All about the architecture of mobile processors ARM Cortex A53. Cooler Master SK621 Wireless Keyboard Summary

ARM Cortex-A7 MPCore is a processor core for mobile devices, specifically for the budget sector of the market, developed by ARM Holdings and implementing the ARM v7 architecture. It was announced in October 2011 at ARM TechCon, codenamed Cortex-A7 "Kingfisher".
The main goals of the core: to become a faster, more energy-efficient, and smaller replacement for the Cortex A8; use in solutions of the big.LITTLE architecture, combining one or more Cortex A7 cores with one or more Cortex A15 cores in a heterogeneous computing system. For such use, the core was created to be fully compatible with Cortex A15 in terms of architectural options. In other words, the ARM Cortex-A7 MPCore has adopted some features from the Cortex-A15 processor model and boasts high energy efficiency.
The CPU frequency ranges from 0.6 to 3 GHz, although the maximum frequency for ARM Cortex-A7 is set at 1.5 GHz. Production technology from 65 to 28 nm. ARMv7 instruction sets. The number of cores is from 1 to 4 per cluster, up to 2 clusters per chip. L1 cache: 8-64 KB I, 8-64 KB D and L2 cache: 0-1024 KB (configurable with L2 cache controller)

How to ensure continuous productivity growth within power-constrained devices such as smartphones or tablets? It is possible to create a more energy efficient microarchitecture, but this is only possible to a certain extent. You can switch to a more advanced production process, but even this step today no longer provides the same advantages. Previously, companies relied on both approaches, but today this is no longer enough. The industry is gradually moving towards heterogeneous computing: placing high-performance cores next to low-power but energy-efficient counterparts, and switching between them if necessary.

NVIDIA recently introduced the Tegra 3 (Kal-El) processor architecture. The company said that the system on the chip has 5 Cortex-A9 computing cores, but only 4 of them are visible to the OS. When running simple background tasks, only one energy-efficient Cortex A9 core is running, and high-performance cores are disabled. As soon as the system requires performance, tasks are redirected to powerful cores, and the energy-efficient ones are turned off.

NVIDIA's solution relies on identical cores but using different transistors (LP and G), but the approach isn't too different if you also use different core architectures. When NVIDIA was developing its chip, ARM could not offer a suitable power-efficient core that could be used either on its own or as a companion core in a Cortex A15 system-on-chip. Now there is such a core, and it is called Cortex A7.

Starting with the Cortex A9, ARM moved to resequencing (instructions can be reordered for improved parallelism), a transition the x86 architecture made during the Pentium Pro era. Cortex A15 continues this trend while expanding the number of instructions executed per clock. Cortex A7, on the contrary, is a step back: it is another core that executes commands in a given sequence and is capable of executing up to two instructions simultaneously. The description is similar to the Cortex A8, but the A7 is different in many areas.

The A8 core is a very old development - work on the design began back in 2003. Although ARM offered easily synthesized versions of the kernel, to achieve more high frequencies Over time, manufacturers had to use their own additional logic. Creating a separate design not only lengthened time to market, but also increased development costs. The Cortex A7 remains fully synthesizable while still offering a good level of performance. ARM took into account the latest manufacturing processes when developing the architecture, achieving a good balance between clock speeds and performance, and also revised the architecture in order to reduce the time and cost of bringing solutions to market.

The Cortex A7 core uses an 8-stage pipeline that processes two instructions per clock (however, the A7, unlike the A8, executes some complex instructions in one per clock mode). The integer operations block in the A7 is similar to the A8, but the mathematical coprocessor has a fully pipelined organization and is more compact, although somewhat simplified.

Some simplification of the architecture made it possible to significantly reduce the size of the kernel. ARM claims that a single Cortex A7 core will occupy just 0.5mm2 using the 28nm process. With the same manufacturing process, ARM customers will be able to fit an A7 core in an area as small as 1/3 to 1/2 the size of a Cortex A8 core. The standard A9 core design matches the area of ​​the A8, while the A15 has a larger area than both.

Despite its limited ability to execute complex instructions, ARM expects the Cortex A7 architecture to provide more high performance compared to Cortex A8. This is achieved in part by an improved branch prediction engine and a smaller pipeline that reduces the likelihood of branch mispredictions. Cortex A7 features improved instruction fetch algorithms and faster L2 cache memory, which also improves overall computing efficiency.

However, due to some limitations in certain tasks, the performance of Cortex A7 will be on par with Cortex A8 or even inferior to the latter. The expected DMIPS/MHz performance rating for various ARM cores looks like this:

  • ARM11 - 1.25 DMIPS/MHz;
  • ARM Cortex A7 - 1.9 DMIPS/MHz;
  • ARM Cortex A8 - 2 DMIPS/MHz;
  • ARM Cortex A9 - 2.5 DMIPS/MHz;
  • Qualcomm Scorpion - 2.1 DMIPS/MHz;
  • Qualcomm Krait - 3.3 DMIPS/MHz.

Most importantly, the Cortex A7 cores are 100% ISA-compatible with the Cortex A15, that is, they support new virtualization instructions and 40-bit memory addressing. As a result, any code written for Cortex A15 can run on Cortex A7, just slower. This is very important characteristic, which allows manufacturers to design systems on a chip equipped with both Cortex A7 and Cortex A15 cores, switching between them depending on the task. ARM calls this the big.LITTLE configuration.

