Download and install latest Google Play Store 5.4.10 APK (Material Design)
The Google Play Store has just received a version bump, bringing it to version 5.4.10 and few minor changes.
What’s New
– Transparent status bar when viewing listings.
Of course, there could be more undisclosed under the hood performance enhancements not immediately noticeable.
If like me you like to be on the cutting edge of developments, you can go ahead and grab the latest Google Play Store 5.4.10 APK from here.
Notice anything else different in the newest version of the Google Play Store? Drop us a comment below.
The post Download and install latest Google Play Store 5.4.10 APK (Material Design) appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Galaxy S6 Edge bends at the same pressure as iPhone 6 Plus
Do you remember when the term ‘Bendgate’ went viral? It happened when the iPhone 6 Plus users complained that their phone bends in pocket or after a certain force. Well, it seems Galaxy S6 Edge bends as well, as it bends at the same pressure point as the iPhone 6 Plus. Check out the video below to see HTC One M8, Galaxy S6 Edge, and iPhone 6 Plus going through the test:
However, iPhone is just bending and the screen is still safe, but the screen on Galaxy S6 Edge shatters right at the point, and that’s probably because of the edges. But it is hard to disagree on the fact that Galaxy S6 Edge is probably the greatest looking Samsung device to date. All you have to do is to be a bit careful, maybe a good phone cover would suffice because there is a probability that it might bend in your pocket or maybe breaks if you drop.
Are you planning to grab it? Let us know in the comment box below.
The post Galaxy S6 Edge bends at the same pressure as iPhone 6 Plus appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Samsung’s Galaxy S6 Bends as Easily as iPhone 6 Plus
Third-party warranty firm SquareTrade recently released a video showcasing the durability of the new Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and HTC One M9, discovering the Galaxy to bend at 110 lbs of pressure and the One M9 to bend at 120 lbs of pressure.
Although the Galaxy S6 Edge’s pressure limits are comparable to the iPhone 6 Plus’ testing, the Galaxy’s screen ended up cracking under the pressure instead of slightly bending similar to Apple’s plus-size iPhone model. The HTC One M9 lasted further than its two competitors, reaching 120 lbs of pressure, but the phone was rendered useless thanks to a faulty power button following the pressure test.
Testing to the point of “catastrophic failure”, the iPhone 6 Plus survived 179 lbs of pressure, beating out the Galaxy S6 Edge’s 149 lbs stress test. As SquareTrade points out, the Galaxy’s stress tests proves the phone could be worse for users due to the smartphone’s screen cracking under intense pressure.
Following the “Bendgate” controversy last year, both Samsung and HTC parodied Apple’s woes on social media. Though SquareTrade’s pressure tests are meant to measure intense circumstances, it’s still interesting to see where each smartphone lies on the durability scale when compared to one another.
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Aluminum Monitor Stand With 4 USB Ports From Satechi [Mac Blog]
For this week’s giveaway, we’ve partnered up with Satechi to give MacRumors readers a chance to win one of the company’s $70 Aluminum Monitor Stands.
Designed to match the iMac and other Macs in Apple’s computer lineup, the stand has a clean aluminum design with four USB 3.0 ports built in to manage cables. The stand raises the monitor up by four inches to reduce eye and neck strain.
First unveiled this January at CES, the monitor stand is 11 inches wide in the front, 9.5 inches wide in the back, and 8.75 inches long, so it can accommodate most monitors and laptops. It supports up to 200 pounds.
To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below. You can earn additional entries by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, subscribing to our YouTube Channel, following us on Twitter, or visiting the MacRumors Facebook page. Due to the intricacies of international law regarding giveaways, this giveaway is open only to U.S. residents who are 18 years of age or older.
a Rafflecopter giveawayThe giveaway will run from today, Friday, April 3 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time through Friday April 10 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time. Winners will be chosen randomly on April 10 and will be contacted through email. A response to our email is required within 48 hours or the winner will forfeit the prize and we will pick a new winner.
