MediaTek is all set for the arrival of 5G with a "groundbreaking" integrated chipset featuring a built-in Helio M70 modem, ARM Cortex-A77 CPU, Mali-G77 GPU and an advanced AI processing unit (APU) to power the smartphones of tomorrow.
The 7nm 5G system-on-chip (SoC) is for 5G standalone and non-standalone (SA/NSA) sub-6GHz networks, and supports connectivity from 2G to 4G to bridge existing network access while 5G networks roll out globally. The single-chip design promises to superior to two-chip solutions, since it allows for more power efficient performance.
The news source is uncertain as to whether the smart plug requires the Philips Hue bridge device. Instead it simply says the plug handles different kinds of connected devices, with control coming through schedules, timers and sensors as well as voice via the aforementioned compatible assistants. A leaked image shows a fairly small device with a button on the top, and it will be available in both UK and European versions.
The Car Thing plugs into the 12V outlet (aka the cigarette lighter) and pairs with both car and smartphone via Bluetooth. The user activates it by saying "Hey Spotify," before requesting whatever they want to listen to. Being a Spotify device it obviously links to the user's account in order to access playlists and the like. A circular display shows what is currently playing, and the device also has hardware buttons for controls.
Financial details of the deal are not available.
The agreement will not only have the two companies working together on game and content streaming services based on the Microsoft Azure cloud, but Sony will also "explore" hosting streaming services on Azure datacentres. The result, Microsoft and Sony say, will "deliver more enhanced entertainment experiences for worldwide customers," as well as bring about better development platforms for content creators.
