TI intros single-chip DockPort technology destined for laptops and tablets

Posted on 01/08/2013 by Jon Fingas

The DockPort standard is only just getting off the ground with support in AMD's Elite Performance processors. TI could soon make the technology fly, however: its new (if awkwardly named) HD3SS2521 controller handles all the tasks of DockPort on a single chip. The hardware is both simpler and cheaper than past multi-chip designs, and makes it easier for laptops and tablets to deliver DisplayPort video, USB 3.0 and power through a single cable. Whether or not we see more DockPort-equipped mobile gadgets is another matter. While the TI chip is available today, device builders still have to choose DockPort over a more established standard like Intel's Thunderbolt.

Filed under: Laptops, Tablets

Comments

Source: Texas Instruments

Vertu TI now available in red or blue limited editions, only 1,000 of each made

Posted on 23/06/2013 by Richard Lai

It's been almost half a year since Vertu launched its first-ever Android phone, the TI, and now the company's decided to throw in a couple of limited editions to lure the big spenders. As pictured above, the new Vertu TI Colours collection is wrapped in either "Sunset Red" or "Midnight Blue" calf leather, and only 1,000 units are made for each color. As per typical Vertu style, there's a unique number etched on the back to indicate which of the 1,000 units yours is.

The rest of this hand-crafted, matt grey titanium phone remains unchanged otherwise, namely its 3.7-inch tough sapphire screen, Android 4.0, 1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4, 64GB storage plus an 8-megapixel camera. And of course, the phone still comes with the famed Vertu Concierge, a "100 percent independent" service that CEO Perry Oosting is very proud of. To join this exclusive club, you'll have to somehow fork out a whopping HK$90,000 or €8,900 (about US$11,700) -- just a tad more expensive than the TI Titanium Pure Black edition, but also more flamboyant. This author already spotted these new phones at Vertu's Hong Kong Airport store, and he's currently accepting donations.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Texas Instruments brings fast charging, extended life to Li-ion batteries

Posted on 07/06/2013 by Myriam Joire

Yesterday Texas Instruments introduced a couple of new chipsets (fuel gauge an charger ICs) designed to improve the charging speed and life expectancy of single-cell Li-ion batteries. The technology, called MaxLife, is expected to provide an improvement of up to 30 percent in battery service life and faster charging times. Cell impedance is carefully monitored by the fuel gauge chip while the charger IC uses a model of battery degradation to charge the cell in the most effective way. Both chips are connected via an I2C bus to form an autonomous battery management system which, according to the company, is safer and more thermally efficient than existing solutions. The two chipsets (2.5A and 4.5A) are now available along with a development kit, so it's only a matter of time until this technology lands into handsets and other devices that use single-cell Li-ion batteries. Check out the details after the break.

Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Mobile

Comments

Spark Core board adds WiFi to almost everything, takes input from anywhere (video)

Posted on 03/05/2013 by Jon Fingas

Spark Devices wants the inclusion of WiFi in devices to be a matter of when, not if -- and if its new Spark Core gets to market as planned, tinkerers might never have a moment of doubt. The tiny board combines an Arduino-compatible ARM Cortex-M3 platform with a TI CC3000 WiFi chip that not only simplifies getting online, but could save the DIY crowd from having to touch projects afterward. Owners can flash the firmware with new code over WiFi, for a start. A free Spark Cloud service also allows for custom apps that interface with the Core through seemingly anything with an internet connection: if you want to reconfigure a homebrew security camera from your phone, you can. While Spark Devices is relying on crowdfunding to fuel its connected strategy, the company is comfortably past its $10,000 goal and should deliver both the Spark Core ($39) and optional shields to new contributors around September.

[Thanks, Greg]

Filed under: Misc, Networking

Comments

Source: Kickstarter

The Engadget Interview: Vertu CEO Perry Oosting talks specs and rationale

Posted on 12/03/2013 by Richard Lai

"Hi, I'm Richard Lai from Engadget. You guys probably hate us but..."

"No no, I don't hate you," Vertu's 52-year-old President and CEO interjected with a charming smile. He then laid a hand on my shoulder and explained our in-joke to the other chuckling diners, "These guys, they read the specs and they only judge by the specs."

Of course, it was just a light-hearted banter the night before our interview, but having been with the luxury phone maker since June 2009 as President, Perry Oosting obviously knew of everyone's ongoing jokes about the rationale of his super expensive phones. Even before Vertu, the Dutchman would've faced a similar problem when he held senior positions at the likes of Bulgari, Prada, Gucci and Escada, except these brands have been around for a lot longer; and for us mere mortals, their existence is already widely accepted. Not so much for the luxury gadgets, though.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

TI shows off LaunchPad-based prototype mouse, hints at a big follow-up

Posted on 10/03/2013 by Brian Heater

TI shows off LaunchPadbased prototype mouse, hints at a big followup

If you've been needing a little inspiration for your next TI LaunchPad project, look no further than the company itself. Texas Instruments set up shop in the maker tent across from the Austin Convention Center this week, showing off creations built atop its line of microcontrollers. The rep we spoke with was particularly excited about this mouse hack that the company put together in a few hours, while getting ready for SXSW. The creation utilizes the Stellaris board's accelerometers to control the cursor of a Windows machine on X, Y and Z axes, via USB.