Buyer’s Guide: Discounts on Retina iMac, MacBook Air, Older MacBook Pro, and Apple Accessories [Mac Blog]
Despite the approach of the Easter holiday, there aren’t too many deals available this week. We’ve had good prices on the iPad for the last few weeks, but most sales have ended, so if you’re planning to buy one of Apple’s newest tablets, you might want to hold off for a week or two until prices drop a bit further.
That said, there are some good discounts on the Retina iMac and other iMacs, and 2014 MacBook Air and Retina MacBook Pro models continue to be available at low prices.
We’ve also got a lot of apps on sale this week, and there are a few Apple-related accessories available on the cheap, including Beats headphones.
iPad Air 2
Best Buy continues to offer the lowest prices we’ve seen on a few select iPad Air 2 models. The 16GB Cellular iPad Air 2 in silver is available for $499.99, $130 off its regular price. The 64GB Cellular iPad Air 2 in silver is available for $599.99, $130 off. The 128GB Cellular iPad Air 2 in silver is priced at $699.99, also a $130 discount.
B&H Photo is offering a small discount on all of its iPad Air 2 models, dropping prices by $30 to $50. With the discount, the 16GB WiFi only iPad Air 2 is priced at $459 and the 64GB model is priced at $569.
iPad Air
Best Buy is also discounting cellular versions of its iPad Air stock, dropping the price on the 16GB Verizon Space Gray model to $379.99 and the price of the 32GB Verizon Space Gray model to $429.99, two of the lowest prices we’ve seen on those tablets.
Both Best Buy and B&H Photo have deep discounts on some remaining stock of now-discontinued higher-capacity iPad Air models, as listed below.
– iPad Air Wi-Fi 128GB Space Gray – $549
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 128GB (AT&T) – $579
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 64GB (AT&T) – $449
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 64GB (Verizon) – $566.99
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 128GB (Verizon) – $579
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 128GB (Verizon) – $559
iPad mini 2
Amazon has a few iPad mini 2 models available at discounted prices. The 16GB Cellular Verizon iPad mini 2 in Silver is available for $339. The 16GB Cellular Verizon iPad mini 2 in Space Gray is available for $335. The 32GB Cellular Verizon iPad mini 2 in Space Gray is available for $399.99.
Best Buy and Amazon also have remaining stock of now-discontinued higher-capacity iPad mini 2 models, which are a good deal if you’re looking for an iPad mini. Compared to the iPad mini 3, the iPad mini 2 only lacks Touch ID.
– iPad mini Cellular Silver 128GB (AT&T) – $450
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 128GB (AT&T) – $400
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 64GB (AT&T) – $399.99
– iPad mini Cellular Silver 128GB (Verizon) – $439.97
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 128GB (Verizon) – $534.99
– iPad mini Cellular Silver 64GB (Verizon) – $396.99
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 64GB (Verizon) – $398.99
iPad mini 3
Best Buy has discounts on a single iPad mini 3, the 128GB Cellular iPad model in gold. The price is $579.99, a discount of $150.
iMac
– 21.5-inch `1.4GHz/8GB/500GB (Best Buy) – $999.99, $100 off
– 21.5-inch 2.7GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,189, $110 off
– 21.5-inch 2.9GHz/8GB/1TB (Best Buy) – $1,379, $130 off
– 27-inch 3.2GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,689, $110 off
– 27-inch 3.4GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,794, $205 off
– 27-inch 3.5Ghz/8GB/1TB Retina iMac (Best Buy) – $2,349, $250 off
Mac mini
– 1.4GHz/4GB/500GB (Amazon) (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $464.99, $34 off
– 2.6GHz/8GB/1TB (Amazon) (B&H Photo) – $649.99, $49 off
– 2.8GHz/8GB/1TB (MacMall) – $934.99, $64 off
MacBook Air
– 2015 11-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB – (B&H Photo) (Adorama) $829, $70 off
– 2015 13-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (B&H Photo) (Adorama) – $949.99, $50 off
– 2014 11-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB (Amazon) (B&H Photo) – $729, $170 off
– 2014 11-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/256GB (Amazon) (B&H Photo) – $899, $200 off
– 2014 13-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB (Amazon) (B&H Photo) – $799, $200 off
– 2014 13-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/256GB (Best Buy) – $899, $300 off
Retina MacBook Pro
– 2014 15-inch 2.2GHz/16GB/256GB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo) (MacMall) – $1,799, $200 off
– 2014 15-inch 2.5GHz/16GB/512GB (B&H Photo) –$2,249, $250 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.6GHz/8GB/128GB (B&H Photo) – $1,129, $170 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.6GHz/8GB/256GB (B&H Photo) – $1,249, $239 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.8GHz/8GB/512GB (Amazon) – $1,550, $249 off
Apps
There are quite a few apps that are on sale at discounted prices or available for free for a limited time. We’ll highlight a few here, but make sure to check out our sister site AppShopper for a complete list.
