Monthly Archives: July 2023

News

Hands On with the Nothing Phone (2)

Video Leave a comment

Nothing just released their new smartphone – the Nothing Phone (2)! The new smartphone comes with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 with 8 or 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. The Nothing Phone (2) is upping the ante with an updated Glyph Interface and even more focus on self-expression in Nothing OS 2.0. The smartphone still comes with a dual camera setup with two 50-megapixel sensors. The Nothing Phone (2) is dropping in Malaysia on July 15, 2023, at CROSSOVER in Mid Valley Megamall.

We’re giving you a first hands-on with the new smartphone and showing you some of the key specifications in our new hands-on video.

PR Newswire

New partnerships and pro-investment reforms announced as tenth Mongolia Economic Forum takes place in Ulaanbaatar

Leave a comment

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, July 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The tenth Mongolia Economic Forum (MEF) continues in Ulaanbaatar today amidst the announcement by the Government of two new bodies to support investment into the country and of new partnerships with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and leading geo-location company What3Words. This also follows the recent upgrading of Mongolia’s projected economic growth in 2023.

The Prime Minister of Mongolia speaks at the 2023 Mongolia Economic Forum in Ulaanbaatar
The Prime Minister of Mongolia speaks at the 2023 Mongolia Economic Forum in Ulaanbaatar

2,200 guests from around the world – including leading representatives from global businesses, the third sector and multilateral organisations – are gathering for this two-day event (9-10 July) to discuss how they can work in partnership with the Mongolian Government to deliver its goal of doubling the country’s GDP by 2030 and establishing Mongolia as a leading country in the region by the middle of the century.

Vision 2050 and the New Recovery Policy announced in 2022 set a clear strategic direction for Mongolia’s sustainable development to inform the Government’s wider policy programme. This direction has enabled rapid progress to date and provides the foundation for the latest round of milestones announced this year at the Forum.

This morning the Government announced the creation of the Private Partnership Centre and the Investment and Trade Agency, to support more investment into the country. The Investment and Trade Agency, for example, will provide ‘a bridge for business in Mongolia‘, providing assistance in the protection of investors’ legitimate rights and interests, helping expand import diversification and to improve the competitiveness of import substituting industries.

In addition, in his keynote address to the Forum this morning, Minister for the Economy and Development and Deputy Prime Minister Khurelbaatar Chimed outlined the opportunities for investment that exist in Mongolia and the Government’s intention to amend the Draft Law on Investment to help facilitate new investment partnerships.

Figures show that the Government’s focus on removing barriers to growth through its US$ 49 billion New Recovery Policy – unveiled in December 2021 – and Vision 2050 blueprint are continuing to deliver results. Following above-forecast growth of 4.8% in 2022 – 1.1% of which was attributable to the New Recovery Policy – and growth of 7.9% in the first quarter of this year, the country’s growth forecast for 2023 has been upgraded from 5% to 6%. The growth forecast for 2024 is now 6.5%.

This growth, particularly following the pandemic, was made possible by working closely with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Through working together, we achieved remarkable vaccination coverage of Mongolians during the pandemic, with 90% of the target group receiving at least the first dose. This helped us end COVID-19 restrictions in February 2022, and ensured that our mortality rate was five times lower than in other countries. We are delighted that Dr Ghebreyesus has been able to attend this year’s MEF.

A key part of our ‘Vision 2050’ plan is fostering a culture of well-being. Since May 2022, the Government has run a campaign to encourage take-up of early screening and diagnosis services, a key milestone in encouraging the proactive management of our people’s healthcare. I am delighted that 1 million citizens have taken part in this initiative so far.

Two announcements of significant new investment in Mongolia have also been made over recent days, underlining the benefits being delivered by the Government’s pro-growth agenda:

  • The Government of Mongolia has entered into an unprecedented alliance with SpaceX, enabling millions of internet users in Mongolia to access high-speed internet through Starlink, particularly benefiting people in rural areas and supporting Mongolia’s digital transformation
  • The Government of Mongolia has also forged new strategic alliances with technology company What3Words, supporting the use of Optical Character Recognition technology to streamline postal services, and enabling the increased visibility of Mongolia’s heritage sites and key tourism spots

The Prime Minister of Mongolia, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, comments:

“I am delighted to welcome guests from around the world to the tenth Mongolia Economic Forum to discuss how we can work in partnership to unlock the economic potential of Mongolia – currently one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

“This follows two major announcements of additional investment in Mongolia, and the commencement of underground production at the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine with Rio Tinto in March, demonstrating Mongolia’s growing attractiveness to international investors.

“Our impressive recovery from the pandemic, supported by the Government’s New Recovery Policy, provides a strong foundation for tackling long-term barriers to sustained high levels of growth. I welcome the opportunity that the Forum provides to discuss how greater collaboration can help us make even more progress in the years ahead.”

