Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category
Friday, November 19th, 2021
The Sustainability prize for the 2021 James Dyson Award is Plastic Scanner – a low-cost, handheld device to identify plastic for recycling. It was invented by Jerry de Vos from TU Delft.
The low-cost, handheld Plastic Scanner tells you on the spot what type of plastic a product is made of.
Plastic is a lightweight, safe and readily available material which can be used to make long-lasting, durable products.
It has a bad reputation because it is often not thought to be recyclable and so ends up in landfill, or worse on the beach or in our oceans.
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Tags:award, competition, Dyson, education, engineering, environment, medical, recycling, science, Singapore, sustainability
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Awards, Contest, Dyson, Gadgets, gadgets, Technology | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 17th, 2021
The James Dyson Foundation has announced the winners of its James Dyson Award. This is the first time that an entry from Singapore has become the International Winner.
This is the first time in the competition’s 17 years’ history that the International Winner is from Singapore. HOPES from Singapore has bagged the international top prize.
The James Dyson Award, organised by Dyson’s Charity – the James Dyson Foundation, aims to nurture and inspire a new generation of design engineers and inventors.
2021 Global Winners
The three Global Winners are:
The brief is simple – design something that solves a problem.
While the award provides its winners with prize monies that help support the further development of their inventions, it importantly provides them a global platform to share their inventions with the world.
The James Dyson Award has now given nearly £1m in prize money to over 250 promising inventions from young engineers and scientists in 28 countries around the world.
In 2021, the Award received a record number of entries worldwide and Sir James Dyson chose three global winners for the first time, each receiving £30,000 in prize money to support the next stages of their inventions.
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Tags:award, competition, Dyson, education, engineering, science
Posted in Announce, Awards, Contest, Dyson, Education, Medical, Press Release, Tech news, Technology, Tickers | 4 Comments »
Monday, November 15th, 2021
The virtual Center of Excellence will promote smarter and more sustainable urban vegetable farming in Singapore and Asia.
“Signify is committed to bringing more than 80 years of experience in horticulture lighting and our spectrum of science-based lighting solutions to help growers in Asia navigate challenges in indoor farming. The Center of Excellence will act as a one-stop knowledge and expertise resource supporting farmers to move towards sustainable food production,” said Rami Hajjar, Cluster Leader for South-East Asia, Signify.
The center will provide research insights and advanced lighting solutions for growers in Singapore and the region that will help Singapore and Asia produce local, pesticide-free vegetables grown in a sustainable way.
Editor’s Note
It’s great that Signify is bringing its expertise in urban horticulture to this part of the world.
As early as 2014, when Signify was part of Philips, tech4tea.com has been watching their developments in this area.
As a virtual COE, the knowhow will be available not only in Singapore and Asia, but everywhere around the world as well.
Looking forward to its contributions to urban farming in this region and worldwide.
The center is Signify’s first virtual horticultural knowledge-based research center.
It aims to enable urban growers to access knowledge residing with Signify’s teams and specialists, expertise in its proven growth recipes and its portfolio of products and services.
Research insights gathered by Signify’s physical research hubs, the GrowWise Center in Eindhoven and BrightBox in Venlo, since 2015 will also be made available over this virtual center.
More details below from the press release.
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Tags:farming, horticulture, LED, lighting, offices, Philips, Signify, Singapore
Posted in Announce, Launch, newArrivals, Press Release, Signify, Technology | No Comments »
Friday, October 29th, 2021
Three rapidly advancing technologies are driving this collective race towards zero-emission e-mobility: wide-bandgap (WBG) devices, more power-dense batteries, and faster charging capabilities.
In this guest commentary, Hwee Yng Yeo from Keysight Technologies shares her insights into the great EV race.
GaN and SiC wide-bandgap power semiconductors facilitate a host of onboard EV power conversion applications. Image credit: Keysight Technologies.
Since its inception on a paper napkin more than a decade ago, Formula E has evolved rapidly as a motorsport with a mission.
Entertainment aside, this electric streetcar racing’s founding mission is to showcase sustainable mobility to the world, and it has done pretty well.
