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Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
Today, Prime Video announced a November 26 premiere date and released the official trailer and key art for It’s in the Game: Madden NFL. The docuseries will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. It’s in the Game: Madden NFL is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime Video members enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership.
It’s one of the biggest video games of all time, a groundbreaking brand that became a worldwide phenomenon, spanning generations—but it almost never happened…
It’s in the Game: Madden NFL reveals the never-been-told story of Madden NFL, from its archaic 8-bit origins to its success as an annual must have—against all odds. For the first time ever, EA SPORTS is opening their vault of rare and never-been-seen footage, while also allowing cameras to follow along as the team finishes the next generation of the game. What started as an unlikely pairing between a computer whiz and a football legend, ignited a revolution and triggered a seismic collision between the worlds of jocks and geeks. They should have failed. Instead, their game changed the game—and our culture, too.
Presented by Prime Video and A+E Factual Studios group, the It’s in the Game: Madden NFL is produced by the A+E Factual Studios group, SMAC Productions, Misher Films, and MTP. The series is executive produced by Kevin Misher and Andy Berman of Misher Films; Michael Strahan, Constance Schwartz-Morini, and FredAnthony Smith of SMAC Entertainment; Mike Tollin of MTP; Sandy Montag of The Montag Group; Steve Ascher, Kristy Sabat, and Jessica Conway of A+E Factual Studios; Daryl Holt, Seann Graddy, and Julie Foster of EA SPORTS; and Nathan Caswell, Jeremiah Zagar, and Jeremy Yaches of Public Record. Caswell and Zagar are set to direct.
Almost seven in ten people (68pc) have never switched their current account, with over a quarter (27pc) holding back due to perceived difficulty. Meanwhile, among the one-third (32pc) who have switched, the majority (23pc) found the process to be straightforward.
Capital Credit Union’s Member Survey, which gathered insights from approximately 3,700 adults, explored attitudes towards switching accounts and the use of digital technology for financial transactions. Notably, women were less likely to have switched, with 71pc of women reporting they haven’t switched compared to 64pc of men.
People in their 50s and 60s were most likely to say they found switching a difficult process as reported by 1 in 10 of this age cohort.
On the use of digital technology, survey highlights include:
More than eight in ten (81pc) use digital technology—computers, smartphones, or tablets—for most or all financial transactions, including paying bills, making purchases, or investing.
Digital usage decreases with age: 96pc of people in their 20s use digital tools for nearly all transactions, compared to 90pc of those in their 40s, and 61pc of those in their 70s.
The numbers in their 60s, 70s and 80s making use of digital banking for all or most of their banking was relatively high at 71%, 61% and 59% respectively.
“These results reveal a clear need for greater awareness around the ease and benefits of switching accounts. With nearly seven in ten people never having switched, perceived complexity is evidently holding many back. However, for the 32pc who did switch, most found it straightforward, indicating that the perceived difficulty often outweighs the reality. We all know that ‘household admin’ tasks like switching accounts can be daunting, which makes it essential for financial institutions to streamline the process and communicate these improvements effectively.
The strong shift toward digital banking, especially among younger users, also highlights the importance for financial institutions to invest in intuitive, accessible digital solutions. The numbers in the higher age brackets making use of digital banking were also very encouraging. By addressing both the concerns around switching and the demand for seamless digital experiences, financial providers can better support consumers in making informed choices that enhance their financial wellbeing.”
The international student design competition, which has now supported more than 400 problem-solving inventions from young engineers and scientists worldwide, received nearly 2,000 entries this year.
Speaking of the 2024 winners, James Dyson said: “We started the James Dyson Award nearly 20 years ago to encourage students at university to solve problems. And we’ve had thousands and thousands of entries since. It’s wonderfully encouraging to see how many students have solutions to severe global problems. Instead of sitting back and talking about it, they’re doing something about it – and that’s what the James Dyson Award encourages. We’ve got two brilliant winners this year which we’re thrilled to support, and I hope the Award will give them a springboard to future success.”