iOS board game San Juan is available for $0.99, down from $4.99. Valiant Hearts: The Great War is available for free, down from $4.99. Orbitum is available for free, down from $1.99. Blek is available for $0.99, down from $1.99.
Apple is running an “Amazing Photo + Video” promotion in the Mac and iOS App Stores this week, and more than 30 popular apps are available at 50 percent off.
Puzzle game Back to Bed was named Apple’s app of the week this week, and it will be available to download for free for the next six days.
Apple Accessories
Fluxmob is offering $10 off the Bolt battery/charger and throwing in a free Arc lightning cable through 4/5. Target is offering a $10 gift card with the purchase of an Apple TV.
Groupon is selling the Griffin USB Power Duo wall and car charger pack for $9.99, down from $29.95. Groupon is selling the Scosche BoltBOX Retractable Lightning cable for $12.99, down from $24.99. The Sony Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Lightning Dock is available for $139 from Groupon, $10 cheaper than Amazon’s price and more than $100 off the original price.
Best Buy is offering up to 20 percent off all Beats headphones.
MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors.
Twitch hosting Q&A with stars of HBO’s Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley, HBO’s comedic take on the often ridiculous world of startups is returning for its second season on April 12. But before we find out what’s happening with Pied Piper, series stars Thomas Middleditch, Zach Woods, Martin Starr, and Kumail Nanjiani will be part of a Q&A at Twitch headquarters on April 8. After the Q&A, the actors will play a few video games and then viewers will be able to watch the pilot episode of the series. A first for the streaming service.
Landing the pilot episode isn’t as exciting as getting the actual season two premier, but it’s still a pretty big deal. Twitch is already venturing into streaming live music with the Ultra music festival last month and a 24-hour set from DJs Diplo and Deadmau5 in February. All of this serves as a reminder that the service is already more than just a place to watch video games.
[Image credit: HBO]
Source: HBO [PDF]
What to Expect at Your Apple Watch Try-On Appointment [iOS Blog]
Starting April 10, potential customers will be able to try on the Apple Watch in Apple retail stores with help from trained staff members. If you like what you see, you will be able to pre-order your device right then and we have a walkthrough of the various ways to place pre-orders for the Apple Watch. MacRumors has obtained a copy of some internal training documents for Apple Watch try-on appointments and we also have some more detailed insight on what you can expect when you visit an Apple Store beginning April 10.
Before we talk about what to expect at your try-on appointment, it’s important to note that you do not need to attend a try-on session in order to pre-order an Apple Watch. If you so choose, you can order one online as soon as they are available for purchase, or walk into an Apple retail store and tell a staff member what you want to pre-order without having to try it on first. Pre-orders made in store and online will ship to your home. In-store purchases will be available through reservations following the Apple Watch’s April 24 launch date.
There are two ways to try on the Apple Watch. You can make an appointment or you can walk into an Apple Store without an appointment and hope the employees can fit you in for a try-on session. It’s likely demand for try-on appointments will be high in the days after April 10, so we recommend making an appointment before heading off to your local Apple Store.