This year’s MEF, the tenth since the inaugural Forum in 2010, is being co-hosted by the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rio Tinto Group, Dominic Barton, under the theme of ‘Welcome to Mongolia‘, emphasising the Government’s commitment to offering a warm welcome to visitors to the country whether they’re travelling for business or tourism. In his own keynote address to the Forum this morning, Mr Barton emphasised that the vision, ambition, resource, and talent that Mongolians have can achieve anything, adding that the strong economic conditions of a decade ago had returned to the country.

Highlights of this year’s MEF include:

  • A dedicated ‘MEF Youth’ event, exploring how the talent and potential of the majority of Mongolia’s population who are under thirty years old can be harnessed to help the country benefit from the technological and economic advances of the 21st century
  • Following the Government’s declaration of 2023 as the ‘Year of Anti-Corruption’, a series of events focused on convening experts from key international organisations to discuss how progress to date in this area can be built upon and Mongolia can learn from best practice around the world. This follows the number of cases referred to the courts by the anti-corruption agency that are resolved having risen from 26% in 2019 to 43% in 2022
  • Earlier today, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and leading global environmental organisation The Nature Conservancy announced at MEF the launch later this month of a Conservation Trust Fund (CTF). By establishing a more sustainable system for the financing of conservation projects in Mongolia, the CTF will help Mongolia achieve its sustainable development and climate change goals
  • Four plenary sessions and fifteen sub-sessions on topics as varied as the digital economy, food manufacturing, sustainable growth, urban development and capital markets, are being held

A number of Government Ministers are available for media interviews, including in English. 

PR Newswire

WiMi Hologram Cloud Proposes A New Lightweight Decentralized Application Technical Solution Based on IPFS

Leave a comment

BEIJING, July 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — WiMi Hologram Cloud Inc. (NASDAQ: WIMI) (“WiMi” or the “Company”), a leading global Hologram Augmented Reality (“AR”) Technology provider, today announced a blockchain distributed storage framework that presents a pooling algorithm and inverse process for IPFS-based DAPP schemes. The combination of DAPP with IPFS allows for a lightweight layout. By putting the static resources, data storage layer, distributed database, communication layer, and other parts of DAPP into the IPFS network, the data storage pressure on the chain can be effectively reduced, and the performance and availability of DAPP can be improved. In the implementation process, the IPFS network can be operated through the IPFS API to realize the interaction and communication between DAPP and IPFS.

The IPFS-based DAPP solution proposes a solution for data storage on the blockchain. It can store files and put unique and permanently available IPFS addresses into blockchain transactions. In this way, there is no need to put the space-hogging data on the blockchain. On the other hand, IPFS can also assist various blockchain networks in transferring information and files, thus increasing the scalability of the blockchain. Based on these advantages of IPFS, WiMi designed the main elements of the distributed pool, including the distributed storage phase and the invocation evidence phase.

The evidence phase is called to recover the original image by reversing the distributed pooling operation. After completing the distributed storage phase, it becomes easier to query the corresponding data hash address from the database. The distributed nature of IPFS makes the hash of the address uniquely trusted. Therefore, in the case of trusted nodes, the original data can be recovered using the inverse distributed pooling operation after confirming the correction of node addresses.

WiMi’s DAPP solution effectively solves the problem of insufficient storage space and reduces the cost of storage on the blockchain with the help of IPFS. By accessing the IPFS network, the data on the blockchain will become smaller, and therefore the storage space required by individual nodes will be reduced. Secondly, it greatly improves fault tolerance and can identify data stored in any node. In addition, the scheme can be recovered entirely losslessly, with no data lost from each node. Even if some information is lost, it can be retrieved proportionately to the information retained, which is helpful for excellent application capabilities.

With the rapid development of blockchain technology in these years, DAPP is also developing rapidly and will be the leading force in the application market. WiMi’s solution has significant market advantages and opportunities:

1. Reduced data storage cost: IPFS can be used as the distributed storage layer of DAPP, and the data will be stored in the IPFS network in a decentralized manner, which can reduce data storage costs and improve the availability and stability of DAPP.

2. Improved data access speed: Static resources in DAPP can be stored in the IPFS network, and you can locate these resources through IPFS Hash. This can improve the data access speed and reduce the data storage pressure of DAPP on the chain.

3. Improved data privacy: IPFS uses distributed storage, which allows data to be stored on multiple nodes, enhancing data privacy and reducing the risk of data leakage.

4. Better development experience: Using IPFS allows developers to focus more on developing business logic during the development of DAPP without paying too much attention to the implementation and maintenance of infrastructure, thus improving development efficiency and development experience.