James Dyson surprised Olivia, Shane and Danial with the exciting news during an online video call.
Medical Winner – Athena, by Olivia Humphreys from Ireland.
The problem
Some 65-99% of patients going through chemotherapy will be affected by chemo-induced hair loss. Current hair-loss prevention techniques commonly use scalp cooling, a method which involves applying ice cold temperatures to the scalp before, during, and after chemotherapy, which can be very painful for patients. It mitigates hair loss by shrinking blood vessels and limiting blood flow to the scalp. After chemotherapy, cooling can also help hair grow back faster and stronger.
However, the availability of scalp cooling is limited due to its high costs. This year’s Medical Winner is from Ireland where the Minister for Health estimated the total cost of installing a scalp cooling machine at €216,000, with additional costs needed for staffing as the treatment requires additional help to operate the equipment.
Ensuring the equipment fits the patient properly and the extended time it means someone needs to be in hospital for are additional hurdles. There are cheaper, manual cooling alternatives available, yet these are less powerful, and they don’t provide long-lasting effects.
Not all hospitals offer scalp cooling for patients too. In fact, in Ireland, scalp cooling is only available in eight out of the country’s 86 hospitals.
The solution
Olivia Humphreys, a 24-year-old product design and technology graduate, invented Athena to tackle these issues after witnessing the impact of chemotherapy-induced hair loss when her mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Having spent time with her mother during treatment, Olivia was inspired to reimagine hair-loss prevention technology.
Athena is a portable, thermoelectric hair-loss prevention device that uses scalp cooling. It’s more cost effective and timesaving than current hospital models, without compromising on the quality of treatment. For those exploring advanced hair wellness solutions and scalp care.
Current scalp cooling products use refrigeration technology requiring constant plugged in power. The patient must arrive at hospital 30 minutes early and stay for 90 minutes after infusion for pre and post scalp cooling. Battery powered Athena, weighing around 3kg, consists of a carry case and a cooling headpiece, that fits to different head shapes, and enables people to spend less time in hospital on a chemotherapy infusion day. It works by using low-cost thermoelectric semiconductors called Peltiers, and these cool a tank of water, which circulates the cold water around the head with the smartly designed headpiece.
With Athena, patients can start and end the scalp-cooling process themselves from wherever they wish, such as the comfort of their own home. At full power, it can run for 3.5 hours, allowing the patient to commute to and from the hospital while cooling, and move around during infusion, such as for bathroom visits. Athena aims to give control back to patients during a time when they usually have little of it.
Athena is patient-centric and so Olivia also chose bright colours for the device’s materials as a change from conventional, clinical colours found in hospitals. Taking its name from the powerful Greek Goddess of wisdom and battle strategy, for Humphreys, Athena is a symbol of resilience, which is a quality often seen in those living with an illness as serious as cancer and going through the necessary treatments.
The estimated cost for Athena would be around €1,000, according to Olivia, which is significantly less than industry machines which start at around €20,000. Athena has the potential to make hair-loss prevention more accessible and affordable for both patients and healthcare providers – Olivia’s ideal scenario would involve partnering with hospitals and charities to offer Athena through a rental or loan scheme.
To take Athena to the next level, extensive research and development is required, and the James Dyson Award prize money will kickstart this. Long term, Olivia is exploring novel technologies for future hair loss prevention methods beyond scalp cooling.
James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, said: “I haven’t had cancer, but members of my family have had cancer and hair loss is a particularly depressing and debilitating part of chemotherapy treatment. You can freeze your scalp which you have to do in special facilities, but these aren’t always available, are costly and it’s very painful. This year’s Medical Winner, Olivia Humphreys, has tackled this problem by designing Athena, for portable scalp cooling. You can wear it while you travel, you can wear it in the car to and from hospital, you can use it at home – it’s a low-cost alternative available to everybody, with the potential to make a real difference.”