Before Your Appointment
Based on the training document, when you make your appointment to try on Apple Watch, you will specify a line (aluminum, steel, or gold) that you want to try on, although you will be able to try models from multiple lines at your appointment. If you have already saved your favorite models to the Apple retail store app or Apple online store on your iOS device, this information will be used to help guide your appointment. We do not have specific steps for the actual appointment making process, but it will likely be similar to making a Genius Bar appointment.
When you arrive at an Apple Retail Store location, if you made an appointment, you will check in with an employee and head over to the “Red Zone” to wait for your try-on appointment to begin. If you’re walking in without an appointment, an employee will give you a specific time when an appointment will become available and you’ll get an SMS notification when it’s your turn to check in and try on the Apple Watch.
Around this time, you may notice (if you haven’t already) the display table, which will house different models of the Apple Watch under glass with special lighting. It gives you a chance to see several options before moving forward. There is also an Apple Watch Demo display, which should be mounted to the wall near the display table. It is designed to provide you with an interactive demonstration of the features of Apple Watch. It houses an Apple Watch that is mounted to an acrylic stand with a screen next to it. When you interact with the Apple Watch, the larger screen shows off the technology and development that goes into each feature.
Trying on the Apple Watch
When your specialist contacts you, he or she will ask a few questions about your watch needs and what you think is the most interesting aspect of the Apple Watch. Then, you will move over to the Try-On table where you will actually get to try on a variety of Apple Watches to see which one suits you the best. Each table has four to six stations with a drawer on each side, with each one holding 18 watches from the Sport and Apple Watch collection. If your store is not equipped with a Try-On table, you may be provided a Try-On case instead, which is a smaller case with 10 watches inside. The Try-On case is intended for mobility within a store and can be used anywhere.
Customers will be able to try out the features of Apple Watch and try on different models. The try-on models will include a haptic feedback demo loop so you can experience what it feels like.
You can also select accessories, like additional charging cables or different watch bands. However, you will not be able to swap bands on the try-on models to see how a custom combination might work for you.
You will have about 15 minutes to try on watches and make your selection. There is no limit to how many different models you are allowed to try on. However, specialists are directed to generally allow customers to compare only two watches from the drawer at a time in order to minimize confusion at the table.
Apple Watch Edition try-on appointments are slightly different, with customers treated as V.I.P.s. The training document notes that staff should provide a “no-waiting experience to Edition customers.” Whenever possible, Edition customers should be taken care of right away. If they have to wait, they are to be prioritized. Edition customers get much longer try-on appointments and can spend an hour or more with the Apple Watch from start to finish. You may not be able to try on the Edition watch as a walk-in customer, but Apple employees will make efforts to accommodate every person interested in the Edition Watch.
Regardless of whether you try on the Apple Watch Sport, stainless steel Apple Watch, or gold Apple Watch Edition, you will be able to pre-order the watch of your choice from the online Apple Store after your appointment with the help of the specialist who walked you through the try-on appointment.
Once Apple Watch Launches
Beginning April 24 when the Apple Watch officially goes on sale, customers who have reserved a model prior to their try-on appointment will be able to purchase their Apple Watch in the store and will be provided with Personal Setup assistance. Staff will help you unbox, fit, pair, and sync Apple Watch to your iPhone. You will also get a rundown of the device’s functions, choose a watch face, and set complications.
To begin, walk-in customers and even those with try-on appointments will not necessarily be able to immediately purchase inventory from the store. You will instead be directed to place an order online for home delivery or make a reservation for in-store pick up.
If a customer with a try-on appointment elects to make a product reservation and the store has stock available, there is a possibility the reservation could be fulfilled quickly, allowing the customer to purchase on the same day. Supplies are expected to be very tight in the early days, however, so expect to have to come back to pick up your order at a later date. Once the early order rush dies down and Apple’s supplies stabilize, it should become easier to obtain a watch on a walk-in or same-day basis.
To maximize your chances of getting the model you want at the earliest possible date, make your appointment starting April 10 to try on an Apple Watch and you will be able to check out the different models and decide which one is perfect for you before placing your pre-order.
