Microsoft has done a lot to encourage use of machine learning models in Azure, but there’s scope for their use in many other parts of its ecosystem. One increasingly important use is on Windows PCs, bringing trained models onto your desktop or onto embedded devices.With local machine learning support, there’s no need to worry about shipping data to cloud services, especially where bandwidth can be an issue. You also can protect data where privacy can be an issue, and where regulations control data transfers and storage. It’s a model that’s likely to be important in financial services or in health care, where strong government regulations around privacy have a significant impact with what data you can process and how you process it.I took an initial look at Windows ML a few months ago, but it’s worth a deeper dive now the release nears of a new Windows 10 version that will bring the Windows ML APIs to your code. If you’re using a Windows Insider … [Read more...] about How to use Azure ML in Windows 10
5G will bring cloud computing to everyone
I gave a cloud computing talk in a rural Midwest town a few years ago. I went on and on about the benefits of using the cloud. During my talk, I noticed a lot of folded arms and concerned faces. The reason? They did not have high-speed internet available to their businesses, so using a public cloud was not an option for them.I learned that day that you can’t assume everyone has high-speed internet access. Most rural areas don’t, unless they pay for high-latency and high-cost satellite.5G is the fifth generation of cellular mobile communications, preceded by 4G (LTE/WiMax), 3G (UMTS), and 2G (GSM) systems. 5G advantages include high data-throughput rates, reduced latency, energy savings, cost reduction, greater system capacity, and massive simultaneous device connectivity, at a practical cost.It’ll be a while before 5G comes to a tower near you, but it promises low-cost, low-latency high-speed internet for all, no matter where you live or have a business. This is the … [Read more...] about 5G will bring cloud computing to everyone
I owned the first Android phone in an iPhone world — and it was amazing
I have a secret pride. Android turned 10 years old this week, and I was one of the first people in the entire world to use it. In fact, the very first Android phone ever was my first smartphone, too -- and I've never wavered in my Android loyalty since. That may not seem like a big deal now Android phones are literally everywhere. But in 2008, when the T-Mobile G1 came out (it was known as the HTC Dream in some parts of the world), both the G1 and Google's mobile platform were a crazy-looking alternative to the new iPhone world order.In those early days, using a T-Mobile G1 set me and my phone apart as different. The iPhone was the first modern smartphone, and everyone wanted one. It was a status symbol. It sold in droves. A year and change after its release, I began to feel the inevitable pull toward buying a smartphone for myself. But not the "magical" iPhone.Apple is into walled gardens, and Android promised freedom to tinker, the way I did on my Windows PC. AT&T … [Read more...] about I owned the first Android phone in an iPhone world — and it was amazing
Sikur launches high-security phones based on Sony hardware
The XZ1 (above), as the name implies, is based on 2017's Xperia XZ1. That nets you a 5.2-inch display, a still speedy Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of built-in storage, a 19-megapixel rear camera and a 13-megapixel front cam. It may feel slightly outdated next to the XZ3, but you're not buying this for cutting-edge tech. The XA2, in turn is a more budget-friendly option based on the Xperia XA2 (below). That nets you a 5.2-inch display mated with a Snapdragon 630, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 23-megapixel rear shooter and an 8-megapixel selfie cam.We've asked about pricing. As before, though, this isn't really meant for someone who'd otherwise be buying an off-the-shelf Galaxy or Pixel. This is for businesses, cryptocurrency traders and others who have a vested interest in keeping their phones as secure as possible, even if it means giving up some of the creature comforts of conventional handsets. And if you're not happy with the selection, Sikur hinted that this could lead … [Read more...] about Sikur launches high-security phones based on Sony hardware
Panasonic, Leica and Sigma unveil the L-Mount mirrorless alliance
Leica cameras and lenses are incredibly expensive, but the alliance means that Panasonic and Sigma will be able to develop their own products at more reasonable prices. "The strategic partnership between Leica, Panasonic and Sigma will allow customers to use a wider range of cameras and lenses in the future without compromising [by needing to choose] specify individual manufacturers, because they use propriety bayonet mounts," the translated press release states.Panasonic's Junichiro Kitagawa said that the L-Mount alliance will give it the ability to produce large sensor cameras. "For me this alliance, will make a fundamental difference for the future of the imaging industry... and will help generate significant growth for the mirrorless market," he said during the company's joint press conference.At a joint press conference, Sigma revealed that it would develop new lenses for the system, including its high-optical quality Art and other models. Panasonic also emphasized that it would … [Read more...] about Panasonic, Leica and Sigma unveil the L-Mount mirrorless alliance