Speaking about the development of Athena, Olivia Humphreys said: “I decided to build a working prototype to test the capabilities of the Peltier semiconductors. Using a Peltier computer cooling fan system, a diaphragm pump, my mum’s old suitcase, and my dad’s plane battery, I was able to create a strong proof of concept to gather valuable feedback to develop the concept. Following this, I focused on the product’s form, creating cardboard and foam models and determining functionality aspects and touchpoints to ensure the best user experience. Ultimately, I arrived at my final model, Athena, which was crafted using SolidWorks 3D CAD modelling.”
On winning the James Dyson Award, Olivia said: “I’m incredibly proud of the hard work, ambition, and commitment that went into creating Athena. The recognition from the James Dyson Award validates not just my efforts, but also the stories and insights shared by people who’ve experienced cancer treatment. My mum inspired this journey, and it’s incredibly emotional and rewarding to have my project reach this level. The Award has motivated me to recognise my potential, and it opens up exciting opportunities for me as a young designer and innovator.”
Professor Mark Beresford, Consultant Oncologist at the Royal United Hospital Bath, said: “Hair loss is one of the most outward and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Current scalp cooling techniques can reduce the risk or extent of hair loss, but need to be attached in the chemotherapy unit for a period of time before and after the chemotherapy infusion, committing patients to a long day in hospital. This new mobile version will allow patients more freedom, reclaiming some of their day, and also free-up valuable chemotherapy chair time for other patients to receive treatment.”
Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, said:“I want to congratulate Olivia for creating the mobile scalp cooling device and being awarded this year’s global winner of the James Dyson Award. Any invention that can help prevent hair loss for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy would be so positively received. When I went through cancer, there was no option for me to use a scalp cooling device, and losing your hair can be one of the most devastating impacts for most people. This device offers new hope, and it could make a real difference for those facing chemotherapy in the future. Any use of scalp cooling should always be under the guidance and direction of the patient’s oncology or cancer care team.”
Sustainability Winner – airXeed Radiosonde, by Shane Kyi Hla Win and Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful from Singapore.
The problem
Every day, weather stations worldwide launch devices via weather balloons that gather critical atmospheric data for accurate weather forecasting. These small devices, called radiosondes, measure air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction and transmit this data back to ground stations, helping meteorologists track weather patterns and forecast conditions. However, current devices are single-use and contribute to tonnes of plastic and e-waste globally.
After reaching high altitudes, the balloon carrying the device bursts, and the sensor descends rapidly, often crashing in remote and costly-to-retrieve locations, without collecting further atmospheric data as it falls.
There are 1,300 weather stations around the world, and it’s predicted they release at least two single-use radiosondes per day. So, over a year, almost one million radiosondes are released, costing $190million and estimated to cause 48 tonnes of e-waste.
These devices are crucial to the rapidly growing weather forecasting industry, valued at over $2.25 billion in 2023 and projected to reach approximately $5.23 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by the rising demand for precise weather forecasting across sectors like agriculture, energy, transportation, and aviation. Extreme weather events have increased the demand for better forecasting systems too.
The solution
This year’s global Sustainability Winner aims to make weather forecasting more eco-friendly. AirXeed Radiosonde is a reusable device tackling the amount of e-waste created by single-use radiosondes on the market. It also aims to increase the amount of atmospheric data these devices collect, improving quality of forecasting.
Young engineers Shane Kyi Hla Win and Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful, from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, drew inspiration from nature to create airXeed Radiosonde. Their focus was to improve the descent and end-of-life of a radiosonde to make them reusable, reducing e-waste and minimising pollution in remote areas.
The team used the autorotation of maple seeds in their solution. A maple seed’s asymmetrical shape creates lift and drag, allowing it to spin like a helicopter as it falls. Shane and Danial applied this principle to their radiosonde design, enabling it to spiral during descent. This not only slows the device, preventing damage upon impact with the ground, but also increases the likelihood of it landing in an accessible location, making retrieval and reuse easier. The team used machine learning to optimise this design for the best flight performance. AirXeed’s controlled descent allows it to collect and transmit more atmospheric data to weather stations, as traditional radiosondes cannot do this.