With the popularity of decentralized applications and the development of blockchain technology, WiMi’s technical solution can bring a better experience and services to various participants in the blockchain ecosystem (such as users, developers, enterprises, etc.). At the same time, it also provides a better technical basis for developing new types of decentralized applications. WiMi’s lightweight advantage can bring many benefits and market opportunities, including reducing data storage costs, increasing data access speed, improving data privacy, providing a better development experience, and opening up new market opportunities.

About WIMI Hologram Cloud

WIMI Hologram Cloud, Inc. (NASDAQ:WIMI) is a holographic cloud comprehensive technical solution provider that focuses on professional areas including holographic AR automotive HUD software, 3D holographic pulse LiDAR, head-mounted light field holographic equipment, holographic semiconductor, holographic cloud software, holographic car navigation and others. Its services and holographic AR technologies include holographic AR automotive application, 3D holographic pulse LiDAR technology, holographic vision semiconductor technology, holographic software development, holographic AR advertising technology, holographic AR entertainment technology, holographic ARSDK payment, interactive holographic communication and other holographic AR technologies.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release and the Company’s strategic and operational plans contain forward−looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward−looking statements in its periodic reports to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Forms 20−F and 6−K, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases, and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Several factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward−looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development, financial condition, and results of operations; the expected growth of the AR holographic industry; and the Company’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services.

Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F and the current report on Form 6-K and other documents filed with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement except as required under applicable laws.

Source: WiMi Hologram Cloud Inc.

Android, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Nothing Phone (2) has Launched – All-Around Better

Leave a comment

The first-generation Nothing Phone (1) launched with not too much fanfare. But it did attract a lot of attention with its bold transparent design and all the LEDs that lights the back of the device up like nothing we have ever seen before. The LED lights and the different combinations you can get with the LEDs can be used as notification indicators for different apps. In regular devices with LEDs,

The Nothing Phone (1) did not pack hardware that is worth shouting about though. It made and sold squarely in the mid-range smartphone segment category. Still, the mid-range smartphone segment is currently the most competitive segment of the industry, even more so than the flagship segment. Innovation in the segment does not come in the form of powerful hardware or Megapixel on cameras. Innovation in this market is offering the more creative solution to common problems, offering flagship smartphone experiences, while ensuring that the device itself is still affordable and accessible to general users. That was the Nothing Phone tough, an innovative mid-range offering that ticks all of the boxes of a smartphone and even more with its unique approach to design. The Nothing Phone (2) that just launched continues that design philosophy.

  • KV ALAK 010
    Source: Nothing
  • ELEV ALAK 150
    Source: Nothing
  • ELEV ALAK 060
    Source: Nothing
  • ELEV ALAK 050
    Source: Nothing
  • BA ALAK 205.1031
    Source: Nothing
  • BA ALAK 205.1001
    Source: Nothing

The Nothing Phone (2) follows almost the same recipe that made the first Nothing Phone a great success. It has innovative transparent design, and an updated hardware that is still no slouch in anyway you look at it. Everything is better than before though on the new Phone (2).

For starters, you get a flagship class Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 system on a chip (SoC) that is still a relevant chipset today, even with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Paired up with a 12GB RAM and up to 512GB of storage, you are getting flagship levels of performance. All that keeps the Nothing OS 2.0 based on Android 13 running smoothly on the 6.7-inch OLED LTPO display boasting up to 120hz in refresh rate. They also say that the new interface is twice faster to start up than the older interface on the older device.

Out the back is a dual camera set up that offers 50-Megapixel photos on both ends. Of course, one is a regular wide camera offering 24mm in focal length, while the other is an Ultra-Wide shooter that should offer you more creative freedom when the photography bug hits you. Out the front is a 32-Megapixel shooter for clearer selfies or better-looking video calls. With the new interface, the camera also gets a few extra features like Advanced HDR and Motion Capture 2.0. The new 50-Megapixel main shooter also offers an advanced 18-bit Image Signal Processor that allows the Nothing Phone (2) to process up to 4,000 times more data than the first-generation Nothing Phone offering better accuracy in both photos and videos. Its combined Electronic (EIS) and Optical (OIS) image stabilizers allows you to record smooth 4K videos at 60fps.

ELEV ALAK 060
Source: Nothing

Underneath the transparent body is a large 4,700 mAh battery that offers an entire day of battery life or more depending on your use case. When you do run out, charging it to 50% takes just 20 minutes. You can even charge it wirelessly if you want to.

The unique aspect of the Nothing Phone (2) is still the iconic Glyph Interface inherited from the first Nothing Phone. They have improved the Glyph Interface for the second-generation Nothing flagship smartphone though. There are more LED segments than before, allowing better customizability and even more options for users. It can also work as a countdown timer for anything from rides via a hailing service, or delivery progress. Of course, that also means that the Glyph Interface now works as a timer too. You can even check your smartphone’s volume just via the LEDs out the back. There is a new algorithm called the Essential Glyph Notifications where you can still receive notifications from select apps or even contacts. The top-right LED segment will be kept on until you address the notifications or calls. There is also something called the Glyph Composer now where you can personalize the smartphone experience by creating your own personalized Glyph Ringtones.

