Technology
Arc Browser; the future of web browsers
Published
3 months agoon
![Arc Browser](https://elixirofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Capture-2.jpg)
![Arc Browser](https://elixirofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Capture-2.jpg)
Arc Browser; the future of web browsers
In the middle of the era when people’s presence and interaction in the online world passes through the gates of operating systems and web applications, we should consider Arc’s entry into the Windows browser industry as a pleasant and interesting event. After a decade of Chrome dominating the market, users are now looking for more features, more secure privacy, and a better user interface. Many of us use Firefox, Edge, and Brio browsers for this purpose, and we are familiar with the relative advantages of each of these Chrome alternatives.
The Arc browser, which had previously gained a lot of popularity among Mac users with its bold innovations and modern capabilities, has recently been made available to users in Windows 11 and has been welcomed by many strict critics in the technology field; But what is the reason for the impressive success of this relatively new browser?
First of all, you should know that migrating to Arc browser is not an easy task; Of course, not technically, because Arc provides users with simple tools to import bookmarks, and its main engine works like Chrome, and the installation and familiarization process is enjoyable. But Arch has a completely different idea of how browsers work, and you’ll need some time to get used to these new mechanisms.
The Browser Company wants to make the Arc browser not only very different, but also very efficient and effective, to move Internet users away from powerful options like Chrome and Edge. “Ark is relaxing, keeps your activities organized, and helps you perform tasks better throughout the day,” says Harsh Agrawal, co-founder of the company.
Last year, Josh Miller, the CEO of this company, gave an explanation about the subtle difference between operating systems and browsers, which may be worth a second look:
Browsers usually try to show you the web in the simplest way possible, without getting in your way. They offer users a website address bar, different tabs, and ways to add custom plugins, but not much else. In contrast, operating systems are deeply focused on how things work and control the sharing and synchronization models of web applications.
The Browser Company’s vision is not limited to a simple browser. Arch wants to be an operating system for the web, and to that end, it offers a set of tools that make it easier to control apps and content. This platform has turned tabs and bookmarks into a tool similar to an application launcher and has placed several applications inside the browser itself.
Arch wants to redefine web browsers
In recent years, new and influential players have entered the heavy competition of web browsers. For example, Vivaldi offers smart features and capabilities to users, SigmaOS is trying to become the operating system of browsers, and Brave has ideas to influence the security and privacy of users.
On the other hand, Firefox and Edge have not stopped trying and improve their working system with continuous updates. But Ark has taken a bigger step than all of its current competitors and is thinking about not only improving but redefining browsers.
We can compare Ark’s interaction model with the web to the way TikTok behaves with video: the goal is not for you to be a consumer of a fixed product; Rather, you can separate or combine a set of platform components to create something entirely new. If you have an idea of how a browser could work better or how it should look, then go for it!
The influence of the Swift programming language
The Windows version of Arch is a very important step towards the big vision of managers and engineers who want to turn their browser into an operating system for the Internet and the “Open Web”. Especially, the browser company has brought the Swift programming language for the development of iOS and MacOS applications to Windows.
Arc Browser is written in Swift language and the software engineers of The Browser Company have tried their best to make the basic infrastructure of their Windows applications open source. Salim Abdul Rasool, one of the engineers of the Arc central team, who has worked on the project of implementing Swift in Windows for more than 6 years, considers his valuable achievement to be the result of “efforts out of love” that have paved the way for the presence of other programmers in this field.
Arch tries to bridge the gap between Windows and Mac systems
Arch’s release on Windows could encourage other software developers to take a similar path. We can hope that new applications will be written in this language instead of C++, which is mainly used in Edge and Chrome browsers, and reduce the gap between Windows and Mac systems.
How does Arch stack up against other competing browsers?
In spite of all its impressive support, Arc has to stand up to Microsoft’s aggressive efforts in the field of promoting Edge on the one hand to become a universal browser, and on the other hand, remove Chrome as the old king of this field; A challenge that none of the other browsers have been able to handle in recent decades.
Darren Fisher, one of the specialists who joined Arc in late 2022, does not consider this challenge insurmountable. He started at Netscape in 2000, then played a key role in converting Navigator to Firefox, and then spent 16 years building Chrome and ChromeOS. Fisher argues that there is a deep gap in the Arch market and that competing browsers have stagnated. He said in his recent interview:
I remember the transition to Chrome, when all the people who were using Firefox and Internet Explorer suddenly became Chrome users. Internet Explorer was stagnant and Chrome came out at the best time with a better product. Our company hopes to repeat such an event.
Ark uses new tools to achieve this goal. “How do we deal with the complexities of life?” says Darren Fisher. We need tools that show us where we are now, and Ark does exactly that.”
In the MacOS version of this browser, users can personalize web pages with different colors, enjoy artificial intelligence capabilities, and create websites with the ability to share. Not all of these lovely features have made it to the Windows version yet, but the basics like sidebars, spaces, profiles, split browser view, and picture-in-picture are all available to Windows users.
Fortunately, Ark continues to evolve every week. The growth of the Windows version in terms of features and facilities will be necessary to reach what we see in the Mac version. Some users liken the progression of Arch releases to receiving Christmas presents every Thursday.
The difference between Arc on Windows and Mac
The browser company wants to continue the development of the Windows version of Arc and remove some features of the Mac version that are not used. This process continues until both versions are recognized as a single program. Company executives say they will take Arc on Windows to an incredible point.
But most importantly, Arc Browser on Windows is nothing like a macOS app. In order to follow Microsoft’s native design language, the company’s engineers have used the WinUI framework to make this browser look exactly like Windows programs. In this way, you can match the background of the browser window with your desktop and take advantage of special Windows effects.
The future of web browsers will probably look like what we see in Arch
Currently, only Windows 11 supports the Arc browser, but planning for Windows 10 will be the company’s first priority. Although Google recently launched a native version of Arm 64 Chrome for Windows, Arch won’t be available for Arm Windows laptops until this summer.
The Windows version of Arc syncs with Arc Search, an iOS app that previously only worked with Arc MacOS. The browser company is currently developing the Android version of this browser, which will surely play an important role in increasing the popularity of Ark.
Features and Capabilities
In the first step, you should know that Arch Windows is developed based on Chromium; That is, the same Google open-source search engine that most browsers, including Microsoft Edge, use today. This ensures that all the websites you see are ranked correctly. You can also take advantage of the Chrome extension ecosystem.
Easy data transfer
When you first install Ark, the browser will ask you to create an account first and then ask if you want to import your data from other browsers into the platform. You can answer this question in the negative, but the data transfer mechanism makes switching between browsers much faster and easier. In addition, you can clearly see which data you have transferred from which browser, so there is no hidden point in this field.
New sidebar
Unlike the traditional layout of browsers that place all the tabs and menus on top of the screen, Ark has considered a sidebar on the left side of the screen, which can be considered the heart of the browser. Most of the features and events, such as managing tabs and viewing the library, occur in this section.
In order to understand Arc Browser, you must first familiarize yourself with this sidebar, because it changes the way you manage everything you see in your browser.
All the important events of Arc Browser are managed in the sidebar
You can think of the sidebar as the iPhone’s multitasking window, except that instead of showing apps, the sidebar displays every page you have open in the browser. Each Arc sidebar item represents an open web page. If you have several separate pages open in a particular program or online service (such as email or YouTube), you can quickly return to the section you want.
For example, if you have Gmail open in multiple tabs in addition to several different web pages, you don’t need to check each tab again to find what you want. In Arc Browser, you can use the browser’s command bar to search for what you want to quickly return to your Gmail.
Pins, groups, and favorites
Ark Behesht is an internet task organization paradise. For easy access to apps, you can add up to 8 apps or websites to the Favorites section above the sidebar. You can also pin the tabs you deal with the most according to your preferences or create folders and put the tabs inside them.
Favorites, pinned tabs, and currently open tabs
Verge
Here’s one of Arc’s most useful features: you can rename tabs to make them easier to find later. In addition, choose and adjust the color and transparency of the sidebar according to your taste.
