AUDIO | VIDEO, BRANDS, Mobile, Smartphone, Sony, TECH

Xperia 1 III – Speed and beyond

Xperia 1 III

Speed and beyond

The Xperia 1 III combines its predecessor’s remarkable AF speed with new optics reaching up to 105 mm. Together with the astonishing 4K HDR OLED 120Hz refresh rate display, and exceptional audio and gaming, this is a smartphone that goes above and beyond your expectations.

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Experience breathtaking speed in everything you do

Speed is at the very heart of the Xperia 1 III experience—from the immersive 4K HDR OLED display with its rapid 120Hz refresh rate to the triple lens camera which features fast AF even when shooting extended telephoto.

For photographers

Professional technology from Alpha cameras

The Xperia 1 III was co-developed with the engineers behind the latest Alpha 9 series cameras, renowned for their industry-leading autofocus technology, and with input from professional photographers, who helped tune the technology and refine the photographic experience and results. Key features include fast AF in all three cameras, plus Real-Time Tracking technology for accurate shots of moving subjects.

Outstanding ZEISS quality in your Xperia®

ZEISS optics calibrated specifically for your Xperia® smartphone. The ZEISS® T* coating contributes to exquisite rendering and contrast by reducing reflections.

16 April 2021/by Thomas

AUDIO | VIDEO, BRANDS, Huawei, Mobile, Smartphone, TECH

HUAWEI – MATE X2 SMARTPHONE

It has a Leica-developed camera array, but that’s not the most interesting thing about Huawei’s Mate X2. Unlike its predecessor which had a screen that wrapped around the outside, it adopts a Samsung-like approach with a folding 8-inch screen on the interior and a 6.45-inch display on the front for use while closed. Around the back are the aforementioned cameras, including a 50-megapixel wide-angle, 16-megapixel ultra-wide, 12-megapixel 3x telephoto, and 8-megapixel 10x zoom.

Launch: When does the Huawei Mate X2 go on sale?
Huawei presented the Huawei Mate X2 this Monday, February 22, and announced that it would go on sale in China from the following Thursday, that is, on February 25, 2021.

As we have said, it is the launch aimed at the Chinese market and for now it is unknown when it will reach the West, or if it will do so directly. Although we have hope.

The launch of the Mate X was also restricted to China and never reached Europe or the United States. The upgraded version (the Huawei Mate Xs), which had a global launch in March 2020, did, however.

It’s powered by Huawei’s Kirin 9000 chip, will be upgraded to the company’s HarmonyOS in April (it ships with an Android variant), and has 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. It launches in China on February 25; no international release details have been announced.

23 February 2021/by Thomas

AUDIO | VIDEO, BRANDS, Mobile, Samsung, Smartphone, TECH

The Future Changes Shape: Express Yourself with Galaxy Z Flip

Samsung’s first foldable glass display, combined with a unique UX, offers a whole new mobile experience

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – 2020 – Today, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip, a new, statement-making foldable smartphone. Galaxy Z Flip is bold and stylish – designed for those who see cutting-edge technology as a way to express themselves. Engineered with first-of-its-kind foldable glass, Galaxy Z Flip bends the laws of physics, and features a 6.7-inch display that folds into a stylish and compact form factor that fits in the palm of your hand¹. Designed with an innovative Hideaway Hinge and custom-built UX, Galaxy Z Flip provides elegant new ways to capture, share and experience content. From its stylish design to its flexible camera experience, Galaxy Z Flip opens up a new decade of foldable mobile innovation.

The Future Changes Shape: Express Yourself with Galaxy Z Flip

“At Samsung, we were encouraged by the excitement for the Galaxy Fold. Galaxy Z Flip is an important next step as we look to build the foldable category by bringing to consumers a new form factor, new display and most importantly, a new kind of mobile experience,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “With Galaxy Z Flip’s unique foldable design and user experience, we’re redefining what a mobile device can be, and what it enables consumers to do.”

