Tablets Become Focus for Convergence

After decades of discussion, the convergence of consumer, computer and communications is finally becoming a reality with the arrival of Apple iPad and competing tablets, a development that will have massive implications for the technology world, spurring competition not only among varying types of products—but among entire industries, according to the market research firm iSuppli, now part of IHS.
“The definition of convergence has changed over time, with the latest version describing it as voice, video and data services being delivered to the home vis-à-vis broadband networks and the new services that would result from this confluence,” said William Kidd, director and principal analyst, financial services for iSuppli. “While that trend still exists, the convergence of consumer electronics devices and industries are now coming together at a fast pace, with the tablet form factor serving a tangible representation of that convergence, since it is part smart phone and part notebook.”
However, the implications of the convergence in consumer electronics span well beyond tablets.
The rise of the tablet parallels the growing importance of the mobile operating system (OS) in a large number of consumer electronics devices where previously there was no OS—or the OS wasn't a factor, Kidd added. Because of this, it's a time of great risk and opportunity for all the players across the electronics value chain. This is why so many technology firms seem to be rushing to deliver—or to become a key supplier to—a next generation tablet, smart phone or both, like the iPad/iPhone. At the same time, these companies also are attempting to keep their design options somewhat open, because it is still so early in this product's life cycle.
“Companies in the electronics value chain increasingly must face the reality that the rise of the mobile OS means distinct product categories now are blurring together,” Kidd said. “For example, note the similarity both in external functionality and internal electronics between Apple's tablet, smart phone, MP3 player and set top box product lines. Not only do they run the same OS, but all these Apple devices are internally similar, plus or minus a screen and touch interface. Industries likely to face the impact of convergence through the proliferation of mobile OSes include televisions, cell phones and notebook PCs.”

Going mobileMobile OSes will proliferate because of their range of benefits to technology providers and users.
These OSes provide a framework for consumers to cheaply and effortlessly create custom use cases for devices by using apps that greatly exceed the utility of an Internet browser alone. For developers, mobile OSes allow the creation and monetization of apps. Using mobile OSes, content providers to distribute their wares and adds another convenient option for consumers to access content. Finally, mobile OSes enable interconnectivity between connected devices, and thus generate even more new use cases.
iSuppli believes televisions likely represent the next important catalyst in this evolution toward a broader and more unifying consumers platform that encompasses significantly more devices. Despite challenges and past failures in this area, iSuppli expects mobile operating system providers will get the formula right and transition televisions into a new paradigm. Over the long term, tablets are likely to reshape the computer market as well.

Consumption versus creationiSuppli’s current outlook for tablet shipments foresees that these devices will remain content consumption devices, similar to the iPad. However, growth in the tablet segment starting in 2012 could be much higher than now anticipated as these devices take on the kind content creation capabilities now offered by notebook and netbook PCs.
The transformation of tablets into media creation devices would require the development of OSes that are more evolved that Apple’s iOS is today. Even with Microsoft’s stumbles to date in tablets, iSuppli believes that Microsoft will figure out how to design a functional tablet operating system. Apple also is likely to determine how to evolve iOS and an iPad into a creation platform that is 100 percent compatible with the Widows-dominated PC universe. Obviously, Apple could combine iOS and Mac OS at some point, which iSuppli believes is logical as well.

For a detailed analysis on the impact of the mobile OS, see Kidd’s report entitled: Tablets: Epicenter for the Convergence of Smart Phones and PCs.

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French IPTV operator puts channels on iPad

From BroadbandTV News:

French IPTV network Free has made available its 20 basic ‘Freebox’ TV channels to subscribers that have access to an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. A web-based application delivers the channels that include France 2, France 3, NRJ Paris, NRJ 12, NRJ Hits, TV5, Al Jazeera, LCP and BFM. Users can pause the content at any point and resume their viewing at a later point. The channels are available when connected to the Free Wi-Fi connection or the Free Wi-Fi community network. Free has also opened up the APIs to allow developers of the iPhone, Android and other mobile terminals to create virtual remote controls to emulate the functionality of the Freebox HD remote.

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STMicroelectronics Unveils MEMS Digital Compass Module

High-performance motion and magnetic-sensing device enhances mobile navigation and enables advanced location-based services

STMicroelectronics has integrated a 3-axis digital accelerometer with a 3-axis digital magnetic sensor in a single module to create a digital compass module. This uses magneto-resistive technology from Honeywell and aims to accelerate the adoption of enhanced electronic compassing in portable consumer applications, including direction finding, map/display orientation, location-based services and pedestrian dead reckoning.
The combination of high-performance motion and magnetic sensing enhances the mobile-user experience in a number of ways. ST’s new module adds forward direction orientation that enables application developers to improve the use of limited phone/PDA display size for maps by putting the current user position at the bottom of the map with the rest of the display in the forward (‘up ahead’) direction.
ST’s digital compass provides accurate heading information, to indicate the direction in which a person or vehicle is moving, when GPS is not available. It also supports dead-reckoning applications, including pedestrian navigation in places with no or low GPS signal, such as inside buildings and structures or in mountainous and forested terrain.
Compass modules in handsets open new possibilities for advanced location-based services. With compassing and GPS capabilities, consumers will be able to identify and retrieve information on nearby points of interest, such as restaurants or shops, by simply pointing their mobile devices in the direction of the object concerned.

