GineersNow Engineering Magazine Issue No. 008, Vertu Consumer Electronics

FWOORRYLODU’SNFGIRESTNGENINGEIENRESERING NEWS OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE NO. 008 FEATURE STORIES: • Engineering Innovation Cannot Prosper with Too Many Finance Managers • Engineers, It's Time For A 30-Hour Workweek • What if Chemical Engineers Didn’t Exist? • To The Lazy Engineers: An Open Letter EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS: OTM Technologies M3D QuietOn VERTU: Creating Extraordinary Mobile Phones Exclusive Interview with the CEO of Vertu OCTOBER 2016 1The Future of Consumer Electronics



GINEERSNOW TEAM Ems Bagatsing Sales & Marketing Director [email protected] Robert Bagatsing Editor-In-Chief [email protected] Engr. Alice Hernandez Senior Editor-At-Large John Vauden Charity Bagatsing Raymond Gerard del Valle SAensiiao-rPEacdiiftiocr Senior Editor Junior Editor North America Hina Sapra Abhishek Tarafder Engr. Dion Greg Reyes Senior Editor Matrix Media South Asia Junior Editor Information TechnologyTherese Matheren Engr. Cielo Panda Aaron Kesel Senior Editor Junior Editor Contributor North America North America Lauren Lloyd Del Mundo Goran Ćulibrk Amanda Pelletier Video Editor Newsletter Specialist Creative & Layout Contributor North AmericaAfsana Alam Margaret Banford Contributor Contributor Middle East United KingdomEngr. Emmanuel Stalling Patricia EldridgeContibutor GineersNow is a subsidiary ofNorth America Lincoln Martin Strategic Marketing Contributor United Kingdom Level 14, Boulevard Plaza Tower 1 MBR Boulevard, Emaar Square, Downtown Dubai, UAE P.O. Box 334036, Dubai, U.A.E. Mob: +971 50 4289684 www.LincolnMartin.comDisclaimer: The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions andviews contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on informationcontained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers' particular circumstances.The Copyright Law of the United States of America, Chapter 1, Subject 107, called the “Limitations onexclusive rights: Fair use” states that, “Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, theoftahierrumseeoafnas csoppecyirfiigehdtbedy twhoartks,eicntciolund, ifnogr psuucrhpousseesbsyurcehparsocdruictitcioisnmi,nccoompmieesnotr, npehwonsorreepcoorrtdinsgo,rtebaycahninyg(including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copy-right. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include—(3(1))ththeeapmuorupnotseanadndsucbhsatraancttiearliotyf(2toh)fentthhoueensepnp,raoiotnruftciritloeuendodiufuntscgheaedwticoihnoneparthyel rlepairugtishrouptnecodhstoewusts;oherekisc;oopf yarcigohmtemdewrcoiarkl naastaurwehoorleis; for(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.” and

EdiNtoort'eshiIwhdhtscctNtcdttutbctaeectooakaiboewTiiIomTdtnnfootrhhhhhohllooroxmrfufnffieeeiseeaa’heieedaosfnoeefffwneeeeemhenmmttaclvcvsyo’gefccdepor.athmwddhtmoohnaeeiiselbrertteiaeoebfze,Wbcufmaivuidr.vanrrdngdnrumrctop,wfintoelarftieppooIpePlaosemneieoufohaootftuteurahsita’fnhnehunntdhsiuapeudedvlbtttgsssmlitnnnntoiolrs,teedegohrznoboiiahtaeinevraolapetdccnddnrnirtreiieetgpatwlenpgenyoesodchdrinannetstieesegwvlrsymoelch.armhdfi-voaswndtvggpoesiaiaantetticdpkethyeeecioeaheinafnuiipnnhao.wnoiommnrotE’-ilenseeirrhswksurnaEydbrgenfddhrsounnceorumpgvItagoIeotitwsesgcna..laxdweeowfccsphnecrritdrwwtwtltnlehuactateesenhohIonorwlheetatwam.,thahreoysfvweiomhhsoedgnrtatuhtoaeowcbftro..’GIeiaieteusdcinaavoeLuiutivoiktsenwfeiarye,nnschphrthttmhket,.iTuweerymcn,blltohrlhicindrnadebssinohtWteloIocolsVlfeseOnaeet’tfesyyaieosenossotauanrn’vorspkmotlsgarisseeInhnnattfvgheememoikekesntftgihl.efnhatedeeeacaeda.ceonio,neo/ehafDdeccvweellabsehctoode(lMsqtrtmouteespedp’etrooaretwlhGmshheeuomngiuftrhpccvtrasilapg.onnfoderahaee,eefrmroitthIeanefrspiestpotnmfsyssnrrrtwTerterlhloyewheatdFmo,euuoomtnoaaoimrwwysnaEwswpiloh-hhoiortt-nnnmmrtguititonactsahitoowttehhvtsXeawepiowiiwiiiiiogiinanhhbskdoettntsemeteoeeceecrlaalalss)tnnnhhhd’ooyyeeeeeeeeeerrrrssssssss-ttttfl,,, acogIcwtstpomrotbwakmspipIIwcneethnnettooarmernnunrua’oiihascceaooenoitmnttsLrbeotrnhhrdtiadhhrbtdhsctiwlisacbezngnipneniiuueuhfhipfsloclitrirneoosasuifgpebmncnhowrinsvVeewnlltnmmoetgwgeooershfsfpwheiseicsgdfewtodsieggrremghcotaioahdCinursoceiyriaeylatnrotmoeentlioaEoc’euhessotivntesrawestititaulnpOhgpaucecenasnnoeesdbsst’thhodaoanscstgcdihp.efioerneno.ntodaoniacscetexarurswlisonfsWsri.rdoooiveritsunuhrvonnoreSVuisnelpsoiamemnefelawleuhptnmeleitfe’finGlsooovwecvehred,etbcder-dtrrpesvroeelctwteeriafhapdwi-suetasroefuirecraeoehea.itdmttv,risbnkennlhohlclIptpteswwaeeleedthaatraaiiiaonucesdtenllsrnbniiiotoheaetecotbgntlnytneyofvstrlpaccoypyialegtfrml)oevb.ibusttfttmeropldl.ac.,rreoirtueveyietrWmtvce.ooootagpdaxvu(hAuhsatnnndgtjllaoaauieruttteuisoiieIetiinan’yeehhdkuvvroetccrrrhsswwyddd’’yyeeeeeeeeersssssttf.. AwdIfdtfcbawlccioornrrareeivoorheerofnpegefrmaaauceseeoltttyrbdnrnnaeiteoeavtehdgdahanbuihrittsdnieto?noaeymsuiyduvdupeofosfeetpglcia.cneartmrthinarocstheoEnedhepttcevntnhyhserooiebt,groeeidnrcwnilvklpinspiainnewoeuvrspeee’gooenemdrnehapsev.dricget,efasWa-oirietfirttunneretxiy’aiatcrdosectheecrtenhiitsolnktemrwoeeeussttcvdmohhcopnctepofaerohdtrmaeotmyofrwyarorntuoknccoitahspineaanhcgenmcaltnnhgeeeeestt.

CONTENTS PAGE TITLE PAGE TITLE06 COVER STORY 34 THIS BACKPACK BY HP CAN12 39 CHARGE YOUR LAPTOP13 VERTU: DELIVERING THE WORLD’S 4015 BEST LUXURY MOBILE PHONES TO 44 ZUCKERBERG'S GROWING THE WORLD 46 ONLINE EMPIRE 48 MAKE YOUR OWN WIRELESS 50 HOW DOES MARK MOBILE PHONE CHARGER 54 ZUCKERBERG THINK? 56 I AM AN OVERWORKED THE IPHONE 7 IS 58 AND AN UNDERPAID WATER-RESISTANT, NOT 62 ENGINEER WATERPROOF ENGINEERS, IT'S TIME FOR A 30 HOUR WORKWEEK WORLD’S FIRST COMPLETE SILENCE SMARTPHONE FOR BUSY PEOPLE WITH QUIETON17 GOOGLE’S PROJECT ARA22 MODULAR SMARTPHONE TO HOW OTM TECHNOLOGIES24 LAUNCH NEXT YEAR COULD CHANGE THE WORLD THE ENGINEERING WITH PHREE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND ENGINEERING INNOVATION POKEMON GO CANNOT PROSPER WITH TOO DESIGNER 3D PRINTS A MANY FINANCE MANAGERS POKÉMON CENTER CHARGING TO THE LAZY ENGINEERS: STATION AN OPEN LETTER WHAT IF CHEMICAL25 LOOK: A SINGLE-WHEELED ENGINEERS DIDN’T26 ELECTRIC HOVERBOARD EXIST? M3D REVOLUTIONIZING WINDOWS PLANS TO TURN THE FIELD OF 3D PRINTING YOUR PC'S INTO HOLOGRAM FOREVER VIEWERS31 CHARGE YOUR PHONES32 USING THIS DIY WATERWHEEL GENERATOR 8 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR LAPTOPS LAST AS LONG AS POSSIBLE

COVER STORYVERTU:DELIVERING THE WORLD’SBEST LUXURY MOBILEPHONES TO THE WORLDCreating the extraordinary by combining expertcraftsmanship and innovative technology. 6 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