Foldable Heritage
The category-defining Galaxy Fold began the foldable era. Now, Galaxy Z Flip is shaping it for a new decade. As the first device in the Z series, Galaxy Z Flip introduces a new device portfolio that reaffirms Samsung’s commitment to leading the category, and leveraging technologies and form factors to create foldable experiences that will surprise and delight in the years ahead.

Fashion Meets Technology
Galaxy Z Flip’s compact, stylish design is created for those who see technology as a way to express themselves. And all of the innovations that go into Galaxy Z Flip ensure they can do so.

Style that Fits in Your Pocket – Designed for ultimate portability, Galaxy Z Flip folds into the size of a wallet, so you can easily fit it in your pocket or bag. When closed, it is a stylish, compact palm-sized device. When opened, its screen size nearly doubles to reveal a stunning 6.7-inch display². With its stylish color palette, sleek rounded corners and forward fold that closes with a satisfying snap, Galaxy Z Flip is sure to turn heads.
Samsung’s First Foldable Glass Display – Galaxy Z Flip features an Infinity Flex Display with Samsung’s proprietary bendable Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), making it slimmer with a sleek, premium look and feel that has never been seen with a foldable device before. The centered in-display camera cutout at the top also means there’s no notch and no distractions, with Samsung’s first-ever 21.9:9 ratio, so you can enjoy even more of your favorite content such as cinema-ratio 21:9 shows and movies.
New Hideaway Hinge – Galaxy Z Flip’s Hideaway Hinge is a work of engineering art. It’s backed by a dual CAM mechanism – small but sophisticatedly designed to ensure every flip and fold is smooth and stable. Galaxy Z Flip can stay open at a range of angles, like a laptop screen. The Hideaway Hinge system also integrates Samsung’s new sweeper technology, which uses nylon fibers crafted by micro-height-cutting technology to repel dirt and dust.

The Next Foldable Experience
Galaxy Z Flip is built for the modern, on-the-go lifestyle. Now you can do more, from multiple angles – hands-free. This unique foldable experience is unlike any other smartphone on the market today.

Do more – Hands-free – When Galaxy Z Flip unfolds, it can stay open at multiple angles, unlocking opportunities for selfies that show more of the world around you and expressive video chats with Google Duo – all hands-free.
Flex mode – Samsung worked closely with Google to design Flex mode – a custom-built user experience for Galaxy Z Flip’s unique forward folding form factor. When the device is free-standing, the display automatically splits into two 4-inch screens so you can easily view images, contents or videos on the top half of the display, and control them on the bottom half. Easily watch and navigate YouTube³ – stream on the top while searching for other videos, reading descriptions and writing comments on the bottom.
Game Changing Camera – Galaxy Z Flip literally stands on its own so that you can capture more, on-the-go – from timed group shots to vivid nighttime content. You can create content for your social media feeds from the best angle and enjoy video recording with a 16:9 ratio that’s perfect for uploads to social media platforms, hands-free – no tripod needed. Capture stunning Night Hyperlapse videos or vivid low light shots with Night mode – no flash needed. Just open your device and place it on a table. When closed, quickly capture one-handed high-quality selfies using the rear camera without unfolding.
Notifications on Your Terms – Whether Galaxy Z Flip is closed, standing upright or open, never miss a text, call or reminder. When closed, check the date, time and battery status at a glance on the cover display⁴. Get real time notifications so you can easily answer a call without unfolding or respond to a text by simply tapping the notification and unfolding your Galaxy Z Flip.
Multi-Active Window – Seamlessly multi-task with Multi-Active Window – simply open the Multi-Window Tray to drag and drop the apps you want to use. Scroll through an article on the latest fashion looks on the top half while shopping for your favorite pieces on the bottom⁵.