Availability and Price

The Nothing Phone (2) will be available in Malaysia 22nd of July 2023 onward from Nothing’s official online stores on Shopee and Lazada, along with Nothing’s authorized retailers across the nation. You can choose between two colours, however the most affordable 8GB + 128GB option is only available in black colour option. For the White colour option, you only get to choose between a 12GB + 256GB offering or a 12GB + 512GB variant. There are no mentions of its official pricing in Malaysia just yet. It will be available in select markets 17th of July 2023 onward forwith prices starting from US$ 599 (MYR 2,786*). Based on that, you can expect the Nothing Phone (2) to be priced north of MYR 2,500 onward. More on the Nothing Phone (2) can be found on their website.

*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.65 as of 12/07/2023 on xe.com

PR Newswire

Nothing Introduces Phone (2)

Leave a comment

Phone (2) evolves the smartphone experience to be more mindful and intentional, while delivering best-in-class features

BANGKOK, July 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Nothing today announced Phone (2), its highly anticipated second-generation flagship smartphone. Engineered to make smartphone usage more mindful, Phone (2) introduces the new Glyph Interface at the back, enabling users to minimize screen interactions by accessing key information at a glance. It also features a revamped Nothing OS 2.0, rooted in utility and designed to reduce distractions, while delivering a fast and smooth experience that embodies Nothing’s unique aesthetics. Powered by the top-of-the-line Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, Phone (2) delivers Nothing’s most premium smartphone experience to date, boasting a powerful 50MP dual rear camera with advanced algorithms for true-to-life photography, and a stunning 6.7-inch OLED display with LTPO.

Phone (2) evolves the smartphone experience to be more mindful and intentional, while delivering best-in-class features
Phone (2) evolves the smartphone experience to be more mindful and intentional, while delivering best-in-class features

“With Phone (2), we deliver top-notch features while encouraging more intentional smartphone usage through hardware and software design innovation,” said Carl Pei, CEO and Co-founder of Nothing. “The smartphone is a vital tool in our lives, but it has increasingly become a distracting force, making us less present and less creative.”

Iconic Design

Nothing has meticulously engineered Phone (2) with obsessive attention to detail, delivering a refined version of its first-generation smartphone, Phone (1). Phone (2) showcases enhanced aesthetics, achieved through a harmonized and symmetrical design approach that carefully considers the shapes, colors, positioning, and texture of each component. Additionally, the device provides a more ergonomic hands-on experience with a 1 mm thinner midframe and a pillowed glass back.

New Glyph Interface

A keystone of Nothing smartphone design, the Glyph Interface was designed to encourage users to be more present in their everyday life, by providing essential information without the constant need to look at the screen. Additionally, users have the ability to assign personalized light and sound sequences to contacts and apps, allowing them to stay one step ahead of incoming notifications.

Nothing has enhanced its signature Glyph Interface on Phone (2) by increasing the number of LED segments to allow for greater customizability and functionality. The Glyph Interface can now serve as a visual countdown and progress tracker for ride or delivery services. It also offers additional functionalities such as a volume checker, and timer. With Essential Glyph Notifications, users can stay focused without missing what matters the most. When receiving a notification from selected contacts or apps, the top-right LED segment will remain on until it has been addressed.

Through the new Glyph Composer, users can personalize their experience further by creating their own unique Glyph Ringtones.

Nothing OS 2.0

Driven by a desire to reduce distractions and encourage intentional smartphone use, Nothing OS delivers a fast and smooth user experience rooted in utility, while embodying Nothing’s design aesthetics.

With a new monochrome layout and the possibility to remove app labels, Nothing OS 2.0 allows users to be more intentional when navigating their device by removing cues that have been optimized to grab attention. Nothing has reimagined home and lock screen utility with widgets so users can access key functions without having to even open their apps. Nothing OS 2.0 empowers users to customize grid design, widget size, and color themes, while introducing new folder layouts and illustrated covers.

Committed to providing a fast and smooth user experience first and foremost, Nothing has optimized its software, making app opening speed on Phone (2) up to twice as fast as that of Phone (1), while refining over 500 transitions and animations.

Powerful Camera Upgrades

Phone (2) offers Nothing’s most premium smartphone camera experience to date, featuring a 32 MP front camera, and a dual rear camera system that has two advanced 50 MP sensors, with a main sensor upgraded to the Sony IMX890.