To avoid collision with aircraft, and very windy conditions that could deviate the descent, Shane and Danial’s device stops auto rotating when passing through aircraft cruise altitude. It enters a dive mode to increase its speed. The team have also added an onboard controller to manage the device’s stability and flight path to land without impact near the closest collection zone for reuse.
This controller is enhanced by machine learning to estimate wind speed and direction onboard, as well as select the best landing location. Collection zones would be established based on weather patterns and local government collaboration. Equipped with GPS and flight navigation, the radiosonde would select the optimal collection zone from multiple options at each weather station, ensuring a smooth return based on weather and flight trajectory.
Shane and Danial prioritised sustainability in their material choice, using balsa wood and foam for the lightweight wing and cowling. Modular components allow for easy replacement and recycling of worn parts, catering to industry needs.
After winning the James Dyson Award, Shane and Danial hope to collaborate with more weather stations and weather sensor manufacturers for real-world trials to gather data and feedback to improve their invention, to ultimately bring airXeed Radiosonde to market.
James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, said: “Weather balloons that collect atmospheric information fall back to Earth and pollute the environment with electronic waste. Shane and Danial, our Sustainability Winners, have found a way of returning these devices to Earth highly intelligently to where the operators want them to land. AirXeed Radiosonde uses the maple seed principle, helicoptering down gently but also plummeting in areas where there are likely to be planes. This is a reusable weather detector, saving environmental waste and saving money. I think it’s a very clever idea.”
On winning the James Dyson Award, Shane said: “Winning the James Dyson Award global sustainability prize is a huge step forward for us. It shows that our design has potential and gives us a platform to showcase how airXeed Radiosonde can positively improve the weather industry – hearing it from James Dyson himself makes it even more special. It’s incredibly motivating to see such a prominent figure in innovation take the time to encourage young inventors like us, developing solutions that are sustainable and address critical global challenges”.
On what’s next for the team, Danial said: “With the Award’s recognition, we hope to connect with experts in the weather industry, secure partnerships and attract funding to further test and develop our design. It’s a huge boost in our journey towards turning airXeed Radiosonde into a fully realised solution that can reduce electronic waste and make weather monitoring smarter
A company seeking to attract talent from a multitude of technical and non-technical disciplines has today launched a new initiative to grow awareness of the exciting career opportunities within the UK space sector.
SpaceCareers.uk has received support from the UK Space Agency’s Space for All fund to spearhead an initiative named ‘UK Space 101’, focused on showcasing the accessibility of space jobs to school students, as well as highlighting the need for a diverse range of skills from people currently working outside of the space sector. The team, managed by a young group of space enthusiasts, launched its services on the same day in 2015 that astronaut Tim Peake blasted off to the International Space Station.
According to the Size and Health of the UK Space Industry report published during the Farnborough Airshow this year, there is currently a workforce of more than 50,000 supporting around 1,800 space companies active across the United Kingdom, representing an £18.9bn contribution to the economy. With a National Space Strategy in place since 2021 and strong desire from across the country to capitalise on the fast-growing global space economy, non-profit SpaceCareers.uk is positioning itself as a gateway into the industry. The company’s mission is to highlight the range of jobs available, and to provide support to both candidates looking for a job and employers seeking diverse talent.
SpaceCareers.uk Director Joanne Oliver stated, “SpaceCareers.uk was established to address the industry’s skills shortages by attracting a diverse range of people into the sector, from engineers and scientists to lawyers and sales specialists. The UK Space 101 project has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders across the sector to address current outreach challenges and is something that will act as a tool for teachers, parents and jobseekers to learn more about the industry, and the role of space in our everyday lives.”
“Our message is simple – no matter your background and interests, there’s a place for you in the UK space sector.” Ms. Oliver added.
The UK Space 101 initiative consists of a suite of interactive digital resources, including a webpage and downloadable poster that explains the growing role of the space sector in our everyday lives and the different ways that people from all walks of life are finding roles within the industry. When arriving on the page, visitors are met with a simple interface and easy-to-understand messaging, answering questions such as “how do we use space?” and “what is the path to a career in space?”. It is intended that the resource will also be useful for space professionals as part of their educational outreach activities, to help signpost interested individuals towards a starting point to learn more about the space sector.