AMIDuOS brings Android platform to Windows devices
The other day we introduced you to the ARC Beta, which is a Chrome project that enables users to run Android apps within Chrome. If that is too limiting for you though and you would like to run Android on some Windows 7 or Windows 8 hardware you have sitting around, a new option is available for you. American Megatrends Incorporated has released AMIDuOS, which will create an Android environment on your Windows PC that you can quickly switch to without dual-booting to run your favorite Android apps.
AMIDuOS creates a 100% native Android environment on a Windows PC and according to the developers, can run just about all Android applications. To help users get started, AMIDuOS includes the Amazon Appstore, but users can install additional markets with the AMIDuOS package installer.
AMIDuOS takes advantage of Windows OpenGL drivers, even when a user is running Android, to enable fast frame rates and support for graphics-intensive applications like games. Most of the time AMIDuOS runs in a native x86-mode, but it will switch over to ARM emulation as needed.
One thing users will discover is that AMIDuOS is able to recognize a full array of sensors and peripheral hardware, including ambient light sensors, gyrometer, compass and orientation. Depending on what kind of hardware one is using, this could effectively create a full Android tablet experience.
AMIDuOS supports both tablet and desktop modes for users so they can take advantage of hardware like keyboards. AMIDuOS also supports file sharing between Windows and Android, making it easy to switch between the operating systems to access pictures, video and music.
If you are interested in giving AMIDuOS a try, hit the source link below to grab the installer and get going. If you decide you like it after the trial period, AMIDuOS costs $9.99. Currently it is running Android 4.2.2 but an upgrade to Android Lollipop is planned.
source: AMIDuOS
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Sling TV launches Sling International, brings nearly 200 channels in 18 languages
Sling TV continues to be the cord cutters dream. They announced that DishWorld, the live streaming multi-language TV service, is now Sling International and it provides nearly 200 channels in 18 languages at $15 per month.
Sling TV customers can add Sling International to their monthly plan and will be able to watch the new programming through the same apps they use for Sling TV. This includes Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, current generation Roku players, Android and iOS devices, Xbox One, Macs, and PCs. New customers will be eligible for one month free.
If you happen to be a current DishWorld customer, you will be prompted at log in to upgrade to the new Sling International app.
The languages available include Arabic, Bangla, Bengali, Brazilian, Cantonese, Filipino, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Mandarin, Marathi, Punjabi, Taiwanese, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Full Press Release:
Sling TV Introduces Sling International; Launches Nearly 200 Channels in 18 Languages
- Programming in eighteen languages available today across all Sling TV supported devices, with monthly subscriptions starting at $15
- Transition from DishWorld to Sling International brand includes the launch of three new language groups and an updated user interface, available today to all Sling TV customers
- Customers can watch Sling TV and Sling International content together in the same app on Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, current-generation Roku players and Roku TV models, Android and iOS devices, Xbox One, and Mac and PC
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sling TV announced today that DishWorld, the live streaming multi-language television service, is now “Sling International.” The move officially marries the largest provider of streamed international channels in the U.S. with Sling TV, the recently-launched provider of live, over-the-top (OTT) domestic TV service. Sling International provides global programming from nearly 200 channels in 18 languages to U.S. households, starting at $15 per month.
“Sling TV grew from the foundation established by DishWorld, enabling us to test, grow and improve our OTT capabilities through a service that streams tens of millions of hours of content every month,” said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. “Incorporating DishWorld into the Sling TV portfolio makes it even easier for viewers to get the best of both domestic programming and the shows and sports they love from overseas.”
Current DishWorld customers will be prompted at log in to upgrade to the new Sling International app. Once complete, customers will experience the Sling TV user interface, which is intuitive, easy to use and controlled by swipe and scroll functionality on devices with touchscreen capability. Sling TV customers will also have the ability to watch Sling International and domestic Sling TV content within the same app.