Equipped with an advanced 18-bit Image Signal Processor (ISP), Phone (2) has the ability to process camera data up to 4,000 times more than its predecessor, Phone (1). This empowers Phone (2) to leverage cutting-edge algorithms, resulting in incredible levels of accuracy for both photos and videos. Capturing three times more data than before, the new Advanced HDR algorithm takes eight frames with varying exposure levels within the RAW domain of the sensor. This enables it to preserve an abundance of intricate details in each frame, ultimately merging them to produce a final image that captures the most true-to-life result. To further enhance the camera experience, Motion Capture 2.0, an advanced AI-based technology, facilitates real-time identification of moving subjects to ensure precise focus on all crucial details in a frame.

Phone (2) elevates video recording capabilities with stunning 4K resolution at 60fps on the main rear camera. The experience is further enhanced by Action Mode, ensuring seamless filming even while on the move. With built-in EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), users can expect flawlessly smooth results. Additionally, the front camera enables captivating self-recording in immersive 1080P at 60fps.

Premium Performance

Phone (2) delivers an entirely elevated experience. Packed with the Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform and 4700 mAh battery, Phone (2) delivers a fast performance and lasting battery life to power users through their everyday lives. Users can charge fast and wirelessly, reaching 50% power in just under 20 minutes of fast wired charging.

Featuring Nothing’s most premium smartphone display to date, Phone (2) offers an edge-to-edge 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with adaptive refresh rate from 120hz to 1z to ensure optimal power consumption and peak performance, without compromising on battery life.

Sustainability

Phone (2) marks the cumulation of the company’s ongoing sustainability initiatives. Despite incorporating more advanced features and components compared to its predecessor, Phone (2) achieves a 5 kg reduction of CO2, exemplifying Nothing’s ongoing commitment to sustainability across the years. The following key initiatives have contributed to this achievement:

  • 100% recycled aluminum mid-frame, buttons, and SIM tray tip.
  • 80% of plastic parts made from recycled and bio-based materials.
  • 100% recycled tin used on 9 circuit boards.
  • 100% recycled copper foils used for the main board.
  • Over 90% recycled steel used for all 28 steel stamping parts.
  • Zero waste from the assembling process ends up in landfills.
  • 100% renewable energy used across the final assembly plant and the recycled aluminum production plant.
  • FSC MIX certified (The Forest Stewardship Council) plastic-free packaging with over 60% recycled fiber.

Availability and Pricing

  • Phone (2) is available in both white and dark gray, with two variants to choose from: 12GB/256GB (24,990THB) and 12GB/512GB (27,990THB)
  • In Thailand, users will have the chance to be amongst the first in the world to purchase Phone (2), as well as get some exclusive perks and offers available on a first come first served basis. Full details are below:
    • Address: Carnival Siam Square
    • Opening hours: 11.00 (GMT+7)
    • Date: Saturday, July 15th
  • Customers in Thailand will be able to pre-order Phone (2) beginning on Monday, July 17th at dotlife Website and Shopee Nothing Official Store.
  • Phone (2) will be publicly available in Thailand on Saturday, July 22nd at dotlife stores.

A full list of specifications and features can be found on nothing.tech. To stay updated on all the latest information, please follow Nothing on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

About Nothing

Nothing is here to make tech fun again. Founded in 2020, their debut smartphone, Phone (1), made Time Magazine’s prestigious “Best Inventions of 2022”. Through cutting-edge design and user interface innovation, the London-based company is creating an alternative ecosystem of tech products for the young and creative. Nothing’s products are developed in close collaboration with their community, which includes over 8,000 private investors, and are crafted with sustainability at the forefront.

Phone (2) assets

PR Newswire

Arasan’s MIPI CSI-2 IP achieves ISO26262 ASIL-C Certification for MIPI C-PHY Connectivity

Leave a comment

Arasan announces the ISO26262 ASIL-C functional certification of its latest MIPI CSI IP supporting MIPI D-PHY and C-PHY v2.0 speeds of upto 54.72Gbps 

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Arasan, a leading provider of mobile storage and connectivity IP solutions, is proud to announce the ISO26262 ASIL-C functional certification for its latest MIPI CSI-2 IP. This certification applies to Arasan’s MIPI CSI IP, which seamlessly integrates with its MIPI C-PHY IP and D-PHY IP, enabling speeds of up to 54.72Gbps in C-PHY mode.

The ISO26262 ASIL-C certification signifies that Arasan’s CSI-2 IP meets the stringent safety requirements for automotive System-on-Chips (SoCs). Additionally, the certification extends its usability to defense, aircraft, and other industries where the CSI-2 IP, with its wider bus, can be employed on FPGA together with the built-in D-PHY or Arasan’s C-PHY ASIC.

Arasan’s commitment to safety compliance is further demonstrated by the ISO26262 ASIL-C certification. The company’s IP has been extensively utilized in multiple protocol analyzers, lab-based compliance testers, and high-volume production testers for assessing MIPI protocol compliance.

