Connect with us

Politics

Straight Talk Smart Tech: How UWB Will Add New Dimension to Future IoT Tech – ReadWrite

Published

on

Lars Reger


Many major consumer brands are starting to bring Ultra-Wideband (UWB) to devices used in homes, businesses, and vehicles. Its unique user benefits make it likely that UWB will play an important role in a lot of future IoT tech.

Your Access to Accuracy

Like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, UWB uses high-frequency radio waves, but its signal pulse is short, distinct, and reliable. It’s more secure because it uses pulse transmission at particular time intervals, so the system can determine specific time-of-flight and directional information.

This precision sensing means that devices can pinpoint users’ positions and therefrom can prompt actions and provide services without people having to launch an app or push a button. It is also very resistant to being intercepted by wrongdoers in actions known as man-in-the-middle attacks.

In terms of access, UWB will make things so much easier by streamlining, and in some cases eliminating the need for control mechanics. Just think of the effort required to activate various “on-demand” technologies during, say, a lazy afternoon at home. First, you search for your smart lighting app among dozens of apps on your phone.

After choosing your preferred settings and closing the lighting app, you start your search for the TV remote app. Tired of TV and time for a little music?  Find the TV remote app again to turn it off (yes, you closed it to respond to some text messages in-between) and then open your Bluetooth settings to pair your headset, and so on. You get the point.

UWB will take our digital life to an entirely new level. It will help enable devices to begin to anticipate and automate many of the “on-demand” things in our lives. Also, by providing more secure connections, we’ll be more comfortable not only using devices but trusting them to take on more important and meaningful responsibilities.

Imagine a World That Senses What You Want

Last year, Apple added UWB to its iPhones with its iPhone 11 introduction and Samsung did the same with Galaxy Note20 Ultra and the Z Fold2 (Samsung has a full-time task force looking at ways to integrate it into its products).  Xiaomi demonstrated devices controlling household appliances like TVs and air conditioners.

Also late last year, NXP partnered with Volkswagen to demonstrate the higher levels of theft protection, safety, and convenience offered by an UWB-enabled vehicle and BMW announced its UWB-enabled “next-gen digital key.”  Early this year, we partnered with NTT DOCOMO Sony to explore UWB’s precise real-time localization capabilities for hands-free mobile payments (so smartphones can remain in our handbags or pockets). This mobile payment solution will be a huge step forward for contactless technologies at retail which will be very needed on the heels of the Pandemic.

The Contextual Remote

Perhaps the best way to demystify UWB technology is to think of it as “a contextual remote control” that allows users to control devices by simply pointing at them. You’ll no longer need to search, slide, tap and open all those previously described “lazy day apps.”

You’ll just point your mobile phone at a device and be able to access it for personalized and contextualized experiences. Point it at a smart product such as a TV or automated window coverings and the smartphone displays the info you need to control each device (like the Xiaomi product demonstration).

In more sophisticated setups, you could even leave your device in your pocket, and your lights and music will literally follow you from room to room, turning on and off as you move around your home, supporting a more seamless and sustainable lifestyle.

As you can see, UWB increases IoT devices’ awareness of user expectations, and proactively gets things ready or done for users when they seek access, want to accomplish transactions, or otherwise control their experiences and environments. In this sense, it promises much more than a “hands-free” interface and will play a key role in smart technologies that anticipate and automate our needs.

UWB will add a new dimension to your future IoT tech and mine.

Image Credit: lucie liz; pexels

Lars Reger

As Executive Vice President and CTO, Lars Reger is responsible for NXP’s overall tech portfolio, including Autonomous Driving, Consumer and Industrial IoT and Security. Prior to joining NXP in 2008, Lars held various positions with Siemens, Infineon and Continental.

Politics

Fintech Kennek raises $12.5M seed round to digitize lending

Published

on

Google eyed for $2 billion Anthropic deal after major Amazon play


London-based fintech startup Kennek has raised $12.5 million in seed funding to expand its lending operating system.

According to an Oct. 10 tech.eu report, the round was led by HV Capital and included participation from Dutch Founders Fund, AlbionVC, FFVC, Plug & Play Ventures, and Syndicate One. Kennek offers software-as-a-service tools to help non-bank lenders streamline their operations using open banking, open finance, and payments.

The platform aims to automate time-consuming manual tasks and consolidate fragmented data to simplify lending. Xavier De Pauw, founder of Kennek said:

“Until kennek, lenders had to devote countless hours to menial operational tasks and deal with jumbled and hard-coded data – which makes every other part of lending a headache. As former lenders ourselves, we lived and breathed these frustrations, and built kennek to make them a thing of the past.”

The company said the latest funding round was oversubscribed and closed quickly despite the challenging fundraising environment. The new capital will be used to expand Kennek’s engineering team and strengthen its market position in the UK while exploring expansion into other European markets. Barbod Namini, Partner at lead investor HV Capital, commented on the investment:

“Kennek has developed an ambitious and genuinely unique proposition which we think can be the foundation of the entire alternative lending space. […] It is a complicated market and a solution that brings together all information and stakeholders onto a single platform is highly compelling for both lenders & the ecosystem as a whole.”