OCTOBER 2016 7The Future of Consumer Electronics

COVER STORY Vertu, the Church Crookham, that every Vertu product is, England-based luxury technology and always has been, hand- We offer manufacturer, is an undeniable made by a single craftsman at our customers the epitome of true extraordinary. the company’s small factory in opportunity to make Infusing artistry, performance Church Crookham, England. From their own Vertu\" and exclusive benefits into each the company’s workshop, Vertu of its hand-crafted products, phones are made available to Vertu has become a brand of around 500 stores, including 70 utmost aspiration. boutiques, in 66 countries. “We Constructed with materials have been in the business for 18 of stunning appearance and years, and in the last 12 years exceptional strength as ruby, or so, we have shipped some sapphire and titanium, and 450,000 products.” endowed with market-leading power, reliability and technology, The Design every Vertu mobile phone is a masterpiece that fits the palm of Vertu phones are crafted to cater your hand. Made for the seekers to each client’s unique desires. of luxury, exclusivity and security, “The Vertu range of mobile every Vertu product is a key to a phones is made up of three world of invaluable experiences. distinct models – Signature, Signature Touch and Aster,” said What makes a Vertu? Watson. Signature is a voice-centric Every Vertu phone is a testimony phone inspired by grand time to the company’s ambition to pieces and fine Jewellery. “It is deliver the best luxury mobile a ground-breaking design that phone experience, by combining is still popular with discerning expert craftsmanship, peerless customers today, more than materials, unique services, a decade after the first model innovative technology and appeared. It has become an impeccable security. icon of the luxury mobile phone world,” he said. The Craftsman Signature Touch is the exemplar of extraordinary performance. Vertu’s immaculate quality and “Signature Touch is hand-made timeless elegance rise from the in England by a single craftsman dexterity of the artisan. using only the finest materials, In an exclusive interview with including a screen of virtually Gordon Watson, Chief Executive scratch-proof sapphire crystal Officer of Vertu, he shared Gordon Watson is CEO at Vertu. He joined the company in 2010 as the General Manager for EMEA, and was Vice President for Sales and Marketing. He has extensive experience in the luxury industry, having held key positions with watch and Jewellery manufacturers. Born in Scotland, Gordon now resides in Kew, and has a passion for rugby, travel and fine watches.8 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Any brand that protecting full HD display. Its “Technology is a key componenttakes security seriously acoustics are perfectly tuned, of the Vertu DNA,” he said, and it provides unparalleled 4G adding that smartphones make must stay on top of connectivity, with a dedicated up approximately 80% of every development\" concierge wherever our customers Vertu’s global sales, and that may be in the world.” the technology expectations Aster is the expression of Vertu’s of its customers are extremely sleek, cutting-edge design and high. “Our customers want to be trademark superior materials and connected wherever they are, hand-crafting expertise. “It is they shoot images and 4K videos, the embodiment of understated use social media and often have grace, with a slimmer, cleaner thousands of contacts stored aesthetic; a fresh, modern color on their phone. It is, therefore, palette; and finished in refined vital that Vertu provides powerful calf leather.” technology that allows for all of While most of Vertu’s customers this and more.” are more than happy with the In this light, Vertu invests millions core range, some choose to into its R&D function to ensure celebrate their individuality. that it stays at the forefront of Thus, Vertu created a Made- luxury technology. “Beyond the To-Order service, where there is expected technology,” he said, no limit to creativity. “We offer “we continue to look at and our customers the opportunity adapt this part of our business to to make their own Vertu by provide apps and services that are choosing from a selection of relevant to affluent customers; colors, leathers, and designs, and a kind of luxury ecosystem by even adding their initials.” that covers lifestyle events He added that once a customer and shopping, entertainment, completes his design, a single concierge and even across our master craftsman will faithfully e-commerce.” and meticulously create the dedicated phone. The Security The Exclusive Services With Vertu’s exclusive clientele, security of its mobile phones is an Vertu phones are more than the ever-important feature that the sum of their luxurious elements company is relentlessly evolving. and exquisite finishes. “Security has been baked into “Vertu is renowned for its curated the Vertu product proposition services,” he said. “We provide a since Day One, and it continues suite of carefully selected exclusive to be an important element offers, content and assistance within our R&D.” Watson said especially picked to enhance the that the company has a very Vertu customer’s lifestyle.” At the close working relationship with heart of these services, he said, Google to leverage the latter’s is Vertu Concierge, which offers expertise and developments, and luxury lifestyle assistance and with partners like Kaspersky and enrichment. Vertu Concierge is Silent Circle to provide malware on-hand 24/7 to facilitate the protection and encrypted customers’ every request. Then, communication for its clients. there is Vertu Life, which offers “Our bespoke service also extends personalized recommendations to security, and we have worked and privileged access to directly with clients, corporate experiences and events. Vertu and domestic alike, to set up Certainty delivers unmatched multiple secure phones, as well security for customers, their data as to integrate secure product and their phones. into their broader systems.” He emphasized that the most The Technology important aspect of security is an organization’s ability and agility A marriage of elegance and to respond to attacks. “[Security innovation, high technology is issues] evolve constantly, and I woven into the fiber of every therefore don’t believe anyone Vertu phone. OCTOBER 2016 9 The Future of Consumer Electronics

COVER STORY Our ambition isto substantially grow the business in the next 24 months\" that claims that they are un-hackable…. It is an evolving issue and any brand that takes security seriously must stay on top of every development.” What will be of Vertu? Casting a forward-looking gaze, Watson unraveled Vertu’s vision of the future. “We are in the privileged position of being the leader in the luxury technology category, and we plan to stay in the number one spot.” He said that luxury technology is now more widely understood than ever before, and that there are many new customers looking for high-end technology products. “There is an enormous opportunity for us over the coming years, and our ambition is to substantially grow the business in the next 24 months. To do so, we will continue to bring products to the market that provide everything that the modern luxury customer is looking for.”10 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by PopsciTHE HOLY BRAILLE: Digital tablets are used who is visually impaired says. A REFRESHABLE nowadays by many to play, “Math and music codes, listen to music and to read. for example, are displayedTABLET MADE FOR It gives us access to endless spatially, so that they’re THE VISUALLY information, but that’s not the spread over multiple lines.” IMPAIRED case for the visually impaired. A refreshable display must There are current braille raise and lower braille dots, Photo by FoxNews readers in the market, wherein wherein a full page may you can attach to the bottom include up to 10,000 to be of a tablet. Unfortunately, it able to create a pattern. In the can only provide only one line team’s project, a microfluidic of text at a time. chip is the one that controls This is what gave a group this process by moving small of students at the University doses of fluid through tiny of Michigan an idea. channels. Their prototype Students Brent Gillespie, Alex is small, around a couple of Russomanno, Mark Burns, inches wide, but they hope and Sile O’Modhrain, hope to expand it to a full-page to develop a tablet with a which will cost around $1,000 refreshable display to translate to $2,000 an entire page at once. Their collaborator Noel “Existing displays don’t Runyan named the genius allow you to access lots of device: Holy Braille. braille code and graphical information,” O’Modhrain, OCTOBER 2016 11 The Future of Consumer Electronics

THE LuDela, an American company, simultaneously via smartphone Photo by CNET WORLD'S has created the world’s first real and the company’s partneringSMARTEST flame smart candle. This smart app. One of the most important motion and tilt detectors. Once candle addresses different features of this smart candle is these sensors detect motion from AND issues like \"fire risk, wax mess, that it is safe, since it has the above the candle, like curtains, SAFEST hassles with wicks, and the time ability to turn off its flame once the candle instantly turns off its it takes to light and extinguish it gets knocked around. flame. The tit sensors within the REAL- multiple candles,\" according to The LuDela candle utilizes ten body of the candle can detect FLAME the CEO Jamie Bianchini in a sensors, to make sure that it’s motion as well. The LuDela CANDLE press statement. safe. The candle comes with comes with a fire sensor as well, This smart candle uses a 10 embedded sensors, wherein so that if ever the candle fails to real flame, and a multitude four of them are located at the turn itself off, it creates a noise of them can be controlled top of the candle and act as to alert the owners that there’s something wrong. MAKE YOUR OWN WIRELESS MOBILE PHONE CHARGER Wireless charging has been and wireless printed circuit popular for a while now but board assembly (which you can like most new gadgets that are purchase on amazon or Ebay). in their early stages, it can be HouseHold Hacker included the a bit expensive. But thanks links to where he bought the parts to HouseholdHacker from in the video’s description. Overall, YouTube, he showed us that it’s the entire project will cost $15- possible to make one yourself. 25, depending on where you The YouTube DIYer, created a buy the parts. This project will short video on how to make not only be cool, but you’ll have your own wireless charging pad. a sense of accomplishment for You will need a phone case, a having finished a small and useful microUSB cord, a charging base project. You can also modify it (which can be an old Playstation any way you can. 3 game case), a wireless receiver Photo by TechInsider12 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by AppleTHE IPHONE 7 ISWATER-RESISTANT, NOTWATERPROOFIf you’ve been living under a rock, idea despite both iPhones being the heavy downpour of the rain.Apple already announced at its ‘water-resistant.’ Include accidentally dropping itkeynote event at San Francisco its The two releases have an IP67 in the toilet, or changing the songlatest flagships, which are the iPhone water resistance rating, which when in the shower. More than7 and the iPhone 7 Plus. Other than means that they can technically that, you might just wreck thethe absence of the headphone jacks, withstand immersion up to one internal parts – the bad newsperhaps the biggest revelation of meter, or about 3.3 feet, for 30 is that Apple won’t cover liquidthis new age of iPhone is that they minutes tops. Ideally, this gives damage under warranty.are water-resistant. Finally. But take Apple users a chance to take some If the company did say the newnote, Apple said water-resistant – quick snapchats underwater, but iPhones are waterproof, thennot waterproof. Before you take that is yet another bad idea. underwater photography isselfies underwater with the iPhone What Apple has in mind is the possible with the 7 and the 77 Plus’ new dual-lens camera, it safety of your latest iPhone over Plus. But they did not.pays to know that it really is a bad the clumsy spills of liquids and OCTOBER 2016 13 The Future of Consumer Electronics

GET THE WORLD’SCHEAPEST SMARTPHONEFOR ONLY £3! The world’s cheapest Earlier this year, the Freedom smartphone, Freedom 251, is 251 was already available but finally here, and it only costs the manufacturers were forced £3! This smartphone is set to to refund over 30,000 pre-orders begin shipping later this week and delay shipping after their to connect the poorer regions of website crashed. India. The gadget will come with a four- This smartphone was developed inch screen, an 8MP camera and by Ringing Bells, a technology 3.2 MP front-facing camera. firm based in Noida. The The gadget comes with a four- company aims to make internet inch screen, an 8MP rear camera access affordable to millions of and 3.2MP front camera. It has people across their country. The 8GB of storage and 1GB RAM Freedom 251 device will go on capacity available, with 1.3GHz sale on June 30 and will only be quad-core processor. It will be available to pre-registered users running on Android Lollipop 5.1, in India. More than 200,000 units and the gadget will be available will be sold during the first phase in either black or white. of the delivery.Photo by IndiaTimesPhoto by Techdren14 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

