Li-Fi: WiFi From A Lightbulb
The use of light bulbs for wi-fi connectivity is one step closer according to new findings from Chi Nan, an IT professor at Shanghai’s Fudan University.
Nan told Xinhua News that a microchipped bulb has the ability to produce data speeds of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps). Researchers claim that a one-watt LED light bulb would provide net connectivity to four computers.
However there has been no supporting video or photos to back these claims up, sparking questions as to the validity of the findings.
Back in 2011, Professor Harald Haas from the University of Edinburgh demonstrated how an LED bulb fitted with signal processing technology could stream high-definition video to a computer. Following that he created the term “light fidelity” or li-fi and set up a company named PureVLC in order to make use of the technology.
A spokesperson from PureVLC said of the latest findings: “We’re just as surprised as everyone else by this announcement, but how valid this is we don’t know without seeing more evidence. We remain sceptical.”
More Efficient
Despite the sceptism, li-fi still promises to be cheaper and more efficient due to the fact that LED bulbs are universal and the lighting infrastructure is already in place.
Compared to the radio spectrum, visible light which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum is 10,000 times bigger and therefore has potential unlimited capacity.
By blocking the light, the signal is blocked. Although this is a possible drawback, it also has its advantages. Because light cannot penetrate walls, it would make it near enough impossible for drive-by hackers to use others people’s internet.
Professor Chi has admitted that the technology still needs further developments in microchip design and communication controls but the team is hoping to show off sample li-fi kits at the China International Industry Fair in Shanghai on 5 November.
[Image via robertaturillazzi]
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24579776
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Apple’s iPhone 5C Struggling As Shipments Cut
According to reports Apple has told its Taiwanese suppliers that it is cutting shipments of the plasic-clad iPhone 5C, sparking rumours that the handset is not as popular as expected.
When the iphone 5C was launched in September it was supposed to be the affordable model. It went on sale alongside the higher-end 5S model in 11 markets for the first time and was priced $100 less than the 5S.
Despite Apple’s attempts cover the middle ground, it seems that it has failed to provide an affordable handset that people want to buy.
Those in the know told the Wall Street Journal that Pegatron and Foxconn, Apple’s suppliers, had been told of the shipment cuts. Apparently Pegatron were told that orders would have less than twenty percent shaved off, whereas Foxconn’s orders would be cut by a third.
Another company that supplies bits and bobs for the iPhone 5C has also been told that its orders will be slashed by half, so it could be that we see a slowdown on production for next year too.
Apple was under pressure to produce a cheaper version of the iPhone and was encouraged by analysts and investors to look at the lower end of the mobile market but it doesn’t look as though the tech giant has been able to deliver on this one.
However it is a different story when it comes to the iPhone 5S. Apple have said that new orders of the model will be delayed for weeks, suggesting that the more expensive model is outselling the slightly cheaper “budget” one.
[Image via iPhone News]
Source: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/10/16/apple_cuts_iphone_5c_order/
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Google Search Got New Interface in IE11 on Windows 8.1, Try NOW
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