IBM creates optical computing

Since the 1970's Moore's law stating the number of transistors in a computer doubles every 2 years has remained true. The constant shrinkage of the chip fabrication process to allow for more transistors to reside within the same area has allowed computers to double in speed every 2 years. A question one may ask, concerning Moore's law is, "When will Moore's law fail?". The answer is not simple as it is all relative. If one were to literally translate Moore's Law as the doubling of transistors every 2 years then we are approaching the outer limits of what is physically possible in terms of shrinking transistors. But what if Moore's law were to potentially expand to the field of fiber optics? It is well known that fiber optic cable is significantly faster than copper wiring. Lets look back really quick and go through current computing technologies.

Intel's Ivy Bridge processors from their current Celeron processors to their i7s in the consumer market run on a 22nm node, with the NM abbreviation meaning the transistor size in nano meters. Their previous processors, namely, Sandy Bridge architecture processors ran on a 32nm node. AMD's offerings are their FX processors and APUs (Accelerated Processing Units) currently utilizing a 32nm fabrication process and previously 45nm. Both companies are continuously working to shrink the fabrication sizes within their processors to improve performance.

In 1970 with the Intel 4004, we were at 10 micrometer fabrication, and roughly 10 years ago the fabrication process was 130nm down to 90nm. With the smallest processors currently at 22nm, it truly makes one question when the outer limit will be achieved. The current estimate regarding the outer limit is always changing. The fact of the matter is, when it happens microprocessors will no longer improve in performance, with the exception of improved micro-architectures and better programming practices to better utilize current the CPUs. To at least achieve a fair continuous increase in computing performance, and not necessarily the doubling of transistors stated in Moore's law we will have to find alternative forms of computing.

IBM for the past decade has been researching one of many potential alternatives to conventional silicon computing. Their research involves the introduction of optical based computing. This new technology integrates many conventional circuit components as well as the achievement of optical modulations to drastically increase the bandwidth and performance of computing as we know it. The most practical purposes for this will be to diminish cloud computing bandwidth bottlenecks, but will also make everyday computing activities significantly better as well.

Source, extremetech.com - IBM creates first cheap, commercially viable, electronic-photonic integrated chip
posted by TL

How new iPhone could pose a threat to the gaming industries.

It is amazing how mobile phone is changing the way we live very quickly. Apple recently announced two new iPhone models. High-end iPhone 5s and the lower cost iPhone 5c. The new iPhone 5s has 64bit A7 processor that no other smart phone manufacturer used before. It has the most processing power in both CPU speed and graphics. 

According to Apple, the iPhone 5s is 40 times faster than the original iPhone and twice as powerful as the former flagship iPhone 5. This is very good news for game developers because they have been demanding high processing power and the new 64bit A7 processor will open door for developers to invent advance mobile gaming. Game company like Chair Entertainment is enjoying the new features. Recently, Chair Entertainment released Infinity Blade III (the third game in the Infinity Blade series), and it is working very well on the new iPhone.

Sony and Nintendo need to worry about Apple.  At this time, it is hard to say there is a big threat because iPhone lacks mass storage capabilities, and it is not as powerful as console or PC game. It doesn’t give full experience like console or PC game for the users. 

The good thing about mobile game is it allows people to play game on the go. The bad thing is that Internet connection is not the same everywhere. Even with good Internet connection, it is difficult to play game. Battery life is also another issue. At this time, it is too early to say the new iPhone will take over the gaming industry but if Apple continue its innovation, it will impose threat on console industries because popularity of mobile game is increasing. Even right now, some users are spending more time playing game on their phone than console or PC.

In the long run, there is a chance for Apple to expand its market into the gaming industries territory.

Source yahoo new

AW

New Innovation: SmartWatch

 

The new crave of technology has just arrived.  A new product called SmartWatch is an Android compatible watch that connects with one’s phone. The watch can access most information from one’s phone. Companies like Sony and Samsung have now introduced new models and third generation SmartWatches. Other companies are falling behind this new craze and are still working on their first generation watches. The idea is that these watches can do all the basic tasks a Smartphone can, just easier and hands free. These new watches are touch screen and can take calls while showing caller id. These watches also take high quality photos and allow access to social media sites. Sony just lately introduced its SmartWatch 2. This watch is waterproof and sports a number of apps. Sony already offers 200 apps for their watches, and Sony has had over a million downloads already. 

There are a number of other brands of watches as well. Samsung has also just launched its Galaxy Gear. Samsung designed this watch to have a battery that lasts over a day on a single charge. It has a 1.63 inch screen that can check e-mails and texts. It weighs only 2.6 ounces. It also responds to hand gestures and movements. It has also started a huge craze in the fitness world. These watches can record a person’s workout sessions and offer many fitness trackers. They can also record all day records for people and play music. These watches use Bluetooth to access ones phone and are considered a secondary display of your phone. 

SmartWatches can be useful in a number of ways. One way is they help users never miss a call, especially in noisy areas where one may not hear their phone. Most SmartWatches also offer a variety of bands for the watch. This allows users to customize the color of the band. One setback of SmartWatches is that one’s phone must be close by to access all of one’s information. This is the biggest thing to remember when considering buying a SmartWatch. The watch is mainly for simpler access and being hands free. It is important to realize SmartWatches are just simply an extension of a Smartphone.

Post by: Jacob Ludwig

Intoduction

UNI Corporate is a blog constructed by Management Information Systems majors Jacob, Asayenow, and Thomas.  The purpose of this blog is to explore information technology.  Through this blog we hope to identify key and interesting findings that are happening in our world that are related to information systems.  Each of our members is interested in different areas of technology. 

 

Jacob is very interested in new and upcoming technologies and systems.  He eventually wants to become a business analyst and is also very interested in programming.  One new program he is currently researching is a software program called construct 2 by Scirra.  It is a software program that can be used to make basic computer games.  He would also like to stay updated on other new and upcoming software developments.

 

Asayenow is interested in the impact of new technologies on businesses and how organizations come up with these new technologies.  The life span of technology is getting shorter and shorter.  It is very important for both organizations and individuals to learn and adapt.  Starting next week, he will update this blog with upcoming technologies and how they impact everyday life.

 

Thomas is interested in new technologies currently being researched for the replacement of silicon, once the silicon fabrication process reaches its outer limits. He wants to be a Web Designer or a Business Application Programmer. Currently, Thomas is looking into learning C# and C++ to enrich his knowledge of more programming languages. He really wants to see how the computing world will change with IBM's development of the first optical PC.   It will revolutionize the already quickly growing world in terms of how we transfer data, and what can be done with the data.  Our further blogs will look continue further into these technologies.