Editor’s Comments
The Electric Vehicle (EV) is the future of the automotive industry and Tesla has this week just become the first carmaker to be valued at US$1 trillion – the sixth American company to hit a trillion-dollar valuation.
The company is now worth more than the next nine most valuable public carmakers combined.
It’s the only motorsport to have ISO 20121 certification for net zero carbon footprint since its first race in Shanghai in 2014.
Getting the Formula E car into pole-position entails a lot of hardware and software technology to extract maximum efficiency from the electric vehicle’s (EV) powertrain and battery.
For the key automotive OEMs, it’s not just about getting their car across the checkered flag first.
With billions of R&D dollars poured into developing better EVs, the goal of participating automakers goes beyond the championship trophy.
Learnings from these high-intensity races are applied to improve electromobility technologies back in the R&D labs.
Three rapidly advancing technologies are driving this collective race towards zero-emission e-mobility:
- wide-bandgap (WBG) devices
- more power-dense batteries
- faster charging capabilities
Efficient power conversion with WBG devices
A lot of power conversion takes place in the EV.
A DC-DC converter for example, steps down the power from the high-voltage EV battery to 12 V, with further conversions to run onboard systems like lighting, radio, and air-conditioning (see the diagram above).
The author of this article is Hwee Yng Yeo, the industry solutions manager for Automotive and Energy at Keysight Technologies.
WBG devices such as Silicon carbide (SiC) and Gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors are used in transistors to facilitate this power conversion throughout the vehicle.
GaN applications are an emerging technology area, and developers find it hard to validate their design for these high-performance power converters.
Increased frequency and higher power affect the reliability of measurements needed to characterise the device’s performance.
It can be hard to distinguish whether the measured signal is the device’s characteristic or caused by the measurement setup.
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Tags:EV, Keysight, Tech Focus, technology, vehTech
Posted in Automobile, Brief, Business IT, Interview, Keysight, Opinion, Tech Focus, Technology, VehTech | 2 Comments »
Monday, October 25th, 2021
Luno users will be able to transfer funds without intermediary parties or delays, from any local SGD-denominated bank accounts to their cryptocurrency wallets at no fee.
Luno is one of the first in Singapore to officially launch direct SGD bank transfers, enabling $0-fee deposits through local SGD-denominated bank accounts, making digital assets more accessible to new and seasoned investors in Singapore.
Luno, a global cryptocurrency company, is officially launching a direct SGD bank transfer feature, promising a fast, safe and hassle-free way to invest.
Luno offers multiple core features to deliver a seamless experience for new and seasoned investors alike, offering access to popular cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and USD Coin (USDC).
More details below from the press release.
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Tags:app, Bitcoin, Blockchain, crypto, Ethereum, Fintech, ryptocurrency, software, wallet
Posted in Announce, App, Apps, Fintech, Press Release, Software, software | No Comments »
Thursday, October 14th, 2021
Dell Technologies has announced new edge innovations as part of the company’s strategy to build new growth areas that help organisations accelerate their digital transformation. These new solutions and updates were revealed during the 2021 Dell Technologies Summit (13-14 October).
New additions to the Dell Technologies edge portfolio. With 69% of the Fortune 100 already using Dell Technologies edge solutions, the company supports data life cycle needs for what is becoming the next major technology frontier.
The latest edge advancements by Dell Technologies include innovations across its infrastructure and PC portfolio to help organisations simplify deployments and capture more value from data generated and processed outside the traditional data center and public cloud — from rugged and remote locations to retail stores and factory floors.
- Dell EMC VxRail satellite nodes, which extend automation and lifecycle management capabilities to smallest configuration to date for edge workloads.
- Dell Technologies Validated Design for Manufacturing Edge with Litmus, which helps manufacturers make quick decisions to improve quality and reduce costs.
- Dell EMC Edge Gateway, which connects multiple edge devices across operational technology and IT environments to deliver real-time data insights.
- Dell EMC Streaming Data Platform, which optimises GPUs to ingest streaming video and supports real-time analytics on Dell EMC VxRail and PowerEdge systems.