Imaging companies seeking to develop prototypes or limited production quantities of high-resolution camera products can license Arasan’s CSI IP in conjunction with the MIPI C-PHY/D-PHY Combo ASIC.

Apart from the MIPI CSI-2 IP, Arasan offers a comprehensive portfolio of IP solutions for automotive SoCs, including Ethernet, CAN FD/XL, and USB.

The ISO26262 ASIL-C certified MIPI CSI-2 IP is readily available for licensing, catering to both SoC and FPGA applications. Customers licensing Arasan’s CSI Controller IP can be assured of its compliance with specifications, instilling confidence in its usage for testing compliance.

About Arasan:

Arasan Chip Systems has been an active member of the MIPI Association since 2005, providing IP solutions for mobile storage and connectivity interfaces. With over a billion chips shipped incorporating Arasan’s MIPI IP, the company has established a reputation for delivering high-quality, silicon-proven Total IP Solutions, encompassing digital IP, AMS PHY IP, Verification IP, HDK, and Software. Arasan’s focus lies in mobile SoCs, which have evolved to encompass a wide range of applications, from PDAs in the mid-’90s to today’s automobiles, drones, and IoT devices. Arasan remains at the forefront of this “Mobile” evolution, providing standards-based IP that forms the foundation of Mobile SoCs.

Press Contact:
Bonnie Noufer
bonnie.noufer@arasan.com 

Source: Arasan Chip Systems, Inc.

PR Newswire

Sojern Acquires VenueLytics to Bolster its Platform for the Hospitality Industry

Leave a comment

SAN FRANCISCO, July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Sojern, the leading travel marketing platform, today announced the acquisition of VenueLytics, the hospitality industry’s most integrated guest experience platform serving independent hotels, resorts, chains and casinos. Sojern will incorporate VenueLytics’ capabilities as an extension of the Sojern Travel Marketing Platform.

Logo, no tagline
Logo, no tagline

Sojern has long been a direct bookings driver for hotels—providing comprehensive digital advertising solutions that help travel marketers find, attract and convert new travelers, re-activate existing guests to build loyalty, and maximize net revenue per available room (RevPAR). This acquisition expands Sojern’s Travel Marketing Platform to engage across the entire guest journey with VenueLytics’ cutting-edge technology that includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered virtual concierge, real-time guest feedback and digital reputation management tools, and a guest marketing suite for email and text promotions. VenueLytics’ solutions help marketing, operations, and front-desk teams better serve their guests with less resources required, drive incremental revenue, and maximize profit. With these additional features, Sojern can now help marketers find, attract, convert and engage travelers throughout their journey.

“This is an exciting step forward for our customers as we can empower hoteliers beyond advertising alone, expanding our offerings to be a true end-to-end marketing platform,” said Mark Rabe, CEO of Sojern. “We are dedicated to providing the travel industry with innovative solutions that leverage data, AI and technology to drive results. VenueLytics’ expertise in analyzing, unifying and activating data from various hotel management and marketing systems will allow Sojern to deepen our relationships in hospitality. This addition helps us to advance toward becoming the travel marketing platform.”

One of VenueLytics key customers is Grupo Posadas, the largest hotel company in Mexico with over 180 resorts and hotels. Posadas Director of Quality, Standards and Innovation, Leslie Gomez, commented, “By using VenueLytics AI Concierge throughout the guest journey, Posadas has increased Ancillary Revenue with more than 53K requests over the last 9 months. Our guests satisfaction improved more than 19 percentage points (pp) in NPS (Net Promoter Score) from the guests who had contact with our digital concierge experience.”

By extending its platform with VenueLytics, Sojern can now support hotel marketers with an all-in-one platform that drives guests directly to a property, enables upsell mid-stay, remarketing post-stay, and builds long term loyalty. In addition to the multichannel offerings of Sojern, VenueLytics provides the ability to engage customers in an expanded multichannel network that includes SMS, Email, WiFi, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, ChatBot, Alexa, Google Home and other social media and third party apps. This allows Sojern to expand into generative AI with cutting edge tools to drive and optimize booking value for hotels.

VenueLytics Co-Founder and CEO Baskar Manivannan commented, “We have partnered with Sojern for more than a year, and joining forces will strengthen our customer base and reputation while enabling us to offer the hospitality and travel industry a wider and timely range of solutions. With AI, data analytics and personalized multichannel guest engagement at the backbone of what we do, we have a shared vision to empower hotels around the world to drive profitability, and truly elevate guest experience and satisfaction.”

Last month, Sojern announced the latest version of its Sojern Travel Marketing Platform with enhanced AI powered audiences. With this acquisition, it further demonstrates the company’s rigor and success at integrating new technology and scaling it globally. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Sojern has reported previously that it is profitable, has driven more than $10 billion in global travel bookings, and serves over 10,000 customers annually around the world leveraging its long-standing AI capabilities.

