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Today’s topics include new wireless charging technology from Qualcomm, rumors of Dell’s plans for its Secureworks business, a new security tool from Facebook and Amazon’s proposal for enabling delivery drones to fly in low-level airspace.
Qualcomm developed a technology that will enable wireless charging for mobile devices with metal cases, an important step for an industry that is seeing more smartphones and tablets made with metal alloys. The company has taken its WiPower magnetic resonance technology and created a charging system that device makers can use when they design their mobile products. It will also be useful by other industries—including automobile and furniture makers that want to integrate wireless charging technologies into their products, according to Qualcomm officials.
Reports continue to circulate that Dell officials are interested in spinning out at least part of its SecureWorks security business–as well as other units–with an eye toward creating a federated business model similar to that at storage giant EMC. Initial hints at the idea came two months ago, when Brenon Daly, an analyst with The 451 Group, wrote in a post on the firm’s blog about rumors of Dell planning to sell a minority stake in SecureWorks in an initial public offering later this year.
Continuing its efforts to help keep users safe and secure on its social networking site, Facebook is launching its Security Checkup tool. The new tool includes account login status, login alerts and password safety features. Login status is an important part of account security at Facebook. Users can log in to the site from multiple locations and devices, but they can also forget that they are logged in. The Security Checkup tool shows users where they are logged in so that they can see when Facebook is running unused on one of their devices—or potentially notice a login that is unauthorized.
Amazon, which has been proposing and testing the idea of using unmanned drones to deliver packages to customers for several years, is now suggesting the use of specific sections of U.S. airspace that would allow delivery and other drone flights to be conducted. Amazon’s latest idea is to designate airspace below 200 feet for drone flights to conduct aerial surveys, inspections or to take videos, while reserving airspace between 200 to 400 feet for delivery drones that are making their way over communities, according to a July 28 story by The Washington Post.