Security is the most vital part of property management. A property security management system has to overcome challenges such as stringent security regulations and the integration of system data of various places and formats. In view of rapidly growing AI adoption in recent years, many property security management system developers are attempting to incorporate AI to address challenges. However, the high costs of GPU-based AI systems make them hesitant. AIRA offers a series of solutions that help overcome these challenges and build all-round smart security implementations. AIRA is a Taiwan-based startup endeavoring on AI-enabled image analysis. Using in-house developed AI models and training processes, AIRA provides innovative solutions for residential buildings, factories, office complexes and industrial parks. Using onsite surveillance systems, AIRA's solutions can perform high-accuracy face recognition. It also issues alerts when intrusions occur in designated areas to effectively enhance jobsite security and management efficiency.AIRA's solutions support flexible hardware configurations. It can effectively recognize images and process data when just running on Intel CPUs. With AIRA's solutions, there is no need for expensive special-purpose hardware or GPU accelerators to deploy AI systems. AIRA has presented multiple AI solutions tailored for a variety of industries and use scenarios. For example, its face recognition system is used for access control and attendance tracking. Its smart fence system implements virtual fencing and detects intrusion in a designated area with high accuracy and low false alarm rates. Its face tracking system extracts face feature values for comparison. It can track faces across cameras and video archives and automatically generate case reports for subsequent investigation. Aside from buildings and factories, AIRA's AI solutions can create diverse values for different sectors. For example, retailers can use advanced image analysis to gather accurate in-store traffic data and track customer behavior so that they can optimize their marketing plans. Banking institutions can use advanced image analysis to verify visitor identity and detect abnormal behavior, thereby preventing financial fraud and identity theft. To improve the care quality and efficiency at nursing homes, AIRA's AI monitoring system can be used for access control to stop unaccompanied seniors from entering potentially dangerous areas such as stairwells and garden ponds or leaving the facility by themselves. Flexible configuration, friendly cost and robust performance are what make AIRA's AI solutions the center of market attention. AIRA will continue to leverage cloud platforms and tools to accelerate AI feature development so as to deliver refined high-performance smart security solutions.airaTrack allows users to select a target for tracking and plays back the video footages with the selected targetPhoto: AIRAairaTrack searches video archives for the target and plays back the video footages where the target is identifiedPhoto: AIRA

In the face of rapid industry changes, labor shortages, and high worker turnover, manufacturers have difficulty upholding production efficiency and product quality. Worse yet, they have to address overwhelming challenges as traditional SOPs can no longer ensure consistent quality across process steps and they have no real-time access to critical production data. PowerArena provides an AI solution that will help manufacturers overcome these challenges and boost their competitiveness.Comparison between traditional management and the three PowerArena HOP applicationsPhoto: PowerArenaRaising productivity and quality is the top priority when manufacturers endeavor to increase revenue and competitiveness. Specializing in deep learning, PowerArena has developed core algorithms, coupled with big data analytics and prediction, to digitize and visualize human factors that may have been difficult to detect in the past. PowerArena's Human Operation Platform (HOP) is an AI vision system built for the manufacturing sector to effectively raise production efficiency and facilitate quality control. The platform uses commercially available cameras and various sensors to collect production line data, analyzes the data using deep learning algorithms, and provides the results to operators and managers in real time.PowerArena's HOP can continuously monitor critical production steps and operations to prevent human errors and defective products. It sends out alerts immediately when abnormalities occur to help managers get to the root of the bottleneck and optimize the manufacturing process, thereby raising overall efficiency. Furthermore, the built-in data analytics tool provides data-driven insights that enable precise decision-making. Featuring a friendly and intuitive user interface and clear visual presentation, HOP is easy to use and navigate. With HOP, manufacturers can boost production efficiency as well as product quality and maintain their competitive edge in the ever-changing marketplace.PowerArena solution on an assembly linePhoto: PowerArenaTo offer a premium user experience, PowerArena uses cloud technologies to strengthen the backend development of its AI solution. Not only does this approach enable higher service flexibility, usability, and scalability as well as more effective storage and processing of massive manufacturing data, but it also significantly simplifies the process of building and deploying machine learning models, giving rise to PowerArena's solid strength in the smart manufacturing sector.PowerArena has branch offices in Asia, the US, and Mexico and serves customers in Taiwan, China, Southeast Asia, and other regions around the globe. It will stay committed to using its AI technology and expertise to help customers accelerate digital transformation and capture smart manufacturing opportunities.

