Category: Tech News

Withings Launches ScanWatch, the First Hybrid Smartwatch to Combine Medical Grade Electrocardiogram and Sleep Apnea Detection. #Withings #Health #CES2020

Withings, pioneer of the digital health movement and connected analog watches, unveils ScanWatch, the world’s first clinically validated hybrid smartwatch to detect both risk of arrhythmia (AFib) and sleep apnea – all from the wrist! Developed by cardiologists and sleep experts, it is Withings’ most medically advanced wearable to date, helping users and their physicians monitor overall health with a smartwatch that identifies highly prevalent, yet largely underdiagnosed cardiovascular and sleep issues early.

“ScanWatch is our most ambitious medical tracker and purposely designed to detect the early presence of AFib and sleep apnea – two related issues that are extremely common yet largely undiagnosed, despite their known impact on multiple health conditions,” said Mathieu Letombe, CEO of Withings. “Worn throughout the day and night, ScanWatch provides an early warning system, collecting and sharing critical health data with users and their physicians.”

As a current Withings user of several of their products this is the new line up below and the one on the right hand side will be my pick from them.

With an impressive 30-day battery life, ScanWatch shares the elegant analog look of previous Withings’ hybrid watches with a number of enhanced design elements. It features a larger digital display than previous models as well as improved navigation through a newly created crown dial. It is slated to be available in Europe and the United States in Q2 2020 for €249/£229/$249 (38mm), €299/£279/$299 (42mm), pending CE and FDA-clearance.

 

In-depth Cardiovascular Health Monitoring
AFib is the main form of irregular heart rhythm that is often underdiagnosed as it can be intermittent and easily missed if symptoms are not occurring during infrequent doctors’ visit. ScanWatch can detect if a user has AFib or if their heart rhythm is slow, high or normal thanks to its ability to take a medical grade electrocardiogram (ECG) on-demand as well as its proactive heart scanning feature.

Since AFib symptoms are irregular or may not even be known to users, ScanWatch offers a new early warning detection capability. Through its embedded PPG sensor, the device has the ability to continuously monitor heart rate, which allows it to alert users to a potential issue even if they don’t feel palpitations. When ScanWatch detects an irregular heartbeat through its heart rate sensor, it will prompt the user via the watch display to take an ECG reading.
When users do experience symptoms or have been alerted of an abnormal heart rate, they can easily take an ECG, in just 30 seconds, through three built-in electrodes by simply touching both sides of the bezel.

During the measurement, users can see the live electrocardiogram displayed on the watch screen or in the accompanying Health Mate app. Once the reading is complete, the results can be viewed both directly on the watch screen and in the app. A history of all recordings, their associated classifications and any noted comments or symptoms are stored in the app. All data collected can easily be shared with a doctor or healthcare professional.

Sleep Apnea Detection
One billion people are estimated to suffer from mild to severe sleep apnea, a serious condition that can lead to major cardiovascular issues. However 8 out 10 people don’t know they have it.1 For the first time, ScanWatch is able to detect the presence of night sleep apnea episodes through an SpO2 sensor that emits and absorbs a light wave passing through blood vessels. All night long, it measures oxygen saturation levels to identify when levels are inadequate due to breathing disturbances such as sleep apnea.

In addition, ScanWatch provides sophisticated sleep monitoring and analysis of sleep patterns, including the length, depth and quality of sleep. Each morning, users can access their Sleep Score in the Health Mate app that is based on sleep duration, depth regularity and interruptions. Additionally, like Withings other activity and sleep trackers, ScanWatch has a Smart Wake-up capability that wakes users with vibration alarms at the most optimal time in their sleep cycle.

Enhanced Display Design and Features
In keeping with Withings’ reputation for elegant style, ScanWatch’s high-end craftsmanship includes a waterproof, 316L stainless steel case and sapphire glass watch face. Its face shows the time as well as a sub-dial that shows the percentage of daily step goals achieved, which are set and managed within the Health Mate app.

