Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Logitech outs Apple-friendly Wireless Solar Keyboard K760, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/logitech-outs-apple-friendly-wireless-solar-keyboard-k760-we-go/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/logitech-outs-apple-friendly-wireless-solar-keyboard-k760-we-go/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/logitech-outs-apple-friendly-wireless-solar-keyboard-k760-we-go/#comments Logitech outs Apple-friendly Wireless Solar Keyboard K760, we go hands-on

Earlier this May, Logitech unveiled its Solar Keyboard Folio for the new iPad and iPad 2, and the accessory maker is rounding out the month by adding another sun-powered peripheral to its stable. Like the Keyboard Folio, the just-announced Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 works with iPads, but it's also compatible with Macs and iPhones. The K760 has Bluetooth for pairing up to three devices at a time, and it features Mac-specific keys such as Brightness, Command and Eject. Users should get about three months of use after the keyboard is fully charged up via sun or indoor light. We got to do a bit of typing with the K760, and are happy to report that it's a fairly well-built little grid. The deck feels solid, and the keys have a decent depth to them when pressed. Plus, the spun metal power button and the silver flake paint job lend a premium appearance. It'll cost $80 when it goes on sale next month, and you can get a closer look at what those dollars will buy in our gallery below. Head past the break for the full PR.

Gallery: Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760

Michael Gorman contributed to this report

Continue reading Logitech outs Apple-friendly Wireless Solar Keyboard K760, we go hands-on

Logitech outs Apple-friendly Wireless Solar Keyboard K760, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Researchers at Northwestern University have found one way to stop a leak: get rid of the liquid. A new variation on the Grätzel solar cell replaces a short-lived organic dye with a solid alternative. The molecular dye the solid substance replaces was corrosive, at risk of leaking and only lasted about 18-months -- by replacing it, researchers plan to pave the way for a more affordable (and less toxic) alternative. Northwestern's new design flaunts a 10.2-percent conversion efficiency, the highest ever recorded in a solid-state solar cell of its type -- but that's still only half of what traditional sun collectors can do. Researchers hope to improve conversion in the long run, but expect that the cost reduction alone will be enough to get the party going. It may not be the greenest solar technology we've ever seen, but who are we to judge?

Solid state solar panels are more affordable, say researchers, don't leak originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gratzelgratzel solar cellGratzelSolarCellgreen energyGreenEnergynorthwestern universityNorthwesternUniversityphotovoltaicphotovoltaic cellPhotovoltaicCellsolarsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerSun, 27 May 2012 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Solar-powered Son-X Octavia now bringing 'interactive sound' to school playgrounds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/solar-powered-son-x-octavia-now-bringing-interactive-sound-to/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/solar-powered-son-x-octavia-now-bringing-interactive-sound-to/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/27/solar-powered-son-x-octavia-now-bringing-interactive-sound-to/#comments Solar-powered Son-X Octavia now bringing 'interactive sound' to school playgrounds

While initially announced in the summer of 2011, the Son-X Octavia has been working its way into reality ever since. As of this month, though, the solar-powered "interactive sound device" is now shipping to schools in Europe. For those unfamiliar, the coconut-esque device straps onto a conventional swing set in order to keep kids outside -- using technology to prevent kids from becoming supersaturated with technology, if you will. The company has designed it with tight school budgets in mind, making it completely wireless, self-contained and easy to install. Once in place, swingers can activate three aural games, each of which act to "awaken the natural curiosity in children to explore the possibilities through activity." Not surprisingly, it's designed to be upgraded over time, with new titles to be made available on USB drives. The outfit's still not offering 'em direct to consumers, but those with B2B connections can grab one for €499 ($624).