The acquisition will deepen Sojern’s hotel expertise in North America where VenueLytics has been focused. VenueLytics will now be able to support the global hospitality industry as an extension of the Sojern Travel Marketing Platform. To learn more about how this acquisition can benefit your travel marketing campaigns, please visit Sojern’s website.

About Sojern
Sojern is a leading digital marketing platform built for travel marketers. Powered by artificial intelligence and traveler intent data, Sojern provides multichannel marketing solutions to drive direct demand. More than 10,000 hotels, attractions, tourism boards, and travel marketers rely on Sojern annually to engage and convert travelers around the world.

Logo – https://techent.tv/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sojern-acquires-venuelytics-to-bolster-its-platform-for-the-hospitality-industry.jpg

iOS, Mobile, News

Apple Releases a Rapid Security Response update to the iOS 16.5.1. Why? Security Reasons, obviously.

Leave a comment

Apple has updated its latest iOS 16 to version iOS 16.5 rather recently. Even more recently, they have just released the 16.5.1 version of the iOS 16.5. Apparently, they have just updated the 16.5.1 again. While being only a 2.7MB update, it is a critical one.

Apple labels this as one of their Rapid Security Response updates for their software. Alongside the Apple iPhone, the iPad is also getting the Rapid Security Response for the iPadOS 16.5.1. As per the release notes, the iOS 16.5.1(a) update is available for iPhones with iOS 16.5.1. But it is not just the iPhone and iPad that is getting a security update. At the same time, Apple is releasing security updates for MacOS Ventura [13.4.1 (a)] and Safari (16.5.2).

The thing about Apple’s security updates is that they can be rather vague in their description. According to their release notes, the update addresses “web content processing that may lead to arbitrary code execution”. According to Apple as well, there has been reports on the issue being heavily exploited, hence the need for iOS 16.5.1 (a) update. The release notes says that the update will bring “improved checks” to address the issue, whatever that means.

Rapid Security Response updates are important updates, they tend to patch security issues that has been reported or found. That also means that it is recommended that users on the latest iOS to check for their updates if they have not been updated yet. It is a relatively small update too, which also means that you might not have too much trouble or too long of a downtime with your iPhone when you do update your device. Once updated, your iPhone will request that you restart your device. Once you do so, your device should display iOS 16.5.1 (a) instead of the regular iOS 16.5.1 when you check its software version.

PR Newswire

MediaTek Diversifies Mobile Offerings with Dimensity 6000 Series for Mainstream 5G Devices

Leave a comment

The new Dimensity 6100+ chipset makes advanced 5G connectivity more accessible while offering improved features

HSINCHU, July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — MediaTek today officially launched its new Dimensity 6000 series along with a chipset designed to enhance the next generation of mainstream 5G devices. The Dimensity 6100+ SoC delivers premium features—including exceptional power efficiency, vivid displays, high frame rates, AI-powered camera technologies, leading low power consumption, and reliable Sub-6 5G connectivity—at an accessible price point.

“As developing markets continue rolling out 5G networks at a rapid pace and operators in developed markets work to finish transitioning consumers from 4G LTE to 5G, there has never been a more vital need for chipsets that cater to the growing number of mainstream mobile devices that feature next-generation connectivity,” said CH Chen, Deputy General Manager of MediaTek’s Wireless Communications Business Unit. “The MediaTek Dimensity 6000 series makes it possible for device makers to stay ahead of the curve with impressive upgrades that boost performance, increase power efficiency and reduce material costs.”

The Dimensity 6100+ integrates an enhanced 5G modem supporting 3GPP Release 16 standard with up to 140MHz 2CC 5G Carrier Aggregation, significantly reducing power consumption contributed by MediaTek UltraSave 3.0+ technology. This chip features two Arm Cortex-A76 big cores and six Arm Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, offering notable enhancements, including support for AI-powered cameras, 10-bit displays, outstanding UX and GPU performance, and rich peripheral features.

Other key features of the Dimensity 6100+ chipset include:

  • Up to 108MP Non-ZSL camera support.
  • Up to 2K 30fps video capture.
  • UltraSave 3.0+ technology offers 20% reduced 5G power consumption compared to competitive solutions.
  • Powerful camera features including AI-bokeh for stunning portraits and selfies; working with Arcsoft, MediaTek is also bringing AI-color technology to mainstream devices so users can showcase their creativity.
  • Premium 10-bit display support: Reproduces more than one billion colors for vibrant images and videos, along with support for 90Hz to 120Hz frame rates for a smooth user experience.

MediaTek’s broad 5G portfolio expands across different price tiers to make great mobile experiences more accessible. The Dimensity 9000 series is designed for flagship smartphones and tablets; the Dimensity 8000 family is geared for premium mobile devices; and the Dimensity 7000 lineup expands the company’s range of high-tech devices. The new Dimensity 6000 series will now democratize higher-end features to mainstream 5G devices.