”As the one-stop MEMS supplier of choice, STMicroelectronics is paving the way to smart sensor modules,” said Benedetto Vigna, Group Vice President and General Manager of the MEMS, Sensors and High Performance Analog Division, STMicroelectronics. “We have accelerometers, gyroscopes, microphones and now, thanks to our cooperation with Honeywell, also magnetic sensors. We are ushering in an era of integrated sensing capabilities.”

The new module uses high-precision sensing coupled with smart embedded features, including wake-up/power-down function and 6D recognition, which signals if the device is up or down along all three axes (x,y,z). The device has a linear acceleration full-scale of ±2/±4/±8g and a magnetic field full-scale from ±1.3 up to ±8 gauss(2), both fully selectable by the user.

The magnetic sensing element that measures the strength and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field and determines the heading relative to magnetic north is based on Honeywell’s Anisotropic Magneto-Resistive (AMR) technology. This technology combines best-in-class accuracy in compass calculations with low power consumption, which is crucial in battery-hungry portable devices.

The AMR technology provides the same sensitivity on the z axis as it does on the x and y axes, eliminating the need for flux concentrators used in Hall-effect type sensors that can shift the sensor offset after it has been magnetized. This market-unique three-axis sensing approach reduces measurement errors in ultra-low magnetic field strength environments, such as in metal buildings, automobiles, or in higher latitudes like Canada or Northern Europe.

Moreover, Honeywell’s magnetic sensor design includes a built-in offset cancellation circuit to minimize the need for calibration, and patented set/reset straps that de-gauss, or de-magnetize, the sensor for each measurement to improve accuracy.



According to iSuppli, the market for MEMS digital compasses for use in mobile phone applications alone will grow from 8 million units in 2008 to 540 million units in 2013 – a CAGR of 129%. During the same time period, revenues for these components will grow at a CAGR of 110%, from $8 million to $325 million.


ST’s LSM303DLH digital compass module fits in an eco-friendly package of 5x5x1 mm and it is software- and register-compatible with ST’s three-axis digital accelerometer family (LIS331DLH/M/F). Samples are available and the device is ready for mass production. Unit pricing is $2.50 for volumes in the range of 50,000 pieces.

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Freescale aims $200 tablet design at smartbooks

Reference design uses ARM Coretex-A8 running Android or Linux

Freescale Semiconductor has launched a smartbook tablet reference design featuring a 7-inch touch screen with up to four times the viewing area of a typical smartphone and based on a form factor that is approximately one-third the size and volume of today’s typical netbook.
The design is intended to enable a second generation of smartbook products with prices less than $200 and featuring form factors that fully leverage the power, performance and functionality advantages of advanced ARM processor technology. It is designed to provide instant-on functionality, persistent connectivity and all-day battery life. The tablet will be demonstrated at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show running both the Android and Linux operating systems.

The design is based on Freescale’s highly integrated i.MX515 processor incorporating ARM Cortex-A8 technology. It also includes Freescale’s MC13892 power management IC, SGTL5000 audio codec and MMA8450Q 3-axis accelerometer. End products based on the design could hit retail shelves as soon as the summer of 2010.
“Freescale’s new tablet opens the door to an exciting new world of compelling form factors specifically designed and optimized to support common online activities including social media, high-quality audio/video playback and light gaming,” said Henri Richard, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing for Freescale. “We believe the tablet will emerge as a popular form factor for the next generation of smartbooks. By introducing this prototype reference design, Freescale intends to play a vital role in propelling the mainstream adoption of smartbooks.”
The design is the first platform in Freescale’s Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering (SABRE) series. The SABRE tablet platform for smartbooks incorporates feedback from a recently completed end-user research study conducted in conjunction with Savannah College of Art and Design’s prestigious Industrial Design program.
“Semiconductor providers looking to differentiate in the nascent tablet market will need to offer solutions-focused system reference designs if they are to succeed with the world’s foremost consumer electronics OEMs,” said Jeff Orr, senior mobile devices analyst at ABI Research. “There is clearly strong end-user demand for tablet form-factors, and new reference designs look to play a major role in helping OEMs speed tablet smartbook products to market.”
The Freescale tablet includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and also features a 3D desktop framework with touch screen/QWERTY keyboard support. 3G modem and RF4CE protocol options are available. The tablet’s modular approach to 3G connectivity lets systems designers select carrier-specific air interfaces appropriate for different regions. Modules can be pre-certified by carriers and selected to match a range of features and performance targets. This method makes it easy to migrate quickly to new modem technologies as they are introduced.
Example smartbook platform applications intended to run on the tablet include a web browser with Adobe Flash Player and multimedia plug-ins, a media center, PDF and image viewers, a mail client, an RSS reader, an office suite, handwriting utilities and various widgets for Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Weather SMS and other applications.