The PMOLED display shows important health and sports data such as daily and previous day steps and sleep score as well as calories, distance and heart rate. Users can scroll through each screen thanks to a newly designed digital crown on the side of the watch. The digital crown also allows users to launch an ECG record and SPO2 measurement, start workout modes and deactivate/set alarms. The watch’s display shows smartphone notifications, which appear along with a discrete vibration.

Like all Withings devices, it connects to the dedicated Health Mate app that provides data and
insights, as well as the ability to schedule activity reminders and set goals. Health Mate
connects with more than 100 third-party apps such as Apple Health, Google Fit, Strava, or
MyFitnessPal to help people manage their health and wellness from multiple sources.

Activity & Workout Tracking:
ScanWatch, like all of Withings trackers, is a sophisticated activity monitor able to track
parameters such as steps, calories, elevation, workout routes (via connected GPS) and can
automatically recognize more than 30 daily activities such as walking, running, swimming and
cycling.

In addition, it offers Fitness Level assessments through an indicator called VO2 Max, which
measures the heart and muscles ability to convert oxygen into energy during physical exercise.
This fitness metric will help users to optimize their training, increase performance and achieve
long-term fitness objectives.

CES & Availability
Demonstrations of ScanWatch, which has been honored with three CES Innovation awards, will
be available during CES January 7-10, 2020 at the Sands Expo Center, Hall A-D booth #44831.

Study Reveals The Most Forward-Looking Cities in Europe with Dublin Making the Top List. #Tech #Dublin

Dublin is named as one of the most forward-looking in Europe, ranking particularly highly on sustainability measures.

HomeToGo, the world’s largest accommodation search engine, has conducted it’s annual report into the  most forward-looking cities in Europe. As we are at the turn of a new decade, this study reveals which tech-focused, sustainable and connected metropolis’ are likely to be relevant in the coming years.

The index assesses 29 cities around Europe, rating them across three core pillars – technology, sustainability and connectivity– to come up with an overall score.

Zurich achieved the highest scores overall. The Swiss finance capital has the highest proportion of technology-led companies out of any cities in the ranking.

Progressive Scandinavia features heavily in the study, with three countries, Denmark, Sweden and Norway making the toplist.

The United Kingdom is the country with the largest number of forward-looking cities – with six in the final list. London was the most sustainable city in the ranking with a score of 74%

These are the top five most forward-looking cities in Europe for 2020:

Rank
City
Technology
Sustainability
Internet Connectivity
Average Score
1
Zurich, Switzerland
47%
68%
92%
69.6%
2
Stockholm, Sweden
32%
72%
96%
66.6%
3
Copenhagen, Denmark
35%
66%
96%
65.6%
4
Oslo, Finland
34%
67%
96%
65.5%
5
Munich, Germany
36%
67%
92%
65%

 

Please refer here for more information and the full study:

https://www.hometogo.co.uk/europe/#forward-looking

Edifier Elevates Its Audio Selection With Its New, High Quality, Wireless And Gaming Headphones At CES 2020 #Edifier #Tech #CES2020

Edifier, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets, announces the addition of the TWS NB, TWS6, GM6 and G7, to its ever-expanding audio and gaming accessory lineup.

The Edifier TWS NB headset has been designed to fill a gap in the market place. With its sleek, truly wireless earphone design, the TWS NB combines Active Noise Cancelling technology, which is usually found in over ear headphones, with affordability to give a fully noise-free, immersive listening experience. Equipped with a Knowles tri-frequency balanced armature driver, the TWS6 delivers a rich and powerful, all-encompassing sound in a compact and elegant design. In terms of gaming, the GM6 offers a truly portable mobile gaming experience with the security of listening to every sound in tandem with the visuals, while the G7 brings high quality, surround sound audio in a heat regulating, easy-to-use and stylish headset.