Ingmar Kamalagharan, Head of Education and Future Workforce at the UK Space Agency said,“Our Space for All fund is backing projects like #UKSpace101 to make the space sector even more accessible to young people across the UK. By showcasing the wide variety of space career opportunities available with SpaceCareers.uk, we want to support and inform anyone interested in pursuing a space career.
“This is a fast-growing and vibrant industry, from advancing our knowledge of the universe to providing critical services for life on Earth, and it needs a strong and diverse pipeline of future talent. I would urge anyone interested in a space career to check out the resources on SpaceCareers.uk”
Following a series of workshops with space organisations and engagement across educational representatives and the wider public at New Scientist Live, #UKSpace101 is now available to access without cost at spacecareers.uk/uk-space-101. The company works closely with student-led charity UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) and is actively seeking to engage with educational bodies, libraries, schools, colleges, universities and job centres to raise awareness in space careers across the UK.
The Pro Keys 2 folio case and keyboard turns your iPad into a mobile powerhouse, allowing for seamless productivity wherever users go. With refined, laptop-style keys for a responsive typing experience and up to 6.6 feet of iPad drop protection, the Pro Keys 2 features a detachable keyboard, multi-device pairing functionality, an adjustable stand, backlit keys for dimly lit environments, a stylus holder, and more.* It’s the perfect tool for anyone needing a flexible keyboard and protective case solution for their iPad.
“Our goal is to provide premium keyboards and accessories that elevate our users’ mobile experiences,” said Gavin Slevin, Managing Director at ZAGG International. “The Pro Keys 2 keyboard combines productivity-enhancing features with a price point that delivers excellent value to ensure users have the right tools to stay efficient and connected from any location.”
Unlock the full potential of your iPad with the Pro Keys 2 wireless keyboard and detachable case. It boasts an upgraded keyframe for smoother and more precise key travel, providing an effortless touch-typing experience. The case is designed to magnetically hold the stylus with the iPad, offering a streamlined user setup.
Key features include:
Enhanced Protection: The durable polycarbonate shell, combined with rubberized edges and reinforced corners, delivers drop protection from heights up to 6.6 feet (2 meters).
Magnetic Folio Cover: When detached from the keyboard, the folio-style cover protects your screen from scratches and bumps.
Superior Typing Experience: The redesigned keys are crafted for quicker, more comfortable typing with accurate keystrokes.
Removable Keyboard: Separate the keyboard from the case to position your iPad on one surface while using the keyboard on another.
Adjustable Viewing Stand: The foldable cover converts into a stand, providing two viewing angles for your convenience.
Long Lasting Battery: Benefit from prolonged battery life thanks to the efficient sleep/wake function that conserves power.
Stylus Storage: Keep your ZAGG Pro Stylus or Apple Pencil securely stored with the snap-fit holder.
Dual-Device Pairing: Seamlessly switch between two paired devices with the Bluetooth keyboard.
Forward-facing Speakers: Audio is directed straight toward the user for a better listening experience.
Customizable Backlit Keys: Choose from seven vibrant colors to keep working efficiently in low light.
Space-Saving Design: The foldable stand occupies minimal space, ideal for working in tight or compact areas.
Pricing and Availability:
The ZAGG Pro Keys 2 folio case with detachable, wireless keyboard is available today at ZAGG.com and at select retail stores globally for €109.99 / £109.99 / $109.99 for the iPad Pro 11 (M4) and iPad Air 11 (M2), and €169.99 / £159.99 / $169.99 for the iPad Pro 13 (M4), and iPad Air 13 (M2). Designed to provide unmatched productivity on the go, the Pro Keys 2 offers a premium solution for iPad users at a competitive price. Visit ZAGG’s website or your nearest retailer to enhance your iPad experience today.
ABLIC (President: Seiji Tanaka, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter “ABLIC”), a group company of MinebeaMitsumi Inc., today launched the S-19193 Series of automotive 3 to 6-cell battery monitoring protection ICs.