Solar-powered Son-X Octavia now bringing 'interactive sound' to school playgrounds originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 May 2012 04:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationlearningsolarsolar powersolar poweredsolar-powersolar-poweredSolarPowerSolarPoweredSon-X OctaviaSon-X playSon-xOctaviaSon-xPlayswingtoySun, 27 May 2012 04:33:00 EST<![CDATA[University of California, Riverside runs entire building floor off of 1.1-megawatt green battery]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/university-of-california-riverside-runs-building-on-battery/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/university-of-california-riverside-runs-building-on-battery/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/university-of-california-riverside-runs-building-on-battery/#comments University of California, Riverside runs entire building floor off of 1.1-megawatt green battery

We're used to batteries powering a lot of devices, but the University of California, Riverside is upping that a notch by charging up a whole floor's worth. The school's Winston Chung Global Energy Center is walking the eco-friendly walk and has started using a huge bank of rare earth, lithium-ion batteries from Balqon to produce 1.1 megawatts, enough to keep Winston Chung Hall's entire first floor humming along while tapping renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. The batteries bank their energy overnight, keeping the throngs of students happy without having to recharge as much or use the regular power grid as a fallback. While it's considered a testbed, the university's giant battery is considered a blueprint for cellular towers and the green power sources themselves -- the combination of which could keep your smartphone up and running with a lot less of an environmental hit.

[Thanks, Justin B]

University of California, Riverside runs entire building floor off of 1.1-megawatt green battery originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 21:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balgonbatteryCell TowerCellTowerCellular TowerCellularTowersolarsolar powerSolarPowerUniversity of Californiauniversity of california riversideUniversityOfCaliforniaUniversityOfCaliforniaRiversidewindwind powerWindPowerFri, 11 May 2012 21:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic sends 100,000 LEDs down Tokyo river, mates tech with tradition (updated with video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/panasonic-sends-100000-leds-down-tokyo-river/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/panasonic-sends-100000-leds-down-tokyo-river/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/11/panasonic-sends-100000-leds-down-tokyo-river/#comments Panasonic sends 100,000 LEDs down Tokyo river, mates tech with tradition

If you'd been by the shore of the Sumida River in central Tokyo this past weekend, you would have noticed that it was glowing a distinct shade of blue. That's because Panasonic decided to kick off the first-ever Tokyo Hotaru (fireflies) festival by sending 100,000 EVERLED light bulbs down the river, both to mimic fireflies as well as to pay homage to a Japanese tradition of floating candles on the water. Before you cringe too much at the thought of the environmental impact, rest assured that Panasonic minimized the footprint of its aquatic LED parade. All the bulbs ran on solar power (presumably, charged during the day) that kept Evolta batteries fed inside, and the entire lot was scooped up in a large net afterwards. We love the exhibition as a large-scale demo of sustainable lighting -- you may just want to avoid fishing along the Sumida's shoreline for awhile in case you catch a straggler.

Update: We've found a video of this spectacular event -- check it out right after the break.

Continue reading Panasonic sends 100,000 LEDs down Tokyo river, mates tech with tradition (updated with video!)

Panasonic sends 100,000 LEDs down Tokyo river, mates tech with tradition (updated with video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>everledeverledsevoltaledlightlight bulblight bulbsLightBulbLightBulbslightingpanasonicsolarsolar powersolar poweredSolarPowerSolarPoweredtokyovideoFri, 11 May 2012 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[First solar-powered boat to circle the world pulls into home port, contemplates next move]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/first-solar-powered-boat-to-circle-the-world/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/first-solar-powered-boat-to-circle-the-world/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/first-solar-powered-boat-to-circle-the-world/#comments First solar-powered boat to circle the world pulls into home port, contemplates next move

It's been two years since we last heard of the 98-foot-long solar-powered boat, which at the time was gearing up for its big journey around the world. Well, some 19 months and 37,286 miles after setting sail from Monaco, the MS Turanor PlanetSolar has finally made it home. The PlanetSolar broke four Guinness world records along the way, including the all-important "first circumnavigation by solar-powered boat," and it made stops on six continents to promote solar energy. Oh, and the team fended off Somalian pirates in the process, too. Now that it has a moment to catch its breath and soak up some rays at leisure, the MS Turanor could become any number of things -- from the world's largest solar battery to a "green luxury yacht." The latter option would certainly befit its chichi home port.