How to leverage digital tools to monetize knowledge and content, thereby increasing revenue and creating diverse business models, has become a key focus for companies in today's knowledge economy. Havbeat Technology, operating on the core principle of helping customers turn their brand content and knowledge into income, offers the Havppen all-in-one content-to-cash platform integrating online and offline services to help businesses successfully and smoothly navigate digital transformation.Havbeat Technology CEO Allison Chiu (left) and COO Enning Yu (right) photographed in front of a Havppen exhibition boardPhoto: Havbeat TechnologyHavbeat Technology specializes in helping enterprises drive digital transformation. Its all-in-one content management system integrates powerful member analytics technologies to help companies overcome all kinds of challenges they face in the digital era. Built with an aim to monetize knowledge and content, the system offers 100+ modules including article subscription, course sales, consultation prebooking, live webcast, physical event, e-commerce, and management panel to meet every digital transformation need.The article module supports search engine optimization (SEO), article review, and subscription plans. The course module provides a diversity of online course sales models including group purchase, live streaming, and crowdfunding. The pre-booking module enables easy management of online and offline consultation appointments. The event module takes the hassle out of holding virtual seminars and physical workshops by allowing the sign-in system to report student status to the backend system for analysis. The e-commerce module supports product sales. The management panel module is the platform's core control interface that provides data analytics and system configuration capabilities. Any combination of the modules can be selected to enable online teaching and offline learning, allowing companies to enjoy higher efficiency in their content management, user interaction, and business operation. Havbeat Technology COO Enning Yu introducing Havppen, a system that enables users to build their own website for online course sales Photo: Havbeat TechnologyAccording to Havbeat Technology CEO Allison Chiu, building your own unique website, turning your website traffic into profit, and Online Merge Offline (OMO) has become a definite trend. Combining content management and member management in one system, Havppen supports a vast range of applications. The subscription-based approach lowers the entry barrier for many instructors, professionals, and business brands. On top of that, using in-depth data analytics on the target audience, Havppen can engage in precision marketing targeting specific audience groups, track user purchase history, and enhance user experience. It is being used by non-profit organizations, learning centers, and e-commerce brands, as well as language, design, investment, and business schools to help them create diverse revenue sources. Today companies look to increase revenue and expand business models by selling knowledge and content. Havbeat Technology's OMO content management system boasting wide-ranging capabilities and optimal flexibility provides a high-performance digital tool helping companies accelerate their digital transformation to grab preemptive opportunities and build their competitive edge in today's knowledge economy.Havppen website: https://www.havppen.com/

Mean Well has just launched a new, innovative VFD product series that is now available on TME offer. They're intended for the control and power supply of industrial brushless direct-current (BLDC) motors. BLDC motors offer many advantages over traditional brushed motors, such as smaller size and weight, better efficiency, longer lifespan, and easy control.Mean Well is one of the leading manufacturers of power supply solutions in the world.90...264 V AC variants20...55 V DC variantsThe VFD series includes eight devices with power ranging from 150 to 750 W, operating at AC or DC input voltage (depending on the model). The products can be used for controlling the rotational speed of a motor as well as braking. The parameters are adjusted using a separate control card. Thanks to their fanless design, the products ensure noise-free operation. The AC variants are equipped with an integrated power factor correction circuit. The products can be open frame (in the form of a PCB) or enclosed in a perforated metal housing.The VFD products can be used in applications utilizing BLDC motors in fans, pumps, automatic doors, smoke extractors, and medical devices or even in fitness equipment and electric tools. Owing to their relatively high power, they can also be successfully applied in automated guided vehicles (AGVs).Text prepared by Transfer Multisort Elektronik Sp z o.o.