Galaxy Foundation and Ecosystem
As a Galaxy device, Galaxy Z Flip brings the Galaxy ecosystem into its brand new foldable experience. It boasts flagship-level performance and features across camera, display, battery, security as well as services like Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, Samsung Knox and more⁶. Enjoy a versatile camera experience with 4K video capture, Live Focus and Super Steady recording⁷. Galaxy Z Flip features an optimized dual battery system that holds more power without taking up more space – wired or wirelessly quick charge, plus with Wireless PowerShare⁸, you can wirelessly charge up your Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch or even a friend’s device. Samsung Knox protects users and their device from the chip to the software level and receives monthly and quarterly security updates. Users also get services that enable secure payment options with Samsung Pay, health and wellness tracking and monitoring with Samsung Health, and access to more than 5,000 Samsung and partner smart products through SmartThings.

Availability
The Galaxy Z Flip will be available in limited quantities in Mirror Purple and Mirror Black, starting in select markets including the U.S. and Korea on February 14, 2020, followed by Mirror Gold in select countries. For more information about Galaxy Z Flip, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com, www.samsung.com/galaxy, news.samsung.com/galaxy, or www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-z-flip/.

4 June 2020/by Thomas

AUDIO | VIDEO, Mobile, Running, Smartphone, Smartwatch, SPORT, TECH

Apple Watch Nike + Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) with Nike Sport strap

With the Apple Watch Nike Series 5, you can track your workouts and listen to audio running guides with Nike Run Club. Built-in features let you listen to music and stay connected with or without your phone.

You can choose from exclusive Nike Sport straps and optimized dials for the Retina Always-On display (meaning you can always see the screen without having to lift or touch your wrist).

Color Shown: Pure Platinum / Black
Model: CZ8501-003

CONNECT TO SPORT.

Featured

Silver aluminum case
Nike Sport strap with adjustable length in sizes S / M and M / L in pure platinum / black
Strap for Nike Watch with 44mm case
GPS + Cellular *
Retina Always-On Display
30% bigger screen size than Series 3
Submersible**
ECG App ***
Optical and electrical heart sensors
Built-in compass
Unevenness
Emergency calls****
Internal emergency call
Fall detection
S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor up to 2 times faster *****
watchOS 6 with activity trends, cycle tracking, hearing health innovations and the App Store on your wrist
Nike’s exclusive dials

Product Details

Selection may vary; Consult sales staff for information on available models. Apple Watch Series 5 requires an iPhone 6s or higher with iOS 13 or later.
* A wireless service plan is required to use the mobile phone service. The service provider for the Apple Watch and the iPhone device must be the same. Not all service providers support corporate accounts. Consult your superior and the service provider. Roaming service is not available outside of your network operator’s coverage area. Contact your service provider for more information.
** ISO 22810: 2010 Standard. Suitable for shallow water activities such as swimming. It is not recommended for use in deep dives or high speed water activities.
*** The ECG app is available with the latest versions of iOS and watchOS on Apple Watch Series 4 or later. See apple.com/watch for compatibility details. The ECG app is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 22.
**** Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can use a mobile phone connection to make emergency calls. You must have your iPhone nearby to make emergency alerts with an Apple Watch without a mobile phone connection. If your iPhone is not nearby, your Apple Watch will need to connect to a known Wi-Fi network and set up Wi-Fi calling.
***** Up to 2 times faster than the S3 processor.
Color Shown: Pure Platinum / Black
Model: CZ8501-003

29 May 2020/by Thomas

Mobile, TECH

Realme’s X3 SuperZoom phone has a periscope camera and 120Hz display

Chinese smartphone maker Realme made a name for itself by selling fairly powerful phones at very low price points, but it never had a flagship that could really threaten the likes of Samsung and Huawei in Europe. That may change today.

Realme’s X3 SuperZoom phone has a periscope camera and 120Hz display

On Tuesday, the company launched a new phone called Realme X3 SuperZoom, a flagship that launches in Europe first and hits all the right spots for a price of €499 ($547/£447).

The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor, and comes with 8/12GB of RAM and 128/256GB of storage memory. Finally, it has a 4,200mAh battery with 30W speedy charging.