First solar-powered boat to circle the world pulls into home port, contemplates next move originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 20:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boatboatsenergy efficientEnergyEfficientgreenguinness book of world recordsGuinness RecordGuinness World RecordGuinnessBookOfWorldRecordsGuinnessRecordGuinnessWorldRecordMS TuranorMS Turanor PlanetSolarMsTuranorMsTuranorPlanetsolarnauticalPlanetSolarPlanetSolarYachtsolarsolar energysolar powersolar poweredsolar-poweredsolar-powered boatSolar-poweredBoatSolarEnergySolarPowerSolarPoweredFri, 04 May 2012 20:54:00 EST<![CDATA[USC develops printable liquid solar cells for flexible, low-cost panels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/usc-develops-printable-liquid-solar-cells-for-flexible-low-cost/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/usc-develops-printable-liquid-solar-cells-for-flexible-low-cost/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/usc-develops-printable-liquid-solar-cells-for-flexible-low-cost/#comments USC develops printable liquid solar cells for flexible, low-cost panels

Solar cells are becoming more viable sources of energy -- and as they become more efficient, they're only getting smaller and cheaper to produce. Liquid nanocrystal cells are traditionally inefficient at converting sunlight into electricity, but by adding a synthetic ligand to help transmit currents, researchers at USC have improved their effectiveness. The advantage of these liquid solar cells? They're cheaper than single-crystal silicon wafer solutions, and they're also a shockingly minuscule four nanometers in size, meaning more than 250 billion could fit on the head of a pin. Moreover, they can be printed onto surfaces -- even plastic -- without melting. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to pave the way for ultra-flexible solar panels. However, the scientists are still experimenting with materials for constructing the nanocrystals, since the semiconductor cadmium selenide they've used thus far is too toxic for commercial use.

USC develops printable liquid solar cells for flexible, low-cost panels originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellsEnergyenergy efficiencyenergy efficientEnergyEfficiencyEnergyEfficientgreengreen techgreen technologyGreenTechGreenTechnologyliquid solar cellsliquid solar powerLiquidSolarCellsLiquidSolarPowernanocrystalnanocrystalsresearchresearcherssciencesolarsolar cellssolar powerSolarCellsSolarPowerUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversityOfSouthernCaliforniauscUSC researchUscResearchFri, 27 Apr 2012 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla pairs up with SolarCity, will power off-grid homes as well as cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/tesla-solarcity-batteries-off-grid-solar-homes/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/tesla-solarcity-batteries-off-grid-solar-homes/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/18/tesla-solarcity-batteries-off-grid-solar-homes/#comments Tesla pairs up with SolarCity, will power off-grid homes as well as cars

If you've ever dreamed of thumbing your nose at big energy and its expensive, polluting ways, then Tesla and a solar panel leasing company called SolarCity might be taking you a baby-step closer to reality. Although recognized mostly for its EVs, Tesla reckons it knows enough about batteries to solve a key problem in the solar energy chain -- namely the storage of power for use when the sun, power grid, or both go offline. The battery design, consisting of many laptop-style lithium ion batteries stacked together, was chosen after two years of research and a $1.8 million energy grant. The two companies are now waiting for tax credits from the Fed and California before rolling out the tech. And being kissing cousins -- with Elon Musk as both Chairman of SolarCity and CEO of Tesla -- certainly can't hurt.

Tesla pairs up with SolarCity, will power off-grid homes as well as cars originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic has been touting its eco-minded efforts for quite some time now, but it's gone one step further at the currently-happening Fortune Brainstorm Green Conference. The company has announced the formation of a new Eco Solutions business unit, which will be focused on "end-to-end energy solutions" for the United States and Canada. Things remain a bit vague beyond that, but the company will apparently help design, implement and finance various renewable and energy efficient projects, and Panasonic hopes that the new unit will help it become "the leader in green innovation in the electronics industry by 2018." It does have one firm commitment to get things started though; the new division has partnered with the Denver-based Renewable Social Benefit Funds to develop commercial-scale solar projects in North America -- something Panasonic itself already has a fair bit of experience with.