By default, Arc closes all your open and unpinned tabs every 12 hours. The idea is to keep your sidebar clean and tidy. Therefore, drag and drop anything you want to save above the sidebar to pin it. Of course, Arch will dump all the tabs it closes into a searchable page so you can find them later. The browser gives users the choice to set the auto-archive feature to 24 hours, a week, or a month.
Spaces
It is possible to change the color of the browser from the space section
Spaces are a powerful browser organizer and allow you to quickly move between different modes. Each space can include a different set of tabs and pins and even different user accounts.
For example, if you want to separate your personal and work items and move between different fields or contexts, Spaces will be a very welcome gift for you. Also, with this feature, you can easily solve the problem of managing multiple Google accounts at the same time.
Let’s say you have five or six spaces, you want to make sure that certain tabs are in the right environment, and you always quickly recognize which environment you are in. It is enough to make one space yellow, another green, and the next blue. In addition, you can change the name of the spaces, set specific icons for each, or turn a space into a backup folder.
Shortcut keys and command bar
If you pin too many tabs, your sidebar will become too crowded and you will need to scroll a lot to find open pages. The second point is that there is no place for bookmarks that you only need occasionally or a shortcut to access bookmarks at all. Everything is always visible on the sidebar of the browser. Therefore, if you constantly switch between spaces, you may forget the location of tabs and bookmarks.
The way to avoid issues like this and even other unfamiliar features of Ark is to familiarize yourself with the browser’s keyboard shortcuts. For example, you switch between open browser tabs with the control and tab keys. You can use hotkeys to activate browser extensions, change settings, and do many other tasks. In addition, you can customize the shortcuts to your liking.
Ark command bar is a very useful tool whose functionality is not limited to typing the addresses of websites and the browser’s search engine. Using the command bar, you can navigate between archived tabs, access browser extensions, and go to your own personalized spaces and tabs.
Split View
In most browsers, to view two web pages on the desktop at the same time, you have to open two separate windows and place them side by side. The attractive and distinctive feature of Split View (which, of course, is also present in Microsoft Edge) allows you to view two different tabs on the same page. Just drag the desired tab from the sidebar and drop it on the web page.
Through Split View, you can view two different tabs on the same page
All the pages that are put together using this feature are active and you don’t need to select and activate them by clicking on each one; So the interaction between opened tabs will be completely seamless. In addition, you can increase or decrease the size of the tabs depending on your preference. This feature is very useful for simultaneous use of programs.
Peek
Using the Peek feature, you can see the content of links without opening them in dedicated tabs. This feature is great for when you only want to briefly browse the content of web pages.
Built-in media controls and picture-in-picture mode
When you play an audio file in one of the open browser tabs and then go to another tab, a small player will appear at the bottom of the Ark sidebar. Through this player, you can stop or reject the audio file. If you click on the player, it will take you directly back to the main tab.
If you switch to another tab from video calling apps like Google Meet, you’ll see the microphone and speaker buttons in the sidebar. This feature is much simpler and more useful than the forgotten Chrome menu, which we often do not use.
The picture-in-picture mode also gives you a similar feeling. When you watch a video and go to another page, the video will be displayed as a mini-player in a small window on other tabs.
The developers of Arc Browser have many plans to enhance this feature: for example, maybe in the future the ability to overlap pages will also cover user chat. In this case, you can watch a single video on one screen and talk to your friend or colleague at the same time.
If these features are upgraded to include video chats or even beyond, Arch will truly become an Internet operating system. The goal is to make all programs running locally on your computer or system visible to the browser; For this reason, the Arc sidebar plays the role of the launcher of various applications. That way, you’ll have access to all your screenshots and downloads from the sidebar, and you can do more without leaving the app.
Screenshots (Mac only for now)
Many times, users need to take screenshots of video and text content. To do this, just click on the camera icon at the top of the sidebar. The browser provides you with a camera that automatically shows you the parts that are likely to be screened. You can drag the screenshot box to the desired area and adjust its size.
In Arc Browser, you can choose to take a screenshot of the entire screen or a portion of it
Arc’s screenshot feature allows you to capture the entire content of a web window. Even if the content spans more than one page, a global image will save you the need for multiple screen-sized screenshots. After taking a screenshot, you will have various options: edit the photo, share it, or save it in any folder you want.
Archive of closed tabs
In Arc Browser, closed pages are moved to Archived Tabs. Also, all the pages that are automatically closed are included in this section. The model collects closed tabs in a way that conveys a sense of web browsing history. Arc browser includes a filter to detect the type of closing tabs.
Closed tabs in the Archived Tabs section
Notes (Mac only for now)
Arc Browser notes page next to open websites
The Notes section of Arc Browser is almost like standard note-taking applications, which eliminates the need for other miscellaneous note-taking applications.
Read more: Microsoft Build 2024
Arc Max
As the artificial intelligence assistant of this platform, Arc Max is responsible for performing repetitive tasks of users and makes the workflow easier for you. Automatic renaming of tabs and downloads, summarizing texts and answering questions you ask artificial intelligence at any moment are some of the tasks of this assistant.
The integrated functionality of ArcMax chatbot with ChatGPT makes searching and collecting the information you need faster and more accurate.
Easels and Boosts; Features that haven’t come to Arch Windows yet
Easel is like a whiteboard on which you can write, draw, and add photos or videos, or even transfer screenshots directly to them. Each Easel will have a unique URL that you can save or share with others. Thus, several users can work on an easel at the same time.
This section is very useful for collaborative purposes and personal and team projects; Because it keeps all the necessary information for you in different formats.
The Boosts feature works like some browser extensions. You can use this tool to change the color and appearance and even the functionality of websites.
Most of the people who have worked with Arc Browser for a while describe their experience as excellent and are not willing to go back to the previous browsers from this platform. Our experience with Arch was also very pleasant, perhaps because it is very similar to Microsoft Edge, but on the other hand, it offers a more attractive user interface. Maybe we really need a web operating system: a tool that helps us interact with websites more easily and organize our work better.
Arc’s features and capabilities seem so useful that they are worth a try. If you are also tempted to move away from the traditional Chrome, Edge, or Firefox browsers and give Ark a chance, share your experience with us.
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![The Icon of the Seas cruise ship](https://elixirofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Capture.jpg)
![The Icon of the Seas cruise ship](https://elixirofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Capture.jpg)
Conjunction: Expressing a condition.
Conjunction: Connecting two to create a new well-formed formula that requires it to only be true when both of the two formulas are true.
Noun: In rhythm, the second half of a divided beat.
Noun: breath.
Noun: ; steam fog.
Verb: To breathe; whisper; devise; imagine.
The Icon of the Seas cruise ship, a city on water
On January 27, 2024, the first passengers of Icon of the Seas stepped on the deck of the world’s largest ship to experience an enchanting discovery in the west and east of the Caribbean Sea; A journey for eight days and seven nights.
The cruise tourism industry set a new record in 2023 with an increase of 2 million passengers over four years; But the biggest news on the high seas in 2024 was the maiden voyage of the world’s largest cruise ship, three times the length of a football field and five times the size of the Titanic.
Icon of the Seas ship with 20 decks and gross weight of 250,800 tons and a capacity of 9,950 people is the most amazing human-made phenomenon that goes to unknown waters like a luxurious metropolis. The 2,805 bedrooms in 28 groups, including family cabins with infinity-view balconies and bunk beds, offer a relaxing feel to adventurers looking for unique accommodations during their travels.
The Icon of the Seas is three times the length of a football field and five times the size of the Titanic
The symbol of the seas, the newest member of the Royal Caribbean cruise family, has dethroned its previous generation counterpart, the Wonder of the Seas, as the world’s largest ship, but beyond its gigantic and astonishing dimensions, this ship has also broken other records and claims various It is “the first” and “the most”.
