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Microchip PIC16F132 & PIC18-Q35 Low-Power 8-Bit MCUs Boast CPLD-Like Configurable Logic Blocks (CLB) – CNX Software

PIC16F13276 and PIC18 Q35 families of Configurable Logic Block MCUs

Microchip Technology has introduced the PIC16F132 and PIC18-Q35 8-bit families of MCUs, as an upgrade over the PIC16F13145, which combine traditional embedded control with integrated Configurable Logic Blocks (CLB), to bring CPLD-like programmable logic directly onto the microcontroller die. The main difference between the two families is in logic density, where the PIC16F132x includes 32 Basic Logic Elements (BLEs), and the PIC18-Q35 offers 128 BLEs. Alongside the CLB, these MCUs also integrate security and voltage management features. Programming and Debugging Interface Disable (PDID) provides anti-tamper protection against unauthorized firmware access, and Multi-Voltage I/O (MVIO) allows direct communication across different voltage domains without external level shifters. The company also mentions that by executing logic functions on dedicated hardware rather than in software, the CLB architecture reduces CPU load and power consumption while ensuring deterministic behavior. This makes the devices well-suited for timing-critical applications such as motor control, industrial automation, consumer electronics, […]

The post Microchip PIC16F132 and PIC18-Q35 low-power 8-bit MCUs feature CPLD-like Configurable Logic Blocks (CLB) appeared first on CNX Software – Embedded Systems News.

Govee’s New Colorful Outdoor Lights are Their First with Solar Power

Govee announced its first solar-powered lights today. They include a 6W panel with an integrated 4,800mAh battery that can be recharged with a single full day of sunlight (though if the weather’s looking a little overcast, you can still charge it over USB-C). The Govee Outdoor Solar String Lights are available now through the company’s […]

Tim Cook’s Departure Marks the Beginning of a New Era at Apple

Apple is about to become a very different company. This September, Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down and will be replaced by John Ternus, the current head of hardware. But the shift is bigger than just a CEO transition – it’s the most significant move yet into a world where Apple’s executive team isn’t […]

Comparison of iPhone 18 Pro Max Camera Thickness and Size of iPhone Ultra Dummy Unit in Relation to iPad Mini

Apple’s anticipated iPhone 18 Pro Max is creating considerable excitement, especially regarding enhancements in design and camera technology. YouTuber Vadir Yuryev from the Max Tech channel indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely to be thicker than its forerunner, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, mainly due to a greater depth surrounding the camera area.

### Increased Thickness and Camera Protrusion

Yuryev has provided insights derived from dummy models of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, indicating that the camera area and lenses will extend further compared to those on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The measurements show a distinct difference:

– **iPhone 17 Pro Max thickness from cameras:** 12.92mm
– **iPhone 18 Pro Max thickness from cameras:** 13.77mm
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max thickness from plateau:** 11.23mm
– **iPhone 18 Pro Max thickness from plateau:** 11.54mm

Apple officially lists the thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max at 8.75mm, calculated without the camera system. This increase in thickness is expected to accommodate the enhanced camera system anticipated in the iPhone 18 Pro series, set to launch this upcoming fall.

Even though the added thickness may not be immediately apparent, it represents a compromise between elegance and improved functionality, particularly in camera performance.

### Upgraded Camera System

The iPhone 18 Pro is believed to have a significantly enhanced camera system, likely driving the increase in dimensions. Advanced camera technology is a signature aspect of Apple’s Pro lineup, and this version is predicted to further expand those limits.

### iPhone Ultra: A Comparison with iPad Mini

Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro Max, Yuryev has also drawn comparisons with the rumored iPhone Ultra, speculated to be Apple’s inaugural foldable display model, alongside existing Apple devices like the iPad Mini. This new variant is expected to unveil innovative features, such as the capability to operate two iPhone applications simultaneously.

Though there have been speculations about the launch timeline for the iPhone Ultra, it is presently expected to be revealed along with the iPhone 18 Pro this fall, with no substantial delays reported.

### Conclusion

As the introduction of the iPhone 18 Pro Max nears, the excitement surrounding its design updates and advanced camera system continues to escalate. With the potential launch of the iPhone Ultra, Apple appears ready to transform its smartphone lineup, concentrating on enhanced capabilities and pioneering designs. Stay tuned for hands-on videos and additional information as the release date approaches.