Continue reading Panasonic forms new Eco Solutions unit, aims to be 'leader in green innovation' by 2018

Panasonic forms new Eco Solutions unit, aims to be 'leader in green innovation' by 2018 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 06:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Image

With the days getting longer and the spring sun creeping into the evening hours this week, we saw a host of impressive solar energy projects that put those rays to work. Kyocera revealed their plan for Japan's largest solar farm and French company Areva announced they will be building the largest solar installation in Asia. On the other side of the globe, New York City was proud to say that it recently tripled its solar power production and a new study showed that the United States pulled ahead of China in the clean energy race this year. We also saw designs for a new solar satellite that could harvest the sun's rays 24/7 and we ogled photos of the Image massive array of PV panels topping the zHome complex in Washington. A team at Natcore blew away the scientific community by creating the "blackest" solar cell ever designed and Panasonic gave us a sneak peek at its shimmering, solar-powered "Photosynthesis" Ecosystem installation, which will light up the night at the Milan Furniture Fair next week.

In green transportation news, Justin Bieber's blindingly shiny chrome Fisker Karma had people talking (and putting on their sunglasses), while the former head of R&D at GM predicted that we'll see driverless cars by 2020. Honda announced that it is teaming up with Zipcar to provide EVs and hybrids to Zipsters and Ferrari confirmed that its future V12 models will have a new hybrid system. Finally, SolarWorld sent us news about their new Elektra solar-powered plane, which can fly twice as far as its predecessor.

Smart design continued to make the world a little better with innovations like this vibrating glove that lets blind people text and Montessori's Intro to Letters app, which teaches kids the alphabet. We also got back into nature (literally) with these see-through bubble tents surrounded by trees, and we reflected upon the mysterious human-shaped mirror sculptures that popped up in a Scottish forest.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar-powered plane, chrome Fisker Karma and the 'blackest' solar cells ever originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean energyCleanEnergyecoenergyenergy raceEnergyRaceevfisker karmaFiskerKarmagreengreen powerGreenPowerhondainhabitatinhabitatsweekingreenkyoceranatcoresolarthisweekingreenSun, 15 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Delaware Ph.D. student hopes to solve energy woes with renewable hydrogen production]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/delaware-student-develops-hydrogen-reactor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/delaware-student-develops-hydrogen-reactor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/05/delaware-student-develops-hydrogen-reactor/#comments Delaware Ph.D. student hopes to solve energy woes with renewable hydrogen productionHydrogen fuel is a fickle mistress. On one hand, it teases us with the promise of renewable energy and a cleaner tomorrow. On the other hand, it's most often produced with natural gas as the source -- hardly the clean break from fossil fuels that many had envisioned. Fortunately, there are other methods to harness this abundant element, and a doctoral student at the University of Delaware may have created a worthwhile process. Similar to previous research we've seen -- which relies on ceric oxide and energy from the sun -- Eric Koepf has designed a reactor that combines zinc oxide powder, solar rays and water to derive hydrogen as a storable energy source. Most intriguing, it's thought that the zinc oxide byproduct from the reaction will be reusable -- a potential gateway to sustainable energy. Koepf will spend the next six weeks in Zurich at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, where his reactor prototype will be put through its paces to determine its efficiency and effectiveness. If successful, his advisors envision that one day, we may see giant versions of Koepf's reactors producing hydrogen on an industrial scale. We certainly won't fault them for dreaming big.

Delaware Ph.D. student hopes to solve energy woes with renewable hydrogen production originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delawareeco-friendlyelectricityenergyEric KoepfEricKoepffuelgreenhydrogenhydrogen fuelhydrogen reactorHydrogenFuelHydrogenReactorpowerprototypereactorrenewablerenewable energyRenewableEnergyresearchsciencesolarsolar powerSolarPowersunlightsustainablesustainable energySustainableEnergysyngasuniversity of delawareUniversityOfDelawarezinc oxideZincOxideThu, 05 Apr 2012 03:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers create incredibly thin solar cells flexible enough to wrap around a human hair]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/thin-flexible-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/thin-flexible-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/04/thin-flexible-solar-cells/#comments ImageYou've probably heard that the sun is strong enough to power our planet many times over, but without a practical method of harnessing that energy, there's no way to take full advantage. An incredibly thin and light solar cell could go a long way to accomplishing that on a smaller scale, however, making the latest device from researchers from the University of Austria and the University of Tokyo a fairly significant discovery. Scientists were able to create an ultra-thin solar cell that measures just 1.9 micrometers thick -- roughly one-tenth the size of the next device. Not only is the sample slim -- composed of electrodes mounted on plastic foil, rather than glass -- it's also incredibly flexible, able to be wrapped around a single strand of human hair (which, believe it or not, is nearly 20 times thicker). The scalable cell could replace batteries in lighting, display and medical applications, and may be ready to be put to use in as few as five years. There's a bounty of physical measurement and efficiency data at the source link below, so grab those reading glasses and click on past the break.

