Solar beads can make some very cool lamps and flashlights
Conventional solar panels aren’t exactly the prettiest objects on the planet, which is why companies like Tesla, SRS Energy and SunTegra have been focusing on blending this technology into roof tiles. As for those who don’t have a roof or land to spare, Japan’s Kyosemi Corporation has come up with an alternative solution that can let windows and glass walls soak up solar power as well.
The magic ingredient? Just a web of “Sphelar” solar cell beads — each with a diameter of 1.2 mm — lined up inside any transparent substrate, meaning it can come in any shape or form while letting light travel through the gap between beads. Better yet, due to the spherical nature of these cells, they can capture light from almost any angle — to the point where they can deliver a higher cumulative output than their conventional counterparts, according to the company.
To showcase this technology, Kyosemi has taken two Sphelar-powered portable lighting products to Kickstarter: the water-resistant Sphelar Lantern and the Sphelar Stick flashlight. Both devices feature a clear acrylic base with a cylindrical web of Sphelars on the inside, which is both prettier and more effective than a tiny flat solar cell.
With its Sphelar side facing upward on a clear day, the Lantern takes four to six hours to be fully charged, then flip it around (hence its hourglass shape) to let it shine for about four hours; and if needed, there’s also USB for faster charging. The aluminum Stick, on the other hand, requires more patience due to its much smaller volume — we’re talking about just 30 minutes of usage from a six- to eight-hour charge, but it does have the capacity to store up to four hours worth of juice; plus its brightness is rated at 34.20 lumens which is much higher than the Lantern’s 5.72 lumens.
Admittedly, this cool-looking technology comes at a price. The Sphelar Stick already starts at $129 (available in silver, navy, green or copper; a wooden stand is included), whereas the Sphelar Lantern is asking for at least $349 (walnut or hard maple). There are really only two ways to talk yourselves into this: You either really dig these designs, or you genuinely want to support this forward-thinking company; or both. And at the end of the day, some people do spend even more money on designer products, anyway.
Source: Kickstarter
Dropbox saves whole folders for offline viewing on mobile
Look, it’s not hard to save Dropbox files for offline viewing on mobile. But when you need to make sure you have access to a bevy of documents for work or school wherever you go, the app’s latest premium feature sounds like a useful addition. The service has launched the ability to save whole folders offline with just a couple of taps. By doing so, you can load all the files it contains on a smartphone even if you’re on a train, a building or in remote areas with no WiFi and spotty mobile internet.
It also helps that the app keeps whatever is in that folder synced — if a co-worker or a classmate uploads a new file or updates one, you’ll get access to it as soon as your phone goes online. Like we said, though, this is a “premium” feature that you can only access if you have a Dropbox Pro, Business or Enterprise account. We’re afraid you’ll have to upgrade if you only have basic Dropbox. The feature will go live on the latest version of the Android app within the next few days. If you have an iPhone or an iPad, keep an eye out for its rollout to iOS devices early next year.
Source: Dropbox
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 may ditch the headphone jack
With Apple, Motorola and others releasing phones without 3.5mm headphone jacks this year, there’s been a looming question: will Samsung follow suit? Like it or not, SamMobile sources claim the answer is yes. Reportedly, the Galaxy S8 will rely solely on its USB-C port for sound — if you want to use your own headphones, you’ll likely either need to use an adapter (no guarantee that you’ll get one in the box) or go wireless. But why make the move, outside of being trendy?
The tipsters don’t have an official explanation, but there are a few advantages that might come with ditching the legacy port. It would create more room for a larger battery, more sensors, stereo speakers and other upgrades that aren’t as practical right now. Alternately, it could let Samsung slim the S8 without having to make significant compromises on other features. That’s not much consolation if you like to listen to music while you charge your phone, but you may well get something in return for this sacrifice.
You might not have too much longer to learn whether or not the rumor is true. In recent years, Samsung has introduced new Galaxy S models at or near the Mobile World Congress trade show, which kicks off February 27th in 2017. SamMobile is confident that the S8 will show up there, although it’s not an absolute lock given the possibility of delays. Whenever it arrives, it’s safe to say there will be an uproar if there’s no 3.5mm jack. Some people swore off the iPhone 7 precisely because it didn’t have a native headphone port — what happens if their main alternative doesn’t have that hole, either? They may have to either buy from brands they previously hadn’t considered, or accept that conventional audio jacks are a dying breed in mobile.
Via: The Verge
Source: SamMobile
Google expects to run solely on renewable energy in 2017
Google has made it a point to run as much of its business on renewable energy as possible, and it looks like the company is close to reaching its ultimate goal. The internet pioneer now expects that all of its offices and data centers will be relying on purchased solar or wind power by some point in 2017. This isn’t the same as directly powering facilities with eco-friendly energy (logistics and the nature of electrical grids makes that difficult), but it does mean that Google is funding enough projects to offset its massive power demands — 5.7 terawatt-hours in 2015.
