Thursday, January 3, 2019
FCC suspends most operations
Due to the ongoing partial federal government shutdown, the FCC has suspended most of its normal operations.
FF electronic systems still in operation include: the Network Outage Reporting System (NORS), the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), the Public Safety Support Center (PSSC), the Licensing Management System (LMS), the Consolidated Database System (CDBS), the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), the Universal Licensing System (ULS), the Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS), the Auctions Public Reporting System (PRS), the Auction Application System, the Auction Bidding System, the Daily Digest, and the Commission Online Registration System (CORES).
FCC staff are also continuing to perform ongoing work related to spectrum auction activities, including the post-incentive auction broadcast transition. All spectrum auction filing deadlines will continue to apply.
FCC staff are also continuing to perform ongoing work related to spectrum auction activities, including the post-incentive auction broadcast transition. All spectrum auction filing deadlines will continue to apply.
U.S. Senate confirms Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr for FCC
The U.S. Senate confirmed Geoffrey Starks as an FCC Commissioner and Commissioner Brendan Carr for a full term.
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement:
“I congratulate Geoffrey on his Senate confirmation. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise, including having served most recently as Assistant Chief in the Enforcement Bureau. During his confirmation hearing, I was excited to hear him highlight the need to expand rural broadband and the power of telemedicine. I look forward to working with him and having a fellow Kansan on the Commission.
“I also congratulate Brendan on his confirmation to a full term. Brendan has done tremendous work on a number of issues, including his leadership on wireless infrastructure modernization. He has also been a staunch advocate for rural broadband deployment, particularly for precision agriculture and advancements in telemedicine.”
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement:
“I congratulate Geoffrey on his Senate confirmation. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise, including having served most recently as Assistant Chief in the Enforcement Bureau. During his confirmation hearing, I was excited to hear him highlight the need to expand rural broadband and the power of telemedicine. I look forward to working with him and having a fellow Kansan on the Commission.
“I also congratulate Brendan on his confirmation to a full term. Brendan has done tremendous work on a number of issues, including his leadership on wireless infrastructure modernization. He has also been a staunch advocate for rural broadband deployment, particularly for precision agriculture and advancements in telemedicine.”
Trump nominates Geoffrey Starks as FCC Commissioner
President Trump nominated Geoffrey Adam Starks, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of five years from July 1, 2017. If approved by the Senate, he would replace Democrat Mignon L. Clyburn, whose term expired.
Starks currently serves as assistant bureau chief for the FCC's Enforcement division. Previously, he served at the Department of Justice as a senior counsel to Deputy Attorney General Jim Cole. He has a JD from Yale Law School.
Starks currently serves as assistant bureau chief for the FCC's Enforcement division. Previously, he served at the Department of Justice as a senior counsel to Deputy Attorney General Jim Cole. He has a JD from Yale Law School.Arm intros image signal processors
Arm introduced two image signal processors (ISPs) designed for everyday devices including drones, smart home assistants and security, and internet protocol (IP) cameras.
The Mali-C52 and Mali-C32 devices, which leverage Arm’s Iridix technology and other industry-leading algorithms for noise and color management, apply over twenty-five processing steps to each pixel, of which three critical ones deliver key differentiation in terms of image output quality. These include high-dynamic range (HDR), noise reduction and color management. Arms said its Mali-C52 and Mali-C32 ISPs efficiently deliver all three at high resolution and in real-time (e.g. 4k resolution at 60fps).
The Mali-C52 can be configured for two different optimizations - image quality or area. This flexibility allows our silicon partners to use the same IP and software across a range of products and use cases. The Mali-C32 is optimized specifically for area in lower-power, cost-sensitive embedded vision devices such as entry-level access control or hobby drones.
The Mali-C52 and Mali-C32 devices, which leverage Arm’s Iridix technology and other industry-leading algorithms for noise and color management, apply over twenty-five processing steps to each pixel, of which three critical ones deliver key differentiation in terms of image output quality. These include high-dynamic range (HDR), noise reduction and color management. Arms said its Mali-C52 and Mali-C32 ISPs efficiently deliver all three at high resolution and in real-time (e.g. 4k resolution at 60fps).
The Mali-C52 can be configured for two different optimizations - image quality or area. This flexibility allows our silicon partners to use the same IP and software across a range of products and use cases. The Mali-C32 is optimized specifically for area in lower-power, cost-sensitive embedded vision devices such as entry-level access control or hobby drones.
Kaiam goes into financial administration and lays off staff in Scotland
Kaiam, a manufacturer of advanced data center optical transceivers with manufacturing in Livingston, Scotland, entered into financial administration on December 24. The company gave redundancy notices to 312 staff on Christmas Eve.Kaiam, which was founded in 2009, use silicon micro-mechanical techniques to solve the challenging transceiver manufacturing step of single-mode alignment and attachment. The company supplies multi-wavelength single-mode products, such as its 100G-CWDM4 QSFP28 transceivers. Kaiam has previously announced 400G products on its roadmap.