Researchers create incredibly thin solar cells flexible enough to wrap around a human hair originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterycellcellselectricelectricityjuicepanelpanelspowerprototypeprototypesresearchsciencesolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar panelsolar panelssolar powerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPanelSolarPanelsSolarPowersunUniversity of AustriaUniversity of TokyoUniversityOfAustriaUniversityOfTokyoWed, 04 Apr 2012 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: cloning a woolly mammoth, mesmerizing kinetic facade and LED-suited break dancers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/solar-power-office-2012-coda-led-auroar-hubble/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/solar-power-office-2012-coda-led-auroar-hubble/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/18/solar-power-office-2012-coda-led-auroar-hubble/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
This week Inhabitat reported on several breaking technological controversies as South Korean scientists announced plans to clone a woolly mammoth and a group of researchers suggested bioengineering the human body to combat climate change. Printing tech also got a green upgrade as researchers developed a laser "unprinter" capable of erasing pages with a quick zap, and scientists used a 3D printer to create the world's smallest F1 car. Speaking of print, the University of Texas in Austin just developed a revolutionary paper sensor that can detect HIV and malaria for less than 10 cents and a group of aerospace engineers created a pacemaker that's powered by the human heart.

In alternative energy news, this week we showcased a solar-powered shipping container office that produces twice as much energy as it consumes, and Arup unveiled its striking net-zero arena for the 2022 world cup. We also highlighted 6 brilliant sun-powered art installations, a pair of massive oil pumps sprang up in Midtown Manhattan, and we brought you a mesmerizing kinetic facade that changes with the wind. President Obama also delivered a speech where he slammed opponents for their single-minded views on energy and a team of researchers developed a ultra thin battery that could power displays on credit cards.

Several groundbreaking green transportation projects launched this week as the first 2012 Coda all-electric sedan hit the streets, and scientists proposed a crazy maglev "Startram" train that could make space travel cheaper and more efficient. We also brought you the latest on the Chevy Volt saga as Bob Lutz went on the defensive for the Volt, Bill O'Reilly got caught red-handed as he flip-flopped his position on eco vehicles, and we got the scoop from Chevy's Rob Peterson about the Volt production shutdown. Last but not least, we published you several dispatches from the field of wearable technology - including a dazzling "Aurora" dress made from 10,000 LEDs, a line of space-age fashions inspired by Hubble photography, and a team of pop-locking LED-suited break dancers.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: cloning a woolly mammoth, mesmerizing kinetic facade and LED-suited break dancers originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbatteryChevycloningecoInhabitatkineticLEDmammothpacemakersolarsun-powerthisweekingreentransportationunprintervehiclesSun, 18 Mar 2012 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: i-oniq hybrid, spherical solar cell and an incredible LEGO printer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-i-oniq-hybrid-spherical-solar-cell-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-i-oniq-hybrid-spherical-solar-cell-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-i-oniq-hybrid-spherical-solar-cell-a/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
This week epic green transportation initiatives kicked off around the world as Inhabitat reported that Shenzhen, China launched the world's largest electric vehicle fleet and London's brand new Eco-Routemaster hybrid bus hit the streets for the first time. We also showcased an earthquake-proof Japanese building system capable of levitating an entire house, and we brought you sneak peeks at the hottest eco vehicles that will be unveiled at next week's Geneva Motor Show, including Hyundai's sexy i-oniq hybrid and Infiniti's Emerg-E plug-in. Audi also turned heads with its souped-up R18 E-Tron Quattro hybrid Le Mans racer, and Perave's 350 MPGe MonoTracer electric motorcycle hit the market.