WORLD’S FIRST SMARTPHONEPhoto by GettyWith all the fuzz about Samsung Note Although the term “smartphone” was7 phones catching fire and the iPhone only used in 1995, IBM made the7 having no headphone jack, let’s debut of Simon three years earliertake a step back and remember where in 1992. At the time it was released,all of smartphones began. Lo and the bulky smartphone had a pricebehold, the world’s first smartphone. tag of $899 with a service contract,Called the Simon Personal equivalent to $1,435 in today’sCommunicator, it is widely considered dollars. It was really ahead of itsas the first ever smartphone that time and didn’t get the worldwidemerged the functions of a cell phone spread it deserved. But according toand a personal digital assistant. Other Bloomberg Businessweek, IBM wasthan being able to call, Simon can send able to sell approximately 50,000and receive emails, faxes and pages, units of Simon.store notes in a collection, lets its userview the calendar and world clock, Photo by Gettyand even schedule appointments. Thesmartphone comes with a stylus anda monochrome LCD touchscreen thatmeasures 4.5 inches by 1.4 inches. OCTOBER 2016 15 The Future of Consumer Electronics

MOVE OVER, IPHONE:THE GOOGLE SMARTPHONE WILL BE HERE With so many brands already in source, the tech giant will release have a platform that they can the smartphone market, Google their new device by end of the control a lot like Apple does. is about to bet on their release of year. The company will control This is the first time for Google a handset that houses their own design, manufacturing and to venture into their own mobile software. Google already software. smartphone hardware. The has their Android operating Despite Android the more company, known for its internet system among four in five dominant operating system software, has released its own smartphones sold around the among smartphones in the whole tablet computer, laptops and world. world, Apple still holds the high- other gadgets. It has hired the Google, so far, only endorses end of the market. Apple, with former president of Motorola, a range of smartphones made their iOS, has total control of Rick Osterloh, earlier this by partners LG and Huawei updates with their phones as year, to lead a new hardware under the Google Nexus brand, compared to Android which is division. but is yet to produce their own applied differently among brands. hardware. According to a senior This, in a way, urged Google to Photo by Recombu16 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

GOOGLE’S PROJECT ARAMODULAR SMARTPHONETO LAUNCH NEXT YEARWhat do we often do when our modular smartphone. a new smartphone, all you havemobile phones have hardware On Friday, Google showcased to do is buy a new camera pieceissues? Most likely, if you can’t get a modular Android-powered and attach it to the phone. Thisyour mobile phone repaired, you smartphone which will be ready goes the same way for the otherthrow them away or sell it at a to be sold in the market next module pieces. It’s the samerecycling center then buy yourself year. principle with phone upgrades,a new phone. Wouldn’t it be nice to With this mobile phone, you instead of buying a new handset,have a phone where you could easily could easily swap speakers, just swap the old pieces with newswap the busted phone parts with hi-res cameras, 3G, Wifi and module pieces.new ones and voila, your phone is your batteries whenever youfixed? Well, Google has made this want. Let’s say your camerapossible with their Project Ara, a gets busted, instead of buying Photo by Honkiat OCTOBER 2016 17 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo & Video by YoutubeHOW TO MAKE YOUR OWNPORTABLE LED LIGHT FORPHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOPURPOSESIf you’re the engineer who loves This project will surely challengeto take photos, then you already your soldering skills! You will beknow that lighting is everything. needing four strips of 12-voltThat’s why you should build this LED lights attached to a pieceDIY light panel to improve your of flexiglass, four 3-volt buttonphotos’ quality. Sure you can buy batteries (I recommendyour own, but if you want to have rechargeable ones), solderinga cheaper option and challenge materials, an on/off switch,your engineering skills, this project spacers, and screws.is perfect for you. This LED light panel is easy toPoor lighting can ruin an awesome carry around and can either standphoto, so Linn from the Darbin up horizontally or vertically. YouOrvar YouTube channel showed us can mount this on a tripod or ontohow to create our own portable your camera for versatility.LED panel lights that can helpilluminate your subject. Here’s thevideo.18 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by Treehugger PhotobyIowaStateUniversityTHIS NEW SYSTEM LASER PROCESSCAN MONITOR THE WITH GRAPHENEPOWER CONSUMED OPENS DOORSBY YOUR HOME TO PAPERDEVICES ELECTRONICSMIT researchers have Second, this device can There is so much potential the process could degradedeveloped a device and sample data very quickly. with graphene as an flexible or disposablesoftware that can monitor The sensors are able to engineering material. Apart printing surfaces like plasticand tell you exactly how pick up enough detailed from its unique structure films or paper.much power is being used information about the and super-thin composition, Jonathon Claussen, leaderby every appliance, light, or voltage and current it has the ability to conduct of the nanoengineers fromdevice you have at home. spikes and patterns. It electricity and heat. Recently, Iowa State, and Suprem Das,The device is not only is so detailed, that with an additional wonder has an Iowa State postdoctoralaccurate, it’s low cost as well. the aid of its dedicated been made with graphene: research associate inThere have been many software, it is able to tell by treating it with lasers, mechanical engineeringgroups that have created the difference between it opens doors to paper and an associate of the U.S.devices to monitor household every appliance, device, or electronics. Department of Energy'selectricity, but what sets this motor in your home, and Nanoengineers from the Ames Laboratory, havenew MIT system from the can tell you which ones Iowa State University did explored the use of layersothers is that first, it’s easy go on and off at the exact not cease to stop looking to treat the graphene.to install. No wires need time. for ways in using graphene The pulsed-laser processto be disconnected, and for sensors and other was successful in treatingthe placement of the large technology. But they have inkjet-printed, multi-layersensors the size of postage been put to halt with their graphene electric circuits andstamps over the incoming small-scale graphene study – electrodes – the electricalpower lines don’t require until an undergoing project conductivity was improvedprecision, since the system made them realize that it more than a thousand timesis designed to be self- could be used for flexible, better without damagingcalibrating. wearable and low-cost paper, polymers or other electronics. fragile printing surfaces. Existing technology makes Applications of this new use of graphene by printing discovery include sensors and treating them with with biological applications, using high temperatures energy-storage systems, or chemicals to improve electrical conducting electrical conductivity and components and paper- device performance. But based electronics. there a problem with this: OCTOBER 2016 19 The Future of Consumer Electronics

NEW Photo by CreativeApplicationsSMARTPHONESCREENTECH HASA DIAMONDLAYER Photo by KHAN NIXIE: THE TINY WEARABLE SELFIE DRONEIf you’ve been keeping in material known to mankind, Meet Nixie, a wrist mounted itself into the sky with the use oftouch with Gorilla Glass with its chemical inertness, drone that you can wear like a flexible electronics.updates to save your thermal capabilities watch. It can launch itself and Nixie uses a tiny processor calledprecious smartphones and high resistance to take selfies and videos for you the Intel Edison chip. Its size isfrom breaking, you will contaminants. What more using its onboard camera. similar to that of an SD card. Withlike this update on screen if it is lab-grown, with no Nixie was founded by two people, the help of these tiny electronics,technology: diamond digging up required? Christoph Kohstal a former Kohstal was able to build themay soon compose glass Adam Khan, CEO and postdoctoral physics researcher drones arms which can wrapscreens. founder of AKHAN at Stanford and Jelena Jovanovic around the wrist.Using synthetic diamond is Semiconductor defines this a former tech lead and manager Nixie has two automatic modesnot a recent breakthrough, breakthrough synthetic at Google. offered: the boomerang modewith the idea coming up material as “chemically The Nixie has been called “The and the “follow me” mode. In theas a potential replacement more perfect than natural first wearable camera that can Boomerang mode, the drone willfor the silicon MEMS or diamond.” Adding a film fly,” with its small camera you automatically return to you aftermicroelectromechanical layer they called AKHAN can wear like a watch, and then it shoots your video. In “followsystems more than a Miraj NCD diamond, which unfolds and turns into a flying me” mode, the drone will followdecade ago. But it is is nanometers thin, to a quadcopter. you as you move around, givingonly now that the idea in standard UV glass poses Nixie’s creator Christoph Kohstal,putting such material in greater strength than the was able to create a functioningglass screens is refined by latest Gorilla Glass 5. drone that can wrap around yourAKHAN Semiconductor. In an independent study wrist like a watch and launchGorilla Glass can easily be sponsored by AKHAN,replaced once this kind of the Miraj NCD Diamondglass screen, the first-ever covered glass is 3.5-timesdiamond-reinforced glass, more crack resistant andis materialized. Diamond is 7-times more scratchknown to be the hardest resistant than Gorilla Glass.20 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