In terms of design, the Realme X3 SuperZoom doesn’t stray much from the norm — the display is near bezel-less, save for the slightly larger lower bezel, and on the back, the quad camera is located in a hefty, vertical camera bump on the top left. The phone is available in two colors: Arctic White and Glacier Blue.

While the Realme X3 SuperZoom doesn’t have the latest Snapdragon processor or a fancy OLED display, it offers a nice mix of premium features for a decent price. It is available for pre-order now on Realme’s website, and will start shipping in “early June.”

27 May 2020/by Thomas

Mobile, TECH

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 to be launched in August at online event, report says

Samsung will launch its Galaxy Note 20 smartphone in August at an online-only event, marking the first time a Note series flagship launch won’t be held in a real-world venue.

This is according to the Korea Herald, which cites industry sources as saying that the company has made the decision to go online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Samsung typically launches its Note series smartphones in New York City over the summer. Last year’s Note 10 and Note 10+ were launched on August 7, with thousands of people in attendance. Such an event may be hard or impossible to organize this summer, reportedly prompting Samsung to switch to an online-only event. In New York City, lockdown rules are still in place until at least June 13, with all large gatherings either canceled or postponed.

Samsung wouldn’t explicitly confirm this, but it told the Korea Herald that online hosting of events is “influential” and that the company has “various plans in mind.”

According to the outlet, the exact launch date for the Note 20 is still in flux — given there’s no need to organize a venue, Samsung may move the date to the most opportune time.

Besides the Note 20, Samsung is also likely to launch a larger phone, the Note 20+ at the same event, as well as a successor to its foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold.

Recent rumors indicate that the Galaxy Note 20 will have a 108-megapixel camera, as well as a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset.

26 May 2020/by Thomas

AUDIO | VIDEO, Military, Military, Mobile, SECURITY, Smartphone, TECH

Samsung Galaxy S20 tactical Edition Smartphone

The military smartphone tested and proven by operators

Based on the proven success of the Galaxy S9 Tactical Edition for operators in the field, the Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition is a massive leap forward in tactical mobility. Tested and fielded in special operations, it connects seamlessly with tactical radios and mission systems to increase situational awareness for a common operational picture. The Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition is the only end user device you’ll need for mission planning, training, operations and daily use.

Interoperable

Easily connect to tactical radios and mission systems, out of the box, for persistent communications in multi-domain environments.

LEARN MORE– INTEROPERABLE

Versatile

Run mission applications in the field and enterprise applications everywhere else with a single device to meet all your mission requirements.

LEARN MORE– VERSATILE

Command and Control

Deliver complete and accurate real-time intelligence where it’s needed most with a powerful, compact End User Device (EUD) that enhances precision and effectiveness.

LEARN MORE– COMMAND AND CONTROL

Tested & proven

Trust the only COTS military smartphone that’s protected by Knox, certified for use in classified communications and proven operationally ready by special forces.

LEARN MORE– TESTED & PROVEN

For Operators, Cognitive Dominance is Built on Mobility

To make informed decisions and achieve their objective, tactical teams and special operators require the ability to quickly and securely process and share mission data across complex terrain, expansive distances between troops and with Command. To address these unique issues, Samsung created the Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition—a mission-ready solution tailored to the specific needs of tactical teams.

READ WHITE PAPER

For Operators, Cognitive Dominance is Built on Mobility

Persistent communications in any domain

The Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition features pre-configured software to support tactical radios and mission-critical devices.

Common operational picture

Drivers support tactical radios, drone feeds, laser range finders, external GPS and more for a complete view of the mission.

Flexible to fit your tactical kit

Ruggedized case solutions, connectors and hubs accommodate a wide range of tactical kit configurations for multi-mission capabilities.

Next-gen network capable

The Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition supports multiple carrier networks and the use of private SIMs 5G, WiFi 6 and CBRS.

