efficient

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes video games more realistic and helps your phone recognize your voice—but the power-hungry programs slurp up energy big time. However, the next generation of AI may be 1000 times more energy efficient, thanks to computer chips that work like the human brain. A new study shows such neuromorphic chips can run AI algorithms using just a fraction of the energy consumed by ordinary chips. “This is an impressive piece of work,” says Steve Furber, a…

Qualcomm has unveiled a revamped version of its flagship chipset. The new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (SM8475) promises modest speed improvements and notable power savings – the original 8 Gen 1 was never slow, heat and power usage were its main issues. Qualcomm advertises a 10% higher CPU performance and a 30% improvement in power efficiency for the CPU. The peak Cortex-X2 core can now reach 3.2GHz, finally matching the clock speed of the Snapdragon 870 from early 2021 (the X2 in the original 8 Gen 1 topped out at 3.0Ghz).…

Photonic materials are the ones that emit, detect or manipulate light. These materials play a crucial role in various sectors such as telecommunications, data processing and storage, and solar cells. Because of their vast usage, there is a continuous need to make them efficient. Researchers, at the University of Central Florida (UCF), are developing new photonic materials that could one day enable ultra-fast, light-based computing. Known as topological insulators, the unique materials are like wires that have been turned…

Credit: ANGHI, Shutterstock Maritime transport is the backbone of global trade. However, it harms the environment by releasing around 940 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year. A factor that contributes to the maritime transport sector's greenhouse gas emissions is biofouling—the build-up of microorganisms, algae, plants or small marine animals on the submerged hull of the ship.…

Powering medical implants can be tricky, but tapping into the body’s own fuel source could keep them going long-term. A new design for a tiny fuel cell converts glucose into electricity to power implants more efficiently than any other so far.Implants like pacemakers might need to run for decades, so they need a steady supply of electricity, and cables can’t just be run out through a patient’s skin. Batteries may be the obvious solution, but changing them requires surgery. Even with new advances in wireless charging from…

Tineco Carpet One review: Powerful, efficient cleaning MSRP $499.00 “The Tineco Carpet One Smart Carpet Cleaner is your gateway to cleaner floors.” Pros Powerful cleaning Sensors show dirt and debris invisible to the eye Included accessories make it easy to clean stairs and furniture Auto-shutoff features prevent damage and…

Credit: Ryoji Iwata. Models that predict traffic volume for specific times and places are used to inform everything from traffic-light patterns to the app on your phone that tells you how to get from Point A to Point B. Researchers from North Carolina State University have now demonstrated a method that reduces the computational complexity of these models, making them operate more efficiently.…