The Cortex A15 architecture will be a significant step forward in terms of performance for ARM architectures. It is aimed at confronting x86 chips entry level. Cortex A15 cores will appear in future smartphones and tablets, gradually replacing Cortex A9 in high-end solutions. For demanding tasks, Cortex A15s are expected to be more power efficient than A9s.

However, background and simple tasks on smartphones sometimes do not require such performance, and their execution on the powerful A15 core is not very efficient in terms of energy consumption. This is where the A7 comes to the fore. While Cortex A7 can be used as standalone compute cores (and, of course, they will be used as such in low-cost devices), ARM partners can integrate Cortex A7 cores along with Cortex A15 in a big.LITTLE configuration.

Since A7 and A15 can execute the same instructions, systems on a chip equipped with cores from both architectures can switch tasks from power-efficient to high-performance, depending on need. Consistency of cache contents is ensured by CCI-400 communication. ARM says the chip can switch between clusters with different cores in 20 milliseconds.

If everything works as ARM describes, such an architecture will be completely transparent to the OS, as is the case with Tegra 3, and no software optimizations will be needed to increase energy efficiency. However, manufacturers, as ARM notes, will be able to inform the OS about the real number of computing cores if they need such an approach.

Based on Cortex A7, it will be possible to create processors equipped with 1 to 4 such cores, both standalone and in configuration with A15. ARM expects the first 40nm chips based on the A7 to be released early next year. They will be used in cheap dual-core smartphones costing up to $100 and even cheaper single-core ones. Also next year, 28nm chips should appear that combine both Cortex A7 and A15 cores on a single chip.

Thus, Cortex A7 is an excellent architecture, capable of not only providing a much higher performance-to-price ratio compared to A8, but also significantly increasing the time battery life smartphones, both high-end and entry-level. The era of heterogeneous computing, as the next phase of microprocessor development, is rapidly approaching.

This article will discuss processor architecture.. Semiconductor products based on it can be found in smartphones, routers, tablet PCs and other mobile devices, where until recently it occupied a leading position in this market segment. Now it is gradually being replaced by newer and fresher processor solutions.

Brief information about the ARM company

ARM's history dates back to 1990, when it was founded by Robin Saxby. The basis for its creation was a new microprocessor architecture. If before this the dominant position in the CPU market was occupied by x86 or CISC, then after the formation of this company a worthy alternative appeared in the form of RISC. In the first case, the execution of the program code was reduced to 4 stages:

    Receiving machine instructions.

    Perform microcode conversion.

    Receiving microinstructions.

    Step-by-step execution of microinstructions.

ABOUT the basic idea of ​​architectureRISC was that the processing of program code can be reduced to 2 stages:

    Receipt RISC- instructions.

    Treatment RISC- instructions.

TO Both in the first and second cases there are both advantages and significant disadvantages. x86 successfully conquered the computer market, andRISC ( including, introduced in 2011) - the mobile device market.

The history of the Cortex A7 architecture. Key Features

The basis for “Cortex A7” was “Cortex A8”. The main idea of ​​the developers in this case was to increase the performance and significantly improve the energy efficiency of the processor solution. This is exactly what ARM engineers ultimately achieved. Another important feature in this case was that it became possible to create CPUs with big.LITTLE technology. That is, the semiconductor crystal could include 2 computing modules. One of them was aimed at solving the simplest problems with minimal power consumption and, as a rule, the Cortex A7 cores played this role. The second was intended to run the most complex software and was based on the Cortex A15 or Cortex A17 computing units. Officially, “Cortex A7” was presented, as noted earlier, in 2011. Well, the first ARM Cortex A7 processor was released a year later, that is, in 2012.

Production technology

Initially, semiconductor products based on A7 were produced according to 65 nm technology standards. Now this technology is hopelessly outdated. Subsequently, two more generations of A7 processors were released according to tolerance standards of 40 nm and 32 nm. But they have now become irrelevant. The latest CPU models based on this architecture are already manufactured according to 28 nm standards, and these are the ones that can still be found on sale. A further transition to newer ones with new tolerance standards and outdated architecture is unlikely to be expected. A7-based chips are now the most popular budget segment market for mobile devices and they are gradually being replaced by gadgets based on the A53, which, with almost the same energy efficiency parameters, has a higher level of performance.

Microprocessor core architecture

1, 2, 4 or 8 cores can be included in ARM Cortex A7 based CPUs. Characteristics processors in the latter case indicate that the chip consists of essentially 2 clusters of 4 cores.For 2-3 years, entry-level processor products were based on chips with 1 or 2 computing modules. Average level occupied by 4-core solutions. Well, the premium segment was for 8-core chips. Each microprocessor core based on this architecture included the following modules:

    B floating point processing unit (FPU).

    Level 1 cache.

    Block NEONto optimize CPU performance.

    Computing moduleARMv7.

There were also the following common components for all cores in the CPU:

    Cash L2.

    CoreSight core control unit.

    AMBA data control bus controller with 128-bit capacity.