 

“There is an ever-growing need for premium audio devices, and we wanted to be able to provide these at an affordable cost without compromising audio quality” said Stanley Wen, Edifier’s CTO. “We are bringing our users an unrivalled audio experience in a more convenient and travel friendly package for everyone’s gaming, music and video enjoyment needs. Now, great audio can be with you wherever you go.”

 

TWS NB

Distinct from other noise cancellation headphones on the market, the Edifier TWS NB is based on analog noise cancelling technology, which has an extremely high standard for acoustic components and brings over-ear noise canceling headphone technology to a mini, truly wireless earphone package. With extensive testing, all components of the earphones are certified to block medium to low environmental frequencies while giving the user a completely balanced sound with no outside interruptions. Complete with unmatched audio quality and Bluetooth 5.0, the TWS NB is equipped to be your companion on your busiest days. Environmental monitoring function can be enabled by a single tap to make you aware of your surroundings while crossing a busy street.

 

Thanks to the Qualcomm low power-consumption chipset, users can take advantage of the five-hour playback with the active noise cancellation on or 11 hours with it off. There is also the added security of knowing that the travel friendly charging case gives an additional 10- or 22-hour of playback time. The TWS NB also utilizes lightning-fast charging, which allows your device to be fully charged in one hour. With the seamless and sleek design of the earphone and charging case, comfort, style and great technology are at the user’s disposal. 

 

TWS6

The TWS6 is designed for audio lovers who are in need of a durable, ultra-light and compact earbud which offers impeccable sound quality. The design of the TWS6 is the epitome of small but mighty. Paired with an electroacoustics structure, the earphones create an outstanding sound experience while still maintaining a slim and travel friendly size. Organize any purse, pocket or travel compartment with the earphone’s wireless and credit-card sized charging case. With its credit-card sized charging case, the TWS6 easily fits into any pocket or travel bag.

With the LG scratch-resistant finish, you know that your earphones will stay in tip top condition. This finish has the added bonus of being environmentally friendly as it avoids the need of paint, electroplating and post-production surface treatments.

 

GM6

With the GM6’s 10-hour playback time combined with Qualcomm AptX low-latency technology, level after level can be completed without any lagging or low battery notifications for gamers. With mobile gaming being top of mind, countless trials and tests were made to ensure that the truly wireless earbuds would meet the specific needs for gamers.

With its environmental noise canceling technology (ENC) and dual microphones, mobile gaming is now truly portable as you can clearly communicate with any team member while playing in any area such as a moderately noisy coffee shop or a crowded bus. With 3 different audio profiles, your listening experience is enhanced and modified to further engulf yourself in the game, video or even podcast. When coming back to the real world, simply pause by taking off an earbud.

 

G7

While being Hi-res audio certificated, the G7 elevates your PC and console gaming dude in part by the headset’s advanced acoustic customization feature. While playing first person shooter or online battle arena games, the headset’s smart technology will identify and adjust its audio levels to bring out key audio profiles that is needed in that moment, giving the user a competitive edge in gameplay simply by enhanced audio cues. 

Comfort is critical when it comes to extended game play, especially for professional gamers. The G7 is made with an ice-sense gel earmuff to regulate heat, ensuring consistent temperatures during extended gameplay sessions. Furthermore, know that teammates will clearly hear every word with the headset’s ENC technology in its retractable microphone. When finished, the headset can easily be tucked away when not in use making gaming setups organized and always ready for the next game.

 

Price & Availability:

At a suggested retail price of $119 for the TWS NB and G7, $99 for TWS6 and $79 for the GM6, all headsets are available to purchase in 2020, at Edifier.com with availability on Amazon following thereafter. For more information on the headsets and other Edifier products, please visit Edifier.com.

Say hello to 2020 with Virgin Media’s new ‘Leave Nothing Behind’ Sale. #VirginMedia

Fantastic New Year’s offers across TV, Broadband and Mobile for both new and existing customers

 Virgin Media are kicking off 2020 with their amazing new ‘Leave Nothing Behind’ Sale. New Virgin Media customers can get 250Mb broadband, Mix TV (with Virgin Media Sport) & Home Phone for only €55 a month for 12 months. New Virgin Media broadband customers can also sign up exclusively online for Naked Broadband (including TV Anywhere Sports Pass with Virgin Media Sport & eir Sport 1) from just €35 a month for 6 months.  