SK Hynix Inc. announced today that it has developed the Zoned UFS, or ZUFS* 4.0, a mobile NAND solution product for on-device** AI applications.SK Hynix (or "the company", www.skhynix.com) said that the ZUFS 4.0, optimized for on-device AI from mobile devices such as smartphones, is the industry's best of its kind. The company expects the latest product to help expand its AI memory leadership to the NAND space, extending its success in the high-performance DRAM represented by HBM.The ZUFS is a differentiated technology that classifies and stores data generated from smartphones in different zones in accordance with characteristics. Unlike a conventional UFS, the latest product groups and stores data with similar purposes and frequencies in separate zones, boosting the speed of a smartphone's operating system and the management efficiency of the storage devices.The ZUFS also shortens the time required to run an application from a smartphone in long hours of use by 45%, compared with a conventional UFS. With the issue of degradation of read and write performance improved by more than four times, the lifetime of the product also increased by 40%.The development of the technology dates back to 2019, before the arrival of the AI boom, when SK Hynix started a collaboration with a global platform service company on expectations of increased demand for high-performance NAND solutions.Following the provision of the prototypes of ZUFS, SK Hynix and the customer jointly developed the 4.0 product that qualifies the specifications by the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council, or JEDEC. SK Hynix will commence mass production of the ZUFS 4.0 in the third quarter to provide various on-device AI smartphones by global companies.Ahn Hyun, Head of the N-S Committee at SK Hynix, said customers require better memory options as big tech companies focus on developing on-device products adopting their own generative AI applications. "SK Hynix will continue to work toward strengthening its leadership as the global top AI memory provider by supplying high-performance NAND solutions that meet such higher requirements at the right time while building stronger partnerships with leading ICT companies."*Zoned Universal Flash Storage(ZUFS): a NAND Flash product that improves the efficiency of data management. The product optimizes data transfer between an operating system and storage devices by storing data with similar characteristics in the same zone of the UFS, a flash memory product for various electronic devices such as digital cameras and mobile phone*On-Device AI: a technology that implements AI functions on the device itself, instead of going through computation by a physically separated server. A smartphone's direct collection and computation of information allows fast reactions of the AI performance while promising an improved customized AI service.

When it comes to advancing energy conservation and carbon reduction, countries around the world are implementing carbon taxes to accelerate their net zero transition and fulfill their climate pledges. As a global technology leader in electrification and automation, ABB is committed to collaborating with its customers and key stakeholders across different countries to enable a sustainable and resource-efficient future. A key aspect of this initiative involves unlocking the untapped potential of industrial energy efficiency.The ABB IE5 SynRM ultra-premium efficiency motor represents a significant step forwardNarayanan, Group Senior Vice President & Head of ABB's Motion Business in Asia noted that achieving the 2030 carbon emissions targets set by the International Energy Agency (IEA) requires more than increasing the use of renewable energy. There is also a critical need to intensify energy efficiency progress and electrify essential infrastructure which includes transportation, energy, water and other components of a healthy economy.According to R. Narayanan, industrial electric motors and the systems they drive account for approximately 45% of the electricity consumed worldwide. By 2040, the number of electric motors in the world is expected to double. With more than 300 million industrial electric motor-driven systems currently in operation, the potential for energy savings and reduction in CO2 is significant. For example, if all 300 million of these motors were upgraded to higher efficiency ones, global electricity consumption could be reduced by around 10%. The energy savings, coupled with cost and environmental advantages underscore the urgency of regulating minimum efficiency standards for industrial motors.Currently, the EU Ecodesign regulation mandates a minimum standard of IE4 for motors with a rated output between 75 kW and 200 kW. However, in Taiwan the minimum requirement has remained at IE3, while in the Southeast Asian market, the requirement is only IE2 or even IE1.Data compiled by ABB reveals that the IE5 synchronous reluctance motor-drive package (SynRM) can achieve 50 percent lower losses compared to the IE2-class induction motors that many facilities in the region still use. As most electric motors have long service lives of 20 years or more, the potential savings from electricity cost can be substantial providing companies with the right motivation to consider motor replacements.Vincent Wu, Head of Motion Business at ABB Taiwan, expressed that with the recent increase of electricity tariffs in April and the planned implementation of carbon taxes starting next year, companies looking to reduce their operating costs should consider replacing old