Possible frequencies

Maximum value clock frequency for a given microprocessor architecture can vary from 600 MHz to 3 GHz. It should also be noted that this parameter, which indicates the maximum impact on the performance of the computing system, changes. Moreover, the frequency is influenced by three factors at once:

    The level of complexity of the problem being solved.

    Optimization level software for multithreading.

    The current value of the temperature of the semiconductor crystal.

    As an example, consider the operating algorithm of the MT6582 chip, which is based on the A7 and includes 4 computing units, the frequency of which varies from 600 MHz to 1.3 GHz. In idle mode, this processor device can only have one calculation unit, and it operates at the lowest possible frequency of 600 MHz. A similar situation will occur when a simple application is launched on a mobile gadget. But when a resource-intensive toy optimized for multi-threading appears on the task list, all 4 blocks of program code processing at a frequency of 1.3 GHz will automatically start working. As the CPU heats up, the hottest cores will lower their clock speed or even shut down. On the one hand, this approach ensures energy efficiency, and on the other, an acceptable level of chip performance.

    Cache memory

    Only 2 cache levels are provided in the ARM Cortex A7. Characteristics semiconductor crystal, in turn, indicate that the first level is necessarily divided into 2 equal halves. One of themshould store data, and the other - instructions. Total size cache at level 1according to specifications can be equal 64 KB. As a result, we get 32 ​​KB for data and 32 KB for code.The 2nd level cache will be stuck in this case e from specific model CPU. Its smallest volume can be 0 MB (that is, absent), and its largest can be 4 MB.

    RAM controller. Its features

    Built-in controller random access memory Comes with any ARM Cortex A7 processor. The characteristics of the technical plan indicate that it is designed to work in conjunction with LPDDR3 standard RAM. The recommended operating memory frequencies in this case are 1066 MHz or 1333 MHz. The maximum size of RAM that can be found in practice for this chip model is 2 GB.

    Integrated Graphics

    As expected, these microprocessor devices have an integrated graphics subsystem. The ARM manufacturer recommends using in combination with this CPU graphics card own development Mali-400MP2. But its performance is most often not enough to unlock the potential of a microprocessor device. Therefore, chip developers use more powerful adapters in combination with this chip, for example, Power VR6200.

    Software features

    Three types operating systems aimed at ARM processors:

      Android from search giant Google.

      iOS by APPLE.

      Windows Mobile from Microsoft.

    All other system software has not yet received wide distribution. As you might guess, the largest share in the market for such software is occupied by Android. This system has a simple and intuitive interface, and entry-level devices based on it are very, very affordable. Up to version 4.4 inclusive, it was 32-bit, and with 5.0 it began to support 64-bit computing. This OS runs successfully on any family of RISC CPUs, including ARM Cortex A7. Engineering menu- This is another important feature of this system software. With its help, you can significantly reconfigure the capabilities of the OS. This menu can be accessed using a code that is individual for each CPU model.

    Another important feature of this OS is the installation of all possible updates automatically. Therefore, even new features may appear on chips from the ARM Cortex A7 family. Firmware can add them. The second system is aimed at mobile gadgets from APPLE. Such devices mainly occupy the premium segment and have corresponding levels of performance and cost. The latest OS, Windows Mobile, has not yet become widespread. There are devices based on it in any segment of mobile gadgets, but the small amount of application software in this case is a limiting factor for its spread.

    Processor models

    The most affordable and least productive in this case are single-core chips. The most widely used among them is MT6571 from MediaTek. One step higher are the dual-core ARM Cortex A7 Dual Core CPUs. An example is the MT6572 from the same manufacturer. An even greater level of performance was provided by Quad Core ARM Cortex A7. The most popular chip from this family is the MT6582, which can now even be found in entry-level mobile gadgets. Well, the highest level of performance was provided by 8-core central processing units, to which MT6595 belonged.

    Further development prospects

    You can still find it on store shelves mobile devices which are based on a semiconductor processor device based on 4X ARM Cortex A7. These are MT6580, MT6582 and Snapdragon 200. All these chips include 4 computing units and have an excellent level of energy efficiency. Also, the cost in this case is very, very modest. But still, the best times of this microprocessor architecture are already behind us. The peak of sales of products based on it fell in 2013-2014, when there was practically no alternative to it on the market of mobile gadgets. Moreover, in this case we are talking about both budget devices with 1 or 2 computing modules, and flagship gadgets with an 8-core CPU. At the moment, it is gradually being replaced from the market by the Cortex A53, which is essentially a modified 64-bit version of the A7. At the same time, it retained the main advantages of its predecessor entirely, and the future certainly belongs to it.

    Opinion of experts and users. Real reviews of chips based on this architecture. Advantages and disadvantages

    Of course, a landmark event for the world of mobile devices was the emergence of architecture microprocessor devices ARM Cortex A7. The best proof of this is that devices based on it have already been successfully sold for more than 5 years. Of course, now the capabilities of an A7-based CPU are no longer enough even to solve mid-level problems, but here is the simplest program code it still operates successfully on such chips to this day. The list of such software includes playing videos, listening to audio recordings, reading books, surfing the web, and even the simplest toys will launch in this case without any problems. This is precisely what both leading specialists of this kind and ordinary users focus on on leading thematic portals dedicated to mobile gadgets and devices. The key disadvantage of the A7 is the lack of support for 64-bit computing. Well, its main advantages include the ideal combination of energy efficiency and performance.