NEW LITHIUM METALBATTERY BY MIT COULDPOWER OUR DEVICESTWICE AS LONGThe smartphones we use have lithium ion batteries used in short-lived and volatile SolidEnergy gave a previewa relatively limited battery smartphones, electric cars, lithium metal batteries of this battery in Octobercapacity. We always wish that wearables, drones, and other rechargeable and safer to 2015 with its first-everwe can use our devices much devices. use. Manufacturing this working prototype. It gotlonger in the same charging What sets this battery new battery can be done the attention it deservedtime. But be careful what different from the novel in existing lithium ion and acquired $12 millionwe should wish for because lithium ion batteries is its manufacturing equipment from investors.we just might get it: a new usage of a very thin, high- making them scalable. The battery will be used inrechargeable lithium metal energy, lithium-metal foil, “With two-times the energy drones this November, whichbattery will give our devices apart from the common density, we can make a is its debut application. Thetwice its original power. battery anode material battery half the size, but company looks at bringingDeveloped by SolidEnergy which is graphite. The new that still lasts the same the batteries to smartphonesSystems with its CEO system can hold more amount of time, as a lithium and wearables in early 2017Qichao Hu, the “anode-free” ions; hence provide more ion battery. Or we can make and eventually to electriclithium metal battery is energy capacity. Tweaks on a battery the same size as a cars in 2018.manufactured at MIT to be the electrolyte’s chemical lithium ion battery, but now Photo by MITtwice as energy-dense, but composition were also it will last twice as long,”safe and long-lasting as the done to make the typically said Hu.Photo by Envirotect OCTOBER 2016 21 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by HeightWeights Photo by GuelphToday THE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY BEHIND POKEMON GO Unless you’ve been hiding under several From the Ashes of Keyhole In 2010, Hanke created another startup layers of rock for the past year, you’ve called Niantic Labs under Google’s ever- certainly heard of Pokemon Go. You or Keyhole, Inc., founded in 2001 by the growing umbrella of smaller companies, someone you know has probably veered off visionary John Hanke, was a company that and began work on a game that used the a road or two, chasing what you thought specializes in geospatial data visualization. extensive geospatial knowledge of him and was a Pikachu, only to find it was a Pidgey Geospatial data visualization, as it sounds, his team. This game would be called Ingress, (stupid Pidgeys). You’ve probably seen news is a fancy way of saying they were one released in 2012. Ingress was marketed as a stories about individuals who crashed their of the first companies to create 3D maps massively-multiplayer online game (MMOG) cars to chase after imaginary monsters. using data. Their initial backers included that allowed players to find items in the real Unlike any mobile game before it, people the likes of graphics card manufacturer world and interact with them using their now consider “Pokemoning” an acceptable nVidia and the Central Intelligence Agency. mobile devices. Users could seek out virtual way to spend a Saturday night out with Keyhole would be acquired by Google in “portals”, which were usually around real- friends. If you’re like me, you’ve probably 2004 for $35 million. Their flagship product, world landmarks and local places of interest, wondered about the engineering behind a suite of geospatial mapping technology and compete against opposing factions such a monumentally popular game. I took called Earth Viewer, would evolve into the to accumulate power. Ingress’ popularity a look into the “evolution” of Pokemon revolutionary application called Google skyrocketed, reaching half-a-million active Go, pun intended, to see the groundwork Earth. Hanke spent his time afterward users around 2013. Players would take and the growth that made such a game heading up Google’s Geo division, which matters beyond what even Hanke had possible. also produced Google Maps, Streetview, anticipated, forming communities of like- and Sketchup. 22 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by TomsGuideminded enthusiasts who would charter public reaction to Ingress, so they pushed Photo by Polygonplanes to reach portals in remote areas the envelope in marketing campaigns thatand would dedicate specific days out of the were targeted toward promoting activityyear to portal hunting. and interaction among users. Those who played games and interacted with otherSoftware Engineering game players would handle their word- of-mouth marketing without provocation,If the description of Ingress sounds and the demographics of these playersfamiliar—players seeking real world expanded according to Pokemon’s uniquelocations to collect exotic items and ability to appeal to niche groups of adults.compete for dominance of a physical Non-gamer adults latched on simplyregion—it’s because Pokemon Go was because the game provided them withbased off it. The software engineering something interesting to do while theycomponent of Pokemon Go began with went about mundane errands. The bridgeGoogle Earth itself, meaning Niantic’s between the young and the old would fueldevelopers aren’t just game designers who the game’s momentum, which generatedacquired a third-party mapping program intrigue and bring even more players intoand built a revolutionary game on top of it; the fray. Essentially, the game’s popularitythey are map-makers who used an already became its hook; those who weren’tuber-popular franchise to catapult their playing would hear about it from everyoneframework into the hands of everyone. A who was, all the time, until eventually theylot of companies may have had the idea felt left out and joined out of. This was allto use the environment for an augmented part of a genius plan, one that began withreality game, but none had the resources Google Earth and evolved into Ingress,of Google’s Geo division and Nintendo’s which evolved into the phenomenon thatblessing (and investment). is Pokemon Go.Social Engineering About the author: Emmanuel Stalling is software engineer,Beyond the numerous records that Pokemon technical writer, online philosopher,Go continues to set each day it exists, aspiring novelist, part-time ninja, and fanthere is the genius behind it that exceeds of hard science fiction. Follow Emmanuelthe software engineering component and on Twitter @The_UnseenOne.propels it into legend, and that is the socialengineering part. Niantic had an idea ofhow the game would expand based on OCTOBER 2016 23 The Future of Consumer Electronics

DESIGNER 3D PRINTSA POKÉMON CENTERCHARGING STATION Designer Spencer Kern has created a pretty cool solution for Pokémon GO players whose smartphone batteries drain in the middle of Pokémon hunting. He created a “Pokémon Center” for Pokémon GO players so they could charge their drained phones. On a Microsoft Sway presentation, Kern wrote, “After spending hours running around my local park with a few hundred people Photo by BusinessInsider I knew this was a Photo by BusinessInsider special moment in gaming history,\" \"I thought it would be fun to re-create a Pokémon Center from the main games and use it as a charging station for trainers to hang out and heal their power drained phones,\" Kern wrote. In the original Pokémon game, player can go to Pokémon Centers in each city to heal their Pokémon so they can be ready for the next battle. In Pokémon GO, however, we players need to “heal” our smartphone batteries, and so Kern created this Pokémon Center charging hub.24 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

LOOK: A SINGLE-WHEELEDELECTRIC HOVERBOARDA company has been able to build per mile. The sonar detection ofa single-wheel vehicle that gives the board helps the board to bethe feeling of a hoverboard, with parallel to the ground. On thea board placed on top of a wheel other hand, the regenerative10 inches in size. The user has to braking is incorporated to recoverlean forward for acceleration and the energy and to charge up thebackwards for de-acceleration or board when it is going downhill orfor changing the direction. needs de-acceleration.When a hoverbaord is compared There are LED lighting and built-to a one wheeler, it can be seen in speakers that play music whilethat the single wheel vehicle is you are riding. These powersmuch faster than the other one use up minute amount of power.and also charges within a very There is a LCD screen on top of theshort period of time. The hover board that displays the respectiveboard uses sonar technology in information of the rider.order to maintain stability and has There is an app for Androida connectivity of API. and iOS phones which can beThe weight of the hoverboard is connected through a Bluetooth11kg and powered by a motor to the wheeler for activating andof 5000W. The motor is placed locking it, checking the level ofon the drive-unit that is in the charge of the battery and formiddle of the wheel. This gives the setting speed limits. The ridingvehicle a top speed of 16mph and data of a particular ride like thea range measuring 12 miles. The average speed or the top speedhoverboard is known to charge at can also be viewed with the helpthe rate of one and half minutes of this app. Photo by tumblr Photo by tumblr OCTOBER 2016 25 The Future of Consumer Electronics

REVOLUTIONIZING THE FIELD OF 3D PRINTING FOREVER26 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

3D printing is one of the most Kickstarter campaign for the electronics simply because strong example. Consumer 3Dsignificant advancements in Micro in 2014, which broke they can’t afford it, focusing printers today already hoverthe field of technology. We crowdfunding records. Our on other financial priorities. around the $1000+ mark, andcan see this process being main company mission is to These products can deliver we deliver ours at the fractionused in different industries— take complex technologies, life changing results, it’s of the prize without a loss inmedical, automotive, toys, innovate them, with the goal just a matter of innovating quality.manufacturing, and many to lessen the barrier to entry the supply chain in order THE MICRO LEVELothers. With this kind of for mainstream consumers. to reduce costs for greater GN: What are the initiatives /tech, creativity is the only We decided to first tackle access across the world. projects that you are doing (orlimitation to what can be 3D printing, launching the THE MACRO LEVEL have done) that will provideproduced. Unfortunately, Micro 3D Printer in 2014 and OF THE WORLD’S these advanced technologiesmany 3D printers are pricey currently developing a more COMPUTER/ to the public?and therefore, not everyone advanced model, the M3D IT/CONSUMER Armani: M3D believes thatcan easily afford it. Pro. Our current track right ELECTRONICS 3D printing is one of the mostThat’s why Michael Armani now is to continue innovating TECHNOLOGY important innovations inand his business partner David the 3D printer space with a GN: Where are we today? recent years, so we’re doingJones founded a company in focus on design, accessibility What is the current situation our part to make it widely2013 wherein they developed and reliability. of the Consumer Electronics/ available with affordable andthe Micro 3D Printer, which INTRODUCTION IT and Computer technology easily-operated printers. It’sis ultra-affordable, portable, GN: What is your company’s locally? clear that the public is readyand gives high quality results. opinion on today’s consumer Armani: Whether it’s in the for this kind of technologyThis printer is ideal for artists, electronics/computer/IT form of wearables, chat bots or as evident in both of ourengineers, students, and technology? autonomous cars, technology Kickstarter campaigns. We’vehobbyists alike. Armani: The emergence of has made its entrance into launched two, (one for theGineersNow conducted accessible technology makes nearly every sector. We’re a Micro and Pro) and they havean exclusive interview it an exciting time to be in the world built on technology— been met with incrediblewith Michael Armani, the consumer tech space. Lots of it’s modern day magic. support from consumers of allco-founder and president of companies, including M3D, And as these technologies backgrounds.M3D. are finding ways to break become further advanced GN: What impact have youTHE COMPANY down complex technologies and the development process delivered (social, economicGineersNow: Tell us about for everyday consumer use, sees further innovation and and environmental)? Do youyour company. Describe your delivering them at a cost progress, they’ll become have metrics or statistics ofmission, vision, and values as that won’t break the bank. more functional and widely your accomplishments?well as your strategic goals. Most developing countries, accessible over the next Armani: Besides wideningArmani: M3D is a private however, especially for 20 years. Costs generally the pool of people that 3Dcompany with 50 employees, everyday citizens, don’t decrease over time as printing can reach, M3D isheadquartered in Fulton, MD. have access to today’s efficiency increases for working with a number ofWe made a splash with our forward-thinking consumer consumer electronics—and I local organizations to widen think we’re well on our way, the technology’s reach. with our own products as a OCTOBER 2016 27 The Future of Consumer Electronics