Looking for a new mobile plan for the new year? Virgin Mobile has you covered. Everyone can try Virgin Mobile for FREE!

Virgin Media customers can try the Virgin Mobile Unlimited plan including unlimited 4G data, calls and texts for 4 months for FREE and even if you’re not a Virgin Media Broadband or TV customer, you can try the Virgin Mobile Unlimited plan for 2 months FREE all on just a 30 day contract.

If you want a great smartphone offer, check these out:

Apple iPhone Xs 64GB plus the Virgin Mobile Unlimited Plan available exclusively online with savings of €50, now from €149 upfront and €40 a month for the first 4 months and €65 thereafter OR Samsung S Series range plus the Virgin Mobile Unlimited Plan, starting from FREE upfront and €30 a month for four months and €55 thereafter OR why not Save €49 with the Apple iPhone 7 plus the Virgin Mobile Unlimited Plan, now from FREE upfront and €20 a month for the first 4 months and €45 thereafter.

To top it all off, customers can get a FREE Samsung Galaxy Watch Active when buying  a Samsung Galaxy S10+ or Galaxy S10 until January 29th.

Paul Higgins, Director of Consumer at Virgin Media said: “The new year is here and so too are some exciting connectivity, entertainment & mobile offers for both new and existing Virgin Media customers in our ‘Leave Nothing Behind’ sale. When Virgin Media has a sale, we never skimp on the stuff people want or the price. We offer Ireland’s fastest broadband network, sport as standard and total entertainment, as well as peace of mind with a 12 month contract –all at a fantastic price.

“Our New Year mobile offers now allow EVERYONE to try Virgin Mobile for free and give customers the chance to pick up some of the best smartphones on the market at fantastic prices.”

For more information, visit VirginMedia.ie

TCL Communication Showcases Alcatel Mobile Product Portfolio With Fresh Design and Imaging Performance Milestones at #CES2020 #Alcatel

Today at CES 2020, TCL Communication announced the latest additions to its Alcatel product portfolio, which includes the brand’s first 48MP triple camera smartphone and first Android 10 (Go edition) smartphone. Aspiring to provide users with the best possible mobile device experiences without breaking the bank, TCL Communication is continuing to fulfill its commitment to make mainstream technologies accessible to more people.

“At CES 2020, we are happy to unveil our Alcatel product lineup for the first half of 2020, all of which are supporting users in today’s fast-paced, modern lifestyle,” said Peter Lee, General Manager, Global Sales and Marketing at TCL Communication. “Our latest smartphones are made for basic value seekers who are looking for the best in essential technology experiences without compromising on style.”

 

Alcatel 3L: Bringing improved low-light camera performance to affordable smartphones

With the triple-camera setup on the Alcatel 3L, getting an affordable phone no longer means you need to sacrifice on imaging performance. The 48MP AI main rear sensor is capable of delivering videos in low light conditions and high-resolution photos thanks to the built-in 4-in-1 big pixel technology that combines four pixels into a larger 1.6μm 12MP image to increase light sensitivity. It also utilizes AI algorithms to automatically identify up to 22 different scenes, optimizing the image based on its category.

Additionally, a 5MP camera is equipped with a 115° super wide-angle lens, allowing users to capture as much of the scene as possible, and a 2MP rear camera with macro lens to take close-up photos in incredible detail. Also, the 8MP front camera with LCD flash allows for top class photos for users.

The Alcatel 3L also introduces a new design called Aurora, which features micro texture laser etching technology on a shimmering gradient back design. This approach enables each phone to exhibit a variety of different colors using spectacular shifting patterns that resemble the Aurora Borealis, the mysterious Northern Lights.

