniture into a coloring book disaster. Instead, try an alternative way to develop your child’s artistic side with Samo Coloring for Kids. It’s a simple and intuitive coloring application designed to immerse your child in the world of colors without the danger of accidental purchases common in many other apps since it is Ad-free.
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
Why you need to backup your Smartphone?
Jul 16th
Having so much data on one’s phone would make sense to have a strategic backup plan in case of a worst case scenario, yet how many of us actually do regular backup, or better yet consider losing our data to be of paramount concern? Big companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, as well as mobile carriers such as Verizon and T-Mobile, have been smart enough to have already achieved great leaps in the data storage realm. Yet, both the companies and carriers seem to have a keen interest in centralizing the user experience to keep it trapped within the service provider or OEM device manufacturer. Logically, there isn’t any OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or carrier that would want their customer to stop using the product or service, so it makes perfect sense that they would exploit any means to keep the customer within the service. Manufacturer giants such as Apple and Microsoft have device specific platforms that they only backup to, such as iCloud or Live.com, what this ultimately means is that in the case you would want to switch platforms from iOS to Android; your data would most likely be unavailable, or very difficult to sync. Google is smarter in the sense of taking a more convenient approach, at least if you’ve activated one of their many products such as Gmail and Picasa that would salvage your data. But, have you ever considered, after restoring your data, who really owns it? Ah, yes, it’s a very important question, and I’m sure you would want to keep your data Your Own. So how would you? Having a device-autonomous backup service is imperative in today’s fast paced lifestyle. Product cycles that have an average of 6 months or less, OS platforms that alter almost yearly, the user ought to have the flexibility of switching carriers and manufactures as frequently as products do, and most importantly, the user ought to have the luxury of moving their data from one device to the next. Third-party backup App such as G Cloud comes in handy in the gap left open by the retention driven OEMs and Vendors through providing cloud-based data storage and restoration to any user on any current device, oblivious of the manufacturer or carrier. G Cloud takes it a step further by backing up SMS, call logs, Pictures, Videos, Contacts, Music and documents. Do not wait till you get disappointed and find out you cannot move your beloved data and basically digital life from your current phone to the next best phone ever just because your current manufacturer or carrier do not provide the service. Use the device –autonomous backup to make the transition as smooth as the summer wind!
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
Never worry about losing your Android with this free App!
Jul 11th
With over 70 million smartphones getting lost every single year and only 7% being actually recovered, we ought to immediately think of a way to protect ourselves and our digital life.
For the first time ever, we are introducing a free App for all Android users that effortlessly and seamlessly protects all that is important to you. With G Cloud backup all you have to do is select what you want to include in the backup and you’re done! Just wait for a few moments and you won’t ever have to worry about losing your phone again. Upgrading to a new Android just got a whole lot easier as well!
Long gone are the days when phone backup meant having an SD card; with G Cloud everything is encrypted with supreme security and you won’t have to be burdened with doing anything other than selecting what you want to backup. Point and click and whatever happens to your phone next ( gets lots, stolen, thrown in the garden or simply replaced by a new one) will no longer be of any importance.
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
No socket? No problem
May 27th
How many of us, in this day and age of the smartphones, are struggling with constantly having to charge our beloved device? Long gone are the days when you can charge your phone and forget it for a couple of days, now you’re lucky if you can make it through the day without plugging it in somewhere.
Ted Tewksbury, Chief executive of California-based IDT (Integrated Device Technology), is tackling this issue with the introduction of a new set of microchips that will deliver “contactless charging”.
His vision is getting rid of the conventional phone-charging cables through incorporating existing technology; inductive coupling.
Inductive charging
Inductive charging uses the electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. A charging station sends energy through inductive coupling to an electrical device, which stores the energy in the batteries. Because there is a small gap between the two coils, inductive charging is one kind of short-distance wireless energy transfer. The other kind of charging, direct wired contact (also known as conductive charging or direct coupling) requires direct electrical contact between the batteries and the charger. Conductive charging is achieved by connecting a device to a power source with plug-in wires, such as a docking station, or by moving batteries from a device to charger. Induction chargers typically use an induction coil to create an alternating electromagnetic field from within a charging base station, and a second induction coil in the portable device takes power from the electromagnetic field and converts it back into electrical current to charge the battery. The two induction coils in proximity combine to form an electrical transformer.
So how will this actually work?
Well, imagine instead of having to plug your phone into the wall when the battery runs low, you can simply place it onto the wireless charging surface; which could be either your desk, a cup holder in your car or even the armset of an airplane seat.
IDT hopes to grab a slice of a small but potentially sizeable market for wireless smartphone charging chips that could reach $800 million by 2014.
Tewksbury seems quite confident that if enough phone manufacturers would be willing to take the plunge and build it into the smartphone software, then carand even furniture makers are sure to follow!
Yet it remains ambiguous as to how this new technology will boost cost to both producers and consumers. IDT says, though, that in mass production, the chips by themselves would add less than $2 to the cost of a smartphone.
Wireless charging technology could also be used for laptop computers, digital phones, tablets and MP3 players.
Texas Instruments and other chipmakers are offering competing chips but IDT’s are smaller and cheaper, Tewksbury argues.
“We expect some revenue by the second half of the year,” he said. “By 2014 you can expect IDT will be the market share leader. How much revenue? That will depend on how many other players there are and how fragmented the market becomes.”
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