The unveiling of Icon of the Seas sparked a wave of surprise, excitement, and curiosity among Internet users. The images that were published during the first voyage of the ship, followed endless discussions, comments, and questions of the interested people on social networks. Let’s take a look at some fascinating and stunning facts about this maritime marvel:
Icon of the Seas key features at a glance
- The largest ship in the world with a length of 365 meters, a width of 67 meters, and a weight of 250 thousand tons
- It has the largest and most optimal interior space with more than 20 decks
- It has advanced technical equipment and luxurious cabins for 7514 passengers and 2350 crew members
- The most compatible with the environment and the least carbon emissions with LNG engines
- Using artificial intelligence for optimal energy consumption on board
- The highest cost of building a cruise ship with about 2 billion euros
- It has more than 20 restaurants with international menus
- Extensive recreational facilities such as a floating bar, rock climbing walls, large slides, and infinity pools.
Also, in December 2023, Lionel Messi’s name was registered as the sponsor and “godfather” of Icon of the Seas.
The beginning of the story
In 1996, the architects of two companies, Royal Caribbean (Royal Caribbean) and Wilson Butler (Wilson Butler) defined a new mission for themselves: “Providing an environment for the best family vacations on the planet.” Over the past 28 years, these two companies have launched 24 giant cruise ships, each of which was recognized as the world’s leading floating artifact of its time.
In the mid-2010s, the cruise industry was growing rapidly and major cruise lines were looking to create different experiences and more innovations to attract passengers. In this regard, in 2016, Royal Caribbean proposed a new idea, the implementation of which challenges the innovation boundaries of the entire industry:
“Launching a project to build a new cruise ship that will be unique not only in terms of size but also in terms of technology, amenities, and environmental sustainability.”
Builders and designers
To implement its plan, Royal Caribbean Group prioritized several main goals:
First, the optimal use of ship space to build multiple sections with different uses that at the same time work in an integrated and coordinated manner. The second priority of the builders was to significantly reduce the harmful effects on the environment, and for this purpose, the use of green technologies, energy consumption optimization systems, and reduction of carbon emissions were considered in all stages of design.
In addition, in order to provide a unique experience, the new ship had to meet all the needs of passengers, including recreation, relaxation, and adventure; Therefore, the companies had to design each area as a multi-purpose, modern, and intelligent space.
Therefore, the Finnish company Meyer Turku, one of the largest and most reliable shipbuilders in the world, was chosen as the main contractor for the construction and design of the ship’s structure and hull. This company, which had previously collaborated with Royal Caribbean in the construction of two Oasis-class ships and had a lot of experience in the construction of cruise ships, was responsible for the design of the hull, mechanical systems, and structural integrity of the ship.
The Swedish company Tillberg Design of Sweden, as the second partner of the project, is committed to creating a unique and inspiring space by using the latest techniques and production materials. Tilburg Design had to focus on the priority that the interior of the ship should not only be luxurious and luxurious, but also efficient and innovative.
Finally, Royal Caribbean’s oldest partner, the American company Wilson Butler, which is famous for designing public and cultural spaces, entered the project as the third partner with the aim of creating a space that evokes the feeling of a city floating on water for passengers. In addition to these partners, during the construction of the ship according to the needs of each department, other teams from different countries of the world were invited to cooperate.
Scott Butler, director and founder of the Wilson Butler Company in 2023, said about the design of this ship:
The design of a ship is not much different from the design of a building on land. Our work is like designing a building that is in a constant state of vibration. In fact, the great design of a ship proceeds just like the planning of a city.
What makes Icon of the Seas look like a city on the water are the “neighborhoods” or planned areas named Aquadome, Thrill Island, Chill Island, Surfside, Hideway, and Central Park, which we will take a look at in the following sections.
Ship building
The construction of Icon of the Seas officially started in early 2019. The first stage, as is usual in the construction of any large ship, involved checking the details and carrying out preliminary tests.
At this stage, the designers carefully focused on the body shape, propulsion, and energy systems, as well as environmental sustainability. Advanced fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were also performed to ensure high efficiency and reduced hull drag in water.
In October 2019, Mir Company inaugurated the project, according to the common tradition of shipbuilders, by cutting the steel sheets used in the ship’s hull.
Azipod propulsion systems and LNG fuel
The Icon ship’s six engines were provided by the Finnish company Wärtsilä with a dual propulsion system to use heavy oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel.
The LNG propulsion system produces much less nitrogen oxide than traditional fuels, which is a big step towards cleaner seas. Accordingly, two 307-meter tanks with a capacity of 27 tons were transferred to the ship for LNG fuel.
The ship’s fuel system was equipped with “high pressure tanks” and “heat exchangers”, which allowed the storage and optimal use of LNG. Also, this system was connected to the combustion management unit, which continuously adjusts the fuel quality and combustion efficiency, and prevents the creation of harmful NOx gases by precisely controlling the fuel-air mixture.
LNG fuel tanks being transferred to the ship
Royal Caribbean
The Icon of the Seas propulsion system was designed based on azipods, which are among the most advanced electric propulsion technologies in the marine industry. Unlike conventional propulsion systems where a fixed propeller is driven by a shaft, the Azipod enables the propeller to rotate 360 degrees.
Azipods increase the maneuverability of the ship
This complete rotation capability increases the ship’s maneuverability reduces the need for lateral propulsion systems such as rudders, and particularly facilitates the stopping or moving of the ship in narrow harbors. Also, the design of azipods is such that it minimizes the turbulence created in the water, and by reducing water resistance, it reduces fuel consumption by 20% compared to conventional systems.
The deployment of three 20MW Azipod drives on the Icon ship increased the speed of this modern cruise to 22 knots (41 km/h).
Engineering-wise, azipods operate using induction motors and are powered by diesel generators or a combination of diesel and natural gas. These engines have high efficiency due to not having many moving parts and reducing friction, and on the other hand, using an efficient cooling system in Azipods increases their lifespan.
Two 307-meter LNG fuel tanks with a capacity of 27 tons provide the ship’s propulsion energy
Artificial intelligence not only recognizes the paths that require the least energy but also controls the energy consumption of numerous internal equipment such as air conditioning and elevator systems.
The lighting department of the ship was entrusted to Helamarine company, which creates a safe and pleasant atmosphere in the open seas with 20,000 low-consumption LEDs. At the same time, several complex and extensive optical systems provide accurate control of the light in the public areas of the ship digitally to the ship’s officials.
Intelligent ship control
Ship control includes an integrated management system (Integrated Bridge System) that is driven by advanced software and modern user interfaces. This system provides real-time monitoring and control of all operational parameters of the ship, including positioning, speed, route, and fuel consumption.
In addition, the IBS system is equipped with multiple sensors and warning systems that detect sudden changes in environmental or operational conditions and notify the crew.
The IBS system controls all operational parameters of the ship with multiple sensors
Using artificial intelligence and predictive algorithms, the intelligent control system can suggest the best sea routes and optimize fuel consumption. Also, the stabilization system (Stabilization System), which works in coordination with IBS, reduces the ship’s oscillating movements in turbulent sea conditions, which results in more passenger comfort and reduced depreciation of the ship’s structure.
Executive stages of ship construction
Part of the Icon of the Seas construction process
The process of building the Icon of the Seas went through three complex but coordinated stages:
Design and simulation: The first stage included the initial design and computer simulation of the systems. Using specialized software and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulators, accurate models of propulsion and fuel systems were prepared. These models were tested under different operational conditions to identify any possible defects or challenges before starting the actual development of different sectors and areas.
Construction and assembly of parts: In this stage, different parts of the ship were made in a modular way in special workshops. Then these parts were moved to the main ship building site and installed using super heavy cranes. To avoid any mistakes, the assembly process was done using automatic welding robots and laser measurement systems.
Aquadome dome assembly stage
Testing and commissioning: After the completion of the assembly, the ship was subjected to detailed tests. All sections were examined and adjusted separately and in combination with each other. At this stage, navigational tests including maneuverability tests, fuel efficiency, and response of control systems to variable conditions were conducted. These measures were accompanied by the simulation of different sea scenarios to prepare the ship to face any conditions.
Different parts of the ship are made modularly in special workshops and then transferred to the hull of the ship.