Designed with an expansive 6.22-inch HD+ Vast display, the Alcatel 3L provides users with vivid visuals. Alcatel 3L makes media come to life with a 19:9 aspect ratio that provides an immersive large-screen experience that fits comfortably in their pocket. Its highly efficient Octa-core processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB built-in storage help the phone handle the most resource-demanding content with ease, so you can stream HD videos, take photos and play games without interruptions. A large all-day battery will easily get you through your daily routine and more.

The Alcatel 3L will be available in select markets in Europe, in Q1 2020 at prices starting from €139, in Chameleon Blue and Dark Chrome.

Alcatel 1S: A powerful triple-camera smartphone for under €99

With a triple camera, powerful performance and a great viewing experience, the Alcatel 1S definitely delivers essential smartphone experiences and the most mainstream technologies to more people. The smartphone hosts a 13MP + 5MP + 2MP triple rear camera, serving high quality photos. Powered by AI, the 13MP camera uses 22 types of scene detection which automatically adjusts camera settings when taking photos. Additionally, the 5MP camera with bokeh provides portrait mode for visually appealing photos with a ‘background blur’ to focus on the subject. Capture photos of small plants, animals and insects, without missing details by using the 2MP macro camera.

Thanks to an octa-core processor and day-long battery, the Alcatel 1S will keep up with hours of streaming music, HD video and uninterrupted gaming. Users will also enjoy an immersive viewing experience with the 6.22-inch HD+ Vast display. Much like the Alcatel 3L, the ethereal Aurora design approach on the Alcatel 1S gives the phone a unique feel, complete with an elegant S-curve design.

The Alcatel 1S will be available in select markets in Europe in Q1 2020 starting from €99, in Agate Green and Power Gray.

Alcatel 1B – A smooth Android 10 (Go edition) smartphone experience

The Alcatel 1B provides an optimized smartphone user experience with Android™ 10 (Go edition), a quad-core processor and up to 2GB RAM, resulting in twice the storage, enhanced apps for better performance, data savings, and built-in mobile security, resulting in an ultra-fast multitasking capability. Its 5.5-inch HD+ display enables perfect visual experience.

The smartphone hosts a Smart Manager service that runs in the background to clear memory instantly and optimize power intelligently. Users can freely roam on-the-go as the Alcatel 1B has a large 3000 mAh battery, getting them through the day with ease, without having to carry around a charger.

A dedicated Google Assistant button comes built-in to add more convenience to anyone who needs quick access to thousands of tasks, all of which can be done through a single click and voice queries. It’s easy to stay on top of plans while on-the-go, in the car or at home with the Google Assistant.

 The Alcatel 1B will be available in select markets in Europe in Q1 2020 starting from €79, in Prime Black and Pine Green.

Kokoon to launch world’s first sleep aiding headphones in US at CES. #Headphones #CES2020 #Kokoon

Today, digital health experts, Kokoon Technology, announces the US launch of its Kokoon Relax headphone. Kokoon combine bio-metric data and AI to deliver personalised audio to aid and protect sleep and relaxation. Following the fulfilment of 23,000 pre-orders, the headphones are now available at selected retailers and from Kokoon.io and Amazon.com for $349.00. Developed with staff at Europe’s largest sleep laboratory, the headphones combine bio-sensing with adaptive audio within an ergonomic noise cancelling headphone to provide personalised, bespoke assistance to help people switch off and relax.

‘Always-on’ technology is driving chronic problems with sleep. Now classified as “a public health epidemic” by CDC*, according to NHS Choices 1 in 3 people in the UK are affected by insomnia with 50% of us in a recent survey by Mintel reporting struggles with sleep. Each of us will, at some point in our lives, experience struggles with sleep, be it that long uncomfortable flight or struggling to switch off after a busy or stressful day.

