Qualcomm plans to bring gigabit data speeds to your car

Remember last year, when Qualcomm pulled back the curtain on its X16 LTE modem? At the time, the chipmaker touted peak download speeds of up to 1Gbps for smartphones, even though gigabit speeds were (and are) basically impossible to experience in the wild. Still, the age of super high-speed wireless data is fast approaching, which is why Qualcomm just announced that it’s bringing that X16 modem to cars. It will be a while before you get to torrent movies in a flash from the comfort of your Chevy, though: The modem is baked into a new module reference design that carmakers will likely adopt further down the line.

A lot of signal processing and multiple antennas are required to make this high-speed system work properly, and looking at the modem’s implementation in smartphones offers more insight into how it will all work. The modem can connect to 10 LTE data streams from multiple aggregated carrier signals. In other words, it pulls down data through lots of different channels and smartly reassembles it all right in the nick of time. Lots of bandwidth means more than just an easier time streaming episodes of The Crown on roadtrips too: We’re also looking at faster map updates for built-in navigation systems, for example, not to mention quicker access to information about road conditions and weather.

And let’s not forget all the sensors that are in your car (or will be in your next one). Qualcomm is pushing for a way to mash-up their data and interpret them to help with more precise mapping and car fleet management. That collected data can do plenty of good strictly within the car itself thanks to Qualcomm’s Drive Data platform, but companies can build applications that use that information if it gets relayed via wireless connections. Move aside, smartphones: The combination of high-speed data and machine learning could well lead to a new generation of killer apps for your car.

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CES 2017: ‘OWC DEC’ Adds More Storage and Ports to the 2016 MacBook Pro

Other World Computing today announced the OWC DEC, an attachment designed to snap onto the bottom of a 2016 MacBook Pro to add additional functionality to the machine.

The OWC DEC adds 4TB of storage, an SD Card Slot, USB Type-A ports for using standard USB devices, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. According to OWC, additional features will be introduced at a later date.

OWC has crafted the DEC from aircraft-grade aluminum that’s designed to match with the finish of the MacBook Pro. It attaches flush to the bottom of the MacBook Pro, making it thicker, but doing away with the need for a separate dock. OWC says the DEC will be “as thin as a 2012 MacBook Pro,” which was 0.95 inches thick. The pictures of the OWC DEC appear to be early renderings and do not depict all of the listed ports.

“We’ve been developing this concept for over three years and feel now is the perfect time for this ground-breaking product,” said O’Connor. “Storage space is always at a premium on a laptop and without the potential to upgrade the factory drive, the OWC DEC brings that option back in addition to cleanly supporting the gear we all rely on.”

OWC plans to begin shipping the DEC out to customers in the spring of 2017. Pricing has not yet been announced.
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CES 2017: Belkin Adds Mini Smart Plug and Dimmer Light Switch to WeMo Lineup

Belkin is introducing two new smart home products at CES 2017 this week, including the WeMo Mini smart plug and WeMo Dimmer light switch.

The WeMo Mini is a compact smart plug that is half the size of the older WeMo Switch smart plug, allowing homeowners to stack two of them in a single wall outlet. The smart plug enables homeowners to wirelessly control lamps, heaters, fans, and more over Wi-Fi using the free WeMo app for iPhone [Direct Link].

The WeMo Mini can be controlled remotely as well with an iPhone or iPad connected to a cellular network, with no hub or subscription required. The smart plug also supports Amazon Echo and Google Home for control via voice commands, and IFTTT and “home” and “away” modes on Nest thermostats.

The WeMo Dimmer, a CES 2017 Innovations Award Honoree, is Belkin’s next-generation smart dimming light switch with new features such as Night Mode, which prevents harsh lights at night, and a customized bulb calibration.

Current dimmer products have a single dimming range for all bulb types, which tends to create flickering and noise issues, but Wemo Dimmer uses the Wemo app to custom calibrate for any bulb type including incandescents (up to 400 watts), CFLs or LEDs, to eliminate those annoyances. In addition, Night Mode enables users to set a specific level of brightness during a set period of time, which is ideal for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips or checking on the kids when they are asleep.

The WeMo Dimmer, like the Mini Smart Plug, is compatible with Amazon Echo and Google Home for dimming and on/off control via voice commands, as well as the Nest thermostat’s “home” and “away” modes.

WeMo Mini is available now for pre-order on Belkin’s website for $34.99, and will be in stores later in January. The WeMo Dimmer will be available in the spring, but pricing has not been finalized. WeMo products do not support HomeKit, as Belkin placed plans to support the Apple platform on hold last year.

Tags: Belkin, WeMo, CES 2017
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CES 2017: ExoLens Announces iPhone 7 Case Compatible With Zeiss Lenses

ExoLens, a company that’s partnered with Zeiss to bring professional-grade lenses to the iPhone, today announced a new protective case for the iPhone 7. The case is designed to keep the iPhone 7 safe from bumps, scratches, and drops while it’s being used with ExoLens’ range of Zeiss lenses.

Designed for the iPhone 7, ExoLens says the new accessory is an “ultra-durable dual layer case” created with impact-resistant materials and designed to be slim and low-profile.

“After launching our line of ZEISS ExoLens mobile photography solutions earlier this year, consumers told us that they loved the mobile photography lenses, but also expressed a desire for a solution that protected their iPhone, while still providing the lens attachment capability,” says John Fellowes, Chief Executive Officer of Fellowes Brands. “The new ExoLens Case will provide the ability for users to seamlessly utilize our visually enhancing lenses, but the case will also shield the individuals iPhone from everyday drops and scratches at the same time.”

The case is compatible with all Pro Zeiss Lenses and upcoming ExoLens Prime lenses. The company sells a range of Zeiss telephoto, macro, and wide-angle lenses, which range in price from $150 to $200.

The ExoLens Case will be available for purchase during the first quarter of 2017. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Tags: exolens, CES 2017
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CES 2017: ConnectSense Announces HomeKit-Compatible Sensors and Bluetooth Extender

At the Consumer Electronics Show that’s taking place this week, ConnectSense is showing off its latest connected home products, including HomeKit-compatible sensors and a new Bluetooth Extender.

ConnectSense’s Bluetooth Extender serves as a Bluetooth to Wi-Fi converter and is designed to allow users to access and control their Bluetooth-enabled sensors and products outside of their homes.

The Bluetooth Extender works with HomeKit or with the ConnectSense Cloud, and when paired with ConnectSense’s new Bluetooth-enabled temperature and water sensors, it allows those sensors to be accessed from anywhere. It also works with other Bluetooth-enabled sensors, such as those from Elgato’s Eve lineup.

With ConnectSense cloud, sensor data is saved to the cloud and notifications can be sent to a smartphone or via email. Using the ConnectSense Bluetooth Extender, HomeKit users do not need to have an Apple TV or an iPad to access their Bluetooth-enabled accessories, which were previously the only way to use Bluetooth HomeKit products when away from the home.

ConnectSense is also showing off its Smart Outlet and the aforementioned new sensors, the Bluetooth Temperature & Humidity Sensor, which detects room temperature, and the ConnectSense Bluetooth Water sensor, designed to detect water and send alerts before damage can be caused. Both sensors work over Bluetooth and are powered by AAA batteries.

Water Sensor on left, Temperature Sensor on right
Pricing and specific release dates for the sensors and the Bluetooth Extender have not yet been announced.

Tags: ConnectSense, CES 2017
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