During the coronavirus pandemic, when the raw materials for construction were not available, the design personnel simulated, tested, and calibrated their designers in 3D by making replicas of different parts of the ship in appropriate sizes.
Testing the Aquadome waterfall in the workshop
Even the cabins were assembled in sections called “mega-blocks,” or modules, at the manufacturing plant, then at the docks, and then transferred to the ship. This reduced the build time and was like building a giant Lego.
Commitment to environmental technologies
As part of Royal Caribbean Group’s SEA the Future program, the company’s new ships are equipped with MAP and MAG systems that synthesize solid waste into gas and reuse it to generate energy.
These technologies not only minimize waste but also produce valuable by-products such as biochar, which can be used as a soil conditioner. According to the recycling programs of this ship, 90% of the waste is never buried in the soil. The energy obtained from the MAP system is also used in the ship itself.
MAP and MAG systems convert solid waste into gas
Another noteworthy point is that Royal Caribbean plans to reduce the food waste of this ship by 50% by 2025. In this futuristic plan, artificial intelligence is used for immediate food production according to existing needs and requests, and training of the ship’s crew with sustainable solutions is also on the agenda. The above program has led to the saving of 24% of food waste to date.
In another environmental innovation, the heat from the engine houses is used to desalinate seawater. 93% of the ship’s fresh water is produced and purified by the reverse osmosis system in the ship itself. Also, by producing small bubbles that cover the whole body of the ship, the compressors reduce the friction between the water and the body and subsequently reduce fuel consumption.
93% of the ship’s freshwater is purified and produced by a reverse osmosis system in the ship itself Mockler, Chief Decarbonisation Manager for the new build, describes Icon as a great example of how sustainability is being considered for the future:
What we did on board Icon was the beginning of a path, not an end goal. We want to use these ships as platforms to advance the development of technologies that we will need in future products; Because our effort is to draw the next modern ships in the most stable state possible.
Different departments and quarters of the ship
Icon of the Seas is described as a city on water because it consists of different neighborhoods; Including Hideway, Gobd Cascade, and Central Park, and we will have a close look at these amazing neighborhoods.
The Pearl: The pearl of the ship’s entrance
The Pearl section was designed and introduced by one of Brooklyn’s media artists. This spherical piece with a diameter of 15.3 meters is covered with more than 3,600,000 moving computer tiles and is now known as the largest kinetic art sculpture in the world, which displays an unprecedented fusion of art and technology.
This awe-inspiring work stands out not only for its grandeur, but also for its depiction of the essence of the ocean, as it beautifully simulates various natural phenomena such as rolling waves, gentle breezes, meteors, and a dynamic ocean surface. Inspired by the sea, the tiles are arranged in a Fibonacci sequence and reflect the patterns found in marine life.
The movements of “Marwaid” are influenced by the tide and wind data of the Caribbean Sea. This data, obtained from the web or the ship’s sensors, allows the massive pearl to constantly change and reflect the current environmental conditions in an ever-evolving display.
More than 3,600,000 computer-animated tiles inspired by marine life patterns are arranged in a Fibonacci sequence.
The Pearl area, like the entire ship, is an architectural masterpiece and a prime example of the innovative use of modern technology in the cruise industry. This spherical pearl is spread over four decks of the ship and welcomes passengers as a gateway as soon as they board. In the center of the pearl, a beautiful marble staircase connects the floors.
The Pearl derives its spherical form from a steel ball that acts as a supporting structure. Prominent engineers have also planned and deployed the infrastructure technologies of this sector: a combination of more than 5 thousand controllable LED lights and interactive media technology creates stunning visual effects and adapts to the environment at every moment.
The moving tiles, produced with Linear technology, create computer-controlled lighting effects. Also, the integrated sound system of more than a thousand watts enriches the listening experience of passengers and elevates their mood to higher levels. The total structural load of this section is estimated to be around 20 tons.
The iconic pearl is not just an eye-catcher but serves as a central point of reference for passengers exploring the heart of the ship.
AquaDome waterfall dome; Manifestation of art and technology
Located at the front of the ship, the Aquadome has a huge space with a magnificent glass dome that offers viewers a wide and captivating view of the ocean. This area has the “highest waterfall” in the middle of the sea along with other exciting attractions. The construction of this dome set the record for the largest glass and steel structure installed on a ship.
AquaDome; The highest waterfall in the middle of the sea with a height of 16.7 meters
Of course, the waterfall itself with a height of 16.7 meters attracts attention as one of the engineering miracles of shape change. The Aquadome transforms throughout the day, offering passengers a variety of delightful experiences, from breathtaking sunrises to vibrant daytime activities. During the day, travelers can tour the AquaDome Market, eat at its restaurant, or sit and watch the 220-degree view of the surrounding ocean.
As evening approaches and sunset approaches, the waterfall becomes a dynamic backdrop for a diverse range of entertaining shows that take place nightly. In this way, the Aquadome creates a dramatic scene beyond a tall waterfall, with energetic movements and captivating lighting, which enhances the quality of every show beyond imagination. The show center of this neighborhood is called AquaTheater.
Michael Bailey, CEO of Royal Caribbean International, says about the construction of this section:
We went through an amazing journey with the engineers, architects and designers to build the AquaDome, and what amazes travelers is a testament to the innovation and creativity of the teams.
Aquadom neighborhood with an area of more than 33 thousand square meters extends from deck 14 to deck 22. The beautiful dome was built outside the ship so that other teams could complete the forward deck at the same time. The sea dome weighing 367 tons consists of 12 different modules with 673 glass panels and 712 aluminum panels and it took 8 months to assemble them.
The first marine dome with 673 glass panels and 712 aluminum panels
The process of lifting and connecting the dome to the spreader was done with 54 cables, and when the crane wanted to place it in a special position on the ship, another 12 cables were added. Just maneuvering it into place using a specialized rig took 80 hours. During this time, a separate team monitored the weather conditions to find the safest time to depart.
Central Park: Green Paradise in the heart of the sea
Central Parks are usually one of the most popular parts of Royal Caribbean cruises: a green and playful atmosphere that evokes the experience of being immersed in a park, and even the sound of birdsong. The presence of bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops in these areas makes them a pleasant environment to work.
But the Icon ship has also improved the class of Central Park in a surprising way: the central park with an area of several thousand square meters contains more than 33 thousand natural plants of different species that grow well with intelligent irrigation and lighting systems.
The largest cruise ship park with more than 33 thousand natural plants
To manage water in this section, a multi-layer drainage system was created under the ground surface. This system collects excess water and returns it to the smart irrigation system. In addition, the plants that were planted in this neighborhood were selected based on their resistance to sea conditions, including strong winds and direct sunlight, and each plant was carefully placed in a suitable place according to the light and irrigation needs.
This neighborhood also uses the fresh sea air to create a cool and comfortable environment by using advanced ventilation techniques. Smart lighting systems have been developed in a way that preserves the sense of naturalness of the environment even at night.
Royal Promenade: The beating heart of the ship
Royal Promenade is a busy and exciting street located in the center of the ship and is considered a place for gathering, shopping, and entertainment for passengers. This neighborhood, with a large area spread over two floors, is considered one of the most important and busiest parts of the ship.
From clothing boutiques to electronics stores, travelers can find almost anything they want in the department stores on this street. In addition to restaurants that offer a variety of international cuisines, the daily performance of live shows, music, and dance also doubles the vitality of the Royal Promenade.
The roof of this neighborhood is designed as a large digital screen that displays the sky views and attractive images, and the glass elevators also provide the opportunity to see all the surrounding scenery while moving passengers.
Surfside: a space for families
The space that was known as the Boardwalk in the Oasis class ships is designed in a unique and more advanced way in the Icon ship.
The most diverse entertainment facilities with smart security systems
For example, a large water playground is installed for children, and facilities such as splash pads, smaller water slides, Ferris wheel, face painting, arcades, sports areas, video game halls, and even a DJ play a significant role in entertaining families.
Separate restaurants and bars also make it possible for parents to grab something to eat or drink while the children are playing nearby while keeping an eye on their children. Easy access to Playmakers and an ice rink makes this neighborhood ideal for families.
