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Coronavirus COVID-19 Presents Threat to Europe’s Tech Startup Scene

In Technology News by Olivier BlanchardLeave a Comment

Just as in every other part of the world, the coronavirus COVID-19 presents a threat to Europe’s tech startup scene. While some countries, like France and Germany, have really stepped up, there is not yet a comprehensive plan in place by the European Commission to afford greater, and more equitable protection. I believe it’s important to not only consider the cost of providing much-needed aid in a balanced way, but also the opportunity cost of not doing so. Here’s why.

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Qualcomm’s Real-time Translation During a Phone Call: From Science Fiction to Fact

In Technology News by Olivier BlanchardLeave a Comment

Qualcomm’s real-time translation during a phone call moves this functionality from science fiction to fact. Oh, I know cloud-based transcription functionality exists, but this is different. When the real-time translation function can happen on your phone, or on the device you’re using as your communication interface (i.e. laptop, tablet), it’s a game-changer. And that’s where Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 comes in.

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Qualcomm’s New Bluetooth Audio SoCs Represent Quiet Evolution

In Technology News by Olivier BlanchardLeave a Comment

Qualcomm is introducing two new Bluetooth audio SoCs that are small enough to fit into earbuds and designed to elevate what the company calls the “truly wireless” consumer experience. While this news is admittedly exciting, it is not Qualcomm’s first foray into earbud-sized Bluetooth audio System-on-Chip (SOCs). The San Diego chipmaker has been semi-quietly partnering with major consumer brands to bring high quality truly wireless audio to consumers for some time now, and this latest generation of Bluetooth audio SoCs is merely the natural evolution of the Qualcomm QCC5100 series and the Qualcomm QCC302x series. That aside, I see even more exciting things ahead for Qualcomm in the Bluetooth audio earbud market. Here’s why.

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Meeting HPC Challenges is a Real Issue in Global Health Crisis

In Digital Transformation, Technology News by Ron WestfallLeave a Comment

Meeting HPC challenges is a real issue in global health crisis environments. Service providers are encountering HPC-based challenges due to factors such as the expansion of interworking with enterprise HPC platforms and exploring how they can optimize their own HPC investments and builds. Here’s a deeper look at why these HPC adoption challenges matter to the digital ecosystem, including the very real need to rapidly accelerate digital responses to the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis.

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Microsoft’s Move to Acquire Affirmed Networks Aims to Deliver New Opps for 5G Ecosystem

In Technology News by Ron WestfallLeave a Comment

Microsoft’s move to acquire Affirmed Networks aims to deliver new opps for the 5G ecosystem. In my opinion, this is exactly the company it needed to make new waves in the 5G ecosystem and firm up its presence with mobile operators in particular. Now it’s up to cloud rivals AWS, Google Cloud, Alibaba, IBM, and Oracle to refresh their telecom-specific portfolio development and marketing strategies.

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Qualcomm’s Tiered SOC Diversification Pays Off, Expands Footprint

In Technology News by Olivier BlanchardLeave a Comment

The potential move away from Qualcomm’s premium 5G Snapdragon 865 SOC as reported would signal that Google and LG might be leaving Apple and Samsung to fight for the top spot in the premium tier handset category. This move would allow Google and LG to focus instead on more budget-friendly high-end phones for consumers who enjoy premium features but don’t need all of the bells and whistles of a $1,200+ phone. The decision to select Qualcomm’s 765G mobile platform over the superior 865 mobile platform may initially seem like a setback for Qualcomm’s flagship 5G SOC, but I don’t think that’s the case at all. Here’s why.

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Telehealth and IoT Free Up Hospital Beds, Providing Value in Big Ways

In Technology News by Sarah WallaceLeave a Comment

Telehealth and the IoT are being put to good use in Seattle, freeing up hospital beds for more severe COVID-19 cases. This rapid transition to telehealth in a moment of necessity will show hospitals and healthcare providers that telehealth should be an integral part of their operations. Telehealth and IoT powered devices can deliver big benefits in treatment, monitoring, and even aftercare. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that this is the beginning of a new normal for healthcare.