The CPU is basically the heart or literal core of every smart phone. While other devices thrive on mid range processors that only have to provide power that is optimal for the performance of the device, the same is not to be said about smart phone technology. Much like computers, having a great set of hardware specs from the get go is important for mobile phones. And unlike desktop personal computers that can have parts replaced and updated, the same cannot be said for closed devices such as mobile phones.
In the recently held Qualcomm 2010 Innovation Convention, the chip manufacturing giant confirmed that 2011 will see the next big benchmark in CPU technology, the 1.5 GHz chipset.
At the moment, the current industry standard for the typical high end smart entails having the Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU. This processor is clocked at the speed of 1GHz –which is actually the fastest available mobile phone CPU at the moment. It has been reported that as the end of the year draws closer, faster processors running at 1.2GHz are expected to come out packed in the latest Windows phone 7 devices.
Currently, several upcoming phones such as the HTC HD3, the new Sony Ericsson WP7 handset, and LG’s new phones are predicted to be using new CPU technology (though LG’s CPUs are the NVIDIA based, dual core Tegra).
With 4G technologies slowly becoming established as the new network of choice and the faster 1.5 GHz CPUs about to arrive, it seems that 2011 is quickly building up what might become one of the biggest turning points in the history of mobile handsets.
Of course, the introduction of a new processor is only the first step. With a 1.5 GHz CPU ready and waiting, Qualcomm could also start focusing on creating a dual core version of the CPU. The only thing that is needed now is for manufacturers to improve the life and usability of mobile phone batteries.
Posts Tagged ‘Technology’
Qualcomm Lay Down Plans for 1.5 GHz Processors
Thursday, September 9th, 2010Mobile Phones to Read Sign Language
Friday, August 20th, 2010
Mobile phone technology has grown by leaps and bounds in the past decade. From the original purpose of being able to send and receive calls to its new found capabilities of browsing the internet, recording and uploading HD videos and more, the mobile phone can be truly said to be humanity’s all time favourite gadget.
Even the hearing impaired is successfully able to use mobile phone technology. The use of phones to send instant messages in real time is one of the best ways that mobile phones have changed the way they communicate and have bridged that large gap between those that can understand sign language and those who could barely even grasp the slowest forms of finger spelling.
Of course, communicating among those with hearing impairments have always been through the use of sign language, and while sending instant messages gets the message clearly across; there are those who desire the ability to make use of that front facing camera and the video calling capabilities of the smart phone. Sadly, while it is easy to just prop the device up and be able to stream video in real time, phone camera software is not designed to be able to properly show the gestures and movements used for sign language.
This is why there has been a recent study to develop new phone technology that would be able to detect and focus on sign language. Currently using American Sign Language standards, a team of engineers have been able to successfully develop a mobile phone system for the hearing impaired. The only issue now is to have it tested in real life situations. The technology is said to be successful in a controlled lab environment. However, testing a device in optimum conditions is never enough so it has to be brought out into the field before the technology is made available to consumers.
Apple Takes on NFC for iPhone 5
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Smart phones can be used for a lot of things and according to Apple, it is time that the technology starts playing a more integral part in our lives on a more physical level.
Before, losing a mobile phone was an issue because it contained phone lists, messages and of course, it costs money. These days, losing a phone becomes a bigger issue as it often contains passwords, account information, map details, schedules, and many other private data. Apple is just about to up that ante of losing a phone by adding the keys to the rest of the house and possibly the car as well into the mobile phone.
Enter the concept of NFC technology. This is the same tech that allows for those impressive identification cards that are detected by sheer proximity as opposed to being analyzed visually by ocular scans. While the signals and frequencies used may vary, the idea is the same –a portable item becomes a wireless, non-contact trigger for something else. And that something else is usually a lock to a room, house or, as stated above, a vehicle.
While it is just as easy to lose physical keys as it is to lose a mobile phone, the technology is still not all that safe. Being able to duplicate a key without actually having it on hand is nearly impossible, and short of a wax impression, scanning a key from all angles is the best thing that one can do and even that is hard to pull off with little chance of success.
Wireless technology on the other hand, may make use of encrypted signal technology, but there are far easier ways of circumventing that. This is most probably what Apple is currently working on before they are able to make NFC technology a part of their next iPhone.
Going Green: Nokia’s Cycle Charger
Friday, June 4th, 2010
Nokia is once again proving why they are the top electronics company in Greenpeace’s list.
According to reports, the Finnish company has just finalized their bicycle based mobile phone charger. The concept is simple, as bikers pedal, a dynamo installed in the wheels will gather the energy and convert it to electricity which will then be used to charge a device. It is not really a new concept and it is surprising that it has taken engineers this long before the technology is applied to a viable commercial product. Still, Nokia deserves plenty of credit for actually bringing the device to the market.
Speaking of which, there is no official confirmation of an actual UK release for the new Nokia bike accessory. So far, it has been stated that the product would only be sold in countries where biking is considered to be a primary mode of transport. At this point, it seems that the most likely solution would be to have the charging setup shipped to the UK until such as time that it is available locally on retail.
The whole package is reported to be small, consisting of a small rig that attaches the dynamo to the bike and of course, a sturdy phone holder. Keeping a constant speed of 4 MPH is enough to keep a phone charging and it is said that pedaling for just 10 minutes at a leisurely 6MPH is enough to deliver over 20 minutes of talk time.
Another great thing about the charger is that it is compatible with most Nokia devices. As long as the handset makes use of the regular 2mm charger jack, it will work nicely with the bike charger. Hopefully, adapters for other kinds of chargers will also be released. If Nokia does not bring this technology over, it would be great another company provides it instead.