From another angle, smart security systems guarantee the safety of all children in all parts of this neighborhood. Interactive applications also enable parents to manage their children’s entertainment programs online.
Chill Island: an ocean of tranquility
Chill Island is a neighborhood where travelers can get away from the daily hustle and relax in a calm and pleasant atmosphere. This neighborhood with artificial beaches and beautiful swimming pools provides the best atmosphere for travelers to relax and unwind.
It has the largest pool in the middle of the sea
In this three-story neighborhood, which occupies a good part of the middle of the ship, there are beaches with soft sand and comfortable chairs for relaxing, swimming pools with a curved design and jacuzzis with a view of the sea, and beach bars with a variety of cool drinks for passengers.
Some of the pools in this area are:
- Royal Bay: The largest pool in the middle of the sea, designed for all ages and located on the 15th deck.
- Cove Pool: A pool that is designed to face the ocean, and for this reason, it is also called an infinity pool.
- Cloud 17: Another pool overlooking the ocean with swirling water and a personalized and customized beverage bar that stands out on Deck 17.
- Swim & Tonic: The first water bar brand, a shallow pool with in-water seats that allow passengers to sit or stand comfortably and order their favorite drink. This pool is located on the 16th deck.
The water in the pools is purified and heated using modern technologies. Also, the surround sound systems reproduce the sound of waves and nature realistically so that passengers have the feeling of being on a real island.
The Hideaway: a modern and dynamic space for young people
Hideaway was originally designed with the aim of creating an attractive and modern space for young people and couples, and with a combination of fun and trendy facilities, it provides a great opportunity for travelers to spend their free time in a friendly and pleasant environment.
The floating pool can be considered one of the most prominent features of The Hideaway, which is located on the edge of the ship and offers a wonderful view of the sea. Several social spaces with live music and professional DJs provide revelers with lively nights, not unlike Texas clubs.
Smart lighting systems create subtle changes in the spectrum of colors and light intensity according to the event and time, and the advanced surround sound systems also bring a unique music experience to passengers.
In addition, if young people need to relax after several hours of fun, they can separate themselves from the surrounding noise in the exclusive lounges that have a very stylish and modern design, with comfortable chairs and light.
The interesting point is that Hideaway has spaces with multiple uses that can be changed quickly. For example, a lounge can be transformed from a daytime lounge to a nightclub.
Thrill Island Amusement Park: Innovation in Exciting Structures
A neighborhood located on the back deck of the ship, with a series of challenging games and activities for lovers of excitement and adventure. For example:
- The six water slides, which are the tallest marine specimens in the world, leave a unique memory and experience of free fall and speed in the minds of travelers.
- Adventure park with rope climbing routes, suspension bridges, and towers to climb
- Surfing simulator miniature golf and all kinds of energizing entertainment, each of which has its own fans.
It has the tallest water slides in the world and a surfing simulator
The construction of Thrill Island required advanced design and engineering to provide the desired facilities in a safe and efficient manner. For this purpose, in the structure of the water slides and adventure park, light, resistant, and stainless alloys were used, which can withstand high pressure and weight and have a long life.
One of the other requirements for the success of this neighborhood was intelligent safety monitoring and control systems that continuously monitor the condition of structures, equipment, and even weather conditions and take preventive measures if needed. For example, in case of sudden changes in wind speed, the FlowRider surf simulator automatically changes its settings to keep passengers safe.
On the other hand, due to the high volume of Thrill Island activities, special energy management systems were designed for this neighborhood. These systems help reduce overall energy consumption on board while maintaining an exciting experience for passengers.
District 6 in this neighborhood has a free fall slide called Pressure Drop, which falls from a height of 33 meters at an angle of 66 degrees.
Crown’s Edge in Thrill Island
The most daring passengers can also go to the ship’s edge and make their way along the skyway that extends beyond the ship’s perimeter towards the open sea: Crown’s Edge, a suspended walkway 47 meters above the ocean, is a first-of-its-kind attraction. It is installed in the icon ship and has no similar example in the marine technologies of the world.
Absolute Zero: The Show on the Ice Arena
This area is considered to be the largest ice skating rink on ships in history, completely redesigned for bigger feats to amaze all passengers.
Passengers can sit on the seats around the square to watch star actors and artists perform high takeoffs and spectacular turns on skates. During the day, fans can enter the ice rink themselves and perform.
Suite Neighborhood: luxury accommodation
With special facilities and private space, the Suite Quarter offers the highest level of comfort and VIP services to passengers who have booked the ship’s luxury suites. Private lounge, modern design and stunning views, exclusive restaurants and bars, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and private sun deck are just some of the facilities reserved for VIP passengers.
Each suite uses soundproof walls and is equipped with smart systems that allow travelers to manage the temperature, lighting, music, and even their orders in a personalized way.
In addition, passengers in this neighborhood have priority and faster access to all parts of the ship. The spacious deck area with plenty of seating in this two-story neighborhood provides a quiet and well-equipped area for families to relax.
Cabins
Although Icon of the Seas has fewer cabins (2,805 cabins compared to 2,874 rooms) than the largest ship of the previous generation, Wonder of the Seas, it hosts more passengers.
The reason for this difference is nothing but the focus of Icon designers on larger cabins that accommodate more than two people. In fact, more than 82 percent of the ship’s staterooms are designed for three or more guests, making them an ideal choice for family vacations.
The largest cabin on the ship is a three-story suite with an area of 540 square meters, two bedrooms, and a maximum of 8 passengers, with a cinema room, two balconies, and a private backyard.
But beyond the room size, the family-oriented design can be seen in every detail: from room layout to amenities and in-suite activities.
Icon of the Seas family cabin
For example, the tube-like slide that connects the upper floor to the ground floor living area, along with the popcorn machine, ping pong table, whirlpool, video games, and other entertainment can keep children entertained for hours.
These luxury suites have both a high cost ($8,000 per week) and an ever-increasing demand so that the entire complex is fully booked until the end of 2024.
Read more: Kansai International Airport, Japan
All of these innovations have been developed based on “customer intelligence,” says Michael Bailey, president of Royal Caribbean International, about the ship’s smart technologies. He said during the round table of senior managers at a media event in Turku:
Understanding customers and understanding how they want to interact with each other is fundamental to creating innovation and new products like Icon of the Seas.
This is not done like throwing darts at a sable board. We use a huge amount of data, not just the data of the guests who travel with us, but much more. We actually have a lot of questions from this data, trying to understand if our guests are enjoying the product or the experiences we’re offering, or what they like and don’t like.
The highest ship booking rate
Since its introduction in October 2023, Icon of the Seas has captured the attention of the world with numerous record-breaking events, but apart from the features and facilities, this ship has also broken the ticket booking record. Prior to this ship’s maiden voyage, Royal Caribbean set the record for the most booked ship in one day and the most weekly booked in history.
All tickets for the first voyage of the Icon ship, which took place in January 2024, were sold out within 24 hours. On this cruise, which started from the port of Miami, the ship made stops in the following ports according to the schedule of the Eastern Caribbean: Buster in the country of St. Kitts, St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, and then Kokoki in the Bahamas.
The ship will continue to sail year-round on routes covering the eastern and western Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
With Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean symbolized the endless horizons of the modern shipbuilding industry and set new benchmarks and standards for future cruise ships.
According to this company, the second Icon class ship will be unveiled in the summer of 2025 under the name Star of the Seas. Now it seems that in the endless world of innovation, the boundaries of possible and impossible are shifting every day.
Technology
Designed in California, copied in the Soviet Union; The story of the first Soviet chip
Published
4 days agoon
01/09/2024![chip](https://elixirofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Capture.png)
![chip](https://elixirofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Capture.png)
Designed in California, copied in the Soviet Union; The story of the first Soviet chip
During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a breathtaking competition in various fields, and each tried to prove its ideological superiority by showing its progress. This competition was not limited to the battlefield and extended to space, nuclear capabilities, technological innovation, and even competition to discover new super-heavy elements.
