Hardware
Videocon d2h and Broadcom partner for HD service
MUMBAI: A few weeks after Videocon d2h familiarised Indians with 4K Ultra HD technology, it has now announced an official deal with Broadcom, which is a leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, for growing its HD service.
The DTH provider has selected Broadcom’s integrated satellite set top box (STB) system-on-a-chip (SoC) device to power its HD digital video recorder (DVR). Broadcom’s BCM7358 HD satellite STB SoC enables the operator to fasten the deployment of its HD STBs with reduced design complexity, size and cost.
Videocon d2h’s DVR is capable of recording on a USB device with digital picture quality and 1080p resolution. The HD USB DVR is supported by Broadcom’s BCM7358 single-channel 1080p HD advanced video coding (AVC) satellite receiver chip, featuring a high performance CPU and graphics engine, digital living network alliance (DLNA) connectivity support and advanced security functionality.
Says Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera, “The silicon innovation that Broadcom provides has been a key factor in our continued success in delivering rich content to our growing subscriber base. We’re leveraging a variety of Broadcom STB silicon throughout our portfolio and plan to extend our manufacturing capabilities to meet the needs of other cable operators in the region.”
“The Indian television market is undergoing a major transition and operators such as Videocon d2h are leading the charge in dramatically improving the quality and variety of content delivery,” adds Broadcom India senior director of business development Rajiv Kapur. “As an established leader in STB silicon innovation around the world, Broadcom is delivering the technology required for a growing number of consumers to enjoy more sophisticated features such as HD quality content, digital video recording and on-demand services.”
IHS Technology states that STB industry revenue will reach a record $ 22.8 billion in 2015, driven largely by growth in emerging markets and subscriber demand for HD content. “As pay-TV operators move to accommodate changes in delivery platforms and formats, including the adoption of HD, STB shipments will continue to rise, hitting record levels for the next few years,” said IHS Technology director for connected home research Daniel Simmons.
“Technology-based service differentiation is becoming increasingly important for pay-TV operators in emerging regions, as these markets begin to mature and saturate. Transitioning subscribers from SD to HD at minimal cost will be critical for driving further pay-TV growth in emerging markets.”
Hardware
Specs Inc. partners with Qualcomm for next-generation smart glasses
Snap subsidiary to power future Specs with Snapdragon XR platforms.
MUMBAI: Snap’s Specs are about to get a serious upgrade and this time, they’re teaming up with Qualcomm to make sure the future looks crystal clear. Specs Inc., a Snap subsidiary, has announced a multi-year strategic agreement with Qualcomm Technologies to power future generations of its advanced smart eyewear with Snapdragon system-on-a-chip (SoC) technology.
This marks the first flagship engagement for Specs Inc., which is preparing to launch its standalone, see-through smart glasses for consumers later this year. The Specs are designed to seamlessly blend digital experiences into the physical world, allowing users to see, hear, and interact with digital content as if it were part of their real surroundings.
By integrating Snapdragon XR platforms, the glasses will benefit from edge AI and high-performance, low-power computing. This combination enables intelligent, context-aware experiences to run directly on the device, delivering faster and more private interactions.
The partnership builds on more than five years of collaboration between Snap and Qualcomm, during which Snapdragon platforms have powered multiple generations of Snap’s Spectacles.
Snap Inc., co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel said, “We believe the future of computing will be more human and grounded in the real world. Our work with Qualcomm provides a strong foundation for the future of Specs, bringing advanced technology and performance that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Qualcomm Incorporated president and CEO Cristiano Amon added, “The next era of computing will be defined by devices that understand what you see, hear and say, and respond instantly to the world around you. Our collaboration on Specs will enable power-efficient interactive AR devices that feel natural and intuitive.”
The agreement establishes a scalable foundation for developers and partners building experiences for Specs, supporting a predictable product roadmap and increasingly sophisticated digital interactions over time.
In a world racing toward augmented reality, Specs Inc. and Qualcomm are ensuring that the next pair of smart glasses doesn’t just look good on paper, they perform brilliantly in real life. The future of wearable computing just got a powerful new lens.
