Blog Posts

Blog Posts

BBLeap raises €5M to bring plant-level precision spraying to arable farms globally

The Rijen-based startup, which retrofits existing sprayers with nozzle-by-nozzle PWM control, will use the capital to commercialise its LeapEye camera system and scale LeapBox internationally from Europe to Canada. The idea behind BBLeap is disarmingly simple: most agricultural sprayers treat an entire field as a single unit, applying the same dose of pesticide, herbicide, or […]

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A Preliminary Insight into How Solid-State Cooling Technology Will Transform Wearables and XR Glasses

I recently had the chance to demonstrate xMEMS’ groundbreaking all-silicon active cooling solution, which shows considerable potential for boosting the performance of XR glasses. Effective thermal management is a vital hurdle for wearables, particularly with the rising demand for additional features and on-device AI capabilities. Conventional cooling techniques are impractical for the compact structures of smart glasses and similar devices.

xMEMS, recognized for its trailblazing solid-state audio drivers, has now stepped into the realm of thermal management solutions with the XMC-2400. This active cooling solution is tailored specifically for wearables, providing notable benefits over traditional systems. The XMC-2400 is exceptionally thin, measuring only 1mm, and operates with high efficiency, consuming merely 30mW of power. It is also rated IP58 for dust and water resistance, making it a perfect fit for integration into wearable tech.

During the demonstration, xMEMS illustrated the XMC-2400’s capability to lower the temperature of a set of 3D-printed smart glasses by more than 20 degrees Celsius in just one minute. This was accomplished by attaching the cooling solution to one side of the glasses, showcasing its potential to greatly enhance thermal management without sacrificing battery size or other internal elements.

The implications for XR glasses are significant. As these devices progress to incorporate more features such as custom waveguides, built-in navigation, and AR functionalities, effective cooling solutions like the XMC-2400 will be essential. xMEMS’ VP & GM of Thermal Management, Mike Housholder, noted that the firm has secured design victories, and a consumer product utilizing the XMC-2400 is anticipated to launch by the end of 2026.

This advancement is thrilling for the future of XR glasses, and I eagerly await witnessing how active cooling technology will amplify this swiftly evolving category.

Apollo.io Acquires Pocus to Develop AI-Native Operating System for Sales Teams

The San Francisco B2B sales platform, which recently approached $200M in ARR and appointed a new CEO, absorbs the revenue intelligence startup’s signal-layer technology to deepen its enterprise push. Apollo.io has acquired Pocus, a revenue intelligence startup that helps sales teams identify and prioritise the accounts most likely to buy based on behavioural and CRM […]

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Certified Android Devices to Restrict Sideloading APK App Files, Making It Less Straightforward

BraveNewPipe Keep Android Open

Google won’t allow people to (easily) sideload apps through APK files on certified Android devices starting in September 2026. It will still be possible, but either require “developer verification” and an “advanced flow” for power users. I was recently made aware of the issue after a BravePipe (previously BraveNewPipe) update, where I was greeted by a pop-up entitled “Keep Android Open” and linking to a website for more details. The “Keep Android Open” website explains that the following will be required to install and update an app (APK) on a certified device: Paying a fee to Google Agreeing to Google’s Terms and Conditions Providing government identification Uploading evidence of the developer’s private signing key Listing all current and future application identifiers This afternoon, I saw an X post about the topic providing more details, and appearing to follow a new post on the Android Developers Blog entitled “Android developer verification: […]

The post Certified Android devices won’t let user sideload APK app files anymore, or at least it won’t be straightforward appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Google Messages Finally Unveils Long-Expected Functionality

Google Messages has at last rolled out live location sharing, a capability that numerous users have eagerly awaited. This enhancement enables users to transmit their real-time location straight within a chat, removing the hassle of toggling to Google Maps or copying links. The map refreshes continuously, giving friends a real-time perspective of your movements. Users can select from four different sharing durations: one hour, today only, indefinite, or a personalized cutoff. This feature is part of Google’s initiative to improve the Messages app, transforming it into more than just a messaging tool.

The addition of real-time location sharing aligns Google Messages with other leading messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, which have provided similar capabilities for quite some time. The feature can be accessed via the “+” menu in a conversation, permitting users to choose real-time location sharing and determine the duration. The recipient will view an updating map as the sender progresses.

This capability is incorporated into Rich Communication Services (RCS), which Google intends to present as a contemporary substitute for SMS. RCS already provides functionalities such as read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing. Nevertheless, real-time location sharing is exclusively available in RCS chats, not within standard SMS exchanges.

Privacy controls are a crucial component of this feature, allowing users complete authority over who can access their location, how long it is shared, and when to cease sharing. While beneficial for meetups or commutes, users must stay vigilant regarding privacy settings to avoid unintentional tracking.

In summary, the inclusion of real-time location sharing enriches Google Messages, making it more effective for coordinating with friends, organizing rides, or ensuring safety while traveling.