    Results

    Of course, Cortex A7 - This is a whole era in the world of mobile devices. It was with its advent that mobile devices became accessible and quite productive. And the fact that it has been successfully sold for more than 5 years is further confirmation of this. But if at first gadgets based on it occupied the middle and premium segments of the market, now only the budget class remains behind them. This architecture is outdated and gradually becoming a thing of the past.

Electronics manufacturer Cooler Master has a range of hardware products such as keyboards, power supplies, headsets, computer (PC) cases, mice and, of course, coolers. Each of its products has been specifically designed based on community feedback. Including keyboards. Cooler Master even had a Kickstarter project for an analog keyboard with pressure-sensitive keys called the ContolPad. With that said, let's take a closer look at what can make the new Cooler Master SK621 keyboard special for the user.

Keyboard news: Review of Cooler Master SK621 - mechanical wireless keyboard with a separate wired connection option.

The first thing that is noticeable during the review is the ability to conveniently pair the wireless keyboard with three different devices. Connecting a device is as easy as holding function button and Z, X or C. This feature makes it very easy to switch from using your phone to your computer. Turning on the Cooler Master SK621 keyboard is also easy. Or connect it via cable USB Type-C, or on the left side activate the very simple switch to wireless mode.


Technical characteristics of the Cooler Master SK621 wireless keyboard:

You can map a wide variety of colors (shades) to any key, customize lighting modes, or customize macros using the Cooler Master software.

When using the SK621 for the first time, it is recommended to connect to your computer via USB Type-C and install the Cooler Master Portal. This will allow you to control the different lighting effects and settings of the wireless keyboard. It is possible to create preset profiles, which makes it easier to switch between profiles when using elements. You can also adjust the lighting effects using the controls, but the above mentioned portal is more user friendly. The wireless keyboard setup is very easy to use and has many combinations. There are options - adjusting the speed, direction and brightness of the keyboard backlight effects.

Macros can also be programmed. It is also worth adding that all functions such as RGB lighting, macros and controls are available when using the SK621 via Bluetooth connection. The wireless keyboard's battery life is also impressive. It may take a couple of full business days before the light turns red, indicating that the battery is low. Charging the SK621 wireless keyboard is also easy. Just connect your keyboard via USB Type-C. The keyboard can still be used as a wired keyboard as long as the cable charges the keyboard's battery.

The keyboard body is crafted from brushed aluminum, making it lightweight, durable and provides excellent performance. appearance. There's also a nice sleek aluminum edge accent that adds a touch of elegance. The keys are made of plastic and don't have much texture.

Low-profile Cherry MX keys are quiet enough for office use. The key switches are incredibly sensitive and using the Cooler Master SK621 Wireless Keyboard takes some practice. This is because the keys register key presses to within a millimeter or less.

The SK621 keyboard is designed to be compact and quite portable. A nice addition is the velvet bag. It's definitely made for gaming thanks to its Cherry MX keys, but it's easy to use for work.

The Cooler Master SK621 does everything it's designed to do. However, the keys are great for gaming but are too sensitive for typing. Plastic keys are also prone to oil stains on your fingers, so eating while gaming can be difficult. Perhaps if the keys had some kind of oil-resistant coating or more texture, the oil marks wouldn't be as pronounced.

Features of the Cooler Master SK621 wireless keyboard:

Brushed aluminum body design;

Featuring a flat, brushed aluminum keyboard top, floating keycaps, and a slim, minimalist body design.

Colored keyboard backlight (RGB LEDs);

Individually customizable LED key backlighting and surrounding LED ring.

Hybrid wired and wireless;

Connect up to three devices via wireless technology Bluetooth 4.0 or wired connection and charging the battery at the same time.

Minimum keyboard layout by 60%;

We can say that this wireless mini keyboard has a unique design for maximum portability.

Easy to use software.

Low profile Cherry MX keys;

The reduced travel distance and actuation point performs with equal durability and accuracy (according to the wireless keyboard manufacturer).

Available controls;

In real time, you can customize keyboard backlighting and macros without the need for software.

Summary of wireless keyboard Cooler Master SK621:

Overall, electrical and keyboard maker Cooler Master has exceeded all expectations. It's especially impressive because it can make a really interesting wireless keyboard. The SK621 model has a variety of lighting effects and individual settings, has a compact design and a lot of user-friendly functions. Using the SK621 at work and then bringing it home for gaming could make it a favorite wireless keyboard for the price of nearly $200.

ETH Zurich has unveiled details of "Concrete Choreography", an installation that recently opened in Riom, Switzerland. The innovative installation features the first robotically constructed 3D printed concrete stage, consisting of formless columns 3D printed to full height in 2.5 hours. The process is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of concrete structures while achieving the fabrication of complex material components and construction robots.

3D printing news: ETH Zurich creates concrete columns using a special 3D concrete printer.