BMS (Battery Management Systems) for EVs and e-Bikes, etc. require functional safety (*1) compliant with ISO26262 (*2), which is a standard for functional safety in road vehicles.
The acceptance criteria for functional safety are (1) fail-safe (the ability to return to a safe state in the event of a failure or malfunction), (2) fail-operational (the ability to continue operation even in the event of a failure or malfunction), and (3) fail-degraded (the ability to continue operation with decreased functionality). In the past, the conventional method of achieving (1) fail-safe functional safety was to use a microcontroller (MCU) together with a high performance IC called an “analog front-end” (AFE) to monitor automotive battery overcharge and over discharge conditions.
Under the conventional (1) fail-safe methodology, the safety of a driver is ensured by “returning to a safe state”, i.e. stopping the vehicle in the event of an actual failure or malfunction, and there was no requirement for continued monitoring of batteries after the vehicle had safely stopped.
However, with the evolution of automated driving technologies, it is expected that there will be an increase in the number of cases where the system, rather than the driver, handles any problems that occur, so the (2) fail-operational and (3) fail-degraded methodologies, which allow for continued operation even in the event of a failure or malfunction, are becoming increasingly important.
The S-19193 Series automotive 3 to 6 cell battery monitoring protection ICs launched today are products developed in ISO26262 compliant processes and are equipped with functions for monitoring automotive battery overcharge and overdischarge.
Utilizing the S-19193 Series makes it possible to continue battery monitoring as a secondary system even in the event the conventional monitoring system (primary) fails, and to achieve a safer BMS that is both (2) fail-operational and (3) fail-degraded compliant.
There are also examples with AFE and MCU internal monitoring functions configured as primary and secondary, but these are mainly for failure and fault detection through mutual monitoring and are insufficient for backup of functionality. In addition, internal redundancy also poses a risk of “joint failure”, where loss of functionality occurs simultaneous to the occurrence of a failure, however with the S-19193 Series, the secondary monitoring can be made completely independent from the primary monitoring to also mitigate the risk of joint failures occurring.
The S-19193 Series also makes it possible to configure a stand-alone operation secondary monitoring circuit which does not require MCU control, which can also contribute to a reduction in the number of design processes.
A Safety Manual is also available for download to support BMS functional safety design using the S-19193 Series. The product is also compliant with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) established by the U.S. Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), and is also planned to be made compliant with AEC(*)-Q100 Grade1 (*Automotive Electronics Council) quality standards for automotive IC.
Going forward, ABLIC will continue to strive to contribute to our customers’ success with high-quality products developed with the utmost consideration for safety and based on our many years of technological capability and knowhow.
(*2) ISO26262:
An international standard for functional safety of automotive electronic control systems which was officially established in November 2011. It standardizes development processes aimed at achieving “functional safety” by calculating the risk of failure in automotive electronic control systems and devising measures to lower those risks and integrate those risk reduction measures into systems as functionality in advance. The standard covers the entire vehicle development life cycle from initial vehicle conceptualization to development, production, maintenance, and disposal of systems, ECU, embedded software, and devices.
ABLIC has received “ISO 26262” development process certification from a third-party certification organization in Germany.
(Reference: https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/news/2024/01/10/iso26262/)
Major Features
1.Continued automotive battery monitoring functionality in the event of a failure when used as a secondary monitoring IC The S-19193 Series is capable of maintaining continuous monitoring of battery overcharge and overdischarge through stand-alone operation which does not require microcontroller control. This makes it possible for battery monitoring to be maintained even in the event of a failure of the main monitoring system (primary), to achieve a fail-operational BMS.
In addition, the S-19193 Series is functional safety standard product developed in ISO26262 compliant processes which achieves ASIL-B(D) classification under expected use cases. This product enables to the achievement of safer BMS by configuring this IC as a secondary monitoring circuit while continuing to use existing circuits at the primary monitoring circuit.