For instance, we work with What do you think should by manufacturing entirely to aptly monitor the qualityYouthQuest, a non-profit the government, private in-house. Our production of our printers and quicklythat supports the academic, companies and NGO of each facility is right next door implement changes in thevocational and life-enriching country do to get rid of these? to our headquarters and manufacturing process.development of America’s How do we provide better everything is built entirely That said, again, the numberyouth. 3D printers can add a access to these technologies in the United States. This one challenge of gettinghands-on and visual element to more than 7 billion people? degree of proximity allows us consumer electronics toto learning, especially for Armani: One of the greatestSTEM subjects. 3D printing challenges for companies inmodels can “simplify” and this industry is keeping upserve as a strong entry with the quick product cyclespoint for STEM fields and and intricate internationalspur long-lasting interest in supply-chains. The companiesthem. Occupations in these that are equipped to adaptrelated industries are steadily to varying internationalgrowing each year, making standards are more likely toit absolutely worthwhile succeed. Everything from rawto make this kind of small materials to labor costs caninvestment in the classroom – act as enormous barriers toit’s an investment in all of our getting a business off thefutures, really. ground. The best way toTHE CHALLENGES & lessen the impact of theseSOLUTIONS challenges, and thereforeGN: What are the greatest encourage innovation, is tochallenges in the CE/ reduce and stabilize the costsIT/Computer industry? involved in production— which can be accomplished28 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

people all over the world is the millennials? Any inspiringcost. The consumer-facing words that you can share?prices of these devices can Armani: The current statebe reduced through an of global connectedness notinnovative approach to the only gives young innovatorsdesign and manufacturing access to experts—suchprocess, but governments as freelancers—who cancould also work to introduce help them realize proof ofsubsidies for certain devices concept of their dreamsif they’re to be applied in affordably, it also gives thema certain way. For instance, a platform where they can3D printers at their very core test the validity of their“make things,” and could be ideas, even make them gothe missing link for a budding viral within a niche. In fact,entrepreneur to bring an idea today’s innovations seem toto life. Lessening the barrier start at the individual andto such products could go a small company level, andlong way in increasing access. then snapped up by largerADVICE TO THE YOUNG companies. There has neverENGINEERS been a better time to pursueGN: Please give advice and a new idea because thewords of wisdom about the barrier to entry is less thancampaign for using these ever before. We expect totechnologies to improve lives see less billionaires, but moreto our young global audience. millionaires, in the comingWhat would you like to tell to decades with big ideas. OCTOBER 2016 29 The Future of Consumer Electronics

These 2 Insulators Turn Out to be Conductive When Together Photo by todayifoundoutInsulated materials aren’t strontium titanate (STO) and semiconductors, and is aboutsupposed to conduct any neodymium titanate (NTO), five times more conductiveelectricity. But engineers from when meant to interact than silicon.the University of Utah and the with each other can create This potential holds a lot ofUniversity of Minnesota can many free electrons allowing promise in replacing whatsay otherwise. electrical current to flow. Both electronics manufacturersIn a research led by University STO and NTO are perceived to currently use, which is galliumofUtahelectricalandcomputer be insulators by themselves nitride for transistors in powerengineering assistant but not when together. supplies and electronicsprofessor Berardi Sensale- Not only that, the interaction carrying large electricalRodriguez and University between two compounds currents. The authors sayof Minnesota chemical creates a much powerful that this material can greatlyengineering and materials conductivity. The number improve power transistors thatscience assistant professor of electrons produced is can be found in televisions,Bharat Jalan, it was found out a hundred times larger refrigerators and handheldthat two oxide compounds, than what is possible in devices.30 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

CHARGE YOUR PHONESUSING THIS DIYWATERWHEEL GENERATORYouTuber Thomas Kim has array of LED lights to test ifbuilt a DIY waterwheel his contraption was working,generator that can power up and he was also able toyour phone or other small charge his smartphone.gadgets if you’re outdoors Here’s the video.by a flowing river. So if While we already haveever you want to do a bit portable power banks thatof electronics in nature, this can charge our gadgetsmay be one of the projects when we’re outdoors, it’sthat can be interesting to do still pretty interesting to tryoutdoors. out electronic contraptionsKim got some water bottles, such as these and polishdisposable plastic plates, our electronics prowessa 3 Phase stepping motor, within. Plus, it’s an awesomeand a rectifier circuit which sight once you’ve put themstabilizes the generated together and see it working.voltage, and assembled Photo by Youtubethem to create this badasshydro-powered waterwheelgenerator. In the video, hewas also able to power up an OCTOBER 2016 31 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by LifeHack8LAASWPPATOYOSSPSSTIOBLLAMESATKAESYLOOUNRGNowadays, most engineering tight budget, and don’t care much that offer bug fixes which can them. So if you use them in reallystudents and engineers have about the speed and performance improve your laptop speed. The hot areas, you may fry some oftheir own laptops. We can say of your laptop, you can keep your best time to do this is during your your computer parts like yourthat our laptops are one of the HDD. sleeping time, do it overnight. graphics card. If possible, invest inmost important gadgets we own. a laptop cooling pad.After all, it helps us with our #2 Don’t fill your laptop #5 Don’t leave yourreports, designs, simulations, to its full capacity chargers on continuously #8 Don’t treat it like apresentations and many more. light switchLaptops can be pricey as well. Try to keep 5-10% of your drive Who’s guilty? *raises hand* Yes,Once it crashes, it isn’t easy as free. Once you fill it up to its this is important too. If you keep Turn your computer on/off only1-2-3 to get a replacement. So we maximum capacity, your laptop is your charger plugged eve when once a day. Continuously poweringhave to learn to take care them. sure to slow down. the battery is full, actually “kills” your laptop on and off stresses out your battery. This is because your laptops components sinceWant to get the best out of your #3 Restore your laptop to electricity needs to flow, or keep you are constantly changing thelaptops? Here’s how you can its original state/factory moving. Only charge your laptops temperature inside the computerprevent your working buddy from settings once every year when your battery gets low. system. When you continuouslycrashing before it’s due. vary the temperature of the Many of you might not be familiar #6 Keep them clean components, they contract and#1 Get a Solid State Drive with this, but this is important. expand, thus stressing-out your Before you do this though, make A clean laptop is a happy laptop. system.If your laptop is an old model sure you’ve backed up all your Keep them covered and clean.which doesn’t use a Solid State important files in an external hardDrive, get one. Using an SSD drive, so your computer will be #7 Keep them coolwill not only boost your laptops good as “new”.performance, it will make your Any electronic gadget, includinglaptop more durable as well if you #4 Run Updates laptops work their best inever drop it. However if you’re on a cool areas. You laptop already Yep, I know you hate this—but do generates heat when you use it anyway. There are some updates32 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

HOW TO STOP AI Photo by techietonicsFROM BECOMING As time goes by, we see howTHE ‘BAD GUY’ technology becomes an important part of our lives. Without it, we probably have a hard time living anymore. Who would have imagined that we could easily talk to someone in just one press of a button? Who would have thought that one button could help us power our homes, light up dark areas and give us the most convenient way to live? AI has truly shapedPhoto by SEALSwimSafe the way human beings operate Photo by pinterest now, what would happen if it goes rogue? Superintelligence, a book written by the founder of The Future of Humanity Institute, Nick Bostrom, warns its readers that if AI is able to learn things on its own, humanity would lose to it. It might lead to the end of human beings as we know it. This is what mathematician Stanislaw Ulam refers to as the Singularity. Now, Google believes that it is also a big red button that can stop artificial intelligence’s threat of doing us wrong. Google Deepmind, together with The Future of Humanity Institute, is looking for a way how to stop AI from going rogue (and possibly end humanity). For this to work, scientists must install an “interruption policy” that would allow humans to alter the behavior of the machine. This would lead the machine into thinking that it must stop itself from doing anything at all. This “interruption policy” can only be sent as a signal to the machine by the one who ones it. This would serve as the “big red button” of the machine. OCTOBER 2016 33 The Future of Consumer Electronics

THIS BACKPACK BY HP CAN CHARGE YOUR LAPTOP Most backpacks are made to prohibited in checked or carry- contain your everyday stuff. on luggage, but can be exempted Then there’s this one from HP upon the approval of the airline. which can recharge your laptop. But need not fret, the HP Yup, the tech giant made a new Powerup Backpack is at 84 watt- Powerup Backpack that is like a hours. normal backpack on the exterior, The next time you bring an but is actually a huge power bank empty-battery laptop with you holding 22,400mAh battery. on a long ride or flight, this will It can charge a full-size laptop allow you to charge your laptop and a smartphone 10 times. To while in a backpack, or your prevent from overheating while smartphone for that matter. A the device is charging, the bag unit of this backpack has a price has ventilated pockets and heat tag of $200 and is available for sensor monitors and regulators. preorder on Amazon. But we will Federal Aviation Administration have to wait for October 1st for its has regulations stating batteries release. over 100 watt-hours are Photo by Amazon34 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

NEW GORILLA GLASS CANPROTECT YOUR DEVICE FROM A SHOULDER-HIGH FALLIt’s been a while since But according to Corning, theirglassmaker Corning released glass covers do not entirelythe Gorilla Glass 4, which was guarantee safety from falling.in the fall of 2014. And now The company says that thethey are making a comeback overall design of the phone alsowith a much durable chemically matters especially when it hitsstrengthened super glass for the ground through its edges.your electronics. Since 2007, Gorilla Glass isThe Gorilla Glass 5 is destined used by manufacturing giantsto save your smartphones from like Samsung, HTC, Lenovo,cracking from waist height to Huawei, LG, HP and Asus,shoulder height, or 1.6 meters, among others. It seeks towith 80% survival rate. In improve overall durability andcontrast, its direct predecessor scratch-resistance while alsowas said to be twice as tough making it thinner.as the previous version and Production of Gorilla Glass 5 istwice as likely to survive drops underway but the release is yetonto uneven surfaces, and was to be disclosed by Corning.manufactured to survive only Photo by ExpressNewsAsiaat about a meter high. OCTOBER 2016 35 The Future of Consumer Electronics