In Riom, Switzerland, the Origen festival features nine 2.7-meter-high columns. Each column is 3D printed concrete. The new columns were individually designed using custom software and manufactured using a new automated concrete 3D printing process developed by the ETH Zurich team with support from NCCR DFAB.


3D concrete printing like this

MSc Digital Fabrication and Architecture students explore the unique capabilities of multi-layer extrusion printing, demonstrating the potential of computer-aided design and digital fabrication for the future of concrete construction. Perhaps in the construction industry, this process will become more environmentally friendly in the future if they develop new eco-friendly concrete for 3D printing.

Video review of 3D concrete printing: Concrete choreography.

This is how easy and fast 3D concrete printing works.

3D printing of houses and buildings made of concrete is a prospect for construction.

Hollow concrete structures are printed for the strategic use of materials, resulting in a more sustainable approach to specific architecture. Additionally, the calculated material structure and surface textures are an example of the versatility and significant aesthetic potential of 3D concrete printing when used in large-scale structures.

The new review will be about printing on a 3D printer with metal.

It is worth noting that there is technology to carry out 3D printing with metal. This is also a promising direction for construction, but for this, other materials are used (for example, powder), programs and other types of printers (which we will talk about soon).

What color is your mobile phone? Is it black, red, white, gold or blue? Most likely, the back of your phone has some kind of solid color option that you will find in a coloring book for beginners. It has taken too long for most phone manufacturers to realize that phone colors actually matter to consumers, and it is only recently that they have started giving mobile phones not just a rarely used color, but fancy shades like coral red or canary green.

Honor News: With new 3D holographic color phones from Honor, it's possible to add a little new color to life.

It's no surprise that most people don't mind hiding the backs of their phones behind an opaque plastic case. In cases, the user can choose a suitable color for the phone case to give the mobile a little personality. But China's new Honor 20 Pro and Honor 20 series phones are the world's first smartphones with 3D dynamic holographic design, and their reflective appearance could become a new industry standard.


"Always better" is the company's motto. Perhaps this motto suggests that she refuses to follow the industry standard by simply experimenting with layers of paint with each new phone model.

Color 3D holography for the phone case.

In order for the phone body to achieve a shimmering optical illusion, the manufacturer Honor designed its Honor 20 model with a deep layer containing millions of shimmering microscopic prisms, and on top of this a so-called 3D curved glass layer is placed. The combination of these technologies causes the light to "play and dance" on the back of the phone as the user turns it in different directions.

Two colors for the Honor 20 phone can be found under these dynamic layers, Midnight Black and Sapphire Blue. Unlike the newfangled phrases for some phone colors, Honor mobile has color gradients for phones that actually evoke the effect of a shimmering night sky or a shimmering jewel.

While the color options sound exciting, you can go even further with the Chinese Honor 20 Pro phone. This upgraded model features the signature "Triple 3D Mesh" containing three layers. Instead of just painting back panel The phone itself, this time with a body-colored layer, sits between the outer 3D layer and the inner depth layer. According to the phone maker, this makes color shifting effects much more dynamic.

The Honor 20 Pro mobile phone is actively sold in two colors such as Phantom Black and Phantom Blue. Although the names of these phone colors are not so metaphorical, do not think that their rear panels are less dynamic.

Honor's obsession with choice the right colors This may seem overly dramatic, but in the UK, for example, a survey of hundreds of Britons found that forty-nine percent of them consider color when choosing a phone to buy.

Why is a phone with a changing color scheme being sold?

Choosing a mobile phone, as Honor designer Jun-Soo Kim puts it, is “Extending human life.” Essentially, Honor is saying that customer identity cannot be captured in one unchanging color.

The history of the creation of Honor color phones.

The Honor 20 represents a natural evolution of the company's experimentation with dynamic color in phone design. The Honor 8 model started the trend of a 2.5D multi-layer back wall, which creates a 3D lattice effect. Then the Honor 9 version turned into a phone with a curved 3D glass, echoes of which can already be found in the Honor 20 model. Well, last year, the Honor 10 model was equipped with an Aurora rear glass that reflected colors from all sides.

What is the screen like on an Honor phone?

Honor's design innovations don't stop at the color of the phone's body. It's worth paying attention to the placement of the Honor 20's camera. Instead of trimming the screen to make room for the "selfie" camera. The phone maker has cut a 4.5mm hole in the top left corner of the screen, thereby leaving more screen space for the user's needs.

Camera with artificial intelligence or AI camera in your phone.

According to the description of the phone, it is worth noting that on the back of the device, the Honor 20 AI camera has four lenses and is located so as to leave more space for a battery with more memory. But most importantly, the result is a 48-megapixel camera that uses the Kirin 980 AI microchip to take DSLR-quality photos and enhance photos.

Summary of Honor phone color.

As a result, phone descriptions, technical compatibility and cutting-edge hardware innovations are what usually attract attention to Chinese Honor phones. But in this case, the technology is almost overshadowed by the uniquely colored body design, which may make some users reluctant to go back to simple 2D phone body colors in the future.

Reasons for rumors about the release of a mobile phone continue to arise. Google phone Pixel 4. A new set of information or predictions comes from a leaked image on the Internet (3D rendering of colored cases) that is believed to be of the Google Pixel 4. It is not uncommon for users following the topic of new products to overlook such images. Meanwhile, for some analysts, the new picture helps make a few assumptions about more than just the color of the phone.

