Archive for October, 2021
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 »
Thursday, October 28th, 2021
Huawei unveils the MateBook 14s, Watch GT 3 and nova 9 during its APAC Autumn Product Launch online. The MateBook 14s and Watch GT 3 will hit Singapore shelves soon but there are currently no plans to bring the nova 9 to Singapore. Prices TBA.
The Huawei MateBook 14s and Watch GT 3 will hit Singapore shelves soon but there are currently no plans to bring the nova 9 to Singapore.
The Huawei MateBook 14s features a sleek and portable body frame, weighing approximately at 1.43kg.
It has a 2520 x 1680, 213 ppi Huawei FullView Display and a 90 Hz refresh rate with a ratio of 3:2, to create an immersive visual experience.
Kevin Ho, Chief Operating Officer of Huawei Consumer Business Group, presented the opening speech for the
Huawei APAC Autumn Product Launch.Ho shared that Huawei has continued to strengthen its efforts in consumer business and has gained 730 million users worldwide to date, and connected with more than 1 billion devices.
Ho also said that Huawei will continue to bring the most innovative, intelligent and trendy products to the market.
Powered by the 11th Generation Intel Core processors, the Huawei MateBook 14s is capable of handling intensive tasks and multi-tasking needs.
Delivering an upgraded, more powerful, and convenient user experience, the new Huawei Watch GT 3 is more dynamic and intelligent.
On top of its fashionable appearance, comprehensive upgrades, and new interface design, it also comes with accurate health and fitness monitoring with TruSeenTM 5.0+, 14-day battery life with new design, and an Intelligent Dynamic Adjustment Plan.
Huawei nova series aims to be the most popular smartphone for young people.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:events, Huawei, MateBook, new arrivals, notebooks, nova, smartphones, unveil, Watch, watches, wearables
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Events, events, fitness watches, Gadgets, HarmonyOS, Huawei, newArrivals, Notebooks, notebooks, Online, Phones, Press Release, smartphones, smartwatches, Specifications, Watches | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, October 27th, 2021
The Yubico “Security Key C NFC” (US$29) is the latest keey to join the Security Key Series.
The new Security Key C NFC key from Yubico.
The blue Security Key C NFC offers FIDO-only support in a USB-C form factor with NFC capabilities.
It provides enhanced, modern security for applications, services, and user accounts for both desktop and mobile authentication.
(more…)
Tags:accessories, security, Yubico
Posted in Accessories, Availability, Gadgets, gadgets, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Security, Specifications | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 26th, 2021
Fujifilm Business Innovation (previously Fuji Xerox) launches the ApeosWide 3030/6050 monochrome wide-format multifunction printers with three new products under two models for scanning and printing A0 size drawings with enhanced security functions to prevent leakage of confidential drawings.
The new ApeosWide 3030/6050 monochrome wide-format multifunction printers from Fujifilm Business Innovation support secure scanning and printing for engineering drawings in the manufacturing, construction and facility management industries.
The ApeosWide 3030/6050 multifunction printers with its existing security print and copy management are equipped with robust network security functions with the latest version of the network security standard – Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.3), which provides a stronger encryption for network communications.
(more…)
Tags:Business IT, Fuji Xerox, Fujifilm BI, MFC, new arrivals, printers, Singapore
Posted in Announce, Availability, Business IT, Enterprise IT, Fax, Fuji Xerox, Fujifilm, Gadgets, gadgets, Launch, Multi-function printer, newArrivals, Press Release, Printers, printers, Scanners, Specifications | No 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.
(more…)
Tags:app, Bitcoin, Blockchain, crypto, Ethereum, Fintech, ryptocurrency, software, wallet
Posted in Announce, App, Apps, Fintech, Press Release, Software, software | No Comments »
Saturday, October 23rd, 2021
The AGON 4 Series comes in three different sizes: 24.5-inch, 27-inch and 31.5-inch and is targeted at professional and enthusiast gamers. Prices below.
The new AGON 4 series gaming monitor has received industry acclaim achieving the Red Dot Design Award.
The AGON 4 Series expands AOC’s flagship AGON Pro lineup of gaming monitors.
The AGON 4 Series uses fast IPS panels and offers a 1.0ms response time (GTG), VESA Display HDR certification, logo projection and lighting effects.
More details below from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:AGON, AOC, gaming, monitors, new arrivals, Singapore
Posted in Announce, audioVisual, Entertainment, Gadgets, gadgets, Gaming, Gaming, Monitors, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
Friday, October 22nd, 2021
Sony has announced the new Alpha 7IV (available in Dec 2021) with 33-megapixel full-frame sensor, as well as two new flashes (late Nov 2021): HVL-F60RM2 and HVL-f46RM. Prices TBA.