The space race, which culminated with the launch of the Sputnik satellite by the Soviet Union and the United States’ Apollo landings on the moon, attracted everyone’s attention and became a symbol of the Cold War at that time. Similarly, the arms race led both superpowers to amass and develop advanced nuclear arsenals, a constant reminder of the unstable balance of power. This extensive competition fueled technological advancements in the military and space fields and influenced the process of innovations.
One of the examples of this technology competition was the development of computer technologies. In the early 1970s, the Soviet Union began to imitate key Western innovations in the field of microprocessors, aiming to close its technological gap with the West. One of these innovations was the Intel 8080 microprocessor, which was considered a significant development in the computer field. The Soviet version of the 8080, known as the KR580VM80A (aka the 580 series), represented their broader strategy of reproducing Western technology.
This competition for copying and innovation during the Cold War illustrates the interplay between geopolitical conflicts and technological advances. Due to the silence of news in the Soviet Union at that time, little has been written about the details and the story behind this processor. In this article, by examining most of these sources, we are trying to discuss the story of the design and introduction of the Russian copy of the 8080 microprocessor.
Soviet Union before the Silicon Age
Before going into the history of the Soviet 580 series microprocessors, it is necessary to briefly talk about the level of Soviet technology before the emergence of integrated microprocessors.
In 1950, the “Small Electronic Computing Machine” (SECM) was developed in the Soviet Union. It should be noted that SECM was launched in the Soviet Union when there were only a few computers in Europe; including the English EDSAC, which had been launched a year earlier, and the Z4 Zuse in Zurich, which had been built around 1947. However, the SECM processor was much more powerful because it processed the calculations in parallel.
In the construction of SECM, all the basic principles of computer construction, such as the presence of input and output devices, coding and storing the program in memory, automatic execution of calculations based on the stored program, and other such things, were used. Most importantly, this computer was built on binary logic (processing based on zeros and ones) used in digital computing engineering.
Large Soviet BESM-6 electronic calculating machine at the London Science Museum
During the historic Soyuz-Apollo space mission in 1975, mission control was handled by a complex system that included a large computer called the BECM-6 (Big Electronic Computing Machine). This computer was developed directly from SECM and was able to perform the calculations needed to launch a missile in one minute; While on the American side, the calculations related to this mission lasted 30 minutes. This time difference in calculations indicated the technological differences between the two countries at that time.
So far, Soviet computing superiority over the West has been evident. But the real disaster occurred when the Soviets decided to produce copies of the IBM-360 mainframe computer; It meant the transition from innovation to copying American design. It is clear that copying does not stand a chance of being overtaken; However, the Soviets usually upgraded Western designs to make them look more indigenous and innovative.
The Soviet SECM performed calculations in one minute, but the American computer in 30 minutes
Copying only makes sense when it is used as a learning step in the absence of technology necessary for innovation. Of course, the logical end of such an approach is still moving towards the development of dedicated systems, which today, China has clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of this method. However, this story did not have a happy ending for the Soviet Union. From the moment the decision to copy was made, the Soviet Union was in an impossible scramble for advancement in the chip industry.
Copy instead of innovation
In late 1962, by order of the Soviet Union government, the Kyiv Design Bureau was established in the capital of the Ukrainian Socialist Republic, later known as the Kyiv Institute of Micro Devices (KNIIMP). This institution was associated with an experienced manufacturing plant. In August 1976, the institute’s first official mission was to create a copy of the Intel 8080 microprocessor, which had only been introduced for two years.
The design team of the KR580VM80A processor included a group of talented engineers and specialists working under the supervision of the Electronics and Engineering Design and Research Center. The team, led by Nikolai Beretsky, one of the most prominent Soviet engineers at the time, was responsible for the design and development of the new processor.
At the beginning of the work, the design team faced problems such as a lack of resources and advanced equipment. In particular, the production of semiconductor products in the Soviet Union faced serious problems due to the limitations of technology and raw materials, which directly affected the quality and performance of the processor. These issues caused delays in the project and the need for adjustments in the design.
Kiev Institute of Micro Devices with strange architecture during the Soviet era
On the one hand, funding technology projects during the Cold War was a big challenge. Due to the strategic sensitivity of the issue, the KR580VM80A project was funded through the Soviet Ministry of Electronic Industry and was specifically allocated for this project. This budget included research and development costs, purchase of laboratory equipment, and the supply of raw materials.
Since at that time, the semiconductor production technology in the Soviet Union was limited, part of the budget was allocated to upgrade the manufacturing equipment and technologies. The scope of the research and the lack of private investors, along with the economic crisis that engulfed the Soviet Union, faced serious challenges in funding this project.
The Soviet Union was facing the problem of funding and limited access to Western technologies
On the other hand, looking at the tense relations between the Western and Eastern Blocs, Soviet engineers had limited access to the 8080A microprocessor. Instead, they relied on existing documentation, technical articles, and spy intelligence that provided detailed information about the architecture and performance of the microprocessor. This information was often obtained from public sources, technical publications technical descriptions in manuals, or from insiders in companies.
Hence, Soviet engineers used reverse engineering to analyze the hardware design of the 8080A. The first step was the preparation of physical samples of this processor, which was purchased from America under the cover of fake companies.
The reverse engineering process involved opening the processor package to study the design of the silicon chip and its circuits. Soviet engineers used techniques such as decapsulation (removing the protective package of the chip) and microscopic study of the chip to examine the internal structure of the microprocessor. This allowed them to identify logic gates, circuit paths, and other critical components of the chip.
In addition to the physical examination, the Soviet team also had to understand the functional behavior of the 8080A. They performed various tests to see how the processor reacts to different commands and inputs. By running a series of software programs and checking the processor outputs, they were able to deduce the operational characteristics and architecture of the instruction set of this microprocessor. This step was very important to ensure the compatibility of the copied product with the software designed for the original processor.
The biggest challenge for the Soviet design team was the exact reconstruction of the microcode
One of the biggest challenges in this process was the exact reconstruction of the microcode design. Microcode is the low-level on-chip instructions that control the internal operations of the microprocessor and is very difficult to understand without detailed documentation.
Microcode instructions, like a cooking recipe, control the sequence of assembly code entry steps in calling, executing, and storing the results. Without having the correct combination and sequence of microcodes, the microprocessor will not be able to perform processing tasks. Soviet engineers had to reverse engineer the microcode by carefully analyzing the behavior of the processor in response to various commands and transferring it to their design.
The first series of processors produced at the Kyiv Microdevices Institute
CpusHack
Finally, between 1977 and 1978, the manufacturing of the first prototypes of the chips was completed. The first base set of this series included three chips: K580IK80, K580IK51, and K580IK55. These chips were produced in flat metal-ceramic packages with 48 pins, which was 8 pins more than Intel’s original architecture. Contrary to popular belief, these chips were not exact, layer-by-layer copies of Intel’s 8080 processor; Some blocks were similar, but the design and position of the metal joints were dramatically different.
Technical details of the Soviet chip
On November 6, 1980, The New York Times published an article entitled ” Soviet Advances in Computers ” in which the author analyzed the features of the KR580VM80A. The Soviet chips operated at 2 MHz (500,000 operations per second) and were manufactured based on the nMOS fabrication process with a channel width of 6 microns. The nMOS fabrication process involves the use of lithographic techniques to pattern different layers on a silicon wafer, which by applying high temperature, N and P semiconductor regions are precisely created within the silicon structure.
Compared to the 8080 with 4500 transistors, the Soviet chip had 4758 transistors
Western researchers’ analysis showed that this chip had exactly 4758 transistors; While there were rumors about the existence of 6000 or 4500 transistors. In 1981-1982, the packaging of these chips was changed to standard DIP (double-in-line pin package) packages with pin spacing corresponding to the Soviet standard, and later versions were released in the 40-pin format. Both versions were produced for domestic use in plastic frames and for special applications in metal-ceramic frames.
