Category Archives: Comes Next

Comes Next, Science, TechNews

Skin for Robots

[Image by TeX9.net]
Skin for Robots – Researchers Develop ‘Human’ Skin from Living Cells

It may sound like science fiction, but it could soon become a reality. Apparently, Japanese researchers have attempted to mimic human skin to make artificial faces appear more natural. Researchers at the University of Tokyo are currently working on developing artificial skin from living cells. Although the results so far still seem quite bizarre, the research team is optimistic that they will soon be able to construct convincingly realistic humanoid robots with self-healing skin.

The artificial skin closely resembles human skin. It is not only soft, but it is also capable of self-repairing when damaged. This is explained by the scientists in their article, which they recently published. However, the concept of human robot skin does not yet seem to be fully developed. In particular, there appear to be difficulties with affixing the artificial skin to a suitable surface. Human skin is connected to underlying structures by tiny strands of flexible collagen and elastin. This is difficult to artificially replicate, as constructing a robot body would be too complex. Instead, the research team attempted to attach the artificial skin using small hooks as anchors. This attempt, however, eventually failed as the hooks tore out of the artificial skin.

Artificial Skin Not Just for Robots

In the meantime, the scientists have come up with some new methods. They have drilled numerous tiny holes into the surface of the robot to attach the artificial skin. They used a gel containing collagen as an adhesive, which fundamentally mimics human connective tissue.

However, it will still be a long road before we actually see the artificial skin on robots. The research team suspects that it will take many years before the technology can be implemented in practice. Project leader Shoji Takeuchi emphasized that another significant challenge is creating human facial expressions by integrating advanced actuators or muscles inside the robot.

In the future, the development of artificial skin could benefit not only robots. It could also be useful for researching skin aging, for cosmetics, and surgical procedures, including plastic surgery.”

Comes Next, Computer Chips, TechNews

Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

[Image credit: Qualcomm ( Snapdragon 7s Gen 3)]

Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 7s Gen 3: Mid-Tier Upgrade with Cortex-A720

Qualcomm has launched the its latest SoC for mid-range smartphones. This new chip aims to offer improved performance and power efficiency for budget-friendly devices. Positioned as the entry-level chip in the Snapdragon 7 series, the 7s Gen 3 stands out with significant upgrades.

Upgraded CPU Performance

The new Snapdragon adopts Arm’s latest Armv9 CPU cores, using a 1+3+4 configuration. This setup includes one prime Cortex-A720 core clocked up to 2.5GHz. Additionally, it features three Cortex-A720 performance cores running at up to 2.4GHz. Four efficiency cores, based on Arm’s A520 design, support lighter tasks and can boost to 1.8GHz. This new architecture replaces the older A78/A55 cores from the previous generation, resulting in a 20% improvement in CPU performance.

Enhanced GPU and AI Capabilities

Qualcomm’s Adreno GPU powers the graphics in the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. While Qualcomm has not disclosed specific GPU details, they claim a 40% improvement in GPU performance over the 7s Gen 2. This will make gaming and multimedia experiences much smoother.

The chip also features an updated Hexagon NPU for AI tasks. This NPU supports INT4 for low precision inference, enhancing local AI processing. Users can expect a 30% boost in AI performance compared to the previous generation.

Improved Connectivity and Camera Features

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 supports both LPDDR4X and LPDDR5 memory. This flexibility allows manufacturers to choose based on the device’s price and performance requirements. The camera system uses a trio of 12-bit Spectra ISPs, supporting a maximum of 64MP resolution with zero shutter lag.

On the connectivity side, Qualcomm has integrated a 5G modem that supports Sub-6 and mmWave bands, with speeds reaching up to 2.9Gbps. The Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module, now branded as FastConnect, supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, providing stable and fast wireless connections.

Efficient Design and Future Devices

Qualcomm has built the new Snapdragon on TSMC’s N4P process. This shift has enhanced power efficiency by 12%, ensuring longer battery life for smartphones. Xiaomi will be the first brand to use this chip in their new phones, with Realme, Sharp, and Samsung expected to follow soon.

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 offers an attractive upgrade for mid-range smartphones. It combines enhanced CPU and GPU performance with efficient AI support, making it a strong contender in the mid-tier market.

Comes Next, Computer Chips, TechNews

AMD Ryzen World Record

[Image by TeX9.net]
New World Record: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X Outshines the Competition

Before even hitting the market, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X has shattered records, solidifying its position as a powerhouse among processors worldwide and sets new world record. Chinese overclocker Tony Yu pushed this 16-core giant to new heights in Cinebench R23, achieving an astonishing 55,327 multicore points, surpassing the previous record held by its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X has already claimed its first title, even though it’s not yet officially on sale. Chinese overclocker Tony Yu set new records for a 16-core processor in Cinebench R23 with this chip.