One device to meet all your mission requirements

DOWNLOAD BROCHUREPDF DOWNLOAD

Cognitive dominance

Capable of running mission applications in the field and enterprise applications everywhere else, the powerful and efficient 64-bit Octa-core processor delivers tactical computing power wherever the mission takes you.

tactical edge computing with 10 nm 64-bit Octa-core processor

Enhance situational awareness for a complete and accurate common operational picture

The Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition has exclusive features, tested and proven by operators, for rapid information capture, sharing and analysis in diverse operating environments.

Exclusive tactical features

Night Vision Mode, Stealth Mode, Lock Screen Auto Rotate and more deliver fast access to the information operators need.

Capture intelligence in low light

Use the pro-grade 64 MP camera to take and share high-resolution images or 8K video, without giving away your position.

Get a clear view of the mission

View and analyze maps, intel and mission data in greater detail than ever before with the Dynamic AMOLED 2.0, a 120Hz display.

LEARN MORE– EXCLUSIVE TACTICAL FEATURESABOUT LEARN MOREPDF DOWNLOAD

TACTICAL APP QUICK LAUNCH

ATAK at the push of a button

Remapped side key button provides one-touch launch/hide of mission applications including ATAK, APASS and BATDOK.

AUTO-TOUCH SENSITIVITY

Leave the gloves on

Auto-touch sensitivity automatically adjusts S20 TE operation for gloved hands.

22 May 2020/by Thomas

AUDIO | VIDEO, BRANDS, Mobile, Smartphone, TECH

OPPO expands its Find X2 series with the arrival of Find X2 Neo and Find X2 Lite

● Find X2 Neo and Find X2 Lite have 5G technology and the latest camera, design, battery and processor features

● Both phones will be available in Spain from April 24 on Amazon, Media Markt, El Corte Inglés, FNAC and Phone House. In May and June they will reach operators

● Discover them at smartphones

Madrid, April 21, 2020 – OPPO, the world’s leading smart device brand, announces today that its Find X2 series has two new members: OPPO Find X2 Neo and OPPO Find X2 Lite, both with 5G technology, four rear cameras, a slim and light design and Qualcomm® Snapdragon ™ 765G processor.

OPPO expands its Find X2 series with the arrival of Find X2 Neo and Find X2 Lite

Better photos thanks to image stabilizer

OPPO Find X2 Neo stands out for having four rear cameras: the 48MP main camera, a 13MP telephoto lens, an 8MP wide-angle camera and a 2MP black and white camera. The main camera integrates the Sony IMX586 sensor with OIS, and its image effect is improved thanks to a new ISP image algorithm. The 13MP telephoto lens achieves a 5x hybrid optical zoom when switching with the main camera and wide-angle lens zoom. In addition, it supports ultra clear night mode IA, achieving high-quality night photos in an easier way. As for the front cameras, OPPO Find X2 Neo features a 32MP camera that recognizes skin color and light condition when taking a selfie and Beautify 2.0 mode customizes it to capture the best image.
For its part, OPPO Find X2 Lite also has four rear cameras: the 48MP main camera, an 8MP telephoto lens, a 2MP wide-angle camera and a 2MP black and white camera. Its front camera is also 32MP.

OPPO Find X2 Neo also enables portrait bokeh, video zoom, smart video editing via SoLoop. Asmimso has smart video editing software that features filters, music, rhythm and transitions, and synthesizes video clips into custom templates. The 90Hz screen and 5G speed will allow users to have fun with video recording.

Light body, better performance

The OPPO Find X2 Neo screen ratio is 92.1% using a flexible 6.5-inch OLED screen. Also, it uses a new light sensitive ultra thin screen fingerprint module, reducing the thickness of the fingerprint module from 2.95mm to 0.266mm. Finally, OPPO Find X2 Neo has a thickness of 7.7mm and a body weight of 171g, thus creating the thinnest 5G smartphone in the world. In addition, OPPO Find X2 Neo has the new ColorOS 7 system, with Android 10.