A new unofficial image of the Google Pixel 4 is sparking rumors about color options for the mobile phone's body.

While another image of the phone body itself doesn't seem to show more than what was previously discussed online, the model seen in the background of the photo raises eyebrows due to its color. That mobile phone has a shade of purple that the Pixel model didn't have before.


Elsewhere, there have been other leaks of the same Google Pixel 4 with "three phones" (variants) stacked in a row. There are white and black colors, plus the third has a bluish tint, which some call mint green. Would you like to buy a blue phone? Probably the name of the phone colors will still be updated.

Whichever phone color leak is true or false, it's safe to assume that this year new Google The Pixel 4 will definitely have an additional color. What's even more interesting is that in the image, the physical buttons on the sides of the phones contrast with the color of the body. You can see white, blue and yellow buttons which give the phone a fun look.

For some strange reason, all the images and leaks seen so far have only shown the back panel Google smartphone Pixel 4. As reported in various sources, Google allegedly shared a rendering of the phone, and there was also a part where a square camera bump appeared. The dual camera unit was visible.

The leaked photos being discussed, including the image along with the cases, show the back panel in different colors and the camera module. What do you think is the best phone color?

About specifications Google Pixel 4:

Obviously, the idea of ​​a fingerprint scanner is not leaving fans alone. Some people want the phone to either have Face ID to unlock the phone, or an in-display fingerprint scanner, or both.

Some other aspects and specifications, such as the dimensions of the phones and the overall thickness being 8.2 millimeters higher compared to the 7.9 mm seen in the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, can be taken as close to reality.

There is speculation that the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL versions of the phone may be more like the " Apple iPhone 11", which is scheduled to be released in a couple of months, in the fall. When, more precisely? Technology company Google has not yet announced the official release date for the Pixel 4, but various sources are hinting at the release of the new phone at the end of October.

We'll tell you more about this soon, so stay tuned for news about new smartphones from Google.

The robot set a world record for solving a Rubik's Cube. This robot was developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) students Jared Di Carlo and Ben Katz in a student laboratory. For comparison, the fastest human record is held by Australian Felix Zemdegs, who solved the Rubik's Cube in just 4.22 seconds in 2018. By the way, the original size Rubik's Cube has 43 quintillion possible combinations for one solution. Watch the video of the record-breaking robot below.

Robotics news: MIT's nimble Robot solves a Rubik's Cube in a world record time of 0.38 seconds.

Many people have a special place in their hearts for the Rubik's Cube. This is a good workout for the intellect. Many people loved or still love to play with this ingenious toy, and over the years there have been many competitions, challenges and variations to solve the Rubik's Cube.


The popularity of the Rubik's Cube can be attributed to the simplicity of its design combined with the mind-boggling complexity of the puzzle.

New record for solving a Rubik's Cube 3x3x3.

Engineers and hobbyists have been using robots to solve Rubik's Cubes for years. 10 seconds used to be considered a quick assembly, but by today's digital age standards, that's a time that makes you smile.

It was only a matter of time before engineers and roboticists began to tackle the challenge of creating a new robot. Back in 2016, the robot set a new record for solving a Rubik's Cube in 0.637 seconds. But for some enthusiasts, that time wasn't fast enough.

Just recently, two MIT students, Jared Di Carlo (a third-year electrical engineering and computer science student) and Ben Katz (a mechanical engineering graduate student), thought they could build a faster robot that could solve a 3D combination puzzle.

They watched videos of previous robots, and noticed that the robots' motors were not the fastest that could be used to solve the problem. So they thought they could do better with better engines and controls.

How a robot solves a Rubik's Cube

Students installed an electronically controlled motor that powers each face of the Rubik's Cube. Using a pair of web cameras pointed at the cube, special software determines the initial state of each side of the cube (which colors are on which side of the cube in this moment time). Then, based on the information received, using existing software for solving the Rubik's Cube, the robot solves the puzzles using an algorithm.

What is the result of the work? Their robot solved a Rubik's Cube in 0.38 seconds! It is safe to say that no person is physically capable of breaking the record for this speed. We can add another achievement to the list of robots surpassing humans.

There is a man who holds the fastest world record for hand assembly, his name is Felix Zemdegs. He was able to solve the Rubik's Cube in 4.22 seconds. The skills and talents that robots are replacing are vast and varied, to say the least. Not to mention that robots can still surprise. Next is a video demonstration of the robot.

Video review of assembling a Rubik's Cube in 0.38 seconds:

Just like that, hardware hackers Ben Katz and Jared Di Carlo broke the previous record for robotically solving a Rubik's Cube. Their robot solved the puzzle 40 percent faster than the previous record.

Details about the record-breaking robot

The robotic device is assembled from motors from the Kollmorgen ServoDisc U9 series, PlayStation Eye cameras (for scanning the cube) and, of course, a Rubik's Cube was needed. According to the robot's creators, "The entire software process takes about 45 milliseconds. Most of the time is spent waiting for the webcam driver and determining the colors on the sides of the Rubik's Cube."