equipment and upgrading to high-efficiency motor solutions. Energy efficiency is vital in minimizing an electric motor's total cost of ownership (TCO). This is because around 97 percent of the TCO is typically attributed to energy expenses during the motor's lifetime, while the initial purchase price only accounts for about two percent.Narayanan described the example of a sewage processing plant rated by the federal government in Germany, in which six old motors were replaced with four SynRM motors and drives. Additionally, three more SynRM motor and drive packages were used for the flocculation filtration system. Collectively, these upgrades have reduced the plant's power consumption by 40 percent. Similarly, Campbell's Australia's Shepparton plant also switched to an ABB solution, saving USD $9800 a year in energy costs and reducing carbon emissions by 131 metric tons. These successes underpin a crucial lesson as to why companies should not shy away from motor replacement based solely on the initial financial outlay. The long-term gains in energy savings, reduced emissions, and operational efficiency far outweigh the upfront investment.Narayanan also added that, in some countries, it will be difficult to convince local customers to fully overhaul their motors as the electricity cost remains low. Thus, changes to electricity tariffs will also be a key factor in determining whether old motors will be replaced.Turbines electrification is the new trendElectrification is another vital strategy for accelerating decarbonization. ABB is helping countries in the Asian market to reduce carbon emissions by replacing processes or technologies that rely on high-carbon fuel like gas and steam generated from coal or oil. Gas turbines and steam turbines are commonly used both in Taiwan and other countries in industries to operate compressors or pumps. Replacing these gas or steam turbines with designs incorporating electrical motors and drive not only increases system efficiency but also allows integration with renewable energy sources, driving down carbon emissions further.In recent years, ABB has broadened its initiatives in Japan and Asia to maximize the potential of hydrogen, which can be used in power generation and transportation, as well as carbon capture. However, ABB Motion's strategy remains on empowering industries with higher productivity, greater energy efficiency, improved reliability and lower carbon footprint.Integrating circularity concepts into product designs for greater environmental friendliness and information transparencyAs part of a global initiative, ABB founded the Energy Efficiency Movement in 2021 aimed at raising awareness and catalyzing actions to achieve energy efficiency progress at a scale and speed needed to limit global warming. To-date, the Movement has garnered participation from nearly 500 enterprises in more than 43 countries across 23 industries. Companies in Taiwan are also welcome to join in this endeavor.These efforts clearly show that, with the global trend of carbon emissions reduction, ABB's solutions are capable of fulfilling the most stringent energy efficiency standards. With the increase in electricity prices and the impending implementation of carbon taxes starting next year, ABB aims to help alleviate companies' anxieties regarding carbon emissions and collaboratively work toward the global goal of net zero carbon emissions.

STAr Technologies, Inc. (STAr) and EDA Industries (EDA) are pleased to announce a mutually strategic business expansion partnership. Combining product scopes and sales networks, this agreement will lead STAr and EDA's growth in the global semiconductor testing market at the highest level.With technologies and applications continuously driving the increase in the demands of ICs, semiconductor players face growing challenges, especially in production management, and must guarantee overall device cost reduction as well as adequate quality and yield.In this scenario, STAr and EDA have decided to strengthen their business cooperation relationship to meet the ever-increasing requirements of the semiconductor industry. STAr will be a sales representative of EDA products and services in the global market, in particular U.S.A, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Meanwhile, EDA will support STAr in EU markets (in particular Italy) and Morocco. The complete sales and service network will significantly benefit industry customers.EDA, established in 1993 in Italy, is a dynamic and experienced international company, providing Turn-Key Solutions and Services for Reliability, Burn-in and Testing of Semiconductor Devices, both at the Wafer and Package Levels. Recently EDA is investing in Testing solutions also for Power Modules.​STAr Technologies, founded in 2000 in Hsinchu Taiwan, is a supplier of semiconductor test total solutions and provides test systems, software, consumables, and services to semiconductor and optical industry companies. Its expertise extends across parametric E-test, WLR & PLR.Dr. Fortunato Palella, Founder of EDA Industries, commented: "We are glad to announce this important partnership with STAr Technologies. Thanks to this agreement and the integration of sales and marketing strategy, our business will be on a new scale, allowing us to increase our coverage of the global semiconductor market, as well as to highlight our deep industry knowledge and expertise".Dr. Choon-Leong Lou, CEO & CTO of STAr Technologies, said: "Testing is a critical process to semiconductor manufacturing and value demonstrated for ICs. We look forward to the year ahead with EDA as partnership promises sales and service cooperation and provide customers the complementary test solutions in the future".STAr and EDA announce strategic business expansion partnership