For its part, OPPO Find X2 Lite adopts dual mode 5G SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G. It also features a large 4025mAh battery that supports 30WVOOC Quick Charge 4.0. It also incorporates the new ColorOS 7 system, with Android 10.

More immersive gaming experiences

OPPO Find X2 Neo has a curved screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, to offer a better imaging experience when browsing the Internet. Also, the brightness of OPPO Find X2 Neo increases up to 800nit by 14% and the maximum brightness up to 1100nit. This allows the screen to be viewed in all light conditions, including when the sun’s rays hit the phone. The maximum touch sampling rate of 180Hz allows users to play games with a smoother touch, meeting the highest demands on applications and games. Furthermore, the display of these devices has passed TUV Rheinland Global Eye Protection Certification and HDR10 + Certification.

OPPO Find X2 Neo has the dual speakers with the largest sound chamber known to date, bringing better volume and stereo effects. At the same time, Dolby Atmos’ reliable sound experience offers users an immersive audio experience.

Faster network speeds than 5G

Both devices feature Qualcomm®’s Snapdragon ™ 765G processor that enables download speeds of up to 3.7 Gbps.

In addition, OPPO Find X2 Neo employs intelligent antenna cutting technology, and inspects the signals through 4 antennas that are in charge of finding the most optimal channel, reaching network speeds that are 30% faster. Likewise, OPPO Find X2 Neo has dual 5G + WiFi channels, allowing the 5G mobile network and 5G WiFi to work at the same time, achieving overlapping network speed.

Longer battery life at the perfect temperature

On the other hand, with the aim that users can use 5G speed with a battery life of 4G, OPPO Find X2 Neo adopts a Smart 5G system that controls the consumption of the performance of different applications.

22 May 2020/by Thomas

Artificial Intelligence (AI), AUDIO | VIDEO, Mobile, Smartphone, TECH

Sony Semiconductor Solutions and Microsoft partner to create smart camera solutions for enterprise customers

Companies collaborate to make video analytics solutions more accessible in order to drive better business outcomes

Sony Semiconductor Solutions (Sony) and Microsoft Corp. (Microsoft) today announced they are partnering to create solutions that make AI-powered smart cameras and video analytics easier to access and deploy for their mutual customers.

As a result of the partnership, the companies will embed Microsoft Azure AI capabilities on Sony’s intelligent vision sensor IMX500, which extracts useful information out of images in smart cameras and other devices. Sony will also create a smart camera managed app powered by Azure IoT and Cognitive AIServices that complements the IMX500 sensor and expands the range and capability of video analytics opportunities for enterprise customers. The combination of these two solutions will bring together Sony’s cutting-edge imaging and sensing technologies, including the unique functionality of high-speed edge AI proAIcessing, with Microsoft’s cloud expertise and AI platform to uncover new video analytics opportunities for customers and partners across a variety of industries.

“By linking Sony’s innovative imaging and sensing technology with Microsoft’s excellent cloud AI services, we will deliver a powerful and convenient platform to the smart camera market. Through this platform, we hope to support the creativity of our partners and contribute to overcoming challenges in various industries,” said Terushi Shimizu, Representative Director and President, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation.

“Video analytics and smart cameras can drive better business insights and outcomes across a wide range of scenarios for businesses,” said Takeshi Numoto, corporate vice president and commercial chief marketing officer at Microsoft. “Through this partnership, we’re combining Microsoft’s expertise in providing trusted, enterprise-grade AI and analytics solutions with Sony’s established leadership in the imaging sensors market to help uncover new opportunities for our mutual customers and partners.”

Video analytics has emerged as a way for enterprise customers across industries to uncover new revenue opportunities, streamline operations and solve challenges. For example, retailers can use smart cameras to detect when to refill products on a shelf or to better understand the optimal number of available open checkout counters according to the queue length. Additionally, a manufacturer might use a smart camera to identify hazards on its manufacturing floor in real time before injuries occur. Traditionally, however, such applications — which rely on gathering data distributed among many smart cameras across different sites like stores, warehouses and distribution centers — struggle to optimize the allocation of compute resources, resulting in cost or power consumption increases.

