Why Samsung and Xiaomi are talking UWB, and more tech news you need to know today

Your Tech News Digest via the DGiT Daily Tech Newsletter for Monday, October 12, 2020.

1. UWB is ultra, is it broadband and Apple announces it tomorrow?

Here’s a sneak peek into the future of Samsung, who said in a blog post today that UWB will be one of the “next big wireless technologies.”

What is UWB?

• UWB, or ultra-broadband, seems like the next big thing as it allows for fast data transfer over longer distances with precise location services built in.
• UWB chips are now present in several new smartphones, such as the iPhone 11 series and the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
• And the reason is that the technology looks extremely useful. Better Bluetooth is a simple, mostly correct answer, but another example would be a much better NFC, as the accuracy can be up to inches.
• So what does that mean? Examples of using Samsung’s UWB technology: Find your car in a parking lot or unlock the front door when you approach it.
• Yes, using Bluetooth and NFC might also work for these examples, but UWB will dramatically expand and simplify the possibilities.

Coincidentally, Xiaomi also released its own version of UWB today. (Probably, It’s not a coincidence at all – It is very likely that Apple will showcase UWB applications at its event tomorrow, including the launch of AirTags, adopting Tile devices to keep track of where things are. So here are Samsung and Xiaomi with the preemptive strike)

• Xiaomi’s video is not in English so forgive me for missing out on some of this, but it does show someone is using a Xiaomi phone to control devices like a smart light, smart display, fan, and smart TV by simply pointing to the devices.
• In other words, there is no identification or connection. Like an IR blaster, but more universal and like Bluetooth in the data transfer options, but without pairing.
• The video clip also shows a smart lock that automatically unlocks the door when the phone is detected within a ~ 1 meter / ~ 3 feet radius. Again, no interaction is required.
• This is also the technology that is likely to be used in cars since phones use digital keys. Apple’s own Car Key technology uses UWB, but also uses NFC for phones and cars without this technology.
• In any case, it is very likely that Apple will demonstrate the technology tomorrow. Therefore, we have seen preventive strikes from leading competitors here.
• Huawei would normally be in the mix, but for its tech issues. In 2015, Huawei said UWB was too expensive to popularize. How things are changing!
• However, power consumption can be a problem.

Don’t Miss In Advance: The pricing details for Apple’s entire iPhone 12 line of products may have just been leaked (Android Authority). The iPhone 12 mini might cost $ 699, the iPhone 12 might be $ 799, the iPhone 12 Pro might be $ 999, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max might be $ 1,099. Everyone will have 5G, but will 5G be a big enough selling point? I can’t wait to see how Apple approaches this.

2. The OnePlus Nord special edition could bring back the classic sandstone option (Android Authority).

3. OnePlus 7T a year later: it still holds up (Android Authority).

4. 100W wireless charging could be a thing next year (Android Authority).

5. Five Eyes Nations plus Japan and India urge Big Tech to bake back doors in everything (The Register).

6. Apple is turning stores into fulfillment centers: From now on, devices will be delivered directly from its stores and no longer from warehouses (The Verge).

7. Do you remember the kind of creepy Amazon Halo? Which analyzed your tone of voice? “Amazon Halo Principal Medical Officer Dr. Maulik Majmudar says he heard your concerns about the company’s newly introduced Halo device – but not in a creepy way.” (Protocol)

8. Develop a battery fast enough to allow for charging like refueling (Ars Technica).

9. NASA announces a delay in the launch of SpaceX Crew-1 to the ISS and cites problems with the Falcon 9 rocket (Gizmodo).

10. In human “microevolution”, more people are born without wisdom teeth and with an additional artery in their forearms (news.sky.com). Discussion here (r / science).

11. Rapper Logic drops $ 220,000 on a rare Pokemon card – a Charizard (CNET) in first edition.

12. “Are there stars or planets that spin so fast that they are closer to disks than to spheres?” (r / askcience).

DGiT Daily delivers a daily email that keeps you updated on all the technical news, opinions and links on the most important developments on the planet. You get all the context and insight you need, all with a fun touch. Plus! Daily fun change for every day of the week, like Wednesday weirdness. Join in!