In the complex space of global trade, export compliance requirements play a pivotal role for businesses in the electronic industry. Export compliance encapsulates a comprehensive set of regulations and laws, dictating the movement of goods and electronic components across international borders. From export controls and licensing requirements to trade embargoes and sanctions, compliance with these mandates is imperative for maintaining the integrity and security of global trade.At Fusion Worldwide, we understand the importance of seamless international trade. As a global leader in electronic component distribution, we navigate a complex web of cross-border shipments. Ensuring compliance with export control regulations is paramount to our success and the trust we build with our partners.Fundamentally, export compliance entails following rules that oversee the exportation of goods and technologies. In an industry where innovation and fast turnaround are crucial, compliance encompasses a wide range of factors. This includes ensuring the proper classification of products, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and adhering to stringent documentation requirements. By navigating these regulations with precision and diligence, businesses can safeguard against potential risks and legal liabilities while fostering a climate of transparency and accountability.Why Export Compliance MattersExport compliance is vital due to its role in safeguarding national security, ensuring regulatory adherence, and protecting against illicit activities. By adhering to export control regulations, companies prevent sensitive goods and technologies from falling into the wrong hands and mitigate the risk of weapons proliferation.Export compliance is governed by a network of regulatory agencies worldwide, each essential for ensuring the integrity of international trade. In the United States, for instance, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) while the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) oversees the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).Other regions such as Singapore, the European Union, and Hong Kong have their own regulatory frameworks administered by agencies like Singapore Customs, EU authorities, and Hong Kong's Trade and Industry Department (TID), each aimed at preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, promoting regional stability, and ensuring compliance with international non-proliferation norms.These controlling agencies collaborate globally, exchanging information and coordinating enforcement efforts to combat illicit trade and proliferation activities, thus upholding the integrity of international trade, and fostering responsible business practices.Non-compliance with export controls can have severe consequences. Breaching them can lead to hefty fines, restricted trade, and even jail time. Fusion Worldwide prioritizes export compliance to ensure responsible trade practices and mitigate legal risks. This means classifying items, screening customers, obtaining licenses when required, and maintaining detailed records. By upholding export controls, we foster trust with partners and ensure a smooth flow of electronics across borders.Building a Culture of ComplianceDeveloping a strong export compliance program is not a one-time effort. Fusion fosters a culture of compliance through several initiatives:Management Commitment: Senior leadership demonstrates a commitment to compliance by establishing clear policies, allocating resources, and promoting awareness throughout the organization. Training: Employees involved in export activities receive targeted training on export control regulations and Fusion's internal procedures. This includes general training for all employees and specialized training for functions like sales, purchasing, and compliance personnel. Internal Controls: Fusion has developed internal controls to ensure adherence to export regulations. These controls encompass procedures for classification, screening, license applications, and recordkeeping. Examples include holding orders for compliance review if they involve high-risk customers or unclassified items. Communication and Collaboration: Fusion fosters communication between sales and compliance teams. This synergy ensures that both departments are aligned in their efforts to adhere to regulatory requirements and maintain ethical business practices. Audits and Reviews: Regular audits and reviews of the compliance program help identify and address weaknesses. This ensures continuous improvement and adaptation to the evolving regulatory landscape.Staying Ahead of the CurveThe world of export compliance is constantly evolving. Technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and updates to regulations all necessitate continuous monitoring and adaptation. Fusion Worldwide's export compliance team stays informed about changes in regulations and maintains a flexible program to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. Export compliance may seem like a hurdle, but it's an essential aspect of operating in the global electronics industry. By building a robust compliance program, Fusion Worldwide ensures its continued success in the international marketplace. This not only mitigates legal and financial risks, but also fosters trust with international partners and promotes responsible trade practices.Author: Wendy Yuan, Global Compliance and Privacy Director, Fusion WorldwideNavigating the Maze: Export Compliance in the Electronics IndustryPhoto: Fusion Worldwide

