Dear Friends:
This week, I'm back in the UK. This is my second blog post about the trip. I'm here to attend a large conference, put on by my company. It's a chance to bring together all of our corporate partners to Cambridge, and strengthen the ecosystem around our technology. My company is involved in creating some of the world's leading computer chips - the type of chips that are found in almost 95% of all smartphones and tablets. We're known for processors that perform very well, while using very little energy/battery.
While walking to some of the conference sessions today, I passed by some gorgeous architecture. Like most Americans, I'm fascinated with European architecture, and appreciate even small strolls along city streets:
In addition to technical sessions, there is a large demonstration area as part of the event. We call it "The Hub":
There are lots of demos that I can't show on social media. However, there are a few unique ones that I can. As I mentioned, our technology is found in a lot of places around the world. Because we focus on the smallest and most-powerful processors, they can be found in much more than just smartphones. In fact, there is quite a revolution going on with processors right now. Basically, computer "intelligence" is being added to quite a lot of different products and devices. Think of a "smart home" - where you can control security systems, thermostats, garage doors and cameras...all from your smartphone. That's what's happening in a lot of places. It's referred to as the "Internet of Things" or IoT. Some of the more unique applications of this technology include toys:
That's our tech in little BB-8
Even something as fun as feet warmers. These shoe inserts have chips inside them, that allow you to control the warmth of your feet from a smartphone. Genius!
In more important applications, our tech can be found in a variety of "health" sensors - devices that can measure heart rate, aspiration, body temperature, etc. The chips can collect data that can be used by individuals or doctors to improve the health of consumers:
In another interesting category - chips are placed inside cowbells, to track the placement and movement of cattle. The data can be used to help decide feeding areas, and ways to improve movement of animals within a farm:
The technology is also available for drones. In fact, our chips allow drones to be much "smarter" - in recognizing human faces and obstacles, so that they can fly without a human pilot. Obviously, this is a scary prospect for some...
Apart from all the meetings and demonstrations, my team held a special dinner for our closest partners. We held the dinner at Magdalene College, which is located right along the River Cam. It's an institution established almost 600 years ago. The grounds are immaculate and despite the overcast day, was beautiful to see:
The dining room itself is an amazing historical artifact. To this day, they have never installed electricity in the room - meals are served by sunlight and/or candlelight. It makes for a rather magical setting for dinner:
It was a great meal...accompanied by great conversation and interesting guests. I'm really glad that we do this every year - it makes for a fun evening.
That wraps up the big corporate event. Join me in the next blog post, when my oldest daughter arrives in the UK for an awesome weekend in London!!
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