A groundbreaking discovery at the University of the West of Scotland reveals a transformative way to convert human energy into electricity, powered by a 3D graphene foam material. Primed to revitalize the IoT industry, this research spotlights a pressure-sensitive mat that could generate power simply through human footfalls. Offering a unique solution to energy management, this technology could minimize the environmental impact, while fostering a new era of wireless connectivity.
ITIF urges a reevaluation of U.S. broadband programs in favor of the significant Affordable Connectivity Programme (ACP), aiming to give low-income households internet access. Predictions show funds will be depleted by 2024, necessitating a yearly investment between $5-$6 billion, potentially sourced from outdated programs. Despite appearing feasible, the report warns digital divide issues require more than funding, including digital literacy initiatives. Unveil the evolving connectivity panorama in our upcoming Connected America conference.
The UK’s newly established business council brings together heads of fourteen industry behemoths like AstraZeneca, NatWest Group, and Vodafone, offering insights to the Prime Minister on critical economic matters. It’s interesting that Google DeepMind is the only exception to the FTSE 100 list; also significant is the vocal Vodafone inclusion, led by CEO Margherita Della Valle, along with the impending departure of BT’s CEO Philip Jansen amidst a period of shrinkage. The absence of SME representation on the council has fueled criticism, underscoring the complexity and potential bias in shaping Britain’s economic future.
As companies globally adopt innovative strategies, leveraging considerable commercial benefits from their 5G investments is at the forefront. Pioneered by Chinese service providers, the paradigm shift towards traffic value-based operations has significantly enhanced revenue. Unique 5G experiences such as ultra-high speed and low latency have unlocked new function scenarios, exemplified by the booming live broadcast industry in China. Meanwhile, European and Middle East counterparts effectively implement rate-based charging models, showcasing the versatility of the 5G platform. This status quo suggests that as we advance, the necessity to adapt traffic value-oriented operations for effective monetization becomes paramount, opening new revenue vistas and novel business models.
In a groundbreaking advancement set to redefine 6G services, field experts are experimenting with brain-inspired computing. Noted engineers from King’s College London and Princeton are spearheading a project aiming to enhance the integration of AI in wireless communications systems. This strategic initiative, fuelled by support from prominent bodies like the ESPRC and NSF, has the potential to reshape sectors such as mobile health care and robotics.
Outpacing the global auto industry, Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely, has launched a groundbreaking 5G-enabled factory in Ningbo, China. Developed alongside China Unicom Zhejiang, this advanced facility leverages 5G for superior data processing, revolutionizing car manufacturing customizability. However, obstacles such as infrastructure robustness and data security come with the territory of employing 5G in production processes. Nonetheless, the potential of this intelligent blend of automotive and digital tech seems irresistible, prompting worldwide industry attention towards Zeekr’s trendsetting venture.
Telecom alliance Alaian is partnering with chip manufacturer Qualcomm to empower start-ups specializing in Extended Reality (XR). The alliance, comprising of seven telecom giants along with towerco Cellnex, targets initiatives involving metaverse, virtual platforms, and various services or applications from all over the globe. Despite a lukewarm response to the metaverse and the disappearance of mixed reality from the limelight, the conglomerate remains optimistic. Future XR experiences can greatly benefit from the expertise and resources provided by co-operating with Qualcomm.
A recent survey unveils how, despite potential risks, most industries, particularly telecommunication firms are embracing generative AI’s benefits. Interestingly, even traditionally cautious sectors, like aerospace and defence show a strong inclination towards AI’s adoption. Yet, as AI integration requires extensive investment in staff skill development, emerging corporate roles like AI auditors or ethicists are anticipated.
Top tech giants, including Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, have recently been identified by the European Commission under the new Digital Markets Act (DMA) as potential digital ‘gatekeepers’. These firms, commanding vast economic and influential prowess, now sit waiting during a 45 day review period that could officially brand them as such. Following the conclusion of the evaluation process, each company will need to navigate a six-month transition to achieve full compliance with the DMA directives. These guidelines are aimed at fostering competition and safeguarding both end-user rights and the interests of small scale businesses.
The City of Bellevue, renowned for its digital innovation, has partnered with T-Mobile to launch a collaborative project utilizing Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology and T-Mobile’s 5G network. The initiative aims to facilitate near real-time communication between vehicles, traffic infrastructure, pedestrians, and cyclists, in support of Bellevue’s Vision Zero program, which seeks to eliminate road-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.