xMEMS introduced the Skyline DynamicVent in 2023 to solve many of the unaddressed consumer experience issues with TWS earbuds. Skyline is a novel, but straightforward extension of xMEMS' innovative MEMS speaker platform that enables a system DSP to actively control the venting and leakage of ambient air into the earbud. How can a MEMS acoustic vent bring the next level of innovation to true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds? First, we need to examine the current state of the wireless earbud market to understand how this MEMS vent can enable future earbuds to dynamically adapt to multiple environments and situations and improve the consumer experience.xMEMS SkylineSource: xMEMS LabsBy now, most of us have owned multiple pairs of wireless earbuds since they gained popularity in the mid 2010s. For most of that time, earbud design fell into one of two camps – open-fit or closed-fit – both of which come with their own strengths and weaknesses. As such, I often switch between open-fit earbuds that rest in the outer ear, like Apple's AirPods or Bose's new Ultra Open Earbuds, and closed-fit types with silicone tips that go deeper into the ear canal to create a seal, like the AirPods Pro.Open-fit earbudsSource: xMEMS LabsClosed-fit (occluded) earbudsSource: xMEMS LabsBut why do I need two pairs of earbuds? Why is each type ideal for certain situations, but not for others? The culprit: Occlusion Effects.Building A Better EarbudClosed-fit earbuds are great for isolation because they physically block sound from entering or exiting the ear canal, which is known as occlusion. Either with or without additional Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) software, this isolation allows me to better enjoy my music or maintain focus in noisy environments. But blocking the ear canal also produces internal resonance and amplification of sounds my body makes such as footsteps, speech or chewing, also known as occlusion effects which can be both distracting and annoying and detract from a comfortable user experience. Anyone who's gone for a jog with deep earbuds or wears closed-fit hearing aids will be very familiar with this experience.With open-fit earbuds, air can move in and out freely from the ear, and this "venting" of my body's internal sounds removes occlusion effects, enabling a more comfortable user experience. By eliminating the occlusion of the ear, I also have improved awareness of my surroundings. However, this venting comes at the expense of audio quality. An open, non-occluded ear results in a loss of low frequency energy and reduced bass effect, requiring larger, heavier speaker drivers to recover some of the lost energy. Also, ingress of external noise from these open, leaky earbuds takes away from maximum music enjoyment. Open earbuds typically cannot effectively employ ANC, either.To mitigate the differences and trade-offs between open and closed-fit earbuds and deliver to consumers a truly no-compromise solution, manufacturers have experimented for years with active vents or valves in earbuds that can open and close to provide the best attributes of both earbud types in a single device.Early attempts by consumer brands with electromechanical, non-solid-state vents have resulted in deployments into small volume hearing aid products, but were not reliable enough for broad, high-volume market adoption. Complications such as a short product lifespan of roughly 6 months due to vulnerability to moisture and particles, and an audible clicking sound during open/close state changes dissuaded further adoption.We found that delivering a best-of-both-worlds earbud design requires a more fundamental innovation that leverages the latest advances in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems). Using the world's first solid-state MEMS DynamicVent, called Skyline, manufacturers can now develop true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, hearing aids and sleep buds that offer all the benefits of closed-fit and open-fit types without any compromise.Solid-State MEMS Delivers the Best of Both Worlds Performance and QualityManufacturers integrating Skyline enable earbuds that dynamically switch between open-fit and close-fit characteristics in real time. In closed mode, Skyline can attenuate outside noise by as much as 30dB without DSP and power-hungry ANC. When combined with ANC, noise suppression gets even better. This superior isolation delivers the best overall music listening experience and improved focus for work and study.Paired with DSP noise detection, Skyline DynamicVent enables earbuds to dynamically switch between open-fit and close-fit characteristicsSource: xMEMS LabsWith the vent open, Skyline reduces occlusion effects by up to 27dB@100Hz, making exercise and conference calls more natural and comfortable. Consumers also experience improved spatial awareness, and a more natural passthrough/transparency mode where the voice of the person you're speaking with enters your ear directly through the Skyline vent instead of being digitally amplified and artificially reproduced in most wireless earbuds today.A low-power "comfort" mode is also available that blends the benefits of open and closed modes at reduced power consumption. Comfort mode brings between 3-8dB of leakage reducing occlusion effects and increasing spatial awareness, while still providing 8-20dB of passive