Meta teases major UI overhaul for Quest

Meta is planning a major overhaul of the user interface for its Quest mixed reality headsets, according to the company's CTO Andrew "Boz" Bosworth.

In a recent Instagram AMA, Bosworth teased several new UI features aimed at improving personalisation and multitasking on the Quest platform.

One of the key upgrades Bosworth highlighted is the ability to pin windows to your physical position or anchor them in real-world space. This would allow users to walk around their...

14 March 2024 | Consumer IoT & Wearables

IFOW: Automation impacts workers’ quality of life

A recent study conducted by the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) sheds light on the profound impact of automation technologies on the quality of life of workers.

The study, conducted as part of the Pissarides Review, delved into the effects of exposure to new workplace technologies on the wellbeing of nearly 5,000 UK workers. For the first time, the research utilised the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L, a widely-accepted measure of health-related quality of life and...

13 March 2024 | AI

Juniper Research: Global cellular IoT devices to double by 2028

A recent study conducted by Juniper Research projects a surge in the number of cellular IoT devices worldwide.

According to Juniper’s findings, the current count of 3.4 billion such devices is set to skyrocket to 6.5 billion by 2028, marking a 90 percent growth in connections over the four-year period.

However, the study also highlights a critical challenge accompanying this exponential growth. It suggests that meeting the escalating demand for IoT connectivity will...

12 March 2024 | 4G

PumpWatch will provide UK fuel price data to driving apps

The UK Government's new PumpWatch initiative aims to make fuel prices available to the public through price comparison sites and map apps. Fuel retailers will have to share prices within 30 minutes of changes under the proposed rules.

Ministers met with leaders from top motoring sites like RAC and The AA today to discuss sharing the new fuel price data. The new initiative aims to increase competition and reduce prices at the pumps by empowering consumers to find the cheapest...

11 March 2024 | Applications

European smart gas meters penetration hit 45% in 2023

According to a new report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the installed base of smart gas meters in Europe reached 55.9 million units in 2023.

Equivalent to a penetration rate of 45 percent, this represents significant growth in the adoption of smart gas metering technology across the continent.

The report forecasts that the installed base will continue expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8 percent between 2023 and 2028, reaching 77.6 million...

7 March 2024 | Applications

Waymo expands robotaxi operations to Austin

Waymo – the self-driving technology firm under Google-owner Alphabet – is set to launch its Waymo One service in Austin, marking the latest expansion of its robotaxi operations.

Following successful ventures in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, Waymo's move into the Texas capital underscores its ambition to establish itself as a leader in autonomous transportation.

Announced in August 2023, Austin was designated as the fourth city for Waymo One and the company...

6 March 2024 | Applications

Self-driving shuttle arrives in Sunderland

The debut of the self-driving Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle (SAMS) aims to revolutionise urban mobility in the city.

SAMS, which arrived in Sunderland recently, promises to redefine how residents and visitors navigate the city streets. This autonomous shuttle, set to hit the roads this spring, represents a milestone in Sunderland's journey towards embracing self-driving technology.

Sunderland's Mayor, Councillor Dorothy Trueman, said: “We are thrilled to welcome...

4 March 2024 | 5G

Fibocom launches 5G RedCap modules for IoT solutions

Fibocom has announced the successful deployment and commercialisation of its 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) modules for 5G IoT scenarios. This move is in collaboration with renowned customers such as Askey, Quanta Computer, and PLANET, who hold substantial influence in their respective vertical markets.

The companies have conducted rigorous engineering testing and verification to ensure the seamless integration of the latest generation 5G RedCap into customer devices. This...

28 February 2024 | 5G

Meta and LG to forge ‘AI-XR alliance’

Executives from Meta and LG are set to convene in South Korea on Wednesday to discuss a groundbreaking "AI-XR alliance," as revealed by industry insiders. The meeting aims to solidify plans for collaborative ventures, notably the development of the Meta Quest Pro 2, a next-generation premium productivity XR headset.

According to insights from the Korea Economic Daily, Meta intends to leverage LG's expertise in crafting the Meta Quest Pro 2, positioning it as a rival to Apple's...

27 February 2024 | Applications

HARMAN looks to ‘democratise automotive connectivity’ with new telematics unit

MWC HARMAN, the Samsung-owned connected vehicle software provider, has announced the launch of a new telematics control unit (TCU) which leverages Qualcomm connected car technology to ‘democratise the automotive connectivity landscape.’

The HARMAN Ready Connect 5G TCU, which is being showcased this week at MWC 2024, is based on the Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Gen 2 and promises strong performance across connectivity, scalability and usability. Consumers will get ‘rich...

26 February 2024 | 5G