- Dell Latitude Rugged laptops, which can withstand harsh edge environments while maintaining high levels of performance and connectivity.
More details below from the press release.
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Tags:Business IT, DELL, edge, EMC, IDC
Posted in Brief, Business IT, Dell, Enterprise IT, Events, events, Internet of Things, IoT, Online, Press Release | No Comments »
Friday, September 10th, 2021
IoT – or the Internet of Things – has been the buzzword for a while now and businesses are constantly on the lookout for ways to fast track their IoT adoptions and rollouts.
I spoke with Jitender Khurana to find out how a traditional lighting network can be harnessed to rapidly transform a dumb building into a smart IoT-enabled environment.
Jitender Khurana is the Country Head & Managing Director for Singapore and Emerging Markets at Signify. Photo: Signify.
I asked Jitender the key to Signify’s competitive advantage in helping its customers embrace IoT.
Three simple words: “Lighting is ubiquitous,” says Jitender, head honcho for Singapore and Emerging Markets at Signify.
“Lighting is ubiquitous,” says Jitender Khurana, head honcho for Singapore and Emerging Markets at Signify.
But how does that give Signify a leg up in helping businesses embrace IoT more quickly and easily?
Well, the most tedious aspect of rolling out an IoT implementation is typically the deployment of IoT sensors and the network connecting these sensors back to the IoT platform.
Laying the network for both power supply and data tends to be both costly and time-consuming.
For Signify – that network is simply the lighting network that forms the basic infrastructure of any building or facility.
As far as the world leader in lighting is concerned, “Where there’s light(ing), there can be an IoT sensor integrated into the luminaire”.
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Tags:Business IT, horticulture, interviews, IoT, opinion, Philips, Signify, Singapore, sustainability, UVC
Posted in Business IT, Enterprise IT, Internet of Things, Interview, Interview, IoT, Network, Opinion, Philips, Signify, Tech Focus, Technology | 4 Comments »
Monday, September 6th, 2021
Having had to #WorkFromHome for the past year, I decided to liven up the garden with a Philips Hue Lightstrip (Outdoor). It was a fun little project that was quick and easy to set up.
I got myself the 5m version of the Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip.
The Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip is a flexible, weatherproof LED strip that can be bent and shaped to produce your own lighting designs and mood in your garden or patio.
You can also use it indoors although there is a cheaper version (Lightstrip Plus) for indoor usage that’s not weatherproof..
Philips Hue Lightstrip Outdoors (5m)
The Lightstrip comes with a 2-year warranty.
I like that it is weatherproof given the wet and sunny weather in Singapore.
Power consumption is low (37.5W) even though it can put out 1650 lumens.
The rated lifespan is around 10 years (25,000 hrs).
Dimensions: 487 (L) x 1.1 (W) x 2 (H) cm
With its diffused glow, the lightstrip can be used for direct or indirect lighting, and is able to display 16 million colour and 50 shades of gray all shades of white to create your personalised desired effect.
In the box is the lightstrip itself, the weatherproof power supply for plugging into the mains outdoors, as well as clips and screws to fasten the lightstrip onto the ground or wall based on the design you want to shape it to.
The lightstrip itself is quite flexible so if you’re just laying the lightstrip on the ground, I found that I could shape it without using any clips.
The lightstrip comes in 2m (S$209) and 5m (S$339) versions and is part of the Philips Hue line of intelligent lighting products for the home.
#t4tTUCU: Philips Hue Outdoors Lightstrip from Signify – freshly unboxed. Time to add some fun and snazzy (or calm and relaxing) ambience to the garden.
Note that, in order to maximise the use of the lightstrip, you’ll need to have a Philips Hue Bridge (S$89), which is sold separately.
