Articles tagged with "connectivity"
Future of parking? Robots quietly reshape how cars are parked
HL Robotics has developed an automated parking system called Parkie, which uses robots to autonomously move and park vehicles in crowded, multi-level garages. This system aims to alleviate the stress of finding parking spaces by having robots handle precise vehicle positioning, enabling cars to be parked closer together and increasing lot capacity without expanding physical space. Parkie is already operational in real-world parking facilities, with multiple robots coordinating simultaneously. A critical factor for Parkie’s success is maintaining continuous, low-latency wireless communication in challenging environments characterized by thick concrete walls and metal structures. HL Robotics employs Cisco’s Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) technology to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. URWB supports near-zero latency, seamless handoffs between access points, and multipath operations to prevent packet loss, enabling robots to coordinate safely and efficiently. This robust wireless networking approach is essential not only for parking automation but also reflects a broader trend where reliable connectivity is as vital as mechanical design for robotics operating in complex public and industrial environments
robotIoTwireless-networkingautomated-parkingindustrial-automationconnectivityroboticsWorld's first 'VPN Blanket' turns staying warm into staying connected
The world’s first "VPN Blanket," created through a collaboration between ProtonVPN and Aries Streetwear, is a unique product designed to combine comfort with technology for expats and international students. Embedded with NFC technology in its woven tag, the blanket allows users to activate a free one-month ProtonVPN service, granting access to content from 120 countries. This innovation addresses homesickness by enabling users to stream familiar shows and media from their home countries, a need highlighted by research showing that 88% of expats feel less isolated when accessing home content, and 82% of foreign students experience homesickness. Designed by Italian expat Sofia Prantera, the blanket features a patchwork quilt style that reflects multiculturalism and the emotional experience of living abroad. The campaign promoting the limited-edition blanket targeted various diaspora communities in London through outdoor and digital advertising, emphasizing the emotional connection to home. Made in Italy from 80% wool and 20% polyamide, the blanket sells for $260 on Aries
IoTwearable-technologyVPNNFC-technologysmart-textilesconnectivityinternational-studentseSIM adoption is on the rise thanks to travel and device compatibility
eSIM technology, despite being available for over a decade, had a modest global adoption rate of around 3% last year, expected to surpass 5% this year. However, industry analysts, startups, and investors remain optimistic about its growth, largely driven by increased travel and expanding device compatibility. The adoption has been boosted by major phone manufacturers like Apple and Google integrating eSIM features into their devices, with Apple notably releasing an eSIM-only iPhone 17 model in multiple countries. Smartphone penetration with eSIM capabilities reached 23% in 2024, with the U.S. leading at 41%. While initially a feature of premium devices, eSIM is gradually appearing in mid- and low-range smartphones, especially as Chinese manufacturers such as Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo begin supporting eSIM following China's telecom providers' recent rollout of eSIM services. Travel is a significant catalyst for eSIM adoption, with over half of eSIM users employing it for connectivity while abroad, appreciating its
IoTeSIMmobile-technologyconnectivitysmartphonestelecomtravel-technologyApple reportedly plans ambitious satellite-powered iPhone features
Apple is reportedly developing a range of advanced satellite-powered features for the iPhone beyond its current capabilities of satellite texting and calling. Upcoming enhancements include an API for app developers to integrate satellite connectivity, an offline version of Apple Maps for navigation without cellular or WiFi access, the ability to send photos via satellite messaging, and improved “natural usage” that allows satellite connection without the phone needing to be directly pointed at the sky. These innovations aim to significantly enhance iPhone usability in areas lacking traditional cellular coverage. Additionally, Apple is exploring improvements to 5G networks by enabling them to connect with satellites, potentially expanding network coverage. While basic satellite features are expected to remain free, users may incur charges from carriers for more advanced services. Apple is also collaborating with its satellite partner, Globalstar, to upgrade the necessary infrastructure, with Apple providing financial support to facilitate these enhancements.