DROP DOCK:THE WORLD’SFIRST UNIVERSALMAGNETIC CHARGERIf you’ve ever encountered they have a Micro USB or auniversal chargers for your Lightning charging port. The usemobile devices before, you may of magnets provides stability ashave noticed the hassle they compared to regular wirelesspose. Older models require charging. Its sleek design alsoyour battery removed while provides less hassle upon use;newer versions had you sorting just plug the adapter on yourthrough numerous cables. The phone’s charging port, placetime you spend on removing the phone on the dock and it’syour device from charging is ready to charge. If you’re readyalso a big issue. Well, time to to go, detaching your phone issay bye-bye to these charging as easy as lifting it off of thehassles with this new charging dock.dock in Kickstarter.Drop Dock is a Universal Photo by thenextweb“Magnetic” Charger that allowsyou to charge your Androidand iOS device for as long as GET READY FOR THE AGE OF COMPUTER- GENERATED HUMANS Saya a Computer Graphics once improved and mastered Interface school girl was could revolutionize different created by Japanese artists fields like the gaming Teruyuki Ishikawa and Yuka industry or movie industry. Ishikawa (Telyuka). Despite Video games nowadays being a CGI, Saya looks are already very realistic, very realistic—or a bit too imagine playing your realistic. It’s really difficult favorite game with this kind to tell the difference! of imaging technology. Also, The Saya project was started if this technology would by Telyuka in 2015, and they be applied in the movie have been continuously industry, creating realistic improving her to make her CGI characters could be used more life-like. Here are some in place of real actors or photos of her back then and stunt men. how she looks like now. The possibilities are endless The 2015 version was with this tech. already amazing, but the Photo by Kickstarter improvement is simply mind36 OCTOBER 2016 blowing. This technology, The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by crunchbase THIS DEVICE LOCKS YOUR COMPUTER BASED ON YOUR PROXIMITYLocking your PC every time away and log you back Photo by linkedinyou step out might be the on when you’re in range.most unproductive part of This device, known asyour routine. That 1 minute Gatekeeper, has differentyou use to log back on your security features which helpsaccount every day is 30 in protecting your work area.minutes of lost productivity It also connects to yourin a month. If you don’t phone which can doublewant to waste that precious as a tracker if you misplacetime then this little gadget your dongle. Did we mentionmight just be the answer to it has a keychain hole? Noyour problems. more unlocked computers,Untethered Labs created a and no more lost keys.wireless key that will lockyour computer if you stepPhoto by Vocativ WOULD YOU WANT A BRAIN MICROCHIP? A THIRD OF U.S. ADULTS WOULDHaving an implantable health, cognitive ability or worried about editing the of the respondents, sayingmemory is still so far from physical capacity. genes of babies to eliminate that brain chips, when theyreality. A memory chip in Majority of the respondents hereditary flaws and disease; become available, will only bethe brain is a favorable feat felt uneasy or worried; but and 63% is worried about obtained by the wealthy andthough, a safe conclusion in all three cases, at least transfusing synthetic blood thus would foster inequality.after a study by Pew one-third of them were to give people much greaterResearch Center found out enthusiastic. speed, strength and stamina.that a third of U.S. adults Sixty-nine percent is worried Such technology fears 73%would be “enthusiastic” about using implantedabout having one to brain chips to boost ourimprove thinking power. thinking power, with theThe survey involved 4,726 rest enthusiastic. 68% isadults which measured ifthey are in favor of threeemerging technologies thatcould improve a person’s OCTOBER 2016 37 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Zuckerberg's Dorm Room Success: From Facemash to Facebook How a young programmer became one of the richest men in the world today Photo by Imgur Zuckerberg’s story is really inspiring. and later on created the first website like WhatsApp, Instagram, and at “theFacebook.com” Dustin Oculus Rift became building blocks At an early age, he already picked Moskovitz, who was Zuckerberg’s that brought Facebook’s name even roommate at the time, said that higher. The only question left today up programming and loved it. His after the site was built, one of Mark’s is: “how high can it still go?” The friends urged him to put it on his point that everyone with internet love for the code even urged him dorm house (Kirkland) mailing list. access knows what the blue “f” While the list only contained around stands for and the fact that this was to get a graduate course related to 300 names, registration on the site all conceived in a dorm room of some boomed to around 1200 – 1500 guy who dropped out of Harvard programming when he was still in applicants in 24 hours. makes it a story worth listening Following the immediate in-house to. Facebook’s rise to success all high school. But what made his story success was an immediate complaint started with a joke to see who’s hot against Zuckerberg’s work. Three of and who’s not and what it became so special is the story in between how his seniors upped and complained to after that is no laughing matter. It their school paper about Zuckerberg grew ever steadily, expanding to he went from Facemash to creating ripping of an idea to create a social numerous locations and opening media site specifically for Harvard, offices worldwide. Facebook started the social media empire known as HarvardConnect.com. This led to acquiring companies for their tech a lawsuit which was settled by and their people, well mostly their Facebook. Facebook off-court. Aside from this, people, for the purpose of steady the growth of theFacebook.com was expansion that helps increase the It all started at Harvard, where steady. It spread out to different Ivy armada of the growing online empire. League and Boston-area schools. In Tomorrow, people might forget Zuckerberg released this “hot or June 2004, they officially dropped about Facemash and the entire story ‘the’ from the name and thus behind it. But during this modern not” website that pits two students Facebook.com was born, with a little age of information, people will never $200,000 price tag on the domain, of forget how Facebook revolutionized together and you’d have to pick course. the world of social media and the A series of events happened name Mark Zuckerberg which started which one is better. Facemash was afterwards, numerous acquisitions it all. launched October 2002 and tapped into the images of each Harvard dorm house’s “facebook”—Harvard’s dormroom directory—which Zuckerberg admittedly hacked. It garnered a lot of attention until it was forced to shut down due to some serious privacy complaints to the school board. This almost got Zuckerberg expelled but the charges At 2004, Mark thought about the Facemash incident as a guiding light to create a universal facebook in which all Harvard students can access. He pushed on with this idea38 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

ZUCKERBERG'S GROWING ONLINE EMPIRE IF YOU’RE WONDERING HOW BIG ZUCKERTOPIA REALLY IS, CHECK THIS OUT! by Cielo PandaPhoto by FBnewsroomFacebook is a very big name 3. FriendFeed, August 2009 Messenger, the company’s the talents of WhatsApp Co-in the ever growing online Very much responsible for chat platform. founder and CEO Jan Koum.civilization. Founded by Mark the ‘Feeds’ that you seeZuckerberg in his Harvard right now, the acquisition of 8. Instagram, April 2012 12. Oculus VR, March 2014dorm room February of 2004, FriendFeed also got some very Who would forget this? Virtual reality started to pop-upjust how big is the company notable talents such as: Bret Facebook bought Instagram from nowhere and Facebooknow? More than a decade Taylor, former Facebook CTO, out for a whopping $1 wanted in. The company washas passed and now, mostly Paul Buchheit, Google’s 23rd billion last April of 2012. The purchased at $2 billion whichanyone with internet access employee and developer of connection between the two started Facebook’s future intocan immediately identify the Gmail, Jim Norris, and Sanjeev social media platforms became augmented reality.Facebook logo. It has steadily, Singh. so tight that their user baseand rapidly, grown to where just melded together in perfect 13. Wit.ai, January 2015it is today, thanks to the ever 4. Divvyshot, March 2010 harmony. Speech recognition startupincreasing need of information. Resources from this company was acquired by Facebook forBut Facebook isn’t just a was pushed into the direction 9. Karma, May 2012 an undisclosed amount. Lotswebpage, it’s an online empire of what is Facebook Photos You might be a fan of giving of speculation was towards thebuilt with a whole number of today. away some goodies to your Facebook M who was built tocompanies that Facebook has friends using Facebook Gifts rival Apple’s Siri.acquired over the years. 5. ShareGrove, May 2010 and you have Karma to thankHere’s a few of the notable Many of the company’s existing for that. It was only a year old 14. Two Big Ears, May 2016acquisitions that Facebook has research has been put towards when Facebook acquired it and The most recent amonghad from its inception. creating Facebook Groups. that was also the first day that Facebook’s acquisitions is ShareGrove specialized in Facebook was up as a publicly again leaning towards the1. AboutFace, August 2005 Private Conversations and traded company at Wall Street. entertainment industry. TheWell, not really an acquisition Forums, thus Facebook’s company was acquired to addbut more on the domain name. interest in them grew. 10. Jibbigo, August 2013 up to Oculus VR in creating‘facebook.com’ had already Jibbigo is one of the famous a wonderful augmentedbelonged to AboutFace and 6. Hot Potato, August 2010 developers of speech experience that Facebook haswas acquired by Facebook for a This New York based startup translation both in the iOS and yet to reveal about.reported sum of $200,000. is what used to be the Social Android. Facebook cheerfully Check-in app of that time. After announced the acquisition of These are just a few of all the2. Parakey, July 2007 Facebook acquisition, it was this company which allowed companies that FacebookThis was Facebook’s first then turned into what we all the company to move from has acquired over the years.official acquisition which also know as Facebook Places. English to other platforms as Tech advancements for bothgot the company employees well. the website and the companysuch as Blake Ross, co-creator 7. Beluga, March 2011 seem to be what Zuckerberg’sof Firefox, and Joe Hewitt, Not only did Facebook want 11. WhatsApp, February plan every time he expands hisdeveloper of Firefox’s Firebug. their employees, they were 2014 ever growing online empire.Hewitt later on developed after the group messaging Not only was this acquisitionFacebook for iOS. software as well. Beluga is very pricey at $19 billion, the predecessor of Facebook Zuckerberg also acquired OCTOBER 2016 39 The Future of Consumer Electronics