The Daily Record reports that government officials were made aware of the company's precarious financial situation more than a month earlier.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/government-officials-aware-financial-difficulties-13806800
Kaiam builds optical transceiver reserve as a hedge against US-China trade war
Kaiam, a leading manufacturer of advanced data center optical transceivers, has initiated a strategic transceiver reserve program to protect U.S. and European data centers from the effects of the incipient US-China trade war.
The company said the need for a reserve supply of optical transceivers arises because of the broad tariffs recently enacted by the Trump administration, which could impede the importation of Chinese-made optical transceivers into the United States. Kaiam notes that U.S. cloud data centers are largely dependent on this supply of Chinese-made transceivers, making them vulnerable to collateral damage from the increasingly turbulent US-Chinese relationship.
Kaiam is a vertically-integrated manufacturer based in Newark, California with large-scale manufacturing in Livingston, Scotland.
The company said the need for a reserve supply of optical transceivers arises because of the broad tariffs recently enacted by the Trump administration, which could impede the importation of Chinese-made optical transceivers into the United States. Kaiam notes that U.S. cloud data centers are largely dependent on this supply of Chinese-made transceivers, making them vulnerable to collateral damage from the increasingly turbulent US-Chinese relationship.
Kaiam is a vertically-integrated manufacturer based in Newark, California with large-scale manufacturing in Livingston, Scotland.
Nokia sells IP video business to Volaris
Nokia completed the sale of the majority of its IP Video business to Volaris Group, a Toronto-based software company. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Nokia's Veloxic video product portfolio includes caching and streaming products, origin and storage technology, and stream personalization software.
Nokia's Veloxic video product portfolio includes caching and streaming products, origin and storage technology, and stream personalization software.
Nokia will remain a minority shareholder in the new pure play streaming technology company, Velocix, operating as an independent business within Volaris Group's Communications & Media portfolio.
Vantage Data Centers to acquire 4Degrees Colocation from Videotron
Vantage Data Centers agreed to acquire Canadian-based 4Degrees Colocation from Videotron for approximately US$200 million (C$259 million).
4Degrees operates two facilities in Montreal and Quebec City. The two data centers are Tier III Design and Construction certified, which highlights the facilities’ exceptional quality and reliability, by the Uptime Institute, an independent organization.
Vantage plans significant expansion projects in both markets to accelerate 4Degrees’ original plans to bring total capacity up to 31MW.
“Based on extensive dialog with our customers, Vantage identified Montreal and Quebec City as highly attractive markets due to low power costs, tax incentives and excellent fiber connectivity,” said Sureel Choksi, president and CEO, Vantage Data Centers. “The 4Degrees acquisition will accelerate our expansion into these markets, enabling Vantage to better serve hyperscale, cloud and enterprise customers across five strategic geographies. We are thrilled to welcome the 4Degrees team, which shares our commitment to operational excellence, high-quality facilities and sustainable building practices.”
4Degrees operates two facilities in Montreal and Quebec City. The two data centers are Tier III Design and Construction certified, which highlights the facilities’ exceptional quality and reliability, by the Uptime Institute, an independent organization.
Vantage plans significant expansion projects in both markets to accelerate 4Degrees’ original plans to bring total capacity up to 31MW.
“Based on extensive dialog with our customers, Vantage identified Montreal and Quebec City as highly attractive markets due to low power costs, tax incentives and excellent fiber connectivity,” said Sureel Choksi, president and CEO, Vantage Data Centers. “The 4Degrees acquisition will accelerate our expansion into these markets, enabling Vantage to better serve hyperscale, cloud and enterprise customers across five strategic geographies. We are thrilled to welcome the 4Degrees team, which shares our commitment to operational excellence, high-quality facilities and sustainable building practices.”
Audi picks Samsung’s Exynos Auto V9 for In-vehicle Infotainment System
Audi has selected Samsung's automotive-branded processor, Exynos Auto V9, to power its next-generation in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system, which is expected to make its debut by 2021.
The Exynos Auto V9 automotive processor is designed for advanced IVI systems that display content on multiple displays, providing information that assists drivers and passengers for a safer and more enjoyable in-vehicle experience. The 8-nanometer (nm) device packs ARM’s latest Cortex-A76 CPU cores, ARM Mali G76 GPU, premium HiFi 4 audio digital signal processor (DSP), intelligent neural processing unit (NPU), and a safety island core that supports Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL)-B standards. The processor also supports fast and power-efficient LPDDR4 and LPDDR5 DRAM.
“Audi thrives to bring the most exciting, yet the safest automobiles when we vision the drive of tomorrow,” said Alfons Pfaller, head of Architecture & Platform Development E/E at Audi. “Samsung has been a valued technology partner over the past few years and we are extremely pleased to have the Exynos Auto V9 power our next-generation platform that will shape the future in-vehicle infotainment experiences.”