To help mark the milestone, Google is also increasing the transparency of its green energy plans. It’s publishing an Environmental Report that outlines how well it’s doing, and it’s running a dedicated environment website that showcases its efforts to reduce energy use and otherwise protect Earth. Also, this doesn’t mean that Google is resting on its laurels. It’s broadening its purchases to make sure that renewable power is available every hour of every day, and it plans to shift more of its attention to buying energy in the regions where it operates.
The plan scores environmental and marketing points, of course, but Google also believes it makes financial sense. The costs of solar and wind power are falling dramatically, and their prices are much more stable than carbon-based sources like coal. If Google can both lower the overall price of energy and reliably predict the costs of running a given facility, it stands to both save money and eliminate anxiety over price surges. And the company is quick to emphasize that it wants the whole planet to run on clean energy. While it isn’t alone in spurring the use of renewable energy (Apple has been a prominent advocate of green power, for example), its efforts could go a long way toward making the technology accessible in places where it just wasn’t an option before.
Via: New York Times, The Verge
Source: Google Blog, (PDF)
Twitch brings video calls to its game communication app
Twitch wants to move beyond live streaming to cover your game communications, and to that end it bought Curse back in August. Just what is it doing with its newly acquired app, though? Well, now we know: Curse is rolling out desktop support for both video calls and screen sharing on top of its existing voice and social features. You and four other people can now see each other while you play, and share what’s on your display if you want to brag about a victory or show vital info to your teammates.
The Twitch crew tells us that the video call features will initially be available on the Mac, Windows and Chrome, but mobile support is in the works. It’s also quick to stress that these are server-based calls, not peer-to-peer, so you’re not exposing your internet connection details to viewers when you invite them to a match. Will the Curse upgrade be enough to stop you from using rivals like Discord or Teamspeak? Not necessarily (your friends’ tastes will likely dictate what you use), but it could make Curse your preferred comms app if you regularly broadcast play sessions with friends.
Source: Curse
‘Coloring Book’ is the first streaming-only album up for a Grammy
Meghan Trainor announced the nominees for this year’s Grammy Awards on Monday night. Beyonce, deservedly, is leading the field with 9 nominations followed closely by Drake, Rhianna and Kanye West who all have 8 apiece. But more surprising is the category for Best New Rap Album for which Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book is nominated. This is the first time that an album available only through streaming services has earned a Grammy nod.
Chance’s album is going up against Kanye’s Life of Pablo, Drake’s Views as well as three other strong contenders so there’s no guarantee that it’ll actually win. Even if it doesn’t, Chance isn’t likely to go home empty-handed. He’s also been nominated for Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song for “Famous”. The Grammys will air February 12, 2017.
Source: Billboard
Mophie Launches Juice Pack Air Battery Case With Wireless Charging for iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
Mophie today debuted the Juice Pack Air battery cases for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, bringing the company’s signature battery case line to Apple’s latest smartphones. In addition to featuring extended battery life in a slim design, the new cases also take advantage of Mophie’s Charge Force wireless charging technology.
The case magnetically aligns with all other Mophie Charge Force accessories, like the wireless charging base, vent mount, desk mount, and Charge Force Powerstation battery. The case is also compatible with Qi and other wireless charging standards.
The iPhone 7 version of the Juice Pack Air comes with a 2,525 mAh battery while the iPhone 7 Plus version comes with a 2,420 mAh battery. Mophie says they boost total battery life of the phones up to 27 and 33 hours of talk time, respectively.
We’ve been able to spend a few minutes with the new cases, which carry the familiar two-piece slider design with a matte finish. As with all battery cases, they add a fair bit of bulk and heft to the iPhone, but the case feels good in the hand and is not overly cumbersome if you have a need for extended battery life.
The case’s power and volume buttons for the iPhone have a high-quality feel, while the mute switch remains easily accessible. For those without Force Charge or other wireless charging solutions, the case charges with a standard micro-USB cable and supports pass-through charging of the iPhone first, followed by the battery case. Four LEDs on the rear of the case display the current case battery level at the press of a button, while a longer press on the button turns on and off charging of the phone from the case.
One downside relates to headphone connectivity, as with no built-in headphone jack and no direct access to the iPhone’s Lightning port, wireless headphones are a necessity with this case.
Both Juice Pack Air variants are available for $99.95 each at Mophie’s website and come in black, gold, rose gold, navy blue and Product (RED). The various Charge Force bases, mounts, and external battery are sold separately, but are generally available at discounted prices if purchased with a Juice Pack Air case.