The project is more than just a hack, according to the company -- it's actually a prototype of something it's set to unveil later this year. No specifics on that front, but TI promised a "big surprise." In the meantime, you can check out video of the project after the break.

Gallery: Texas Instruments LaunchPad-based prototype mouse hands-on

Filed under: Peripherals

Comments

Vertu TI luxury phone lands in Hong Kong, we go hands-on (video)

Posted on 04/03/2013 by Richard Lai

Admittedly, many of us here at Engadget have never really had the opportunity to touch a Vertu phone (KIRFs don't count, of course), as the pressure of stepping into a posh Vertu store without the cash can be rather unnerving. That said, over the weekend Vertu launched its Android-powered TI in Hong Kong, and the British company was gracious enough to let us get up close and personal with all four flavors of its latest luxury device. Verdict? Well, please kindly ask your butler to read on after the break.

Gallery: Vertu TI hands-on in Hong Kong

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

DLP’s IntelliBright tech promises brighter pico projection at no extra power

Posted on 25/02/2013 by Jamie Rigg

Most portable projectors are tasked with striking a delicate balance between power consumption and picture quality. With this in mind, Texas Instruments' DLP arm has unveiled a new system at MWC known as IntelliBright, which is intended to improve the brightness of pico projectors without making hardware hungrier. It's no fancy set of circuits, though, but a pair of algorithms which tinker with image brightness and contrast to produce a more radiant picture. What's more, the algorithms can be tweaked separately by hardware manufacturers for any desired result, and can incorporate data from ambient light sensors to increase projector efficiency. DLP recently introduced its new Tilt & Roll Pixel chip architecture at CES, which is also designed to make pictures brighter and batteries happier in the next generation of pico products. All we hope is the developments inspire Samsung to create a Galaxy Beam II, just with more focus on the phone part this time

Filed under: Displays, Misc, Portable Audio/Video, Software, HD, Mobile

Comments

Vertu’s first Android smartphone costs $9,600, admits to falling short of ‘bleeding edge’ (updated)

Posted on 12/02/2013 by Sean Buckley

Vertu's first Android smartphone costs 7,900, admits to falling short of 'bleeding edge'

That fancy Vertu Ti handset we saw pop up last month? It's finally been priced, predictably out of the average buyer's price range. Sticker shock for Vertu's first device since the EQT acquisition starts at ~~€7,900, or about $10,587~~ $9,600 in the US, and buys eccentrics with money to burn a sapphire-covered 800 x 480 display, ~~1.5GHz~~ 1.7GHz of processing power and a 1,250mAh battery -- all wrapped in a durable titanium shell. What's it missing? 4G connectivity, unfortunately. "Vertu will never be at the bleeding edge of technology," Vertu head of design Hutch Hutchison told the BBC. "It has to be about relevant technology and craftsmanship -- it's not a disposable product." At those prices, we'd certainly hope not. Vertu phones might not be packed with the mobile world's latest tech, but Hutchison says that the top dollar pricetag buys better durability. "People think sapphire is just posh glass," he explained to the BBC. "The only thing that scratches it is a diamond." At the very least, Vertu customers won't have to worry about which pocket they keep their keys in.

Update: Now with official product shots below and press release (including details on the various stress tests) plus promo video after the break. Also, here's a detailed list of specs: Android 4.0, dual-core 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 SoC, 64GB storage, 3.7-inch sapphire crystal screen, titanium casing, 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.3-megapixel front camera, NFC and "Full/Micro/Nano SIM capability" (we're waiting for clarification on that one). The prices are as follows:

o. Titanium Black Leather - $9,600
o. Titanium Pure Black - $11,500
o. Titanium Black Alligator - $12,800
o. Black PVD Titanium Red Gold Mixed Metals - $19,900

Richard Lai contributed to this report.

Gallery: Vertu Ti

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

Comments

Source: BBC

TI-Nspire rethinks the graphing calculator for the iPad (video)

Posted on 07/02/2013 by Zachary Lutz

With tablets slowly working their way into the classroom, it wasn't a huge stretch to realize that Texas Instruments would bring a graphing calculator app to the table, but would you believe its solution is just hours away? The company has revealed TI-Nspire for the iPad, which is currently available within the App Store for those in Australia. Beyond problem solving, the product is said to provide an interactive experience that should be helpful for reinforcing mathematical concepts. Depending on your needs and curriculum, you'll find numerical and symbolic (CAS) versions of the TI-Nspire app, both of which cost $29.99. Yes, the app's a bit pricey, but it's not surprising given the insane profit margins of TI's graphing calculator biz. Hop the break for a better peek of the app that might just become required within classrooms.

Gallery: TI-Nspire for iPad