The Exynos Auto V9 automotive processor is designed for advanced IVI systems that display content on multiple displays, providing information that assists drivers and passengers for a safer and more enjoyable in-vehicle experience. The 8-nanometer (nm) device packs ARM’s latest Cortex-A76 CPU cores, ARM Mali G76 GPU, premium HiFi 4 audio digital signal processor (DSP), intelligent neural processing unit (NPU), and a safety island core that supports Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL)-B standards. The processor also supports fast and power-efficient LPDDR4 and LPDDR5 DRAM.“Audi thrives to bring the most exciting, yet the safest automobiles when we vision the drive of tomorrow,” said Alfons Pfaller, head of Architecture & Platform Development E/E at Audi. “Samsung has been a valued technology partner over the past few years and we are extremely pleased to have the Exynos Auto V9 power our next-generation platform that will shape the future in-vehicle infotainment experiences.”
Accedo raises $17 million for its cloud video platform
Accedo, a start-up based in Stockholm, announced US$17 million in venture funding for its cloud-based video platform for its vision of providing the future of Internet distributed video services.
Accedo was founded in 2004 by Michael Lantz and Fredrik Andersson. The company's Accedo One cloud platform is "dedicated to providing operators, broadcasters and brands with the freedom to build, manage and deploy high-quality, engaging video experiences."
The funding round was led by SEB Private Equity, a Stockholm based private equity team and already a substantial investor in Accedo.
“The industry is undergoing tremendous change at the moment. We see rapid innovation happening and existing business models and technologies are being challenged. As an innovator in the market, we have great opportunities to set and drive the agenda during a dynamic transformation. I’m thrilled to be able to continue to lead the market in new areas over the coming years,” says Michael Lantz, CEO, Accedo.
“Accedo has built a leading position in a very dynamic and rapidly changing industry. The market trends are moving in the right directions and we expect to see continued rapid industry evolution over the coming years. We’re looking forward to supporting Accedo as we embark on the next step on this exciting journey”, commented Magnus Ramström, Investment Director , SEB Private Equity.
https://www.accedo.tv
Accedo was founded in 2004 by Michael Lantz and Fredrik Andersson. The company's Accedo One cloud platform is "dedicated to providing operators, broadcasters and brands with the freedom to build, manage and deploy high-quality, engaging video experiences."
The funding round was led by SEB Private Equity, a Stockholm based private equity team and already a substantial investor in Accedo.
“The industry is undergoing tremendous change at the moment. We see rapid innovation happening and existing business models and technologies are being challenged. As an innovator in the market, we have great opportunities to set and drive the agenda during a dynamic transformation. I’m thrilled to be able to continue to lead the market in new areas over the coming years,” says Michael Lantz, CEO, Accedo.“Accedo has built a leading position in a very dynamic and rapidly changing industry. The market trends are moving in the right directions and we expect to see continued rapid industry evolution over the coming years. We’re looking forward to supporting Accedo as we embark on the next step on this exciting journey”, commented Magnus Ramström, Investment Director , SEB Private Equity.
https://www.accedo.tv
Baraja raises $32 million for Spectrum-Scan LiDAR
Baraja, a start-up based in Sydney, with offices in San Francisco and China, announced $32 million in Series A funding for its Spectrum-Scan LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.
In July, Baraja launched a novel LiDAR system that uses prism-like optics and shifting wavelengths of light. By changing the wavelength of the laser, the system can scan different angles instantaneously. The design eliminates the need for spinning lasers.
The funding was provided by Sequoia China, Blackbird Ventures, and the CSIRO Innovation Fund managed by Main Sequence Ventures.
“As Baraja ramps up manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to capitalize on growing demand for scalable, high-performance LiDAR that can realistically be integrated into vehicles,” said Rod Lopez, Baraja COO. “We are very proud of the depth of talent and maturity in our manufacturing capabilities, and our recent attainment of ISO 9001 certification.”
In July, Baraja launched a novel LiDAR system that uses prism-like optics and shifting wavelengths of light. By changing the wavelength of the laser, the system can scan different angles instantaneously. The design eliminates the need for spinning lasers.
The funding was provided by Sequoia China, Blackbird Ventures, and the CSIRO Innovation Fund managed by Main Sequence Ventures.
“As Baraja ramps up manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to capitalize on growing demand for scalable, high-performance LiDAR that can realistically be integrated into vehicles,” said Rod Lopez, Baraja COO. “We are very proud of the depth of talent and maturity in our manufacturing capabilities, and our recent attainment of ISO 9001 certification.”
Qualcomm posts EUR 1.34B in bonds to enforce Injunction against Apple in Germany
Qualcomm posted security bonds totaling EUR 1.34 billion, which were required for Qualcomm to be able to enforce the remedies ordered by the Court on December 20, 2018, after the Court found that Apple is infringing Qualcomm’s patented power savings technology used in smartphones. Apple was ordered to cease the sale, offer for sale and importation for sale of all infringing iPhones in Germany. The Court also ordered Apple to recall infringing iPhones from third party resellers in Germany.
