New ‘Artificial Eye’ Gives Blind People New Hope

A tray of example glass eyes on display. Reuters
A tray of example glass eyes on display. Reuters
TT
20

New ‘Artificial Eye’ Gives Blind People New Hope

A tray of example glass eyes on display. Reuters
A tray of example glass eyes on display. Reuters

A team of US researchers has, for the first time, developed a fully 3-D printed array of light receptors on a hemispherical surface. This discovery marks a significant step toward creating a “bionic eye” that could someday help blind people see or improve sighted people see better.

Michael McAlpine, a researcher from the University of Minnesota, said: “Bionic eyes are usually thought of as science fiction, but now we are closer than ever using a multi-material 3-D printer.”

Researchers used a custom-built 3-D printer, and they started with a base ink of silver particles. Then, they used semiconducting polymer materials to print photodiodes, which convert light into electricity. The entire process takes about an hour, the German News Agency reported.

The Techxplore website cited McAlpine who said that the most surprising part of the process was the 25 percent efficiency in converting the light into electricity they achieved with the fully 3-D-printed semiconductors.

McAlpine said the next steps aim to create a prototype with more receptors that are even more efficient. They'd also like to find a way to print on a soft material that can be implanted into a real eye.

McAlpine's drive to create a bionic eye is a little more personal.

“My mother is blind in one eye, and whenever I talk about my work, she says, When are you going to print me a bionic eye?” he said.



Huawei Launches Pura 80 Smartphone Series in Next Step of China Comeback 

The Huawei logo is seen in this illustration taken on January 29, 2025. (Reuters)
The Huawei logo is seen in this illustration taken on January 29, 2025. (Reuters)
TT
20

Huawei Launches Pura 80 Smartphone Series in Next Step of China Comeback 

The Huawei logo is seen in this illustration taken on January 29, 2025. (Reuters)
The Huawei logo is seen in this illustration taken on January 29, 2025. (Reuters)

Chinese tech giant Huawei launched its Pura 80 smartphone series on Wednesday, as the company seeks to cement its comeback in China's premium smartphone market following years of US sanctions.

Huawei's latest flagship launch demonstrates the Chinese tech giant's continued efforts to reclaim the top spot in its home market despite ongoing US sanctions. Each new phone release is closely watched as a barometer of the company's technological capabilities and market resilience following years of restrictions that severely impacted its smartphone business.

Huawei's resurgence has intensified pressure on Apple, which has seen its market share in China steadily decline and has increasingly relied on price discounts to stimulate sales.

Huawei unveiled the Pura 80 series through a livestream event, with consumer business unit head Yu Chengdong focusing heavily on camera capabilities and AI features while staying silent about the chips powering the devices.

The series includes four models: Pura 80, Pura 80 Pro, Pura 80 Pro+, and Pura 80 Ultra. Pricing starts at 6,499 yuan ($905) for the Pro series launching June 14, with the Pro+ also launching June 14 at 7,999 yuan and the Ultra at 9,999 yuan on June 26. The base model launches in July.

The cameras use XMAGE technology and feature ultra-wide-angle and macro telephoto lenses with embedded AI that can identify objects and provide information like tourist guides.

Huawei phone launches generate significant interest as many view them as the company defying US sanctions.

On Chinese microblogging platform Weibo, three of the top ten trending topics on Wednesday were Pura 80-related. User reactions were mixed, with many praising the camera capabilities and sleek design, while others complained the prices were too high and not worth the cost.