To address these challenges, Sony and Microsoft will partner to simplify access to computer vision solutions by embedding Azure AI technology from Microsoft into Sony’s intelligent vision sensor IMX500 as well as enabling partners to embed their own AI models. This integration will result in smarter, more advanced cameras for use in enterprise scenarios as well as a more efficient allocation of resources between the edge and the cloud to drive cost and power consumption efficiencies.

Sony’s smart camera managed app powered by Azure is targeted toward independent software vendors (ISVs) specializing in computer vision and video analytics solutions, as well as smart camera original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) aspiring to add value to their hardware offerings. The app will complement the IMX500 sensor and will serve as the foundation on which ISVs and OEMs can train AI models to create their own customer- and industry-specific video analytics and computer vision solutions that address enterprise customer demands. The app will simplify key workflows and take reasonable security measures designed to protect data privacy and security, allowing ISVs to spend less time on routine, low-value integration and provisioning work and more time on creating unique solutions to meet customers’ demands.

It will also enable enterprise customers to more easily find, train and deploy AI models for video analytics scenarios.

As part of the partnership, Microsoft and Sony will also work together to facilitate hands-on co-innovation with partners and enterprise customers in the areas of computer vision and video analytics as part of Microsoft’s AI & IoT Insider Labs program. Microsoft’s AI & IoT Insider Labs offer access and facilities to build, develop, prototype and test customer solutions, working in partnership with Microsoft experts and other solution providers like Sony. The companies will begin working with select customers within these co-innovation centers later this year.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

About Sony Semiconductor Solutions

Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation is the global leader in image sensors. We strive to provide advanced imaging technologies that bring greater convenience and joy to people’s lives. In addition, we also work to develop and bring to market new kinds of sensing technologies with the aim of offering various solutions that will take the visual and recognition capabilities of both human and machines to greater heights. For more information, please visit: https://www.sony-semicon.co.jp/e/.

22 May 2020/by Thomas

Artificial Intelligence (AI), AUDIO | VIDEO, BRANDS, Mobile, Smartphone, Sony, TECH

Sony to release world’s first Intelligent Vision Sensors with AI processing functionality

Enabling High-Speed Edge AI Processing and Contributing to Building of Optimal Systems Linked with the Cloud

Sony’s Intelligent Vision Sensors IMX500 (left) and IMX501 (right)

Sony Corporation today announced the upcoming release of two models of intelligent vision sensors, the first image sensors in the world to be equipped with AI processing functionality^*1. Including AI processing functionality on the image sensor itself enables high-speed edge AI processing and extraction of only the necessary data, which, when using cloud services, reduces data transmission latency, addresses privacy concerns, and reduces power consumption and communication costs.

*1 Among image sensors. According to Sony research (as of announcement on May 14, 2020).

These products expand the opportunities to develop AI-equipped cameras, enabling a diverse range of applications in the retail and industrial equipment industries and contributing to building optimal systems that link with the cloud.

Sony’s Intelligent Vision Sensors IMX500 (left) and IMX501 (right)

Model name	Sample shipment date	Sample price (excluding tax)
IMX500 1/2.3-type (7.857 mm diagonal) approx. 12.3 effective megapixel intelligent vision sensor (bare chip product)	April 2020	10,000 JPY
IMX501 1/2.3-type (7.857 mm diagonal) approx. 12.3 effective megapixel intelligent vision sensor (package product)	June 2020 (planned)	20,000 JPY

The spread of IoT has resulted in all types of devices being connected to the cloud, making commonplace the use of information processing systems where information obtained from such devices is processed via AI on the cloud. On the other hand, the increasing volume of information handled in the cloud poses various problems: increased data transmission latency hindering real-time information processing; security concerns from users associated with storing personally identifiable data in the cloud; and other issues such as the increased power consumption and communication costs cloud services entail.

