Enhancing the Human Experience: 3 Innovative Demos from MWC Shanghai 2024
MWC Shanghai 2024 is set to be a memorable event with over 30 innovative product showcases, nine applications on display, and more than 50 experts present. The focus of the conference goes beyond showcasing technology, aiming to demonstrate how these advancements can have a positive impact on society. Three standout demos include improving public service accessibility with Bluetooth audio, promoting healthier lives with discreet smoke detectors, and transforming economies in developing countries. MWC Shanghai 2024 highlights the importance of enhancing the human experience through digital innovations.
Bluetooth LE Audio is being demonstrated on the STM32WBA55 at MWC Shanghai 2024, showcasing the capabilities of the new STM32WBA54 and STM32WBA55 through two audio streaming demonstrations. The first demo highlights the ability to set up a real-time call between two systems using unicast support with the STM32WBA55. This application shows developers how they can create a system where a smartphone can send signals to multiple headphones or speakers for content sharing, while also being able to receive audio streams from these devices, such as a microphone input. With support for the LC3 codec, developers can improve the quality of streamed data without needing more bandwidth.
Improving the accessibility of public service announcements
Another demonstration at MWC Shanghai 2024 showcases the broadcasting capabilities of Auracast. Essentially, Bluetooth Low Energy Audio now allows a source device to stream either one stereo or two mono audio feeds to multiple receiving devices simultaneously. In our demo, we will be sending a signal to two headsets, one speaker, and two cellular devices. A practical application of this technology could be broadcasting information in a train station to many passengers at the same time, in two different languages on each stream, providing users with more accessibility options. Importantly, both demonstrations are compatible with popular smartphones such as the Google Pixel 8. Furthermore, we offer application examples for both technologies in our STM32CubeWBA software package.
Air quality sensor featuring the VL53L8MA
Clarifying the process of monitoring air quality
ST is introducing a demonstration of air quality monitoring in Asia, using a VL53L8MA time-of-flight sensor in collaboration with Mobile Physics. This application is capable of detecting particles as small as 2.5 µm to analyze their concentration in the air and assess the overall air quality. Typically, particulate matter sensors are expensive and have a single function, making them uncommon in anything other than devices designed specifically for this purpose. However, as the VL53L8MA sensor is already used in smartphones, there is potential for the integration of particulate measurement applications in consumer devices with the presence of an ST sensor and Mobile Physics software.
Making the tracking of pollutants and smoke accessible to all
The VL53L8MA is special because it already includes the algorithm and libraries from Mobile Physics. Furthermore, developers can use our partner's SDK to create their own air quality measurement apps more quickly. In a demonstration at MWC Shanghai 2024, the VL53L8MA is placed at the bottom of a case containing smoke particles. These pollutants are so tiny and sparse that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. As a fan in the case starts to blow air, the particles rise, and a user interface displays an increase in pollutant levels. This innovation effectively puts a smoke detector in every phone, revolutionizing the way we monitor air pollution and guard against fires.
At the ST booth during MWC Shanghai 2024, a new feature phone model will be introduced that includes NFC technology with the ST54L controller and KaiOS operating system. This phone will have a secure element that can function as a virtual card and NFC reader. The device will have two antennas, one located behind the keypad for point-of-sale transactions and another at the top for virtual credit or transit card use. This technology will first be implemented in Nigeria, improving the transportation system by allowing for easier payment and receipt of payments.
Improving lives and stimulating economies
In order to provide access to these resources, ST partnered with KaiOS, a Chinese company that developed an open-source operating system for basic phones that can support popular apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and Google. This operating system also includes the necessary software for manufacturers to create feature-rich mobile solutions for their markets. By integrating the ST54L into basic phones and collaborating with KaiOS to incorporate the solution into their operating system, we can offer contactless transit and payment solutions while utilizing the eSIM capabilities of the ST device. This demonstration is significant for Chinese companies as it shows the potential to enter new markets in Africa and make a positive impact on people's lives.
Other articles featured include the introduction of new high voltage reed relays by Pickering Electronics at the India EV Show 2024, a demonstration of an EV BMS Test Rig by Pickering Interfaces at the same event, the Moldova Digital Summit 2024 aiming to position Moldova as a key hub for digital innovation in Eastern Europe, the 60th anniversary celebration of IOTA at HamRadio 2024, a focus on Smart+ AI at the 2024 COMPUTEX event, and Lynred's launch of ATI640, an easy-to-use VGA LWIR thermal imaging module targeted at new market entrants in the infrared industry.
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