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Samsung launches Exynos Connect U100, new mobile-optimized UWB solution
Samsung introduced the first UWB (Ultra Wideband) based short-range wireless communication chipset – Exynos Connect U100. With this product, the company also unveiled the Exynos Connect brand.
The Exynos Connect brand includes semiconductors based on UWB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and strengthens its competitiveness in the wireless communications semiconductor business in preparation for the advent of a hyper-connected society.
Samsung Exynos Connect U100 chip executes a power mode optimized for each operation and is suitable for IoT devices such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, and tags that require long-term operation with low-capacity batteries.
UWB is a short-range wireless communication technology that can transmit large amounts of information quickly with low power over a wide frequency band. It can accurately measure the distance and position between devices within a few centimeters, making it suitable for various fields such as smart keys, smart homes, and smart factories. It is the center of attention.
Samsung Exynos Connnect U100
Samsung Exynos Connect U100 combines RF (radio frequency), eFlash (embedded flash memory) memory, and power management IP (intellectual property) into a single chip, so it can be easily implemented on small devices.
It is equipped with STS (Scrambled Time Stamp Sequence) function to prevent external hacking during communication and is equipped with a secure hardware encryption engine, so it has excellent security performance.
Furthermore, by implementing the Time of Arrival (ToA) and Angle of Arrival (AoA) functions, accurate distance/position measurement and direction detection is possible even in complex environments.
In this way, even when GPS is difficult to use, accurate positioning can be performed within a few centimeters and within a range of less than 5°, enabling position tracking, and virtual reality (VR) or can be applied to augmented reality measurements.
Moreover, it supports the Digital Key Release 3.0 standard of Car Connectivity Consortium which stores the vehicle’s digital key value and shares user authentication.
According to Joonsuk Kim, Executive Vice President of the Connectivity Development Team at Samsung Electronics:
“Our Exynos Connect U100 combines sophisticated ranging and positioning capabilities with strong security to enable hyper-connectivity between people and everyday objects, fueling a range of new applications in positioning and location tracking. Building on our technology leadership in communications technologies, we are committed to driving innovation in short-range communication solutions to transform the way we connect and relate to the world around us.”
News
OnePlus joins Android 15 race with OxygenOS 15 announcement; Samsung lagging due to delay in One UI 7
Samsung and OnePlus, two companies in the Android ecosystem, are taking different approaches with their Android 15 update rollout plans, and tech fans are talking about it.
OnePlus has officially confirmed, via an announcement on its social media account and its community forum, that the Android 15-based OxygenOS 15 beta program is coming on October 24th, 2024. The upcoming OxygenOS update will probably bring a refreshed design inspired by iOS, featuring fresh lock screen customization choices and an updated UI.
Devices like the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open will be first in line to get the OxygenOS 15 update by mid or late November, with other models following soon after.
With the OxygenOS 15 announcement, OnePlus now joins other leading manufacturers in rolling out Android 15. The smartphone companies like Google, Vivo, Motorola, Nothing, and ROG have already started the stable or beta rollout.
However, Samsung, a key contributor to the Android OS ecosystem, has delayed the One UI 7.0 beta program, causing it to lag in its update schedule. This delay has upset the Samsung Galaxy users waiting for Android 15, as Samsung is taking time to ensure the OS stability rather than rushing updates.
While Samsung hasn’t rushed to release a beta or full update like OnePlus, the company is expected to bring significant visual and functional changes.
As per official information, the Android 15-based One UI 7.0 stable update won’t be available until 2025. The company is going to bring the stable full-featured One UI 7 with the Galaxy S25 series next year.
Samsung developed the 24Gb GDDR7 DRAM for AI and next-gen GPU. The company’s advanced GDDR7 memory chipset introduces faster speed and enhanced power efficiency to become an optimum solution for next-generation applications.
The South Korean tech giant also announced that the validation for the 24Gb GDDR7 in next-generation AI computing systems from major GPU customers will begin this year, with plans for commercialization early next year.
24Gb GDDR7
Thanks to high capacity and powerful performance, Samsung’s latest memory chip will be widely utilized in various fields. It’s a pretty big induction in fields that require high-performance memory solutions, such as data centers and AI workstations.
Beyond that, the GDDR7 will also be utilized beyond the traditional applications of graphics DRAM in graphics cards, gaming consoles and autonomous driving. It minimizes current leakage by using power gating design tech to boost operational stability.
Samsung claims that the GDDR7 achieved industry-leading speed for graphics DRAM of 40 Gbps, a whopping 25% boost over its predecessor. The performances can also be enhanced to up to 42.5Gbps, depending on the usage environment.
The company has also expanded mobile SoC-inspired methods such as clock control management and dual VDD design. It’s aimed at reducing unnecessary power consumption, improving power efficiency by over 30%.
Samsung faced a key technology leak that could have ruined its semiconductor investments and efforts. As cases surface, South Korea vowed to tighten tech leak prevention to safeguard home-grown innovation by Samsung and others.
Reuters reports that South Korea is preparing big decisions to protect Samsung and other local firms from the leak of key tech and business secrets. The Korean govt will prepare stronger measures to shield advanced technologies from leak.
A former Samsung employee was recently arrested over allegations of stealing semiconductor information. The person was accused of transferring key semiconductor secrets to a Chinese firm as part of establishing a facility.
South Korea’s finance minister announced that the Government is working on the preparation of stronger measures to prevent overseas leaks of business secrets amid intensifying competition for advanced technologies.
“We will prevent illegal leaks of advanced technologies to raise the global competitiveness of our companies and strengthen technology leadership,” Minister Choi Sang-mok said.
Korean FM disclosed that the government will set up a “big data” system. It will be aimed at preventing tech leaks at the patent agency and bringing new regulations to ensure stronger punishment and penalties for culprits.