In 1983, the name of the IK80 model was changed to VM80, the IK55A model to VV55A, and the IK51 to VV51. The addition of the letter “A” at the end of the name of these models indicates an upgraded version that uses more of the basic set of this series. In this version, the processor speed increased to 2.5 MHz. Also, the area of the part was reduced by 20%, which happened due to the miniaturization of the production process to 5 microns.
The 580 series was produced by many Soviet integrated circuit design companies over the years. Among these companies, we can mention Quasar, Electronpribor, Radon, Kuvator, and Dnieper. Chips produced for export were marked “Сделано в СССР” (Made in the USSR) and were marketed without the manufacturer’s logo. In fact, it was the “manufacturer” of the Soviet Union, because the propaganda aspect of the government was more important than the name of the company that produced the chips.
Exported chips were marked “Made in the Soviet Union”.
With the widespread entry of these microprocessors into the market, microcircuit manuals were also prepared, which resembled a very high-quality translation from English to Russian. The importance of the manuals was that they not only had to fully explain the main purpose of the product but also technologically led the domestic manufacturer to build a product that was compatible with these microprocessors. Due to the minor differences between this product and the original, this was very difficult.
Although during the era of 8080 and 8086 microprocessors, the Kyiv Microdevices Institute succeeded in fulfilling its task, this company could not produce chips similar to Intel’s 80286 and then 80386 microprocessors.
Comparison with Western examples
Although at first glance, the Soviet version is completely compatible with the Intel 8080 processor in terms of software, there is a slight difference in the interrupt processing logic between the two processors. This difference seems to originate from a bug in the microcode of the KR580VM80A processor.
In 8080 processors, the interrupt response cycle begins when the processor detects an interrupt and intends to respond to it. In this cycle, the processor sends a signal that indicates the acknowledgment of receiving the interrupt, and with its help, the relevant hardware can send more information or perform the necessary requests. In this process, the CALL instruction tells the processor to go to a specific subroutine and transfer program execution to this subroutine. If a call instruction is received during the interrupt response cycle and the interrupt input remains active, the processor must properly update its internal flags and jump to the appropriate subroutine.
The microcode of the Soviet processor had a bug that caused the subroutine call stack to overflow
However, even if the interrupt output was disabled in the KR580VM80A processor, the processor could not clear the internal interrupt flag. This problem causes the processor to enter a microcode loop that continuously responds to the interrupt and adds the program counter to the stack, eventually leading to a stack overflow. In a typical hardware configuration, this problem is covered by the behavior of the 8259A interrupt controller, which disables the interrupt during the detection cycle. The Romanian MMN8080 processor also behaved similarly to the KR580VM80A, but other 8080 copies do not seem to be affected by this bug.
The legacy of the first Russian chip
Although Russian engineers produced a large number of specialized microcontrollers for special tasks that had no direct Western equivalents, the focus on copying rather than innovation has put the Soviet Union forever behind the United States in the development and production of modern microprocessors.
Although the 8080 processor was quickly replaced in the West by newer and more advanced chips, the Soviet copy remained popular until the 1990s. Even to this day, Russia continues to produce various versions of Western processors, including the MCS-96 series and the PIC17 chip; While it seems that China’s chip industry is only four years behind the US despite the sanctions.
Technology
Xiaomi Glorimi M2 Max watch review; Alternative economic option for iPhone owners
Published
6 days agoon
30/08/2024![Xiaomi Glorimi M2 Max](https://elixirofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Capture-18.png)
![Xiaomi Glorimi M2 Max](https://elixirofscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Capture-18.png)
Xiaomi Glorimi M2 Max watch review; Alternative economic option for iPhone owners
These days, the market of economical smartwatches with a premium appearance and almost all the functions that we expect from these popular wearables is very hot; the time has passed when reliable tests for measuring heart rate and blood oxygen level and even sleep monitoring were only limited to Apple Watch and It was Galaxy Watch. Let’s say that our eyes are slowly getting used to seeing more luxurious features such as answering calls in economic wearables and even from lesser-known brands.
In a market almost saturated with smartwatches and wristbands with their limitations and capabilities, Xiaomi’s Glorimi products have been able to gain considerable popularity within a year or two, using the formula of attractive appearance, high build quality, accurate sensors and, of course, an affordable price tag. Find users. The Glorimi M2 Max smartwatch, which was recently received by Zomit for review, is easily included in the list of the best smartwatches and wristbands in the Iranian market by filling almost all the boxes that make it worth buying.
To say without exaggeration; The Glorimi M2 Max was one of the few watches that I felt I had to own while reviewing! It’s not because of the bright screen or very accurate sensors and the ability to contact the iPhone effortlessly; But because of the wonderful user interface of notifications!
But before I talk about the unique display of notifications, let me start the review with a quick look at the general specifications and design of the watch.
Glorimi M2 Max specifications at a glance |
|
---|---|
Dimensions |
46.8 x 46.8 x 11.8 mm |
weight |
50 grams (with strap) |
body |
zinc alloy |
Display |
AMOLED 1.6 inches, 480 x 480 pixels, brightness 1350 nits |
Built-in GPS |
does not have |
Storage space |
4 GB (photo, song, and voice recording storage) |
battery |
360 mAh (about 6 days of daily use/20 days of standby) |
waterproof |
IP68 certified |
Sensors |
Optical heart rate sensor with the ability to calculate blood oxygen level (SpO2), accelerometer |
Speaker and microphone |
has |
operating system |
Exclusively compatible with Android 5 and iOS 9 and later |
Connections |
Bluetooth version 5.3 |
Eye-catching design with extra strap
The Glorimi M2 Max watch uses a large 1.6-inch circular screen in a zinc alloy frame, with a rotating button an aluminum action button, and a black/orange magnetic strap, which of course is available in black/blue, black/red, and white/blue colors. It is also available, it has an attractive and premium look. The 46.8mm size of the watch has an acceptable effect on narrow wrists, and its 50g weight does not cause any problems in long-term use; However, the magnetic strap makes you sweat a lot on hot summer days.
Glorimi M2 Max uses the IP68 degree of resistance against dust and water penetration up to a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes; Therefore, it is not suitable for recording swimming activities in the pool. Inside the box, apart from the magnetic strap, there is an additional silicone strap with a screen protector and a magnetic charging cable.
Bright with more or less brilliant performance
The screen on the Glorimi M2 Max is almost flawless; 1.6-inch 60 Hz AMOLED with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels and a brightness of 1,350 nits, which is a step higher than similarly priced watches with 600 nit screens. Colors are vivid and bright on this watch, the pixel density is such that icons look sharp and clear, and text is easy to read, even under the summer sun. However, due to the lack of an ambient light sensor, there is no automatic brightness and you have to manually adjust the screen brightness.
Glorimi watch is one of the few watches that does not discriminate between different ecosystems in the true sense of the word. Changing the language of the watch is done immediately without the need to restart, and by the way, the translation of the words is accurate and fluent.
Glorimi watch uses a proprietary operating system compatible with iOS and Android and a dual-core processor with a 2.5D graphics engine to display animated watch faces with a 3D feel. In this price range, you should not expect perfect performance from the watch, and sometimes we see a little lag in the corners of the operating system; For example, there is a slight delay in displaying the clock after lifting the wrist or switching between screens. The animation of moving watch faces is also a bit slow.
I tested the Glorimi M2 Max with firmware version 1.0.5 on an iPhone and most likely the lag issue will be fixed in future updates. Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any bugs during the review, and the display of notifications and calls was lag-free; The Bluetooth 5.3 connection was always established and, unlike most watches of the same category, it had no problem maintaining the connection with the iPhone.
This watch also uses four gigabytes of storage space to store photos, songs, and voice recordings. Transferring photos and songs is done through the HaWoFit watch app, and it is possible even on the iPhone.
Best implementation of the notification display
Glorimi M2 Max’s operating system, while similar to many other smartwatch OSes, benefits from a unique and interesting feature that Xiaomi refers to as a “Split Screen Browser”. While on most watches, swiping left and right simply switches between different apps, swiping right on the Glorimi M2 Max displays a small split screen in the left corner of the main screen. In this small space, you can see the time and date, quick access to notifications and the complete list of applications; You can also define a shortcut to access up to four applications by keeping your finger in this space.