IoTsatellite-communicationmobile-technology5G-networksAppleconnectivitywireless-technologyNBA champion Tristan Thompson and World Mobile launch community-owned network Uplift
NBA champion Tristan Thompson has partnered with global telecom company World Mobile to launch Uplift, a community-owned mobile network offering unlimited data plans starting at $9.99 per month. Built on blockchain technology and a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN), Uplift enables subscribers to contribute to local network expansion while “AirNode operators” — community hosts providing coverage — earn a share of the revenue. This model challenges the traditional centralized $2 trillion telecom industry by allowing users and local operators to share in the value they create, aiming to provide affordable connectivity especially to underserved urban areas. Thompson, known for his basketball career and multiple leadership roles in Web3 and fintech companies, emphasizes Uplift’s mission to help communities like those he grew up in by offering lower-cost unlimited data and fostering digital inclusion. World Mobile has piloted this model successfully in Reno, Nevada, where community hosts earned over $10,000 annually by expanding coverage. The network also demonstrated resilience by restoring connectivity in
IoTblockchaindecentralized-networkcommunity-owned-networktelecom-innovationdigital-equityconnectivityNBA champion Tristan Thompson partners with World Mobile to launch community-owned network Uplift
NBA champion Tristan Thompson has partnered with global telecom company World Mobile to launch Uplift, a community-owned mobile network offering unlimited data plans starting at $9.99 per month. Built on blockchain technology and a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN), Uplift enables subscribers to contribute to local network expansion while “AirNode operators” — local hosts providing coverage — earn a share of the revenue. This model challenges the traditional centralized telecom industry by allowing users and operators to share in the value they create, aiming to provide affordable connectivity and economic opportunity within underserved communities. Thompson, who holds multiple leadership roles in Web3 and fintech companies, emphasized that Uplift is about helping communities like his own gain better access to affordable data and digital inclusion. The model has been piloted successfully in Reno, Nevada, where community hosts earned over $10,000 annually by providing coverage, and it played a critical role in restoring connectivity in Asheville, North Carolina, after a hurricane. Upl
IoTblockchaindecentralized-networkcommunity-owned-networktelecom-innovationdigital-equityconnectivityBYD Develops Tablet In-House For New Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 - CleanTechnica
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has further expanded its vertical integration by developing a custom in-house tablet for its upcoming Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 model, set to launch later this year. While specific details about the tablet remain scarce, it is known that the device will integrate with the vehicle’s system and support multi-screen collaboration, enhancing in-car connectivity. This move aligns with growing consumer demand in China for advanced in-vehicle information systems and connectivity features. BYD’s development of its own tablet is part of a broader trend among Chinese EV makers to improve the digital experience for drivers, similar to Nio’s earlier attempts with its Nio Phone smartphones, although Nio has since paused that project due to financial constraints. BYD’s background as a major battery producer and a leading contract manufacturer for prominent electronics brands like Huawei and Xiaomi positions it well to create such integrated hardware. This step underscores BYD’s deep vertical integration, raising the question of which vehicle components it does not produce internally.
IoTelectric-vehiclesconnectivityvertical-integrationbattery-technologyconsumer-electronicsBYDStarlink suffers rare global blackout, Elon Musk promises fix
Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, experienced a rare global outage on July 24, 2025, disrupting connectivity for thousands of users across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and Africa. The outage began around 3:24 pm ET, with reports peaking at over 58,000 users affected according to Downdetector. Starlink acknowledged the issue on social media, stating they were actively working on a solution and promising updates. Musk personally apologized for the disruption on X (formerly Twitter), assuring that the root cause would be addressed to prevent future occurrences. The company’s website also went temporarily offline during the outage, compounding user frustration. The blackout coincided with Musk’s recent announcement about Starlink’s expanding “Direct to Cell” service, which enables smartphones to connect directly to satellites, though no direct link between the update and the outage has been confirmed. The disruption had significant impacts, particularly in remote regions such as Canada’s North, where Starlink supports critical
IoTsatellite-internetStarlinknetwork-outageElon-MuskconnectivitytelecommunicationsYC-backed Apolink by 19-year-old bags $4.3M to build 24/7 connectivity for LEO satellites
Apolink, a Y Combinator-backed space-tech startup founded by 19-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur Onkar Singh Batra, has raised $4.3 million in an oversubscribed seed round at a $45 million valuation. The Palo Alto-based company aims to build a real-time, 24/7 connectivity network for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, addressing the persistent issue of communication dead zones when satellites lose line-of-sight with ground stations. Unlike existing solutions that rely on relay satellites or ground station networks with partial coverage, Apolink plans to deploy a constellation of 32 satellites equipped with lasers and radios to provide near-continuous connectivity with up to 99% uptime and low latency, initially 10–15 seconds, improving to 2–3 seconds over time. Batra’s approach is notable for its hybrid radio-frequency and optical architecture that is hardware-independent, enabling compatibility with satellites lacking specialized user terminals—a key limitation in current inter-satellite link
IoTsatellite-communicationLEO-satellitesspace-technologyconnectivityhybrid-RF-optical-architecturenetwork-interoperabilityQualcomm to acquire semiconductor firm Alphawave Semi for $2.4B
Qualcomm has announced its agreement to acquire Alphawave Semi, a U.K.-based semiconductor firm specializing in high-speed data center connectivity, for approximately $2.4 billion. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon highlighted that this acquisition aims to expand Qualcomm’s presence in the data center market by combining advanced technology solutions to enhance connected computing performance across various high-growth sectors, particularly data center infrastructure. Alphawave Semi develops a range of wired connectivity and compute technologies, complementing Qualcomm’s existing portfolio. This acquisition follows a recent larger deal by Qualcomm in the semiconductor space, signaling the company’s strategic focus on strengthening its data center capabilities. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
materialssemiconductorsdata-centerconnectivityQualcommtechnology-acquisitionhigh-speed-data-transfer