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Tags:deco, Home, Hue, IoT, lifestyle, lighting, lightstrip, Philips, Signify, smart home
Posted in Accessories, Appliances, audioVisual, Decor, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Internet of Things, IoT, Opinion, Outdoors, Philips, Prices, Review, reviews, Signify, Specifications | 6 Comments »
Sunday, September 5th, 2021
Tech-U-Can-Use (TUCU): The Philips Hue Bridge (S$89) is the starting point for anyone thinking of building a smart lighting system for their homes. It is the hub that connects and controls smart lights and accessories from the Philips Hue family of smart lighting products.
The Philips Hue Bridge is the HEART of the Philips Hue home smart lighting.
Since we’re all spending so much time #WorkingFromHome and doing #HomeBasedLearning – thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to turn as much of my dwelling into a smart home.
ZigBee technology
Philips Hue is based on ZigBee, a low-power and reliable technology to control your lights.
Zigbee is a worldwide standard for low power, self-healing, mesh networks offering a complete and interoperable IoT solution for home and building automation.
Zigbee networks can support hundreds of nodes, and have enhanced security features.
There are already Google Home wireless speakers around the home, so the next step is to introduce some nice lighting to enhance the ambience for both work and play.
One of the easiest ways to fix up smart lighting in the home is the Philips Hue bulbs and lights from Signify (foremely Philips Lighting).
The Philips Hue Bridge is the hub to which all the Philips Hue smart lights are connected and through which the Philips Hue App controls those lights.
Philips Hue Bridge – freshly unboxed. Excited to take the first step in setting up a smart lighting system at home.
The Hue Bridge is a compact little box that measures 90.9 x 90.6 x 26 mm and weighs 280g.
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Tags:bridge, hub, Hue, IoT, lifestyle, lighting, networking, Philips, Signify, smart home
Posted in Accessories, audioVisual, Decor, Gadgets, gadgets, Home, Howtos, Internet of Things, IoT, Lifestyle, Network, Philips, reviews, Router, Signify, Utility | 2 Comments »
Monday, August 30th, 2021
Recognised as the fastest 5G network operator in Singapore by Ookla, Singtel showcases more 5G use cases for enterprises and consumers.
During the virtual event, Guest of Honour Josephine Teo, Minister of Communications and Information and IMDA’s Chief Executive Lew Chuen Hong were ‘teleported’ into the venue via Singtel’s 5G network – their high-resolution likeness were beamed from a separate location. The network’s ultra-low latency meant that Minister Teo and Lew could ‘interact’ seamlessly with Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon on the stage at Kallang Studios.
Singtel launched a number of 5G Standalone (SA) use cases today at its ‘Powering Up Singapore With 5G’ event, ramping up efforts in translating its new strategic blueprint of leading in 5G into action.
“Mobile networks and data exchanges are key building blocks for the digital infrastructure. 5G, which promises to be ultra-fast and supports near-zero latency, can change the way we live and work in profound ways, and become essential for the digital developments of the future. Building a digital future is certainly about the hardware, software, systems and standards. It is equally about the people and skills. For that, the Government will continue to invest in reskilling and upskilling our people so that they can achieve not just digital literacy but digital mastery. This way, everyone can benefit from the infrastructure,” said Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, who was the Guest of Honour at the virtual event.
The new use cases span a variety of sectors from entertainment to mobility and bring to life the benefits of 5G by redefining live, work and play experiences with blazing fast speeds and near-instantaneous response times.
Singtel continues to expand its 5G network which now covers over two-thirds of Singapore, adding sites in densely populated areas like Choa Chu Kang, Punggol, Sembawang and Tampines.
In addition, it has expanded its 5G indoor coverage to more major shopping malls island-wide such as Funan, West Mall, Tampines Mall, Northpoint City and Waterway Point.
The arrival of 5G has proved timely against a backdrop of accelerated digital adoption as a result of safe distancing and remote working.
With more people using digital channels to go about their lives, there has been a corresponding increase in demand for fast and reliable connectivity.
This is reflected in a recent Singtel survey, in which the majority of consumers indicated that 5G-enabled services such as augmented reality books and virtual reality entertainment events appeal to them.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:5G, networking, Singapore, SingTel, telcos
Posted in Events, events, Exhibition, Internet, Network, Online, Press Release, SingTel, Technology | 5 Comments »