Starting today, new customers who sign up for Sling International can take advantage of a free one month trial. New customers can sign up for a Sling International account at http://www.sling.com/international. Existing customers of Sling TV or Sling International who wish to add domestic content or additional language groups can sign in to their account onwww.sling.com/account and make their selections under “change subscription.”
Customers can now sign in to their Sling International accounts using all devices that support Sling TV, including Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, current-generation Roku players and Roku TV models, Android and iOS devices, Xbox One, and Mac and PC. DishWorld customers who use Samsung Smart TVs will continue using the DishWorld app; support of Sling International will become available on select Samsung Smart TVs in the coming weeks.
As the largest multicultural OTT service in the U.S., Sling International delivers close to 200 channels from language groups including Arabic, Bangla, Brazilian, Cantonese, Filipino, Gujarati, Hindi, Malayalam, Mandarin, Punjabi, Taiwanese, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and Vietnamese. New language groups launching today include Bengali, Kannada and Marathi. Sling International customers who subscribe to “Family View” will continue to enjoy viewing their international content on up to three devices simultaneously.
About Sling TV
Sling TV L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), provides over-the-top television services including domestic and international live and Video-On-Demand programming. It is available on televisions, tablets, computers and smartphones. The Sling TV programming portfolio includes content from Disney/ESPN, HBO, AMC, Turner, Scripps, EPIX, Univision and Maker Studios. Sling International (formerly DishWorld) currently provides close to 200 channels in 18 languages across multiple devices to U.S. households. Sling TV is a next-generation service that meets the entertainment needs of today’s contemporary viewers. Visit www.sling.com.
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How graphene may revolutionize the mobile industry
Graphene is a sheet of carbon atoms bound together in a honeycomb lattice pattern. It is a 2D material, but at only one atom thick, graphene manages to be 200 times stronger than steel and is able to move electrons across its surface up to three orders of magnitude better than silicon. It is also the best conductor of electricity and heat known to man, with intriguing optical properties. It is very lightweight, flexible, and has a large surface area. Graphene comes at a relatively high price at the moment, but depending on improvements to current production methods, it could eventually be much cheaper, as it is only made of naturally abundant carbon atoms.
Thanks to graphene’s myriad of remarkable attributes, scientists and industry experts have dubbed it ‘miracle material’ and are excited about its potential to revolutionize entire markets. Graphene is intensively researched and may enable advances like bendable and transparent computer screens, cheaply desalinated water using graphene membranes, low-cost and efficient solar panels, lightning fast microcomputers, light and powerful batteries that charge within minutes, unique sensors, and much more. It is safe to say that the graphene’s full scope of possibilities is a long way from being discovered.
Graphene and the mobile device market seem to be a match made in heaven.
Graphene and the mobile device market seem to be a match made in heaven, as graphene’s unique attributes can be greatly beneficial for various aspects of mobile devices. Graphene can allow for super-efficient batteries that charge within minutes and last much longer than conventional Li-ion batteries, composite materials that make devices lightweight and extremely durable, touch screens that are flexible and transparent, and even chips that are extremely small but much faster than silicon chips.
Let’s take a closer look at just some of the ways graphene could change the mobile world, for the better.
Graphene, meet battery
Graphene could eventually revolutionize battery tech, achieving better longevity and rapid charge times that would put current tech to shame.
Graphene-enhanced batteries hold tremendous potential and are the subject of vigorous research. These batteries sport traits like longer cycle-life, high energy density and charge storage capacity, flexibility and rapid charge times. Earlier this year, an American company called XG Sciences demonstrated its next generation silicon graphene anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The company states that it has a charge storage capacity of up to 4 times today’s typical anodes, first cycle efficiency of 85-90%, low swelling, and longer lifetime that is more than double the company’s previous generation.
Graphene batteries will sport traits like longer cycle-life, high energy density and charge storage capacity, flexibility and rapid charge times.