Smartbook reference design features:
* 200mm x 128mm x 14.9cm and weighing 376 grams; no need for fan or heat sink
* i.MX515 applications processor provides high performance and low power
o ARM Cortex-A8 core
o OpenVG & OpenGL/ES graphics cores
o HD video decoder hardware
* Power management IC:
o Battery charging system for both USB and wall charging
o Output buck converters for the processor core and memory
o Boost converters for LCD backlighting
o Serial backlight drivers for displays and keypad, plus RGB LED drivers
* Display: 7-inch (1024 x 600) touch screen
* Memory: 512 MB DDR2
* Storage: 4-64 GB internal storage; removable micro SD
* Connectivity: 3G modem (option) 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, RF4CE (option)
* Ports: USB 2.0 and USB mini (also for charging), audio in/audio out, SIM card
* Audio: speaker, microphone
* Camera: 3 Mpixel (video recording up to VGA @ 30fps)
* Battery: 1900mAh, USB charging
* Sensors: MMA8450Q 3-axis accelerometer and an ambient light sensor

Partners

Freescale and its partners offer a range of support, including turnkey designs. Inventec Appliance Corporation (IAC) provides expertise in design and manufacturing services for handhelds and netbooks. Freescale has also partnered with Thundersoft for software integration customization and optimization. For companies wishing to manage their projects internally, Freescale offers design aids including block diagrams, schematics, lists of materials and a Linux board support package.
The smartbook reference design is expected to be available for evaluation beginning February 2010 through local Freescale sales representatives. Reference design details are available at www.freescale.com/smartbook.

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Google speaks at Wireless Fest 2009

The UK is a global hot-spot for wireless technology and mobile phone innovation - it has produced world-class companies like Vodafone and CSR and continues to produce exciting new start-ups, all looking for their place on the world stage.
Following the success of the Wireless2.0 conference in Bristol over the last three years, Cambridge Wireless and Silicon South West have teamed up to launch the Wireless Start-Up Fest 2009 which will be held on Thurs. 8th Oct. at the offices of Taylor Wessing, 5 New Street Square, London EC4A 3TW

The Wireless Start-Up Fest 2009 features pitches from the UK's most exciting start-ups including: Airetrak, Alertme.com, BardOwl, Blu Wireless Technology, Cascoda, Octymo, Omnisense, Qasara, Reveal2Me, Rummble, Sidonis, & Zimiti

PLUS connfirmed speakers:

· Hugo Barra, Director of Product Management, Google

· Prof. Joe McGeehan, Managing Director, Toshiba TRL

· Dr. David Cleevely, Chairman, Cambridge Wireless

· Ted Mercer, Parterner, Taylor Wessing

· Moray Rumney, Agilent Technologies

· Carl Garrood, Strategic Director, Rohde & Schwarz



Click HERE for the Agenda and Registration (there are only 100 places available for this event, so hurry!)

Portable laser projector company raises $15m

Cambridge mini-projector company Light Blue Optics has raised $15m to expand its range of laser-based pico projection systems. The money will enable LBO to accelerate its product development roadmap across multiple markets including automotive, industrial and consumer electronics. The Company’s first product – a projection engine suitable for integration into an accessory pico projector to sit in or alongside a smartphone – is scheduled for release to OEM customers in Q4 09.
A unique aspect of the projection system is it can be touch-enabled, meaning any flat surface such as a table can be instantly transformed into a touch-sensitive display, eliminating the need for a touch screen and allowing users to interact with multi-media content.

Light Blue Optics’ CEO, Dr. Chris Harris said “This $15 million financing round will enable LBO to accelerate its product development roadmap and address a wider range of applications. It’s a very exciting opportunity, not least in the consumer electronics space where the market for pico projectors has been forecast to exceed US$1 billion within 5 years. We now have the world-beating technology, experienced team and strong investor syndicate in place to realise that opportunity and become the world’s leading supplier of miniature projection systems.”

LBO showed its first product in June, a projection engine suitable for integration into an accessory pico projector. This is scheduled for release to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in Q4 09.
The engine creates a bright, high-quality video and still WVGA – QVGA images, producing 10 lumens or more depending on the content shown. As the technology is laser-based, images remain in focus at all distances from the projector and the need for a focus wheel is eliminated. A unique optical architecture enables the systems to be safe under all conditions of normal use, meeting the most stringent Class 1 laser safety classification and opening up a range of high-volume applications in markets such as consumer electronics.
LBO’s proprietary technology has an ultra-wide throw angle and the ability to correct for optical aberrations using software. These features enable LBO’s miniature projection systems to switch between conventional front projection onto a wall and a novel table-down projection mode where the device is placed on a table and the content is projected down onto the surface in front of it. The user is then able to view and share content in a comfortable way, without needing to hold the projector steady in their hand for extended periods of time.
An additional product configuration allows the user to control the projector and interact with multimedia content simply by touching the projected image. Any flat surface such as a table can be instantly transformed into a touch-sensitive display, eliminating the need for a touch screen and opening up new opportunities in device, application and user-interface design.