The first smartphones featuring the Dimensity 6100+ chipset will be available in the third quarter of 2023.

To learn more about MediaTek’s mobile platform, please visit: https://i.mediatek.com/mediatek-5g.

About MediaTek Inc.

MediaTek Incorporated (TWSE: 2454) is a global fabless semiconductor company that enables nearly 2 billion connected devices a year. We are a market leader in developing innovative systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products. Our dedication to innovation has positioned us as a driving market force in several key technology areas, including highly power-efficient mobile technologies, automotive solutions and a broad range of advanced multimedia products such as smartphones, tablets, digital televisions, 5G, Voice Assistant Devices (VAD) and wearables. MediaTek empowers and inspires people to expand their horizons and achieve their goals through smart technology, more easily and efficiently than ever before. We work with the brands you love to make great technology accessible to everyone, and it drives everything we do. Visit www.mediatek.com for more information. 

MediaTek Press Office:

PR@mediatek.com
Kevin Keating, MediaTek
+1- 206-321-7295
10188 Telesis Ct #500, San Diego, CA 92121, USA

Source: MediaTek Inc.

PR Newswire

Cleaning Appliance Innovator INSE Achieves Record-Breaking H1 Performance with 200% YoY Growth in Sales

Leave a comment

SEATTLE, July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — INSE, a home-cleaning solution expert behind some of the most popular cordless vacuum cleaners on Amazon, is proud to announce that the company recorded a remarkable sales performance in the first half of 2023, pushing its H1 closing figure to an unprecedented height with a whopping 200% year-on-year growth. The new milestone offers another testament to the INSE’s commitment to innovation-focused and customer-centric philosophy for product design which has allowed the company to amass a strong following worldwide since the brand was launched in 2019.

Cleaning Appliance Innovator INSE Achieves Record-Breaking H1 Performance with 200% YoY Growth in Sales
Cleaning Appliance Innovator INSE Achieves Record-Breaking H1 Performance with 200% YoY Growth in Sales

“Beyond 2023, INSE has witnessed rapid and consistent growth over the past three years, a result of our unremitting pursuit of developing high-quality and feature-rich products. Our customer-centric business strategy means making products that not only meet but exceed users’ expectations and prioritizing functionality upgrades over marketing hype, allowing our customers to enjoy premium vacuum cleaners without premium costs. With our customer-first principle, we anticipate our next accomplishment as we continue to strengthen connections with global customers by addressing their needs,” said Harry Li, CEO of INSE.

INSE saw significant growth on Amazon in five months to June 2023, with sales volume surging by over 200% compared to the last year. The sales revenue also clocked increments at about 2 times for the same period. Meanwhile, INSE also achieved a 2.1-fold increase in total sales volume and a 2.2-fold rise in total sales revenue from January to May, both of which smashed its previous records.

Starting with a humble beginning yet an ambitious goal to revolutionize home-cleaning chores, INSE now has been named one of the highest-selling brands in Amazon’s household cleaning category, topping North America’s chart as the most popular store on the online marketplace for three consecutive years. Over one million units were sold in the first year, with N5, a powerful handheld cleaner featuring an extra-large dustbin, and N6, and 6-in-1 cordless vacuum equipped with a lightweight design and upgraded motor, being among the best-sellers of the brand.

INSE’s quick rise to its success is down to its relentless focus on one simple question – how to elevate user experience while offering unbeatable prices. Aiming to address customers’ pain points directly, INSE draws inspiration from user feedback and becomes one of the first vacuum manufacturers to introduce cleaners that come with an extendable pole. INSE has also helped trim down product prices for customers by developing a more compact package solution that reduces delivery costs. To maximize convenience, INSE packs its cleaners with innovative features and tools to expand their versatility and deliver effortless deep-cleaning for every corner of a home, even hard-to-reach corners.

To simplify users’ cleaning regime, INSE has also embarked on a series of R&D endeavors that target issues such as vacuum storage and pet hair removal. Last year, INSE developed its first universal stand for vacuum cleaners which addresses the cons and includes the pros of its predecessors in the market to help users save space. For households who are seeking simple tools to keep surfaces free of pet hair, INSE engineered a vacuum head featuring a brush roller that prevents tangles and clogs, paired with a larger vacuum dustbin that frees users from the frequent chores of bin emptying and cleaning.

About INSE

Founded in 2019, INSE is a cutting-edge technology company focused on the development and production of high-quality cleaning appliances. The INSE product development team boasts over a decade of experience in product research and development, having participated in designing and developing products for several well-known cleaning brands. The products they have developed and designed have sold more than 8 million units in total. As experts in this field, INSE’s mission is to provide the best cleaning experience for consumers at affordable prices, driving the cleaning industry forward with our innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Learn more on:
Website: www.inselife.com