Enhance File Explorer Efficiency by Modifying This Windows Configuration

Windows 11 is known for its sluggish File Explorer, with users encountering issues such as unresponsive commands, random crashes, and erratic functionality. This is partly why Windows 10, despite being out of support, retains over 30% share of the desktop Windows market by version. However, there’s an easy solution to enhance the speed of your Windows File Explorer, with minimal drawbacks.

Since the era of Windows XP, Microsoft has integrated a feature that automatically scans folders, assesses files, and determines a viewing format. This feature is known as “Automatic Folder Type Discovery.” For folders filled with audio files, it selects that template, and for image files, it changes to the Picture view type. While this assists in organizing the folder more effectively, it should definitely be listed among the reasons why Windows 11 may slow down your computer. Additionally, this scanning process isn’t just a one-time event. Windows may check the folder each time it’s opened, and a extensive number of files can lead to noticeable lag. To prevent this, you can turn off Folder Type Discovery.

Turning off Folder Type Discovery for faster File Explorer

YouTube TV Unveils Personalized Multiview Functionality

YouTube TV is launching a customizable multiview feature for a select group of users, enabling them to pick which channels to view simultaneously. This updated interface highlights suggested channels and categories including sports, news, and entertainment. The feature is currently being released gradually, with accessibility varying as Google activates it on the server side.

Earlier this year, YouTube TV revealed intentions to enhance multiview flexibility, alongside the introduction of new pricing bundles for particular content. While these bundles, such as the $64.99/month Sports package and the $54.99/month Entertainment package, have been recently available, customizable multiview streams are now beginning to surface.

According to a Reddit user, the multiview feature in the YouTube TV application on smart TVs now presents a new selection interface. When users select the multiview option, they are greeted with a list of recommended channels alongside their current selections at the top. Categories like Recommended, Sports, News, TV shows, and Movies facilitate browsing.

Nevertheless, the feature appears to be part of a limited rollout. Some Reddit users indicate they are able to access the feature on their TVs, while others are not, pointing to a server-side rollout.

To verify if you have the feature, open a live stream and press the down button on your remote to access the multiview menu. You should see an “Add to multiview” option along with sections for suggested channels and various categories.

This enhancement is especially useful for users who like to watch multiple games or events at once, such as during football games when several matches take place simultaneously.

OnePlus Launches Latest Smartwatch During Worldwide Business Instability

The OnePlus Watch 4: A Fresh Challenger in Wear OS Battery Performance

The OnePlus Watch 4 might become the new leader in Wear OS battery performance.

(Image credit: OnePlus)

Key Details

  • OnePlus has discreetly featured the Watch 4 on its international site.
  • Performance specs remain largely unchanged, with the same Snapdragon W5, BES 2800 chip, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage.
  • Its full titanium construction makes it lighter and slightly slimmer, featuring a sharper 1.5-inch OLED that can reach 3,000 nits.
  • While all specifications are disclosed, pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed.

The tech industry is currently in a peculiar state. OnePlus is reducing its workforce and reevaluating its worldwide operations. Nevertheless, rather than remaining silent, the company quietly announced its upcoming smartwatch as though all is normal.

Introducing the OnePlus Watch 4. It’s officially listed on the brand’s global website. All specifications are known, yet the cost and launch date remain unannounced.

However, there are no significant hardware advancements. The Watch 4 incorporates the same Snapdragon W5 chip and BES 2800 secondary processor as the Watch 2 and 3. It retains 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

The battery capacity is nearly identical at 632mAh, promising up to 16 days in power-saving mode, 5 days in smart mode, and 3 days under heavy usage.

Titanium for All

Now, the entire casing is crafted from titanium alloy rather than just the bezel. This modification reduces the weight to 43g, or 68g with the strap, and makes the 47.4mm body slightly more streamlined. The watch also showcases a vivid 1.5-inch LTPO OLED display (466 x 466) capable of achieving 3,000 nits of brightness in sports mode.

The primary enhancement lies in the software aspect. The Watch 4 debuts with OxygenOS Watch 8, based on Wear OS 6. This is one version ahead of the Watch 3. Gemini is included, and the watch comes with all the most recent health certifications, although a few

Microsoft launches ‘vibe working’ in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Microsoft is rolling out a new Agent Mode inside Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint this week. Previously described by Microsoft as “vibe working,” the Agent Mode is a more powerful version of the Copilot experience in Office that Microsoft has been trying to sell to businesses. “When we first shipped Copilot, foundation models […]