Insider # 13.10: new Xiaomi smartphone with 5 cameras; Apple to develop autopilot for Volkswagen; Google is thinking about buying a Fitbit; Samsung patents (Topic)

The first block of the next release of inside information is devoted to data about the product of Xiaomi. We will also talk about attracting Apple engineers to create an autopilot for Volkswagen and new Samsung patents. At the end of the review, we will discuss the prospects for Google's acquisition of Fitbit, which has become famous for the development of wearable gadgets.

Xiaomi is developing another smartphone with five cameras

A teaser has appeared on the network, revealing the main features of the yet unannounced Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro device, which has received impressive equipment. Its main advantage will be the presence of a five-sensor main camera with 5x zoom. The leading lens here has a resolution of 108 megapixels.

Information about Mi Mix Alpha has already been published on our pages. It is a device with a 108-megapixel camera with a screen around the entire body. However, it is Xiaomi Mi CC9 Pro that will be truly available.

Someone might think that this number of pixels is overkill. This is not entirely correct opinion. The developers plan to use them to implement the "pixel binning" technique. It produces crisp, vibrant 27 megapixel images.

At this time, devices from other manufacturers with five cameras or fivex zoom are already on sale. The highlight of the Xiaomi product is that it combines these two possibilities. Although the Chinese company is not the main innovator in terms of creating functional cameras, a number of its gadgets have received such with impressive performance before.

At the same time, it should be said that the prices for Xiaomi products are always lower than those of their main competitors. This suggests that the novelty will be in demand among users.

While all the nuances of the technical equipment of the Mi CC9 Pro are unknown. It is reported to be unveiled on November 5.

Apple to help Volkswagen build autopilot

Until now, the automaker Volkswagen has refrained from developing self-driving cars. Her latest efforts have been to create electric cars.

Recently it became known that Volkswagen has created a division that will conduct research in the field of autonomous driving systems. This subsidiary called Volkswagen Autonomy (VWAT) will be run by a former Apple engineer. Prior to that, he was involved in the development of electric vehicles.

It is known that the company has already received several offices in different cities of Germany. It is also planned to expand its activities to China and the USA.

During their contacts with journalists, VWAT management claims that there will be nothing new in its activities. Allegedly, its main task is to test software previously created jointly with specialists from Ford and Argo AI. The result of this work should be a system that allows the vehicle to move without human intervention.

Currently, the leader in the production of such systems is Waymo, owned by Google. One of the most significant achievements of Volkswagen in recent years is the development of a self-parking program. The firm is currently testing sedans that move autonomously.

Samsung plans fancy smartphones

Recently it became known that Samsung specialists have patented several devices of a strange design. Experts believe that this is due to the development of an innovative form factor for a foldable gadget.

One of the patents contains diagrams of a device very similar to the HUAWEI Mate X.

It's easy to understand that thanks to the new design hinges, the product can bend in both directions.

Another document describes a device that is a modular type device. One of its sides is equipped with several protrusions that act as tabs. Pulling on one of them removes the corresponding display module.

Thus, the company wants to develop a smartphone with tabbed screens. To fix them, a special mechanism was invented. This device provides for the connection of additional battery and memory modules.

Google is thinking about reviving the Pixel Watch

Google intends to soon acquire Fitbit Inc, which has made a name for itself in the development of wearable devices. Thus, the American search giant intends to gain market share in the segment of fitness bracelets and smartwatches. The acquisition will help give a new dimension to the Pixel Watch project.

This is not Google's first attempt to expand its influence in the wearable device market. Prior to that, it offered its own operating system specifically designed for this type of device. However, all the major players in this segment, including Apple, Samsung and HUAWEI, prefer their own software.

However, rumors about the appearance of Pixel watches on the market have been circulating for a long time. The start of their sales was supposed back in 2016, but unexpectedly the manufacturer revised its plans. Their ambition has grown.

First, Google in 2017 lured to itself a number of engineers and specialists from HTC, who took an active part in the development of smartphones of the Pixel line. The smartwatch technology was then acquired from Fossil for $ 40 million. It is stated to be innovative and has not been previously introduced on the market.

Experts believe that the acquisition of Fitbit Inc and the purchase of technology will allow Americans to master the production of wearable gadgets in the near future.

The Topic of Article: Insider # 13.10: new Xiaomi smartphone with 5 cameras; Apple to develop autopilot for Volkswagen; Google is thinking about buying a Fitbit; Samsung patents.
Author: Jake Pinkman