The user interface of the Xiaomi watch is simple, clean, and straightforward and uses standard gestures to access different parts of the watch; By pressing the rotary button, the list of applications will open, and you can change their arrangement from the watch settings section. By rotating this button on the home screen, you switch between watch faces, control the volume in the Music app, and scroll through other pages. If you haven’t activated Always-on and Raise-to-wake to increase battery life, you can turn on the watch face by pressing the rotary button.
The second button is also a shortcut to the workouts screen by default, but you can replace it with any other app. A swipe down reveals quick settings that include brightness adjustment, Do Not Disturb mode, silent mode, raise-to-wake feature, power saving mode, watch face and sound settings, AOD mode, and several other options.
Split Screen’s right swipe and left swipe switch between several frequently used apps, including activity overview, heart rate test, blood oxygen level, stress, sleep monitoring, music control, and weather, and you can remove some of these shortcuts. Finally, swiping up reveals the notifications screen.
I am not exaggerating; Glorimi M2 Max has the best notification display implementation among all the smart watches reviewed by Zomit. Apart from the complete and perfect support of the Farsi language and emojis, it is as if there is no limit defined for the notifications of the Xiaomi watch! First, notifications are placed in separate categories depending on the application, and each application has its own official icon. Scrolling is also enabled for each notification so you can read messages almost completely (the only thing that doesn’t show fully is the link).
Notifications will be saved in any category you want; For example, the number of X social network category notifications reached more than 60 and continued! In comparison, the CMF Notting Watch Pro only keeps 10 notifications, and new notifications overwrite the previous ones.
Ability to call even for iPhone
Apple’s closed ecosystem does not allow many smartwatches to be compatible with the iPhone, and call support is usually one of the first features that fall under Apple’s monopoly; However, with the Glorimi M2 Max, you can easily connect it to the iPhone and enjoy all the functions of this watch, including answering calls, except for sending a quick reply.
Answering calls with the Xiaomi watch is done without problems and delays, and the performance of the speaker and microphone is satisfactory for use in a low-noise environment. The watch has a relatively weak vibration and is not suitable for waking up; But you can use several different ringtones for alarms and calls that have a suitable volume.
Glorimi M2 Max’s proprietary operating system does not support any app store and you have to go with the pre-installed apps on the watch that meet most of the user’s needs; Including weather app, calculator, watch lock with password, find phone, camera shutter control, alarm, stopwatch, timer, photo album, reminder, flashlight, Pomodoro timer, voice recorder, music control, and four mini-games. Of course, it is possible to synchronize information from the iPhone’s Health app with the watch, but Strava’s place is empty.
The shutter control unfortunately only works with the camera interface of the HaWoFit app, but the music control allows you to play songs from the watch itself or even save songs for the iPhone. Voice recording is one of those apps that are usually not found by default in smartwatches; However, the sound recording quality of Glorimi M2 Max does not disappoint.
In the watch application, you can access a diverse and colorful collection of watch faces with five different styles for AOD mode. Most watch faces are very busy and many of them use animated elements that may not suit all tastes. Fortunately, it is possible to use a custom watch face, and the process of installing it on the watch takes less than 30 seconds. In the personalization section of the watch face, you can choose from 5 different styles, although the front of the watch is too simple and does not match the design of the official watch faces.
Extremely accurate sensors
The Glorimi M2 Max smartwatch uses an accelerometer and an “advanced” heart rate sensor with the ability to calculate the blood oxygen level (SpO2) and an accelerometer, but there is no gyroscope or skin temperature and ambient light sensor; However, many of the health features the user needs are available in this watch; Including 24-hour heart rate measurement, heart rate alarm, blood oxygen measurement, sleep monitoring, a reminder of water consumption and movement, stress test, monthly habit tracker, breathing exercise and a new feature called Mood, which seems to be closely related to stress test.
But just providing health features is not enough; You should be able to trust their results. Fortunately, the Xiaomi watch showed an extremely accurate performance in the health and sleep monitoring tests, so that we can safely recommend the Glorimi M2 Max to people whose purpose in buying a smartwatch is health monitoring. As you can see in the table, the test results of the three health functions of the Xiaomi watch are almost equal to the results of the Galaxy Watch 4, which has accurate sensors.
Tests |
Glorimi M2 Max |
Galaxy Watch 4 |
---|---|---|
heartbeat |
86 beats per minute |
85 beats per minute |
blood oxygen level (SpO2) |
98 percent |
97 percent |
stress test |
normal |
normal |
I usually don’t expect much from the accuracy of sensors or even pedometers in this price range, but the Glorimi M2 Max blew me away in all tests. The sleep monitoring results are quite accurate and the pedometer did a great job of recording 100 steps with only one step difference.
The Xiaomi watch supports more than a hundred different workouts and all of them can be seen and selected from the watch itself. Since the watch does not have a resistance level of 5ATM, there is no mention of a swimming workout in the list of sports activities. For sports activities, information such as the number of steps, the amount of calories burned, the duration of the activity, the heart rate, and the speed of the steps are recorded. The Glorimi M2 Max lacks built-in GPS, but the map app has accurate positioning.
Satisfactory battery life
In terms of battery life, the Glorimi M2 Max fares very well. Xiaomi announced a battery capacity of 360 mAh and claims that it will last about 20 days in standby mode and 3 to 5 days in heavy use.
In my review, with 50% brightness, AOD and BT Switched off, notifications on, heart rate, stress, and oxygen levels constantly monitored, and about half an hour of calls and exercise per day, the watch lasted about six days on a charge. . If you enable AOD and BT Switch, the battery life will probably decrease to about 3 days. The watch is charged with a special magnetic cable and it takes about two hours to charge from 0 to 100 percent.
Is Glorimi M2 Max worth buying?
The Glorimi M2 Max smartwatch is an attractive product in many ways, and considering the price tag of about three million tomans, it has outstanding features that make its purchase worthwhile; Including a clear and bright AMOLED screen, full support for Farsi language in the menu and messages, very accurate sensors, the ability to call even with an iPhone, great implementation of notification display and satisfactory battery life.
But on the other hand, this economic watch also has limitations; Including the lack of built-in GPS, the lack of the ability to install external applications, the lack of ability to respond to messages (in Android phones, it is possible to send a quick response) and the lack of support for 5ATM resistance level to record swimming activity.
If texting, installing third-party apps, and built-in GPS are important to you, you might want to consider buying the Galaxy Watch 4, which, despite being three years old, costs almost twice as much as the Glorimi M2 Max, and isn’t compatible with the iPhone.
Read more: Galaxy Watch Ultra Review
The Galaxy Fit 3 is roughly the same price as the M2 Max and offers 5ATM resistance, fast performance, and drop detection, but lacks built-in GPS, calling, and app installation.
Along with its attractive appearance and built-in GPS, Notting’s CMF Watch Pro uses accurate and responsive touch sensors compatible with the iPhone, but at the time of review, it suffered from numerous software bugs.
In addition to the M2 Max model, the Glorimy brand also has two models, the M2 and the M2 Pro, where the M2 model is cheaper and the Pro model is more expensive and has a more luxurious appearance. The Max and Pro models share the same processor, but the Pro model has a slightly smaller screen, two extra straps in the box, and no storage space. The M2 has the same screen as the Pro but uses a possibly weaker processor. All three models do not differ in terms of features and capabilities.
The specifications of all Glorimy products can be seen on the official Glorimy website. Fortunately, these products benefit from 12 months of after-sales service, including a 6-month replacement warranty, and it is possible to register a service request and inquire about authenticity from the glorimi.ir website.
Why should we buy the Xiaomi Glorimi M2 Max watch?
- Excellent display of notifications
- The ability to call even with an iPhone
- Bright AMOLED screen
- Very accurate sensors
- Satisfactory battery life
- Affordable price
Why should we avoid buying the Xiaomi Glorimi M2 Max watch?
- Lack of built-in GPS
- It was not possible to install the app
- No ability to reply to messages
- No support for 5ATM grade
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