O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: August

  • Apple patent shows potential use of shifting mirrors to help camera/optical stability

    losmirrors

    When in doubt, use mirrors.

    A recently published patent application posted on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office web site shows that Apple has revealed a new concept that would offer improved optical image stabilization using mirrors.

    The patent, entitled “Mirror Tilt Actuation,” describes an image sensor for small, multifunction devices like an iPhone that would compensate for the user’s hand movement to improve picture quality.

    Apple introduced optical image stabilization in its products last year with the debut of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The smaller iPhone 6 accomplishes this through software, while the larger iPhone 6 Plus also uses hardware OIS for superior image taking capabilities.

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  • August Connect hub now available for pre-order

    augustconnect

    This could be useful for home automation.

    The August Connect hub, which controls the August Smart Lock via Bluetooth, allows you to remotely unlock or lock your door for guests, immediately know if someone has entered or left your home and automatically locks your door, removing this uncertainty.

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  • Google Nest picks up additional collaboration partners in ‘Works with Nest’ program

    nest

    Google’s Nest project is starting to get some promising collaboration partners.

    Per CNET, Nest has been tacking on product partners since its initial developer program announcement last June. With several big-name integrations already secured — Dropcam, Mercedes-Benz, Whirlpool — this open-software-collaboration, dubbed “Works with Nest,” appears to have caught on.

    August, LG, Philips Hue and UniKey have all just been inducted into Works with Nest and the related integrations are available right now.

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  • Former Apple Global Supply Manager Paul Devine receives one year in prison, $4.5 million fine in insider information case

    pauldevine

    The lesson learned is not to mess with Apple’s legal department and don’t sell inside information about upcoming Apple products.

    Per MacRumors and the Associated Press, former Apple Global Supply Manager Paul Devine will face a year in prison and a hefty US$4.5 million fine for leaking secrets of the company to various accessory manufacturers in exchange for kickbacks.

    The sentencing comes over three years after Devine pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy in relation to the leaking of Apple secrets. At the time, Devine faced a possible twenty-year sentencing over the fraud and money laundering counts.

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