Nokia has also been researching graphene batteries and even issued a patent for what sounds like a sci-fi battery: a self-charging graphene-based photon battery, capable of being printed on flexible substrates. Nokia’s battery can regenerate itself immediately after discharge through continuous chemical reactions, without an external energy input, resulting in an energy autonomous device that uses humid air for the purpose of recharging and can be made highly transparent. The US-based Graphene 3D Lab even intends to 3D print graphene batteries. This way, it is possible to tailor the shape and size of a battery to better fit in small mobile devices.
Graphene-based batteries, however promising, are still at the research phase and our careful estimate is that they will not be reaching the market for at least two years. They should definitely be worth the wait, though.
Graphene opens the door to improved phone durability
Graphene has the potential to be added to metal or plastic, improving build quality significantly, while keeping things light.
Adding graphene to materials like plastic and metal creates a new and improved composite that is conductive, mechanically stronger, more lightweight, and highly durable. Using these graphene composites for the body of various mobile devices is an exciting prospect that can grant such a device several desired characteristics.
Adding graphene to materials like plastic and metal creates a new and improved composite that is conductive, mechanically stronger, more lightweight, and highly durable.
The Spanish Graphenea discovered that adding graphene to ceramic alumina can make it stronger – it is up to 50% less likely to break under strain. Graphenea’s method is simple, fast and scalable, and it makes the alumina a hundred million times more conductive to electricity. Graphenea believes the same process will work for other materials such as silicon carbide, silicon nitride, titania, zirconia, and more.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with Adama Materials, managed to create a highly durable graphene-plastic compound. They say that by adding a tiny amount of graphene, the plastic toughness was increased by about 2.5 times. The researchers are now seeking to refine to process so it can be commercialized.
Graphene composites have already started to enter the market and can currently be found mostly in sports gear like extra light and strong ski equipment, bicycle wheels, helmets and more. Now it’s only a matter of time before this bleeds over to the mobile world as well.
Graphene in mobile displays
Most touch screens on the market today use ITO for their transparent electrodes. ITO, however, is quite problematic as its rare, expensive, brittle and unsuitable for flexible displays so replacements are constantly being searched for. Graphene is one of the most promising materials in the run for ITO replacements, and China even has touchscreens on the market that contain graphene electrodes.
Compared to silver-based solutions, graphene holds optical properties that make it especially desirable for such applications. Chinese company Powerbooster developed graphene-based flexible touch panels for mobile devices. The company says that graphene is cheaper and stronger than ITO and it plans to invest $150 million in the next three years in order to bring their solutions to the market.
China’s Chongqing Morsh Technology is building a production line in Chongqing that will be used to produce 15″ single-layer graphene films. They hope to start production soon and they’ve already signed an agreement with Guangdong Zhengyang, an OGS maker to produce 10 million graphene based transparent conducting films (TCFs) in a year for the next five years. These films will be used to produce touch panels for mobile devices.
Graphene-based chips
Graphene has the potential to replace silicon as the basic material for next-gen chips and electronics as well. Graphene’s amazing conduction abilities and miniscule dimensions make it a desirable material with great potential in the electronics world. Graphene chips can be a great deal faster than silicon ones and much more energetically efficient.
In order to help push things to the next level, various institutes and companies are investing R&D dollars into graphene, including Intel, IBM, and Samsung.
Of course, graphene electronics is not without its challenges. In order to help push things to the next level, various institutes and companies are investing R&D dollars into graphene, including Intel, IBM, and Samsung. Intel is working on graphene transistors and has reported progress in the past, but warns that graphene-based chips are still a few generations away. IBM has embarked upon an ambitious project to find the next-generation chip technology to replace silicon, and will invest $3 billion over the next five years into this project. IBM will look into graphene, carbon nanotubes, quantum computing, silicon photonics and more technologies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Roni Peleg, the editor of Graphene-Info, a comprehensive portal for all things graphene. Graphene-Info was launched in 2009 as a graphene news aggregator and quickly grew to become a hub for graphene professionals and enthusiasts. Graphene-info is a cyber meeting spot for all kinds of graphene buffs, providing services, resources and news for professionals, as well as people who want to learn more about this exciting new material and its applications.
AIVAnet 