2.Enable stand-alone monitoring and failure detection through self-testing with a simple structure The product is equipped with a self-test function which makes it possible to detect internal IC failures by simply inputting an external start signal. This makes it possible to use the self-test function to allow the system to detect monitoring function failures even in the event monitoring functionality is lost due to overcharge or over discharge resulting from the random failures that can occur when ICs are used over long periods.
3.Cascade function makes it possible to configure simply monitoring circuits with a small number of components The S-19193 Series is equipped with a cascade function. In addition to direction connection, the S-19193 Series also supports connection with adjacent S-19193 Series products through a photocoupler, making it possible to construct safe monitoring circuits even in high-voltage BMS with a large number of serially-connected batteries.
Major Specifications
•Overcharge detection voltage: 2.50V to 4.50V ±20mV
•Overdischarge detection voltage: 1.00V to 3.00V ±80mV
•Current consumption during operation: 20μ max.
•Max. rating: 28V
•Operating temperature: -40℃ to +125℃
•Package: HTSSOP-16
•Functional safety compliant (*3)
•AEC-Q100 compliant
•PPAP support available
(*3) Functional safety compliant： https://www.ablic.com/en/semicon/products/automotive/asil/fusa-compliance/?rf=asil
Application Examples
• Automotive devices
• Battery monitoring in EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, e-Bikes, etc.
• Industrial equipment
• Battery monitoring in capacitors, electric forklifts, etc.
Vaisala Xweather and NIRA Dynamics are first to release an integrated data set which connects road weather forecasts and computer vision observations with real-time connected car data, setting a new standard for data-driven road safety and maintenance.
The integration draws on NIRA Dynamics’ expansive data from billions of data points gathered from connected vehicles, paired with Vaisala Xweather’s advanced AI and ML-based road weather forecasting models, which achieve accuracy levels 50% higher than those of publicly available forecasts.
The future of driving is going to be heavily dependent on more accurate and real-time road weather and road condition data as the availability of autonomous and assisted driving features are highly influenced by the driving conditions. Currently, as seen on many Electric Vehicles (EV), the assisted driving functionalities are disconnected to secure driver safety based on crude weather and road condition estimations, such as temperature drop to under 4 degrees Celsius or change in tire rolling resistance.
Real-time data from connected vehicles on tire grip, road friction, surface quality, and weather conditions combined with leading industry-specific weather forecasts, the aggregated data set has multiple use cases already today. This offers significant practical uses today, including reducing accident likelihood by expanding the availability of autonomous and assisted driving features in adverse road and weather conditions, assessing road quality with computer vision to optimize maintenance efforts, and reducing resource usage – such as minimizing winter road salt application. The benefits extend to all road users, from improved safety and reduced environmental impact to cost savings for road authorities and municipalities.
By integrating NIRA Dynamics’ connected vehicle data into Vaisala Xweather’s platform, this partnership creates opportunities for future advancements in road safety and autonomous driving. The combined data opens doors to further applications such as EV range optimization, traffic management, insurance risk assessments, and reducing accident rates.
“At NIRA Dynamics, our mission is to deliver data-driven solutions for safer, more efficient journeys,” says Lisa Åbom, CEO of NIRA Dynamics. “With Vaisala Xweather, we’re able to offer access to road weather data which helps road maintenance professionals, automotive manufacturers, and navigation providers become future proof. We all understand the impact of weather on road safety, and with Vaisala Xweather, we are pushing the industry forward.”
In the fast-paced world of social media, engaging content can make all the difference in capturing audience attention. A common hurdle for creators is the presence of unwanted objects in their videos, which can detract from the overall message. Fortunately, a video object removal app offers an effective solution to this issue, enabling creators to produce cleaner, more professional-looking content.
What is Video Object Removal?
Video object removal refers to the process of eliminating unwanted elements from video footage. This could range from distracting backgrounds to unexpected objects or people that divert attention from the main subject. With the right tools, creators can enhance their videos, making them more appealing and focused.