Kokoon was founded with the mission to become the non-pharmaceutical, digital ‘go to’ for helping people relax and sleep easier. Kokoon’s founder Tim Antos struggled with insomnia himself. After attending many sessions at a sleep clinic he wanted a more convenient, cheaper way of getting access to the insights and techniques he was introduced to. “I wanted to make all this knowledge, all these great tools I learnt in the sleep clinic more accessible to the everyday consumer to use on their own terms”.

The Kokoon app features techniques, tracks and concepts developed with sleep professionals to optimise the chances of falling asleep. Many of these techniques feature in a form of talking therapy known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT. CBT is an evidence-based therapy generally regarded as the gold standard treatment for insomnia with a proven success rate.

Kokoon uses these techniques to help users by delivering a customised content experience developed for the individual using the sensor data gathered from their body and environment. For example, as a wearer falls asleep in a headphone, audio changes in response, fading out the content and introducing white noise to mask out disturbances. The system also tracks what’s working for a user then personalising content for greater effect.

Kokoon’s first product, the Relax Headphone, features world first innovations in sensing and comfort. The Flexmould™ Comfort patented design helps Kokoon headphones mould to the shape of the users head to be comfortable wherever they are worn and thanks to the high quality natural fibre fabric, air flows easily through the ear cups to keep the wearers cool and comfortable. The ear cushions can also be detached and washed to be kept fresh and clean. Kokoon’s Sleepguard technology quietens as the wearer falls asleep whilst the EEG sensors measure the wearer’s brainwaves, motion, heart rate and environment tracking to learn what is helping them rest and relax.

Also useable as regular Bluetooth 4.0 headphones, the Kokoon Relax features premium acoustics from a 40mm electro dynamic driver and active noise cancelling making them ideal for listening to music or watching movies whilst travelling or simply relaxing. At just 350g/12.03oz they make the perfect travel companion with folding earcups and an included carry case.

The Kokoon Relax headphone is now shipping internationally from Kokoon.io for $349.00. It can also be purchased from Amazon.com and selected retailers.

emporia to launch its mobile handsets in the UK and Ireland in 2020 #emporia #mobile

Mobile industry veteran Chris Millington has been appointed to launch the emporia Telecom brand in the UK and Ireland in early 2020. The UK and Ireland add to emporia’s current market presence in 30 countries, with the brand having grown across Europe since initially offering fixed-line devices in 1991, and mobile devices from 2003.
emporia, a multi-national private company based in Austria, exists to offer customers user-friendly products. Its portfolio features a range of telecommunication devices specially designed and adapted for the changing lives of the 60+ demographic.
Eveline Pupeter, CEO of the emporia Telecom group, said: “Our company vision is to provide simplicity in telephony for everyone, and we are confident that our range of user-friendly devices has strong appeal for the senior market in the UK and Ireland. There are currently 8.6 million senior citizens in the UK alone today who still don’t own a smartphone; yet there is an ever-increasing number of day-to-day activities that can only be performed with one. It is our mission to guide older people into the digital future.”
Pupeter added: “We have appointed Chris to lead our entry into the UK market where we see a great opportunity to build market share in the provision of telecom products for seniors. The UK senior category has had very little investment in recent years so we have a great opportunity to become the leading brand. Chris has a wealth of success in telecoms solutions for the senior demographic. Chris and his team have the passion and drive needed to succeed.”
Millington, who will have the title of Managing Director for emporia UK and Ireland, said: “Working with a strong brand with a long heritage in both fixed-line and mobile devices gives us the firepower to get up and running, build our profile, and start to gain market share from day one. We are investing significantly in the brand launch and further details will be made available in the New Year.”
The brief at emporia UK and Ireland is to establish itself as a trusted supplier of products that are exclusively focused on the ageing population. Partners will include specialists that focus on hearing, sight and dexterity, alongside key national retail and network relationships.
Having reviewed the current distribution market in the UK, Chris has chosen Eurostar Global Electronics Ltd as the launch partner and UK distributor with its dedication to flexible and professional distribution services.
Steve Hankey, Head of Commercial and Vendor Management, said: “We will be working hard with Chris and his team to ensure we provide wholesale customers and retail consumers with the seamless purchasing experience that they would expect from a brand as internationally strong as emporia. We are delighted to have been chosen as their launch partner for their entry to the UK market.”
Peter Carnall, Managing Director of Eurostar Global Electronics, added: “By 2050, the Office for National Statistics estimates that there will be nearly double the number of people aged 60 and over (2.1 billion people) which will represent 21.3% of the global population. Our ageing population is therefore clearly a growing market, where seniors are often left isolated and overwhelmed by technology. As an established entity throughout Europe, emporia has a set of hardware and software products that make it a market leader in its field. It delivers pragmatic solutions and allows seniors access to technology in a way that works for them. Eurostar Global is looking forward to being part of the solution – bringing emporia products to the UK consumers – and we are delighted to have partnered with Chris and his experienced team.”
Prior to the launch, Millington is currently laying the groundwork for a sales and distribution network in the UK and Ireland and assembling an account handling and marketing team, with a headquarters operation in Watford.
Handset and devices that will be available to UK and Ireland customers will be announced soon.
UK and Ireland customers will be able to visit www.emporiatelecom.co.uk for more information.

