As new technologies emerge in the consumer electronics space, demand is rising for new and improved features and form factors in computers. Connectivity and sensing solutions, especially those driving context awareness, will be at the core of these next-gen devices. In this article, we take a look at the growing trends for portable computers, including 2-in-1 laptops and detachable devices, built-in 5G, wide-angle webcams, context awareness, and motion control.
In the world of personal computing, a number of new technology trends are expected to take hold in 2021, resulting in some key improvements that will meet user demand for computers. These new features and technologies are designed to create an exciting and robust next-gen user experience.
And, as we’re seeing in many other sectors of consumer electronics applications, connectivity and sensing solutions – especially those that drive context awareness – are going to be at the core of personal computing going into 2021 and beyond.
New Technologies to Look For in Computers
Here are some of the latest trends and developments that are expected to impact the market for computers, particularly for laptops and other portable computers:
- Next-generation Wireless Technology: Consumer laptops with built-in 5G will utilize the best in wireless connectivity, delivering speeds from 10 to 100 times faster than a typical cellular connection, with extremely low latency. Laptops that are 5G-connected won’t require a hotspot, helping you travel lighter.
- Wide-angle Webcams: Wide-angle lenses implemented in computer webcams will enable a larger field of view. This can offer a better user experience with videoconferencing applications which, in light of the pandemic, literally helps us see more of our friends and families. With a bigger picture, physical gestures and identity verification are easier to trigger. Some wide-angle webcams deliver onboard video processing to offload the video processing from the computer, producing a smoother, better quality video.
- 2-in-1s, Foldables and Detachables: The global market for notebooks, tablets and other portable computers totals more than 300 million units and more dynamic form factors like foldables are growing in popularity. Part laptop and part touchscreen tablet, some offer screens that can detach entirely. Foldables, 2-in-1 laptops, and detachables truly unite ease of use and versatility.
- Motion Control: Another step forward in PCs is rethinking the way we interface with our computers. Handheld motion control is an emerging technology for other applications, like gaming and digital art. Controlling an interface with hand movements is as natural an interface as ever. This same technology will be used for computers to create a more intuitive interface for work, play, school, and creativity.
- Context Awareness: Data is everywhere, and while it is often used for personalized ads, it can also be utilized to improve convenience and security for users. Human presence detection most importantly keeps track of who you are. And with the right context (location, time, ambient noise), your laptop can recognize where you are to load a movie or your Monday morning email. Keeping track of where you are and where your device is also helps keep it secure from would-be thievery. Activity classification can determine if it’s being carried off, coupled with identity verification to ensure that it’s you doing the moving.
The Power of Sensor Fusion for Next-Gen PCs
As the capabilities of these technologies evolve, so too does our understanding of the data. Sensor fusion plays a major role in (the majority of) the functions mentioned above. In a blog post earlier this year, we mentioned how IMUs and motion sensors can provide additional security and enable a much-improved UX by combining user preferences with geolocation data.
Using these sensors to correctly give context to their world and understanding these complexities is no simple task. CEVA’s over 15 years of sensor expertise has allowed us to keep on the edge of new technology. And to help others, we’ve developed a complete sensor hub for portable computers such as notebooks, 2-in-1 laptops, tablets, detachables, and foldables. CEVA’s MotionEngine™ software enables real-time 3D orientation, human presence detection, heading, acceleration, angular velocity, 2-in-1 operating mode and other features to enable context awareness for these devices.
Our sensor hub supports applications like gaming, security, and sensor device management, and can also support the development of brand-new use cases in the market. With a high degree of flexibility, low power consumption, and small memory footprint, MotionEngine can seamlessly integrate with your processor.
Published on EEWeb.
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