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NEW YORK (CNNMoney) - Next-generation tech like self-driving cars and augmented reality will need huge amounts of computing power. <\/p>\n
AT&T on Tuesday detailed its plan to use \"edge computing\" and 5G to move data processing to the cloud, in order to better support these new technologies. <\/p>\n
\"[Edge computing] is like having a wireless supercomputer follow you wherever you go,\" AT&T said in a statement. <\/p>\n
Rather than sending data to AT&T's core data centers -- which are often hundreds of miles away from customers -- it will be sent to the company's network of towers and offices, located closer to users. <\/p>\n
For example, let's say you're wearing VR glasses but the actual virtual reality experience is running in the cloud. There could be a delay in what you see when you move your head if the data center is far away. <\/p>\n
AT&T aims to reduce lag time by sending data to locations much closer to you. (AT&T has agreed to acquire Time Warner, the parent company of CNN. The deal is pending regulatory approval.) <\/p>\n
5G networks will be driving these efforts. Experts believe 5G will have barely any lag, which means a lot of the computing power currently in your smartphone can be shifted to the cloud. This would extend your phone's battery life and make apps and services more powerful. <\/p>\n
In the case of augmented and virtual reality, superimposing digital images on top of the real world in a believable way requires a lot of processing power. Even if a smartphone can deliver that promise, it would eat up its battery life. <\/p>\n
\"This solution moves the data crunching from the device to the cloud at the edge,\" an AT&T spokesman told CNN Tech. \"[This is] one way to reduce latency, but it's less practical due to the effect on the battery or even hardware required.\" <\/p>\n
The \"edge\" refers to the physical points of the network that are closer to customers. <\/p>\n
5G will also enable faster speeds and could even open the door to new robotic manufacturing and medical techniques. <\/p>\n
AT&T is rolling out edge computing over the \"next few years,\" beginning in dense urban areas. <\/p>\n
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When 5G is here, a wireless supercomputer will follow you around - WFMZ Allentown<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Related Content NEW YORK (CNNMoney) - Next-generation tech like self-driving cars and augmented reality will need huge amounts of computing power. AT&T on Tuesday detailed its plan to use \"edge computing\" and 5G to move data processing to the cloud, in order to better support these new technologies. \"[Edge computing] is like having a wireless supercomputer follow you wherever you go,\" AT&T said in a statement Continue reading