It was also a bright week for renewable energy with a revolutionary spherical solar cell capable of capturing light from all directions, and Austria Solar sending out a "sun-powered" annual report that only appears when exposed to sunlight. Meanwhile, we said goodbye to the polluting energy technology of the past as Midwest utilities shuttered 10 fossil fuel-powered plants and the world's oldest nuclear reactor closed up shop in the UK. Brilliant designers also chased away dark winter days with a sunflower-shaped heliostat that can flood any house with natural light and a cheap, photovoltaic Little Sun lamp for the developing world.

Green tech also wired the world in exciting new ways as the Smithonian Institute announced plans to replicate and share its collection with the world using 3D printing tech and a 14-year-old boy invented an incredible LEGO printer. We also watched HP launch an all-in-one workstation that pops open for easy DIY upgrades and repairs, while Huawei unveiled a soaring Pegasus sculpture made from 3,500 smartphones. Last but not least we brought you a look at Google's new Terminator-style augmented vision goggles, and we shared a fun tutorial on geocaching with your children.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: i-oniq hybrid, spherical solar cell and an incredible LEGO printer originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D printing3dPrintingecoEmerg-E plug inEmerg-ePlugInenvironmentfossil fuelsFossilFuelsgeocachingGoogleGreenhybridi-oniqinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenMonotracernuclearsolarthisweekingreentransportationSun, 04 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/13/solar-tulip-new-discovered-molecule-statue-CocaCola-crates/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

The big news that had the world of green transportation buzzing this week was Tesla's unveil of its brand new Model X luxury car and we also saw the blazing fast Lightning GT EV hit the track for the first time. We also shined light on the futuristic solar-powered SPV car while Mitsubishi's i-MIEV electric car stole the greenest vehicle title from the Honda Civic and the Boulder EV became the first electric truck capable of hitting 70 mph. We were also excited to announce that San Francisco is set to launch its electric bike sharing program, French cyclists won the controversial right to run red traffic lights, and Volkswagen unveiled its Think Blue Beetle, which is made from 2,805 pieces of recycled trash.

Energy news sent shock waves around the world this week as Inhabitat reported that the US approved its first nuclear power plants in 30 years and the temperature of Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear plant suddenly soared up to 45 degrees celsius. We also saw an energy-generating "Solar Tulip" power tower spring up in Spain, and a 10-year-old girl discovered a new molecule that stands to improve energy storage. Meanwhile, we brought you the scoop on the world's next tallest skyscraper in Azerbaijan and industrial giant AAB announced plans for a worldwide electric vehicle charging network.

In recycled design news, we saw a colossal statue made from 4,200 Coca Cola crates rise up over Cape Town and we shared a set of larger than life beasts made from recycled motorcycle parts. We also brought you a brilliant line of lamps made from recycled e-waste and a set of LEGO-like Earth Blocks made from coffee beans and tea chaff. Last but not least, we showcased an electronic suit that treats nerve disorders, and since Valentine's day is on the way we took a look at BIG's interactive LED heart sculpture in NYC, 6 adorable DIY cards, and 6 simple DIY V-Day gifts.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bikeBoulder EVBoulderEvcarchargingCoca ColaCocaColaDIYelectricelectric bikeelectric vehicleElectricBikeElectricVehicleelectronic suitElectronicSuitenergygiftgiftsinhabitatinhabitatsweekingreenLEGOminipostmoleculenew moleculeNewMoleculescienceskyscrapersolarSPV carSpvCarthisweekingreentransportationValentinesweekingreenMon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Two US startups break solar efficiency records, aim to light up your life]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/two-us-startups-break-solar-efficiency-records-aim-to-light-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/two-us-startups-break-solar-efficiency-records-aim-to-light-up/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/two-us-startups-break-solar-efficiency-records-aim-to-light-up/#comments Two US startups break solar efficiency records, aim to light up your lifeTwo US startups are breaking solar efficiency records in their quest to bring clean, cost-effective, eco-friendly energy to a power grid near you. Alta Devices, based in Santa Clara, CA, has achieved a 23.5 percent efficiency rating with its standard solar panel, while Semprius, a Durham, NC company, has achieved a rating of 33.9 percent with its concentrated photovoltaic offering -- besting the previous records of 22.9 percent and 33 percent, respectively. Interestingly enough, both outfits chose to utilize a new material to construct their sun-sopping cells: gallium arsenide. The material, while more expensive, is better suited for absorbing the sun's energy, especially when compared to silicon, the cheaper element typically used. Alta and Semprius are looking to proliferate solar power by further refining the technology, making its price per kilowatt equivalent to that of fossil fuels without the use of government subsides. Here comes the sun...