After its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 7950X, led the charts for nearly two years, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X now tops the Cinebench benchmark rankings. Tech influencer Tony Yu achieved an impressive 55,327 multicore points with the processor. AMD’s internal overclocking team had previously reached similar, albeit slightly lower, scores.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X typically operates at 4.3 GHz. For the record, Tony Yu naturally boosted the frequency, first to 5 GHz, then to 6 GHz, and finally to 6.5 GHz. He managed to break the predecessor’s record at the middle setting.

Such performance is not achievable with standard means. To elevate the CPU to this level, he had to use liquid nitrogen for cooling. This method is common in extreme overclocking attempts, temporarily lowering temperatures to -165 degrees Celsius.

The new Ryzen processors will hit the market soon. Sales start in August with the Ryzen 5 9600X and the Ryzen 7 9700X. A week later, the Ryzen 9 9900X and the aforementioned Ryzen 9 9950X will follow. The computer processors were originally scheduled for an earlier release but had to be delayed due to a typographical error.

Comes Next, Entertainment

Cinema Summer 2024

Cinema Summer 2024: Movie Releases Highlights in July 2024

As we reach the midpoint of 2024, the cinematic landscape is heating up with an exciting lineup of July releases in this cinema summer 2024. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures or charming animated tales, this month promises something for everyone. From the thrilling team-up of Deadpool and Wolverine to the latest family escapades in ‘Despicable Me 4’, let’s dive into the must-see blockbusters set to dominate screens this July. Get ready to mark your calendars and plan your summer movie nights!

Cinema Summer 2024

Half the year has already passed. This provides the perfect opportunity to preview the upcoming movies in July 2024. Could any of these dethrone “Inside Out 2” as the year’s top film?

Deadpool & Wolverine

On July 2024, two of cinema’s most popular action heroes will share the screen. “Deadpool & Wolverine” features, as you might guess, Deadpool and Wolverine. We look forward to seeing how the mismatched duo fares and how Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman mesh together. The trailer promises plenty of action and sharp dialogue. The movie runs for 127 minutes.

Despicable Me 4

Those who prefer less action and a friendlier tone might enjoy “Despicable Me 4.” The cinema premiere is in July 2024, and it runs for a crisp 94 minutes. This time, the story revolves around Gru’s family and their work in the Anti-Villain League. Together, they must try to stop the villain Maxime Le Mal.

MaXXXine

“MaXXXine” follows a long, bloody path to fame. In the mid-1980s, porn star Maxine Minx (Mia Goth) finally gets her big break in Hollywood. But a mysterious private detective and the brutal murders of a serial killer in her circle threaten to expose her dark past just as she rises to stardom. The film, lasting 103 minutes, hits theaters in July 2024.

Image by TeX9.net: Cinema Summer 2024
Image by TeX9.net: Cinema Summer 2024
Business, Comes Next, Security, TechNews

Google’s Titan security keys

Image: The new Titan security keys in USB-A and USB-C versions (Screenshot Google)

Ready for a world without passwords. Google has introduced a new version of its Titan security keys. The new keys are compatible with Passkeys technology, which is intended to make passwords unnecessary in the long term. What is the best way to protect passwords? By abolishing them. Google, like Apple and Microsoft, has been pursuing this strategy with passkeys for some time. In simple terms, this process allows users to identify themselves on their device. This creates a string as a key that you can then use to log in to web services or accounts.

The Titan security keys intends to make passwords superfluous

Now Google has introduced new Titan security keys that can store up to 250 passkeys. The new security key replaces the previous model from 2018, which was based on the two-stage verification system. The new Titan security keys are already listed in the Google Store . It is available in two versions, for the USB-A and USB-C standards. Both versions are also NFC compatible, meaning they can be connected to a smartphone or computer without contact.

Passkeys technology for everyone

Passkeys normally work without a physical carrier medium, but are activated directly during authentication via smartphone. But: “Some people need a solution that does not depend on smartphones, or use devices that do not support passkeys,” writes Google in a blog post. The company wants to give these user groups access to secure passkey technology with the Titan security key. Passwords and two-step authentication measures should be replaced by passkeys in the long term. But Google itself knows that this is still a thing of the future. In the store, the passkey-compatible keys are therefore advertised as additional protection in addition to passwords.

Google wants to distribute 100,000 keys for free

In order to make the passkey standard even more widespread, Google is taking an unusual measure. Next year, the group wants to distribute 100,000 security keys free of charge to partners in the industry who have particularly high security needs. Google clearly wants to use its initiative to help make the presidential election in the USA safer. This is intended to protect political campaigns from being compromised. So it’s about more than just avoiding fiddling with passwords.