With advancements in technology, many applications now offer user-friendly features for object removal. A well-chosen TikTok video editor can help creators achieve impressive results without needing extensive editing skills. Here are some practical scenarios where object removal proves beneficial:
Clearing Up Backgrounds: Videos shot in busy environments often capture random individuals or objects. Using a video object removal app, creators can seamlessly eliminate these distractions, directing focus toward the main subject.
Enhancing Product Displays: For brands, showcasing products without interference is crucial. Object removal tools can effectively polish promotional videos, ensuring that products are the main focus.
Practical Tips for Successful Object Removal
To get the most out of a removal app, consider these practical tips:
Shoot with Intent: Whenever possible, try to frame your shots to minimize distractions. While object removal is effective, planning your shots can reduce the need for extensive edits.
Explore Editing Tools: Experiment with different applications. Finding the right TikTok editing app that meets your needs can significantly enhance the editing experience and results.
When it comes to creating captivating content on platforms like TikTok, knowing how to effectively edit TikTok video material is invaluable. A well-edited video that flows naturally attracts more viewers and increases engagement.
In summary, the power of removal app is vital for anyone looking to enhance their social media presence. By effectively eliminating distractions, creators can produce videos that are not only polished but also engaging. As the landscape of social media evolves, adapting to these tools will be key for success. Utilizing the best TikTok editing app can simplify the process, allowing creators to focus on what truly matters: delivering impactful content that resonates with their audience.
Time is a key resource for any business. Companies that have mastered time management can achieve their goals faster. Understanding time zones can enhance operational efficiency and offer new growth opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore how time zones affect business operations and why it’s important to consider PST when planning business processes.
PST Time Zone as a Business Factor
International businesses constantly face time zone differences. These differences affect task deadlines and the quality of communication between employees and partners. While some employees are just starting their workday, others are already finishing theirs, which reduces overall company productivity.
Pacific Standard Time (PST) is a critical time zone for companies in the United States and other countries. Major tech companies on the U.S. West Coast operate in this zone. Properly accounting for PST helps businesses coordinate their work with partners and clients in the PST zone.
Where PST Is Used:
USA: California, Washington, Oregon, and parts of Nevada
Canada: British Columbia and some northern Yukon territories
Mexico: Baja California, and the cities of Tijuana and Mexicali
PST is 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Globally, it’s written as PST or UTC-8. PST regions observe daylight saving time, switching to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) from March to November, with a 7-hour difference from UTC during that period.
How Time Zones Affect Productivity
Different time zones impact employee productivity in various ways. For example, when one team works during the day while another works at night, communication between them becomes more challenging. Employees working outside of regular hours tend to tire faster and make more mistakes. Studies show that people who frequently work night shifts may lose concentration and productivity. This may seem obvious, but circadian rhythms are crucial for quality performance.
To prevent employee burnout and errors, it’s essential to consider the time zones of different teams.
Using PST for Global Operations
Pacific Standard Time (PST) is vital for companies working with partners in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Failing to account for this time zone can result in delays in task completion. It’s crucial to plan all meetings and projects in advance to avoid wasting time.
For instance, businesses working with clients in the U.S. West Coast should pre-schedule meetings according to PST, ensuring the time is convenient for all participants.
Creating “time windows” for communication with clients and partners in different countries improves communication and helps maintain the workflow. “Time windows” are periods when the working hours of employees in different time zones overlap. These are the ideal times for hosting joint online meetings, discussing tasks, and exchanging information.
Flexible Schedules and Time Zone Management
Many companies today use flexible working schedules to better manage time. This is especially important when employees work remotely from different countries. In such companies, PST can become one of the most important time zones for operations and planning.
For example, employees may choose work hours that are convenient for them based on their time zone. This reduces stress and improves productivity. This approach helps companies maintain team synchronization.
However, all deadlines and other work milestones can be set in PST, ensuring no confusion occurs.
Conclusion
Understanding the PST time zone is a critical component for businesses operating in international markets. Companies that pay attention to time zones can improve team collaboration and reduce delays in task completion. Time is a resource that must be used wisely. By carefully planning work processes with time zones in mind, utilizing “time windows,” and implementing flexible work schedules for employees, businesses can achieve their goals much faster.