Facebook Inc. Artificial Intelligence Research Group. introduced a new robotics platform called PyRobot. This platform (framework) was developed jointly with researchers from Carnegie Mellon University. PyRobot aims to help AI researchers and students integrate deep learning models built using the PyTorch platform (a machine learning library for the Python programming language) with the robots they create. The basic idea is that they can create their robots more easily by using artificial intelligence skills such as natural language processing.

News from the world of robots with AI (AI): Facebook introduces a platform for robotics PyRobot is an open-source framework source code for controlling robots.

Facebook said it wants to promote long-term robotics research to help develop embedded artificial intelligence systems that can learn more efficiently by interacting with the physical world.


Previously, to stimulate the production of artificial intelligence models, the company introduced PyTorch Hub.

What is PyRobot today

PyRobot is a lightweight, high-level interface that provides hardware-independent APIs for robotic manipulation and navigation. The PyRobot repository also contains a low-level stack for LoCoBot, a low-cost mobile manipulator hardware platform (robot assembly toolkit). Now artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming more accessible to those new to robotics.

Research supervisor Abinav Gupta and Saurabh Gupta, as a research fellow at Facebook, explained in a blog post that: PyRobot is a lightweight, high-level interface on top of the robot's operating system. It provides a consistent set of hardware-independent middle-level APIs (application programming interfaces) for controlling a variety of robots. PyRobot abstracts away the details of low-level controllers and interprocess communication, so machine learning specialists and others can simply focus on building high-level AI (artificial intelligence) robotics applications.

Facebook's source also says PyRobot has dozens of potential applications, such as helping researchers share data and set benchmarks and build on each other's work. The company solicited proposals from the broader AI research community on how to democratize robotics using LoCoBot and PyRobot, which are hardware specifications and tools for building low-cost robots.

PyRobot works by using APIs to abstract the functions that robots need to use. Perform tasks such as kinematics, path planning, position, speed and torque control for joints, and visual simultaneous localization and mapping. PyRobot comes with a number of pre-trained deep learning models that allow robots to navigate, grasp objects, and more.

This means developers can program their robots using just a few lines of Python code, Facebook says.

Facebook researchers also say that: The cost of hardware and the complexity of specialized software limit the scope of robotics research. With lower barriers to entry, researchers can, for example, build multiple robots that collect data and learn in parallel. Providing a common platform for various equipment. PyRobot will lead to the development of benchmarks in robotics, similar to other areas in AI, and will quantify the pace of progress in AI robotics.

Like Amazon's RoboMaker, PyRobot runs as an interface on top of the robot operating system (ROS), extending the infrastructure. In May, technology company Microsoft released a set of robotics tools with a limited preview, and last year integrated the ROS platform into Windows 10.

The famous analyst and author of Apple smartphone forecasts, Ming-Chi Kuo, can certainly be the most reliable source of leaks and information about Apple products. And today he released a new research report, obtained by Mac Rumors, where he mentions the future of the iPhone and when we can expect Apple to finally switch to 5G (fifth generation mobile communications) smartphones.

Rumors and technology news: Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts Apple will release 5G iPhone in 2020

Back when Apple was still planning to use Intel modems in its iPhones, there were rumors that the "iPhone 2020" phone model would be the first to receive 5G support. However, the Apple company has since switched from its modem supplier to Qualcomm. For which they had to settle a long patent dispute with an American chip manufacturer, pay at least 4.5 billion dollars and not use Intel modems. Intel may even have shut down its 5G plans after this news.


According to a note by analyst Kuo Ming-Chi, the development new version mobile iPhone phone 5G is right on schedule. Allegedly, we will see Apple announce the release of the 5G iPhone in 2020. Kuo's note also mentions that both the 5.4-inch iPhone model, and the 6.7-inch iPhone model will have a 5G modem. There is a hint of something iPhone update XS and iPhone XS Max smartphones.

Ming-Chi Kuo also said that all three iPhone models in 2020 will come in multiple colors and feature an OLED screen, as opposed to the LCD screen on the current iPhone XR. However, we'll probably still get an iPhone XR upgrade with an LCD display this year, so if an OLED screen in a mobile is too much of a deal for you, maybe wait a year.

5G iPhone competitors:

Currently our best competitors The following 5G phones are based on the Android system:

1) Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 5G (128 GB memory, 6 GB RAM and battery with fast charging);

2) OPPO Reno 5G (innovative design, affordable price, powerful camera);

3) LG V50 ThinQ (screen 1440 by 3120 pixels, memory expansion up to 1 TB, 4000 mAh battery);

4) OnePlus 7 Pro 5G (frameless AMOLED screen has no notches or holes);

5) ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G (48 megapixel camera, Snapdragon 855 chip).

Global sales of 5G phones.

Global supplies to stores of mobile phones supporting 5G technology (this is fast mobile connection fifth generation) may be higher than market analysts' expectations. It is worth noting that some reviewers mobile market believe that such shipments are likely to reach 150 to 200 million units, or more than a dozen percent of global 5G phone shipments next year.