Sony positions the Alpha 7 IV as the “perfect all-around camera for today’s imaging enthusiasts and professionals who shoot all scenarios”.
The new Alpha 7 IV (model ILCE-7M4) features many of Sony’s imaging technologies including the latest BIONZ XR processing engine and AF (autofocus) capabilities based on the flagship Alpha 1 model, combined with streamlined operability and enhanced reliability for photos and movies.
The newly developed 33MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor CMOS image sensor offers good image quality and Wide ISO sensitivity range expandable to ISO 50-204800.
Key specifications of the Sony Alpha 7 IV. Click to enlarge. Full specs here.
The latest processing engine BIONZ XR used in the flagship Alpha 1 delivers high-speed AF, uninterrupted continuous shooting at 10fps with AF/AE tracking and a large buffer for a smooth shooting experience.
(more…)
Tags:Alpha, cameras, flashes, MIL, new arrivals, Singapore, Sony
Posted in A7, Alpha, Announce, Availability, Cameras, cameras, Gadgets, gadgets, MIL, newArrivals, Press Release, Sony, Specifications | 2 Comments »
Thursday, October 21st, 2021
Retailing at S$49, Redmi Buds 3 is available now through official Xiaomi stores on Lazada and Shopee, Authorised Xiaomi Stores and other official retailers in Singapore.
A single charge provides up to 5 hours of listening time and while the charging case can give up to 20 hours.
The Redmi Buds 3 has a half in-ear design and weighs only 4.5g, offering more comfort for long time usage.
The earbuds support fast charging – a single 10-minute charge provides 90 minutes of use.
(more…)
Tags:AV, earbuds, new arrivals, Redmi, Singapore, Xiaomi
Posted in Accessories, Announce, Audio, audioVisual, Availability, earphones, Entertainment, Gadgets, gadgets, newArrivals, Press Release, Prices, Redmi, Specifications, Xiaomi | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, October 20th, 2021
Unveiled during Apple’s second fall event, the new MacBook Pro (14 and 16-inch) features a 1080p camera and better connectivity than previous versions of the laptop.
Featuring a brand new design, the 14- and 16-inch models of Apple‘s new MacBook Pro were designed with a focus on performance and utility.
Apple today unveiled the new MacBook Pro powered by the new M1 Pro and M1 Max — the first pro chips designed for the Mac.
Pricing and Availability
The new MacBook Pro models with M1 Pro and M1 Max are available to order soon on Apple’s online store and in the Apple Store app, select Apple Store locations and Apple Authorised Resellers.
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro model starts at S$2,999, and S$2,769 for education.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro model starts at S$3,749, and S$3,449 for education.
macOS Monterey will be available as a free software update on Monday, 25 October.
Available in 14- and 16-inch models, MacBook Pro features a Liquid Retina XDR display, a wide range of ports for advanced connectivity, a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, and a strong audio system.
The macOS Monterey is engineered to take full advantage of M1 Pro and M1 Max to provide a great user experience.
Apple has designed the MacBook Pro for developers, photographers, filmmakers, 3D artists, scientists, and music producers/
The new MacBook Pro joins the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 to complete the MacBook Pro lineup.
More details below about the new Apple MacBook Pro laptop, from the press release.
(more…)
Tags:Apple, computers, launch, MacBook, new arrivals, prices, Singapore, unveil
Posted in Announce, Apple, Gadgets, gadgets, Launch, Mac OS, MacBook, newArrivals, Notebooks, notebooks, Online, Press Release, Prices, Specifications | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 19th, 2021
After months of leaks and teasers, Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Featuring Google’s custom-developed Tensor chip, both versions will come to Singapore early next year. Details TBA.
The new Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are powered by the new Tensor chip and ships with Android 12.
Even though the launch price of the Pixel 6 is US$100 lower than the Pixel 5, it features top-notch hardware compared to the mid-range offering of its predecessor.
The new Tensor chip is a 5nm SoC with an octa-core processor with two Cortex-X1 cores, as well as two mid-level cores and four power-efficient ones.
Availability
Both the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are currently available for pre-order in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States – hitting the shelves on 28 October.
Spain, Italy, and Singapore will get the phones early next year.
I’m excited that the custom image processor will bring the computational photography on the Pixel to greater levels.
Camera smarts include Magic Eraser (for removing unwanted distractions from a photo) and Face Unblur (which selects a sharp face from a few photos and puts it onto an action shot.
Portrait Mode offers better subject separation and improved skin tone rendering.
Night Mode and Astrophotography have also been enhanced.
(more…)
Tags:flagship, global, Google, launch, new arrivals, Pixel, prices, smartphones, unveil
Posted in Android, Announce, Gadgets, gadgets, Google, Launch, newArrivals, Phones, Pixel, Prices, smartphones, Specifications | 2 Comments »