ZTHMHUOAICWRNKKKED?ROBEESRGThe success of the world’s Since Mark Zuckerberg rose Thinking has dissected and and extraordinary positivelargest social networking into the ranks of the wealthiest analyzed Zuckerberg’s thinking, with optimalsite Facebook is apparent. and most influential people thinking during Facebook’s thinking just behind.There are about 1.71 billion in the world in 2010, it is 2013, 2014, and 2015 first Having the biggest slice ofmonthly active users as of now everyone’s curiosity how quarter earning conference Zuckerberg’s thinking pie isthe second quarter of 2016, to become the extraordinary calls,andratedhiscommentary the moderate positive, whichwith the number still growing. entrepreneur that he is. Does according to their own relates to his organizationalApproximately half of those his closet full of H&M gray Hierarchy of Thinking Styles. stability. Being a leader ofusers log in on a daily basis t-shirts and blue jeans help In the hierarchy, thinking a networking company, heto update their status, post in Facebook’s unprecedented is categorized as optimal, demonstrates understandingphotos or upload videos. glory? Not really. Is it just extraordinary positive, of the language of connection,But did its 5 founders – Mark pure luck that he emerged moderate positive, moderate through appreciating theZuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz, to become the frontrunner negative, extraordinary support and hardwork of hisEduardo Saverin, Andrew of the most celebrated social negative and totally negative. employees. This is evident in hisMcCollum, and Chris Hughes – network? Not at all either. What primarily appeared speeches which are effectiveexpect that their site launched Perhaps because of the in the analysis over the in presenting informationin their college dorm room in genius that Zuckerberg is? 3 conference calls is the with the right amount of self-2004 would become this big? Well, maybe. dominance of Zuckerberg’s confidence minus the hint ofI don’t think so. A website called Optimal moderate positive thinking arrogance. Zuckerberg blurts40 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by: Quartzout in his speeches words like his progress, and does what of optimal thinking to mentioning tests to quantify“increasing”, “improvement”, he can in order to overcome empower individuals, teams, and quality optimization“better”, and “normally”; them – and the results are departments, and entire initiatives. In another speechphrases like “good sign”, “good visible. From his conference organizations to be their he mentioned, “We just havequarter”, “pretty meaningful”, calls speeches, the website best. This thinking is already to do it right… to get the right“building the knowledge noticed the use of Zuckerberg visible on Facebook’s values, content to the right people.economy”, “strategy of with words like “innovate”, standards and directions, That this is the right pathimproving quality” and “improvement”, “new”, and which in a speech, Zuckerberg going forward as well.” At the“improving the world through “amazing”; along with phrases said, “…Our core business is back of Zuckerberg’s mind,sharing”. such as “great progress”, to focus on helping people to optimal thinking is alreadyThe next biggest slice in the “big fundamental believer”, see the best ads and basically there; he just needs to displaypie of Zuckerberg’s thinking “very big contributors”, make the most money per it more in his next speeches.is attributed to extraordinary “amazing journey”, moment that people are No matter, now we know howpositive, which focuses on “growing environmental spending at the lowest cost Zuckerberg’s mind works, andhis ability to innovate and consciousness”, and “talent in most efficiency in terms what kind of thinking he usesdifferentiate products. As the management processes”. of serving people.” Moreover, during his speeches. I guessname of the thinking suggests, While both of those thinking optimal thinking can also be his success secret is no longerhe does not let obstacles and works well with Zuckerberg, discerned in his personal and a secret?roadblocks along the way ruin he needs to have more organizational maturity by OCTOBER 2016 41 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by PopularScience THE DEFINITION OF TECHNOLOGY ACCORDING TO MARK ZUCKERBERG by Dion Greg Reyes For most of us, our knee- CEO, has in mind. chat about how Facebook could jerk definition of the word Zuckerberg had a second live make users more social in real “technology” is likely to revolve public Q&A in a public town hall life. It is under his assumption around smartphones, gadgets, in December 2014, following one that Facebook cuts more time computers and robots that make conducted a month before. While actually socializing, and perhaps our lives easier. This is correct, but the first one revealed almost transforming how we interact we of a limited perspective. Rather, nothing of particular significance each other. And Zuckerberg gave a “technology” as defined simply except the notice on his wearing of rather philosophical response: by Merriam-Webster dictionary, the same type of t-shirt everyday, “What defines a technological tool is the use of science in industry, his take on the movie The Social — one historical definition — is engineering, etc., to invent useful Network, and Facebook losing something that takes a human’s things or to solve problems; or its charm, the second one had sense or ability and augments it a machine, piece of equipment, more of Facebook CEO’s insight and makes it more powerful. So, method, etc., that is created by especially on the definition of the for example, I wear contact lenses technology. But this isn’t exactly word “technology.” or glasses; that is a technology what Mark Zuckerberg, one of the One Brazilian user during the that enhances my human ability most famous tech entrepreneurs interview session asked via of vision and makes it better.” of our time and now Facebook the comments section of the He supported this statement42 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

saying that the point of socialnetwork is to “extend the reallyfundamental human capacity formaintaining social relationships,”followed by a sociologicalresearch reference called theDunbar’s Number. He said, “Oneof the things that I think that wecan [do] through Facebook ismake it so that you can maintainrelationships with many morepeople.”Dunbar’s Number is attributed toevolutionary anthropologist RobinDubar, who said that we can onlyever have 150 friends at most tobe considered in a stable socialrelationship.The same Q&A session alsoproduced a discussion abouthow Facebook could be usedas a medium in evil ways,like developing weaponsand launching cyberattacks.Zuckerberg is of course awareabout these tendencies on thesocial networking site, to whichhe answered earlier in the talkabout why the world’s biggestsocial networking site could helpresolve the on-going issues ofracial tension and police brutality.He posted in his Facebooktimeline, “A greater diversity ofperspectives is also important forcreating understanding. Beforethe Internet, we might have onlygotten our news from a few TVstations or newspapers. Now weget updates from many morepeople and sources.”Nevertheless, Zuckerberg’s answeras a whole is representativeof what tech leaders are nowthinking about – they are all crazilyfinding ways to put technology totransform the lives of the people,to the point that we are alreadysuperhuman: faster, stronger,and smarter. Their stereotypicaloptimism, like the one Zuckerbergdisplayed, is overreaching. But thecommon goal is to use technology,by whatever definition given,as a powerful tool in creatingconnections, solving problems ofdifferent scales and impacts, andultimately making our daily liveseasier. Photo by facebook OCTOBER 2016 43 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by djtechtoolsI AM AN OVERWORKED AND AN UNDERPAID ENGINEER By Patricia Eldridge Engineers are people who solve complex known companies. Today, it’s been four years, problems, build highly intricate machinery he is still working in the same company and and develop each to make all of them work same position. But the most appalling and in an effective way. To become an engineer, alarming part: even though he is an engineer, you work really hard through your high he overworks and gets underpaid. school so that you can get into a good Ironically, many engineering firms ain't college. Then after four years of hard work, got a clue about project management or perspiration, motivation and determination, proper workload scheduling. As a result, most you graduate with flying colors and look of them turn out to be overstretched and forward to develop solutions and commercial under-resourced. Even though hiring more applications. But the reality provides us with employees does not solve the matter as an opposite scenario. each engineer must work 70-80 hours per Working diligently through high school, week. Unfortunately, these engineers do not Harry Robinson got admitted into a reputed receive the appropriate reward for their work. engineering college and graduated with a But the fault does not lie with the company good CGPA. After that, he looked forward to either. Engineering is such a field where work in a well- known company and climb up the industries and companies try to create to a higher position. Some years later after something from scratch and develop various gaining extensive experience, he planned technology and management. to start a company of his own. But instead, Many people from Business management he got a job in a new startup company or Accounting and Finance earn more than because not having any prior experience an average engineer earns. It’s more like or expertise prevented him from taking up what a Chartered accountant earns after commendable jobs in successful and well- seven to eight years of experience is what an44 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by lifehackerengineer earns at nearly the end of his career. make an excellent impression at the jobEngineering is a path where one loves to do interviews. One of the most importantsomething he is passionate about such as parts is to mention the experiences youinventing new technology, creating amazing gained in your CV. No matter how minormobile applications, building a complex your experience may seem, knowledge andstructural building and much more. experience have no bounds.One can argue that Engineers mostly work Meet and make contacts with importantbased on practical experience which is hardly people, and let them know your passiontaught in the college and the different sections and experience. You never know when thesuch as applied sciences, networking, industrial opportunity that you have been looking forapplications, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics all these years will come knocking at yourand much more get completely erased from door. Remember one thing, do not worktheir minds. There are engineers who look for for the money as money cannot bring youalternatives and end up taking up jobs in a experience. But if you gain experience, youbank as an executive or bank manager in order will receive your reward for the hard work.to earn more salary. As a result, all that he has Whether you are a graduate of civil,learnt in his four years of college, his passion chemical, electrical, electronics, biomedical,for inventing machines and creating various mechanical, systems or design engineering,software remain forgotten. He becomes you must have studied somewhere thatfrustrated due to his nine to five job and has efficiency is a measure of the useful outputto give up all his creativity just to earn more. as compared to the total input. For a higherNot being appreciated for your hard work efficiency, the machine needs to be in aand feeling like a “nobody” can be very superior condition. So work on improvingdemotivating. But there is a way to solve this yourself, and you will get more opportunitiesproblem. At first, recite this mantra, “I am to climb up the ladder towards a rewardingan Engineer and I will always do something career…or at least one that pays well!better in life”. If you want to climb up theladder, you need to first stand up for yourself. About the author:Change your perception towards things. It Patricia took her MBA in London, UK. She's adoesn’t matter if you are working a low- model, actress, blogger and a copywriter. Herpaying job, you can keep on applying to boyfriend is an overworked and underpaiddifferent companies, and prepare yourself to engineer. OCTOBER 2016 45 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by hrinasia ENGINEERS, IT'S TIME FOR A 30 HOUR WORKWEEK by Randy Williams All engineers would like to work watch the numbers slowly tick by now in 40-hours. When time is less. Well, all of the normal ones wishing that you could magically shortened, engineers will rise up anyway. Of course there are fast¬forward them with Jedi to the challenge. those that live to work, rather mind powers, you’re not being than work to live. But the vast very productive. 2. Restfulness majority of engineers want to The easiest solution to getting get the most done in the least more productivity out of each We all know how important a amount of time. minute is actually having more solid 8-hours of sleep per night It may seem counter intuitive, to do. If we’re bogged down with is. We’ve read the studies, heard but engineers working less hours a long to¬do list at the beginning about it on the news, and we’ve per week can actually benefit of each day, we prioritize the experienced it firsthand. In the employer as well. That’s why important tasks that must get addition to a good night’s sleep, it’s time for engineering firms done first and work our way days off of work are at least to offer the 30-¬hour workweek. to the bottom of the list. With equally important. I propose individuals choose more actual work to do in a given Think about how refreshed you either a 3 day (10 hour per day) day, we find ourselves no longer feel after Memorial Day weekend, schedule or a 4 day (7.5 hour per looking at the clock. We’re too Labor Day weekend, Eid, Diwali day) schedule. busy getting things done! or any other national holiday Here are five reasons why it’s With a shorter workweek, each weekend. This doesn’t have to time to work harder (and smarter) day becomes more jam¬packed be a country mandated, couple rather than longer: with what you actually need to times per year thing. This could get done. So your productivity be the normal work schedule! 1. Productivity increases during each workday. If employers find engineers to be I believe engineers could equally productive at 30-hours We’ve all been there, staring at accomplish the same amount per week, part of that productivity the clock, waiting for it to hit of work in 30-hours as they do would be due to the additional the end of the workday. As you days off. Even if the engineers46 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