After many rumors in the cryptocurrency market news. On Tuesday, Facebook unveiled plans for the next year, including the ambitious release of a new digital currency called Libra. It will be managed by an association consisting of corporate investors. Payment companies Visa, Mercado Pago, PayPal, Mastercard and Stripe are partners. Technology companies Uber, eBay, Spotify and Lyft are joining the project. European telecommunications companies Vodafone and Iliad are also involved in the new project. Investors Union Square Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz, plus academic, non-profit institutions Womens World Banking and Kiva.

Facebook introduced new project Calibra, a digital wallet for storing and sending Libra "crypto coins".

Billions of people are expected to be able to make payments using cryptocurrency from social media giant Facebook through their mobile apps. The social network Facebook plans to officially launch a new cryptocurrency project, Libra, in 2020. Libra is a new type of digital money that is intended for billions of people using mobile applications and social network.


Popular social network Facebook has more news for the world of cryptocurrency.

That a new digital wallet would be created that would allow Facebook app users to store and exchange cryptocurrency. Facebook is creating a new subsidiary, Calibra.

Why is Facebook betting on a cryptocurrency called Libra? Perhaps the lofty goal of the latest development is to go beyond social networks.

Digital wallets for storing, sending and spending Libra cryptocurrency will be connected to messaging platforms.

Initially, the cryptocurrency will be available in the Facebook Messenger / WhatsApp application, and of course in separate applications for iOS or Android.

Facebook said in a press release that: “Initially, Calibra will make it easy and instant to send Libra at a low cost to virtually anyone with a smartphone.”

It is also reported that: “Over time, it will be offered Additional services for businesses and people. For example, buying a cup of coffee with a scanned code, paying a bill with the click of a button, traveling on public transport without having to carry cash."

Security of the Facebook cryptocurrency wallet.

To improve the security of the new cryptocurrency, it will use similar verification and fraud protection features that are already in use credit cards, banks. Facebook's cryptocurrency service will have user support. And in case of gaining access to account user of someone else, the promise of compensation for lost assets is promised.

Cryptocurrency coins will be stored by users in a digital wallet. But the world of cryptocurrency itself is not always stable! Time will tell if Facebook's own digital money will help people save money by sending and spending it as easily as sending text messages.

The cryptocurrency will be managed by the founding members: Facebook, more than two dozen different organizations and a separate Swiss foundation.

Why Libra?

What does the word Libra mean?

Former PayPal executive David Marcus, who heads the Facebook project, said something like this: "The choice of the name Libra (Libra) was inspired by several reasons, namely the French word for Liberty, the Roman measurement of weight, the astrological sign of justice."

What would you like to know about Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency?

Technology and design news: Insanely beautiful iPhone 11 concept with innovative, colorful, curved screen.

Technology giant Apple will release iPhone 11 this coming September. If all sorts of rumors turn out to be true, then the multimedia phone could have the same design as the last two generations of the phone. Regarding the final design of the iPhone 11, we are ready to accept what Apple designers come up with. But, we can't stop imagining what could be if technology allowed us to create any design for the iPhone 11. And that's exactly what some very talented designers are doing. This time around, there's a beautiful concept for the iPhone 11 that ditches all the buttons in favor of an immersive curved phone screen.


The implementation of such a design results in an iPhone with a beautiful glowing strip that stretches along the entire mobile phone and replaces the physical volume rocker buttons and the power button. Using this design philosophy allows you to get an iPhone with on-screen icons on the side.

While it may be a good looking phone, there is absolutely no chance of the concept becoming a reality. In addition, protecting such a phone with a case seems impossible, since by covering the screen space the case will take away some of its basic functions. Imagine that if a phone like this were accidentally dropped on the ground, the cost of repairing a curved screen would be higher for the user than with a classic screen option.

We hope that new iPhone 11 will have a bright screen under the sun.

The 2019 iPhone 11 lineup is expected to feature three models, just like last year. There will probably be two OLED phones and one with an LCD screen. The iPhone 11 and 11 Max models may have a variety of OLED screens, and also have screen sizes of 5.8 and 6.5 inches, respectively. Perhaps the iPhone 11R model will be equipped with an LCD display to reduce the price to a minimum.

It is also expected that new iPhone versions The 11 and 11 Max will have a triple camera configuration, while the iPhone 11R version is expected to feature dual camera. Essentially this means that on all three mobile phones There may be an additional camera on the back.

The front of the iPhone 11 lineup is expected to remain the same and there will be no difference in the size of the notch. However, recent reports claim that there may be improved face identification that will be able to authenticate a user at some extreme angles.

Video review of the iPhone 11 concept with an innovative, curved screen on the side:

According to the creator of this video, the new bezel-less iPhone 11 could have the following specifications:

6.4-inch full-screen display;
- Hidden front 13MP camera;
- Four cameras, 8K @ 120 FPS;
- New Apple operating system, iOS 13;
- Apple A13 Bionic mobile chip (up to eight times faster than the A12 Bionic chip).

WWDC is Apple's large event for developers. During this event, Apple tells developers and interested visitors about new versions of the MacOS and iOS operating systems, its latest development tools, and the latest proprietary applications and devices. She talks about plans to stimulate further development, about new partnerships with developers and other details that she is working on. It turns out that attending the Apple IT conference WWDC 2019 is an ideal chance to be the first to find out and see what new applications will be available for iOS and MacOS systems and more.