noise isolation.These benefits apply to hearing aids as well, allowing manufacturers to develop devices that are more comfortable and more adaptable to a wide range of daily usage scenarios. And for wearers, they no longer have to switch between open and close fit ear tips to match their listening environment.Sleep buds are also growing in popularity, and any progress to make them more comfortable and more automated will undoubtedly encourage increased adoption. With a sensor-activated solid-state vent, sleep buds can block ambient sounds such as snoring or machine noise, then automatically let the ears breathe when the room is quiet.One Earbud To Rule Them AllWe are at an inflection point where personal audio devices are necessary for a significant portion of our day, but the wireless earbud industry has been slow to innovate and often focuses on incremental improvements. Now we have the opportunity to create a major shift in quality and usability that can also improve brand reputation and market share for those who give consumers what they always want: an easy-to-use product that expands usage scenarios, reduces complexity and frustration, and ultimately makes their lives easier.Solid-state MEMS vent technology is the answer we've been looking for. xMEMS' Skyline, available in a 4x5x1.15mm LGA package along with the companion Alpine controller IC, is mass-production ready. Contact your local xMEMS sales representative or distributor for more information at https://xmems.com/contact/.Link to our Product Page.

Authorities in Thailand have decided to block access to all cryptocurrency exchanges not authorized to operate in the country. The order is aimed at fighting money laundering and several other online crimes.At a meeting last week, Mrs. Pornanong Busaratrakul, the Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Secretary-General, said the resolve begins with the Commission submitting details of unauthorized crypto providers to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, which will then block access to the platforms.The move targets illegal platforms, not the entire country's crypto sector. Citizens should still gain access to authorized platforms, including cryptocurrency exchanges, merchants providing goods and services, and Bitcoin gambling sites, where players can enjoy the benefits of merging the casino industry with the perks of blockchain technology.As part of the announcement, the Thai SEC has now asked customers on these platforms to withdraw their funds as soon as possible, adding that there is no legal recourse for users. A translation of the SEC's publication reads:"The SEC would like to warn the public and investors to be careful of using services with unauthorized digital asset business operators because they will not be protected by law. There is also a risk of being deceived and [unknowingly facilitating] money laundering."The SEC's news release also encourages investors to check the Commission's list of licensed business operators before depositing funds.Thailand's decision to create stricter crypto regulations follows similar moves by authorities in other Southeast Asian nations. For instance, India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a part of the Ministry of Finance, issued a noncompliance notice to several crypto exchanges. Affected establishments were Kraken, Binance, KuCoin, MEXC Global, Bitfinex, Bittrex, Gate.io, and Bitstamp. The government asked the exchanges to comply with local Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations within 12 days. Weeks later, the exchanges' apps were unavailable on Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store in India. The government also banned the exchange's URLs.The order came as a shock to several users of cryptocurrency exchanges in the country, especially those who camped with offshore exchanges to avoid the heavy 30% tax the Indian government imposed on crypto trading profits.There are calls for the Indian government to focus on misconduct common among local exchanges. For instance, Siddharth Sogani, the CEO of blockchain analytics firm Crebaco Global, told Cointelegraph that domestic exchanges require regulatory oversight. According to Sogani, the government's action against foreign platforms is a good way to prevent Indian traders from evading tax. However, he believes it is "hypocritical for the government to worry about foreign exchanges before setting clear regulations for Indian exchanges." The CEO buttressed his point by pointing to cases where local exchanges have prevented users from withdrawing their funds.However, Rajagopal Menon, the vice president of Indian exchange WazirX, praised the action. Menon believes it was long overdue because the government could not earn tax revenue, users had no recourse, and local exchanges lost their market share. Interestingly, the law could be positive for crypto-based services like online gambling platforms that allow crypto, especially since they may no longer have to grapple with foreign competition.Authorities in the Philippines are also cracking down on unauthorized crypto platforms. Last month, the Philippines National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) began blocking access to websites of cryptocurrency companies offering investment products without the required permits. The Commission had issued an order to internet service providers instructing them to block the websites of OctaFX and MiTrade upon request from the country's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).Photo by Geoff Greenwood on Unsplash