The new sensor products feature a stacked configuration consisting of a pixel chip and logic chip. They are the world’s first image sensor to be equipped with AI image analysis and processing functionality on the logic chip. The signal acquired by the pixel chip is processed via AI on the sensor, eliminating the need for high-performance processors or external memory, enabling the development of edge AI systems. The sensor outputs metadata (semantic information belonging to image data) instead of image information, making for reduced data volume and addressing privacy concerns. Moreover, the AI capability makes it possible to deliver diverse functionality for versatile applications, such as real-time object tracking with high-speed AI processing. Different AI models can also be chosen by rewriting internal memory in accordance with user requirements or the conditions of the location where the system is being used.

Main Features

■ World’s first image sensor equipped with AI processing functionality

The pixel chip is back-illuminated and has approximately 12.3 effective megapixels for capturing information across a wide angle of view. In addition to the conventional image sensor operation circuit, the logic chip is equipped with Sony’s original DSP (Digital Signal Processor) dedicated to AI signal processing, and memory for the AI model. This configuration eliminates the need for high-performance processors or external memory, making it ideal for edge AI systems.

■ Metadata output

Signals acquired by the pixel chip are run through an ISP (Image Signal Processor) and AI processing is done in the process stage on the logic chip, and the extracted information is output as metadata, reducing the amount of data handled. Ensuring that image information is not output helps to reduce security risks and address privacy concerns. In addition to the image recorded by the conventional image sensor, users can select the data output format according to their needs and uses, including ISP format output images (YUV/RGB) and ROI (Region of Interest) specific area extract images.

■ High-speed AI processing

When a video is recorded using a conventional image sensor, it is necessary to send data for each individual output image frame for AI processing, resulting in increased data transmission and making it difficult to deliver real-time performance. The new sensor products from Sony perform ISP processing and high-speed AI processing (3.1 milliseconds processing for MobileNet V1^*2) on the logic chip, completing the entire process in a single video frame. This design makes it possible to deliver high-precision, real-time tracking of objects while recording video.

*2 MobileNet V1: An image analysis AI model for object recognition on mobile devices.

■ Selectable AI model

Users can write the AI models of their choice to the embedded memory and can rewrite and update it according to its requirements or the conditions of the location where the system is being used. For example, when multiple cameras employing this product are installed in a retail location, a single type of camera can be used with versatility across different locations, circumstances, times, or purposes. When installed at the entrance to the facility it can be used to count the number of visitors entering the facility; when installed on the shelf of a store it can be used to detect stock shortages; when on the ceiling it can be used for heat mapping store visitors (detecting locations where many people gather), and the like. Furthermore, the AI model in a given camera can be rewritten from one used to detect heat maps to one for identifying consumer behavior, and so on.

Key Specifications

Model name	IMX500 (bare chip product)	IMX501 (package product)
Number of effective pixels	4056 (H) × 3040 (V), approx. 12.3 megapixels
Image size	Diagonal 7.857 mm (1/2.3 type)
Unit cell size	1.55 μm (H) × 1.55 μm (V)
Frame rate	Full pixel	60 fps
Video	4K (4056 × 2288) 60 fps
1080p 240 fps
Full/video+AI processing	30fps
Metadata output	30fps
Sensitivity (F5.6 standard value)	Approx. 250LSB
Sensor saturation signal level (minimum value)	Approx. 9610e-
Power supply	Analog	2.7V
Digital	0.84V
Interface	1.8V
Main functions	AI processing function, ISP, HDR shooting
Output	MIPI D-PHY 1.2 (4 lane) / SPI
Color filter array	Bayer array
Output format	Image (Bayer RAW), ISP output (YUV/RGB), ROI, metadata
Package	IMX500: –	IMX501: Ceramic LGA 12.5 mm (H) × 15.0 mm (V)

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology. From game and network services to music, pictures, electronics, semiconductors and financial services – Sony’s purpose is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/

14 May 2020/by Thomas