Photo by magazine.startusaren’t actually ‘resting’, it’s still 4. Connectivity engineer the opportunity to takea time for them to take their ownership of their projects. Themind off work and reset their It’s never been easier to connect company holds the engineerbatteries in order to maximize in the workplace. With cell accountable for getting their worktheir productivity the following phones, laptops, tablets, etc. done in a timely and efficientweek. everyone is connected all the manner. The engineer responds time. The employee must go into to the increased freedom by3. Happiness a 30-¬hour workweek with the doing even better work in even understanding that questions less time.In decades and centuries past, may come up while he/she is notworkers were forced to grind day in the office; therefore, they must By implementing a shorterin and day out with little thanks remain available.and given no time for ‘fun’. But Most engineers will not have a workweek, the company is valuingtoday, with fierce competition problem answering a question,to keep and retain top talent, clarifying some confusion, or the engineer’s time. I for one docompanies are coming up with inputting some data on theirnew ways for employees to enjoy days off if it means they’re not my best work when I feel like Ithe workday while remaining physically at work all day. Mostproductive. tasks do not require an engineer ‘own’ a project. I do even betterCase and point is Google. Simply to sit behind a desk all day. Mostwatch the movie “The Internship” things can be solved by a quick work when I’m held accountablewith Vince Vaughn and Owen phone call while the engineer isWilson to see how ‘cool’ it is to at home sitting in their PJs. for the success or failure of thatwork for Google.A 30-¬hour workweek would 5. Accountability project. I do my absolute bestsimply make employees happier.They get to spend more time This is the single most important work when I’m given a timeline,doing things that fulfill them reason to implement a shorteroutside of work. Whether it’s workweek. Engineers do not want freedom, and accountability.being with their family, being to be babysat! The company isoutside, or simply having some not paying us so that our boss The 30-¬hour workweek helpsalone time. It would be much can breathe down our neck andbetter to come in for 3 long, very make sure we’re sitting in our to empower engineers inbusy days if you’re able to go on desk chair for exactly 8 hours pera 4 day vacation immediately day, 5 days per week. the workplace. Whether civil,afterward. With more freedom comes more responsibility. And this gives the chemical, electrical, electronics, mechanical, biomedical, materials, design, software or computer engineering firms, this should be accepted by employers and employee. About the author: Randy Williams: Student of Life. Professional Engineer. Skeptic. Explorer. Reader. Listener. OCTOBER 2016 47 The Future of Consumer Electronics

COMPLETESILENCEFOR BUSYPEOPLEWITHQUIETONMost of us go through a lot of of QuietOn Ltd., Janne Kyllönen and product manager typically better with innovative and highstress as we go about our lives gives us an insight on today’s leading innovation projects. quality products.each day. So it’s only natural for us consumer electronics industry, ato want to take a rest without too detailed look on the company’s THE COMPANY GN: Where is this companymuch noise in our surroundings. product and where it’s headed in headed? What are your futureAs much as possible, we want to the next 10 years. GN: Are you a social enterprise, expansion plans?be in complete silence whenever non-profit or private company? Kyllönen: Our business is globalwe go to sleep, concentrate on THE PERSON Kyllönen: QuietOn Ltd is a already. We are selling in overour work or relax. With QuietOn, private company - an early- 100 countries. Our target is toit gives us exactly what we need My name is Janne Kyllönen. stage startup fully owned by be a world-known brand andwith its earplugs that uses noise I’m the Founder and Product staff. Currently, QuietOn has product would be available incanceling technology together Director of the company QuietOn 8 employees. The company is pharmacies, electronic storeswith acoustic noise attenuation Ltd. QuietOn was established located in Oulu, Northern Finland and airports globally. I’m sureto create silence. in Oulu, Finland in 2015. I’ve and manufacturing the products that in the perspective of tenIn this exclusive interview with been working for the industry with partner company in Tallinn, years we will have several highthe founder and product director for 14 years at Nokia and Estonia. quality product families and Microsoft. There I was a project topnotch innovations that GN: Describe your mission, vision will help people and is a good and values. business. Kyllönen: We offer people an opportunity to find silence INTRODUCTION in multiple situations so they can travel better, sleep better, GN: What is your company’s work better, and relax easy. opinion on today’s consumer We are building our own brand electronics and our target is that QuietOn Kyllönen: Frankly speaking, I is a synonym for active noise haven’t seen really any really canceling earplugs. We are the innovative solutions for a long world’s first and only earplug with time. Industry is putting a lot of Active Noise Canceling capability. efforts to cars but I think that We are aiming strongly to enter they are only implementing international markets. Our key solutions that have been value is to make people’s lives already for ten years.48 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics

GN: Which countries do you think lot of innovations in health, IoT, earplug combining active noise road map of the products in ourhave limited access to today’s car industry and modem minds and of course we are notadvanced technologies? areas. cancellation and acoustic noise telling it.Kyllönen: World is getting smallerthrough the internet. Our successful GN: Where are these technologies attenuation to create silence. GN: What impact have youIndiegogo campaign is one clear heading 20 years from now? How delivered? Do you haveproof of that. People who have fast are we progressing? QuietOn can be used for sleeping, metrics or statistics of yourproblems with noise found us and Kyllönen: In this area, biggest accomplishments?we are able to deliver our solution technology development effects traveling, working and everyday Kyllönen: We will changeeverywhere. Literally we have will mostly happen from 5G people’s life who are sufferingorders eg. from Samoa, Grönland development. noise attenuation. Technology from insomnia, noise sensitivityand Africa. or stress. We increase the THE MICRO LEVEL is advanced and there aren't any performance of the workers andGN: How can they gain access to make traveling more pleasant.these technologies then? GN: What are the initiatives / similar products on the market. Only metrics we have are theKyllönen: Information of the projects that you are doing (or results of the user study withtechnologies is available so if the have done) that will provide QuietOn’s ANC performance airplane travelers. The resultsmarketing isn’t targeted to a these advanced technologies to were really good. Travelers wereregion it means that you need to the public? is similar compared to the pleased with both performancebe more active to find it. Logistics Kyllönen: Our initiative is to and comfort. 97% found thatmechanics are global thanks design, build and deliver our world’s best on-ear-headphones. QuietOn improved their overallto eBay and Amazon types of innovative products flying experience.companies. QuietOn's competitive GN: Talk about the products THE CHALLENGES &THE MACRO LEVEL OF you are currently offering to the advantage is that it has no wires SOLUTIONSTODAY’S CONSUMER public. What are they for? HowELECTRONICS are they doing in the market? or buttons, the earplugs are GN: What are the greatestTECHNOLOGY How are they useful to the challenges in the CE industry? consumer? small, ergonomic and easy to use Kyllönen: In the industry, I don’tGN: Where are we today? What Kyllönen: QuietOn is a unique really see challenges or blockingis the current situation of the with 50 hours of battery life on a issues. I just see a lot ofConsumer Electronics technology opportunities via new batterylocally? single charge. technologies and interesting IoTKyllönen: Locally in the city of platforms.Oulu, Microsoft and Nokia closed QuietOn is the only ANC productthe mobile phone development GN: How do we provide bettersite which freed thousands of enabling sleep with your head on access to these technologies tohighly skilled engineers. It means more than 7 billion people?this is the area with lots of things a pillow. Our Indiegogo Kyllönen: It all starts withhappening. A lot of innovative the education. Technology isstartups and several big players are campaign has been a huge affordable and there are skillssetting up the everywhere. I think that it isdevelopment sites. success. One million pre-sales better to build local solution for local needs compared to the hugeGN: What are the latest Consumer with almost zero marketing global companies having theElectronics technologies today? technology monopoly.Kyllönen: In this area, there are a budget. GN: What are the future innovations that you or your company are pursuing? Kyllönen: Of course we have a ADVICE TO THE YOUNG ENGINEERS Kyllönen: Technology is easy and fun. Start building your own prototypes. It might be a silly idea but when it is working, you have learned a lot. Show the stuff to others and share your information, it will increase the creativity in your team and you will be surprised how many good ideas will follow. Typically all the ideas need opinions and iterations before they become good ones. When you have a working prototype for an existing problem, the doors will open easily. OCTOBER 2016 49 The Future of Consumer Electronics

HOW OTMTECHNOLOGIESCOULD CHANGETHE WORLD WITHPHREE50 OCTOBER 2016 The Future of Consumer Electronics