Tags: Mophie, Juice Pack Air
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Seeds Fifth Beta of tvOS 10.1 to Developers
Apple today seeded the fifth beta of an upcoming tvOS 10.1 update to developers for testing purposes, one week after seeding the fourth tvOS 10.1 beta and over two months after launching tvOS 10.
Designed for the fourth-generation Apple TV, fourth tvOS 10.1 beta can be obtained by connecting the Apple TV to a computer with a USB-C to USB-A cable, downloading and installing the software from a registered developer account via iTunes or Apple Configurator.
Once a beta profile has been installed on the device through iTunes, new beta updates will be available over the air.
tvOS 10.1 introduces the new “TV” app that Apple debuted at its October 27 event. The TV app serves as sort of an Apple-designed television guide, giving customers a way to find and watch TV and movies across multiple devices.
The TV app, which is also available on iOS devices in iOS 10.2, features a dedicated store, recommended content, and the ability to sync shows and movies so you can pick up what you were watching on any of your devices.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
Alongside the TV app, tvOS 10.1 also introduces Single Sign-On, a feature that allows Apple TV users to sign in once with their cable credentials to access all available live cable content. Single Sign-On is available for DirecTV, Dish, GVTC Communications, Hotwire, and Sling TV.
tvOS 10, for those unfamiliar with the operating system, brings features like improved search, expanded Siri capabilities, a dark mode, a Continuity option for using the iPhone for text input, automatic app downloads, quicker access to live TV, and more.
Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 10
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Caution)
Discuss this article in our forums
Samsung’s Next-Generation Galaxy S8 Won’t Include a Headphone Jack
Like the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus, Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy S8 will not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack, reports SamMobile. Samsung will instead use a single USB-C port to deliver both power and audio capabilities, using the space once taken by the jack for other components.
Samsung often takes design inspiration from Apple, something that’s caused legal problems that are still ongoing today, but the decision to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack is curious given Apple’s move was so controversial.
According to Apple, removing the headphone jack in the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus took a lot of “courage.” Apple executives have claimed that the 3.5mm jack is outdated technology that was taking up essential space and holding Apple back from implementing features like a new Taptic Engine and waterproofing.
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 7
Many iPhone users have not been happy with the removal of the headphone jack, a fact that Samsung took advantage of when announcing the now-defunct Galaxy Note 7. “Want to know what else it comes with?” Samsung VP Justin Denison asked on stage, mocking the iPhone. “An audio jack, I’m just saying.”
With the removal of the headphone jack in the Galaxy S8, Samsung users will face the same drawbacks iPhone users have had to deal with since September. There will be no way to charge and listen to music at the same time without a special adapter, and existing headphones will also be useless without a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter.
Samsung plans to debut the new Galaxy S8 at the 2017 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which takes place in February. In addition to overcoming any negative reaction to the removal of the 3.5mm audio jack, Samsung will also need to quell customer fears over the device’s build and its battery.
The Galaxy Note 7 suffered from an exploding battery issue that injured dozens of people and eventually led Samsung to discontinue the device and pull it from store shelves.
Tags: Samsung, Galaxy S8
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Adds Support for Four New Single Sign-On Providers Ahead of iOS 10.2 and tvOS 10.1 Release
Apple is continuing to add new providers to its Single Sign-on feature in tvOS 10.1 and iOS 10.2, and today introduced Single Sign-on support for four new providers: CenturyLink Prism, Hawaiian Telecom, MetroCast, and GTA (available in Guam). GVTC Communications, previously listed as a Single Sign-on option, has been removed.
With the new additions, when tvOS 10.1 and iOS 10.2 become available for the public, Single Sign-on will be available for eight cable subscription options: DirecTV, Dish, Hotwire, Sling TV, CenturyLink Prism, Hawaiian Telecom, MetroCast, and GTA. Apple will continue adding support for additional providers as it manages to secure the necessary deals.
Single Sign-on allows Apple TV and iOS users to enter their cable credentials once and then sign in to all available live cable content, even across multiple apps. Single Sign-on works automatically when you have a cable subscription through a participating provider, prompting you allow a compatible app to use your sign in credentials.
Many cable channels offer individual apps on the Apple TV and iOS devices, but still require cable authentication to access content. Without Single Sign-on, users need to enter their cable information for each app, a process that’s a huge hassle.
Apps that take advantage of Single Sign-on and user cable subscriptions will be easier to find and track in tvOS 10.1 and iOS 10.2, with content located in the new “TV” app that’s been introduced.
We expect to see tvOS 10.1 and iOS 10.2 introduced to the public next week alongside macOS Sierra 10.12.2 and watchOS 3.1.1.
Related Roundups: Apple TV, tvOS 10, iOS 10
Buyer’s Guide: Apple TV (Caution)
Discuss this article in our forums
AIVAnet 