What WON’T happen in 2020: 5G Wearables, Quantum Computing, and Self-Driving Trucks to Name a few.

As 2019 winds down, predictions abound on the technology advancements and innovations expected in the year ahead. However, there are several anticipated advancements, including 5G wearables, quantum computing, and self-driving trucks, that will NOT happen in the first year of the new decade, states global tech market advisory firm, ABI Research.

In its new whitepaper, 54 Technology Trends to Watch in 2020, ABI Research’s analysts have identified 35 trends that will shape the technology market and 19 others that, although attracting huge amounts of speculation and commentary, look less likely to move the needle over the next twelve month. “After a tumultuous 2019 that was beset by many challenges, both integral to technology markets and derived from global market dynamics, 2020 looks set to be equally challenging,” says Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer at ABI Research. “Knowing what won’t happen in technology in the next year is important for end users, implementors, and vendors to properly place their investments or focus their strategies.”

What won’t happen in 2020?

5G Wearables: “While smartphones will dominate the 5G market in 2020, 5G wearables won’t arrive in 2020, or anytime soon,” says Stephanie Tomsett, 5G Devices, Smartphones & Wearables analyst at ABI Research. “To bring 5G to wearables, specific 5G chipsets will need to be designed and components will need to be reconfigured to fit in the small form factor. That won’t begin to happen until 2024, at the earliest.”

Quantum Computing: “Despite claims from Google in achieving quantum supremacy, the tech industry is still far away from the democratization of quantum computing technology,” says Lian Jye Su, AI & Machine Learning Principal Analyst at ABI Research. “Quantum computing is definitely not even remotely close to the large-scale commercial deployment stage.”

Self-Driving Trucks: “Despite numerous headlines declaring the arrival of driverless, self-driving, or robot vehicles, very little, if any, driver-free commercial usage is underway beyond closed-course operations in the United States,” says Susan Beardslee, Freight Transportation & Logistics Principal Analyst at ABI Research.

A Consolidated IoT Platform Market: “For many years, there have been predictions that the IoT platform supplier market will begin to consolidate, and it just won’t happen,” says Dan Shey, Vice President of Enabling Platforms at ABI Research. “The simple reason is that there are more than 100 companies that offer device-to-cloud IoT platform services and for every one that is acquired, there are always new ones that come to market.”

Edge Will Not Overtake Cloud: “The accelerated growth of the edge technology and intelligent device paradigm created one of the largest industry misconceptions: edge technology will cannibalize cloud technology,” says Kateryna Dubrova, M2M, IoT & IoE Analyst at ABI Research. “In fact, in the future, we will see a rapid development of edge-cloud-fog continuum, where technology will complement each other, rather than cross-cannibalize.”

