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Intel, IDT to make resonance charging a reality, see reference chipset coming in first half of 2013
Intel has been talking up wireless charging for years, to the point where we thought its implementation would forever remain a concept for the lab. Not so: Intel is having Integrated Device Technology (IDT) build a real-world chipset to support resonance charging in our gadgets. The lofty goal is to have a ready-made platform for charging up a mobile device or peripheral just by keeping it close to another device with a charger built-in, such as an Ultrabook; there's none of the unseemly contact plates used with inductive wireless power. Intel's commitment is still very much early and won't put a full, two-way resonance chipset into the hands of hardware makers until sometime during the first half of 2013, let alone into a shipping product. We'll take it all the same, as it just might be the first step toward embracing wireless power on a truly large scale.
IDT's power-saving Panel Self Refresh tech coming to laptops, Ultrabooks and tablets (video)
We aren't talking Pixel Qi-style savings or anything, but then again, IDT's not asking you to ditch the conventional LCD your retinas refuse to step away from. The company's Panel Self Refresh technology just got a major shot in the arm here at IDF, with the introduction of the world's first Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) 1.3-compliant Timing Controller with integrated PSR technology. A lot of technobabble, sure, but here's the lowdown: with this stuff in the mix, most users will see upwards of 45 minutes of battery gain, as the panels don't require constant refreshing. Granted, power savings are only seen with static images on-screen, and you'll need a PSR-enabled graphics processor to take advantage. The good news, however, is that Intel seems to be into the idea of using this stuff to boost the overall battery life of Chipzilla-based machines, so it shouldn't be too long before it starts popping up in laptops and Ultrabooks. As to how the magic actually works? IDT's PSR technology "identifies a static image and stores it local to the TCON in an integrated frame buffer; then, it seamlessly displays the image from the local frame buffer allowing the eDP main link and a majority of the GPU functions to be powered-down, resulting in significant power savings." Have a look at the unveiling video just after the break. %Gallery-133738%
IDT transmit touch information over DisplayPort's auxiliary channel
Still wondering if the future of display linkage really lies in DisplayPort? Hard to say for sure, but IDT's definitely making a good case for it with its latest demonstration. Integrated Device Technology has seemingly figured out how to shuffle touch information through DisplayPort's existing auxiliary channel, which simplifies and lowers the cost of integrating touch technology into tablets, laptops, AIO PCs, monitors, etc. It's being hailed as the world's first usage of the DisplayPort AUX channel to carry touch screen data, and if the prototype proves solid, it'll allow laptop manufacturers to eliminate USB interface communication from host to panel and reduce the number of wires that must pass through the display's hinge. And you know what that means -- slimmer, more flexible designs. IDT's not barking about a release date for its latest trick, but we're guessing it'll have display makers begging for access in no time flat.
IDT to swap solar cells into LCDs, but not for energy reasons
Solar-powered LCDs? Oh, yeah -- we've got those. Sadly, that's not at all what Integrated Digital Technologies is aiming to improve upon next week at Computex, though we still find its approach to trimming LCD weight and manufacturing costs an interesting one. If we're digesting this correctly, we're hearing that the outfit plans to create interactive displays (or iScreens) that have embedded solar cells in the TFT array rather than extra film or glass with photo sensors. The result? A cost savings of up to 30 percent in manufacturing, not to mention a rather significant decrease in weight. Without any images to go by, it's still a wee bit tough to really wrap our heads around this new take, but hopefully we'll see more next week in Taiwan.[Via TG Daily]
IDT brings 6-, 8-, and 10-channel HD audio codecs to the PC
While home theater enthusiasts don't typically have a hard time finding equipment to support nearly any multichannel audio arrangement they can envision, IDT is hoping to assist those PC users out there experience the same bliss with new multichannel HD audio codecs. The IDT92HD73C, IDT92HD73D and IDT92HD73E feature 6-, 8- and 10-channel stereo channels respectively "enabling simultaneous audio and VoIP capability," and while the 6-channel version should be found on high-end laptops, the 8-channel iteration was designed for use in "ultra-high-end" lappies while the 10-channel codec will likely be used in desktop applications. All three offer up stereo 24-bit resolution with sample rates of up to 192kHz and dual S/PDIF outputs for easy integration with multichannel equipment.
ATS announces E6501 DECT-enabled cordless VoIP phone
A new VoIP handset from American Telecom Services promises to help you break free from your landline addiction and make an easy transition over to Internet telephony, while still allowing you to situate satellite phones all over the house to match your current setup. At first glance, the E6501 offers a number of compelling features, including SIP-compliance, built-in speakerphones, DECT support for avoiding the already crowded 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands, and most enticingly, a sub-$50 pricetag for the base unit and only $30 each for up to five additional handsets. The bad news here comes when you find out that set only works with ATS' chosen service providers, a group that's currently comprised of just IDT and a company called SunRocket, so Vonage and Skype fans will need to look elsewhere. For those of you still interested, unfortunately there's no word yet on which retailers will be carrying these models, nor when we can expect to see them in stores.[Via VoIP & Gadgets Blog]
