Ericsson ’ s ConsumerLab 5G ‘ The Next Wave ’ report breaks down the world ’ s 5G uptake , and how this mobile technology is paving the way for the metaverse .

The report revealed that at least 30 % of smartphone users intend to take up a 5G subscription within the next year .

And , of those 5G consumers , many display a stronger affinity to next-generation technologies . For instance , compared to 4G users , 5G users spend an average of one hour per week more on metaverse-related services . They spend a markedly increased amount of time gaming in virtual worlds , using AR and other such technologies .

� A-EYE Researchers at Boston ’ s Northeastern University have built a new machine vision device – using new artificial intelligence techniques – that can recognise “ millions of colours ”, opening the door to a new world of industrial machine vision applications .

� RANSOMWARE DEFENCE The research group at Purdue University has developed an algorithm to help power companies prioritise security investments and fend off a ransomware attack , which could cause millions to lose electricity .

� THE BANKING GIANTS With almost twothirds of business clients looking for a fresh financial services provider , banks need to step up to the fintech challenge .

� THERMAL SOFTWARE Machine learning and cheap thermal cameras can be used by criminals to spot heat signals and guess device passwords in less than a minute .

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