8K TVs: “Announcements of 8K Television (TV) sets by major vendors earlier in 2019 attracted much attention and raised many of questions within the industry,” says Khin Sandi Lynn, Video & Cloud Services Analyst at ABI Research. “The fact is, 8K content is not available and the price of 8K TV sets are exorbitant. The transition from high definition (HD) to 4K will continue in 2020 with very limited 8K shipments – less than 1 million worldwide.”

For more trends that won’t happen in 2020, and the 35 trends that will, download the 54 Technology Trends to Watch in 2020 whitepaper.

Top 5 technology predictions for 2020 unveiled by Dell Technologies. #AI #5G #Multicloud #Dell #Tech

Dell Technologies has today unveiled its top five technology predictions for 2020 with the company forecasting how developments in AI, 5G, Multicloud technology and sustainable innovation will reshape Ireland’s economy and society in the next twelve months and to pave the way to the next data decade.

Unveiling the predictions today, Mark Hopkins, General Manager, Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “2020 will be a milestone year in technology. The explosion in the growth of data and increasing computer power will result in emerging technologies becoming ever more evident in our everyday lives – from how we work and play, to how we do business in Ireland.

“To help organisations to prepare for the change that lies ahead, we’ve identified the technology breakthroughs that will come to the fore. From AI and Machine Learning turning our PCs into even smarter companions, next-generation infrastructure supporting the delivery of 5G, and sustainable innovation taking centre stage, 2020 is set to be the opening of the next data decade.

“I’m very excited about what the future holds and how the Dell Technologies’ teams in Limerick, Cork and Dublin can help businesses to transform. Our Innovation Lab in Limerick provides a critical AI and Internet of Things test-bed for businesses whilst our teams in Cork are at the global forefront of using 5G technology and Edge Computing to create next-generation services that can help to save lives.” 

Top 5 Predictions:

The top technology predictions from Dell Technologies include:

  • Prediction 1: Intelligent devices will change the way we work

Over the next year, AI and machine learning will turn our PCs into even smarter companions. They’ll have the ability to optimise power and battery life for our most productive moments. These devices will become increasingly self-sufficient with the ability to automatically repair, without needing to inform the owner. Biometrics will also become widespread in PC ranges. With this innovation, PCs know it’s you from the moment you gaze at the screen.

 

  • Prediction 2: 5G promises to completely change the data game 

5G promises to completely change the data game – bringing transmissions speeds up to 20 times faster than current 4G platforms. The near-instantaneous transfer of data and information will speed up the delivery of autonomous vehicle and smart cities. In 2020, focus will turn to the delivery of the hardware and infrastructure needed to support the delivery of 5G and the massive amounts of data that will move at speed.

 

  • Prediction 3: Public and private clouds to co-exist

The idea that public and private clouds can and will co-exist becomes a clear reality in 2020. Multi-cloud IT strategies supported by hybrid cloud architectures will play a key role in ensuing organizations have better data management and visibility, while also ensuring that their data remains accessible and secure. In fact, IDC predicts that by 2021, 9 in 10 businesses worldwide will rely on a mix of private and public clouds together with legacy platforms to meet their infrastructure needs.

 

  • Prediction 4: Flexible consumption and as-a-service adoption will accelerate rapidly

One of the biggest hurdles for IT decision makers driving transformation is resources. In 2020, flexible consumption and as-a-service options will accelerate rapidly as organisations seize the opportunity to transform into software-defined and cloud-enabled IT. As a result – they’ll be able to choose the right economic model for their business to take advantage of end-to-end IT solutions that enable data mobility and visibility, and crunch even the most intensive AI and Machine Learning workloads when needed.

  • Prediction 5: Sustainable innovation to take centre stage

Sustainable technology will also take centre stage, with organisations increasing looking to protect the plant. 2020 will see greater investments in reuse and recycling for closed-loop innovation. Hardware will become smaller and more efficient and built with recycled and reclaimed goods.

For more information on Dell Technologies 2020 Predictions, see here.