The fintech lending space has grown rapidly in recent years, but many lenders still rely on legacy systems and manual processes that limit efficiency and scalability. Kennek aims to leverage open banking and data integration to provide lenders with a more streamlined, automated lending experience.

The seed funding will allow the London-based startup to continue developing its platform and expanding its team to meet demand from non-bank lenders looking to digitize operations. Kennek’s focus on the UK and Europe also comes amid rising adoption of open banking and open finance in the regions.

Featured Image Credit: Photo from Kennek.io; Thank you!

Radek Zielinski

Radek Zielinski is an experienced technology and financial journalist with a passion for cybersecurity and futurology.

Continue Reading

Politics

Fortune 500’s race for generative AI breakthroughs

Published

on

Deanna Ritchie


As excitement around generative AI grows, Fortune 500 companies, including Goldman Sachs, are carefully examining the possible applications of this technology. A recent survey of U.S. executives indicated that 60% believe generative AI will substantially impact their businesses in the long term. However, they anticipate a one to two-year timeframe before implementing their initial solutions. This optimism stems from the potential of generative AI to revolutionize various aspects of businesses, from enhancing customer experiences to optimizing internal processes. In the short term, companies will likely focus on pilot projects and experimentation, gradually integrating generative AI into their operations as they witness its positive influence on efficiency and profitability.

Goldman Sachs’ Cautious Approach to Implementing Generative AI

In a recent interview, Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti revealed that the firm has not yet implemented any generative AI use cases. Instead, the company focuses on experimentation and setting high standards before adopting the technology. Argenti recognized the desire for outcomes in areas like developer and operational efficiency but emphasized ensuring precision before putting experimental AI use cases into production.

According to Argenti, striking the right balance between driving innovation and maintaining accuracy is crucial for successfully integrating generative AI within the firm. Goldman Sachs intends to continue exploring this emerging technology’s potential benefits and applications while diligently assessing risks to ensure it meets the company’s stringent quality standards.

One possible application for Goldman Sachs is in software development, where the company has observed a 20-40% productivity increase during its trials. The goal is for 1,000 developers to utilize generative AI tools by year’s end. However, Argenti emphasized that a well-defined expectation of return on investment is necessary before fully integrating generative AI into production.

To achieve this, the company plans to implement a systematic and strategic approach to adopting generative AI, ensuring that it complements and enhances the skills of its developers. Additionally, Goldman Sachs intends to evaluate the long-term impact of generative AI on their software development processes and the overall quality of the applications being developed.

Goldman Sachs’ approach to AI implementation goes beyond merely executing models. The firm has created a platform encompassing technical, legal, and compliance assessments to filter out improper content and keep track of all interactions. This comprehensive system ensures seamless integration of artificial intelligence in operations while adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining client confidentiality. Moreover, the platform continuously improves and adapts its algorithms, allowing Goldman Sachs to stay at the forefront of technology and offer its clients the most efficient and secure services.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Google DeepMind; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

Continue Reading

Politics

UK seizes web3 opportunity simplifying crypto regulations

Published

on

Deanna Ritchie


As Web3 companies increasingly consider leaving the United States due to regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom must simplify its cryptocurrency regulations to attract these businesses. The conservative think tank Policy Exchange recently released a report detailing ten suggestions for improving Web3 regulation in the country. Among the recommendations are reducing liability for token holders in decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and encouraging the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to adopt alternative Know Your Customer (KYC) methodologies, such as digital identities and blockchain analytics tools. These suggestions aim to position the UK as a hub for Web3 innovation and attract blockchain-based businesses looking for a more conducive regulatory environment.

Streamlining Cryptocurrency Regulations for Innovation

To make it easier for emerging Web3 companies to navigate existing legal frameworks and contribute to the UK’s digital economy growth, the government must streamline cryptocurrency regulations and adopt forward-looking approaches. By making the regulatory landscape clear and straightforward, the UK can create an environment that fosters innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the global fintech industry.

The Policy Exchange report also recommends not weakening self-hosted wallets or treating proof-of-stake (PoS) services as financial services. This approach aims to protect the fundamental principles of decentralization and user autonomy while strongly emphasizing security and regulatory compliance. By doing so, the UK can nurture an environment that encourages innovation and the continued growth of blockchain technology.

Despite recent strict measures by UK authorities, such as His Majesty’s Treasury and the FCA, toward the digital assets sector, the proposed changes in the Policy Exchange report strive to make the UK a more attractive location for Web3 enterprises. By adopting these suggestions, the UK can demonstrate its commitment to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency industries while ensuring a robust and transparent regulatory environment.

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulations in various countries has prompted Web3 companies to explore alternative jurisdictions with more precise legal frameworks. As the United States grapples with regulatory ambiguity, the United Kingdom can position itself as a hub for Web3 innovation by simplifying and streamlining its cryptocurrency regulations.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Jonathan Borba; Pexels; Thank you!

Deanna Ritchie

Managing Editor at ReadWrite

Deanna is the Managing Editor at ReadWrite. Previously she worked as the Editor in Chief for Startup Grind and has over 20+ years of experience in content management and content development.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2021 Seminole Press.