Two US startups break solar efficiency records, aim to light up your life originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alta DevicesAltaDevicesefficiencyEnergyGsAshigh-concentration photovoltaicHigh-concentrationPhotovoltaicphotovoltaicphotovoltaic cellphotovoltaic cellsPhotovoltaicCellPhotovoltaicCellsphotovoltaicsRenewableRenewable EnergyRenewableEnergySempriusSolarSolar CellsSolar EnergySolarCellsSolarEnergyWed, 08 Feb 2012 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: glowing green sea, an equinox house and energy-efficient skyscrapers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-glowing-green-sea-an-equinox-house-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-glowing-green-sea-an-equinox-house-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/inhabitats-week-in-green-glowing-green-sea-an-equinox-house-a/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
Tidal energy made waves around the world this week as Inhabitat reported that Verdant Power was awarded the first license for an East River power project in NYC, while across the pond the UK announced plans for a gigantic 27 gigawatt Marine Energy Park and a new SeaRaser tidal power plant that could be the world's cheapest method of producing electricity. We also watched President Obama set forth a green blueprint for America in his State of the Union Address, despite going on to support oil and gas drilling in his following speech on Thursday. Meanwhile, Scotland made headlines as a new company launched with plans to turn whisky into biofuel, and Google Earth revealed an alarming patch of glowing green sea near a nuclear power plant.

It was also a big week for solar-powered architecture as Deutsche Bank completed the world's tallest roof-mounted solar array and the U.S. Department of Energy announced that the 2013 Solar Decathlon will be taking place in sunny Southern California. We also took a peek inside a crazy solar-powered billboard house, and we showcased plans for a super efficient Equinox house that tracks the sun. We also brought you the world's first 1.4 billion Euro home made from shredded bills, and we rounded up the 6 most energy-efficient skyscrapers in New York City.

In other news, this week Apple CEO Tim Cook responded in outrage to New York Times accusations that Apple abuses workers' rights in Chinese factories, and green transportation blasted off as auto manufacturers unveiled a trio of high-performance vehicles - theTS030 hybrid race car, Toyota's solar-powered 2000GT, and the sexy Lotus-based PG Elektrus. We also saw researchers developed the world's smallest train from a strand of DNA, while Mitsubishi developed a way to make ships more efficient by blowing tiny air bubbles. Finally, we brought you the hottest news in high-tech fashion as the U.S. military developed a pair of high-tech undies to monitor soldiers' vitals and Chanel built a life-size airplane plane for its spring 2012 Paris Couture Week show.

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: glowing green sea, an equinox house and energy-efficient skyscrapers originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecarefficientenergyenergy efficiencyEnergyEfficiencyinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenmitsubishirace carRaceCarsolarTidal energyTidalEnergyTim CookTimCookweekingreenSun, 29 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: 300 passenger bus, babyloid robot and a jellyfish-esque LED chandelier]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/300-passenger-bus-babyloid-robot-LED-jellyfish-chandelier/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/300-passenger-bus-babyloid-robot-LED-jellyfish-chandelier/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/22/300-passenger-bus-babyloid-robot-LED-jellyfish-chandelier/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.
Sustainable transportation broke new boundaries by land and sea this week as Inhabitat reported that China launched the first 300 passenger bus and the world's largest solar ship closed in on completing its first trip around the globe. We also saw Drayson unveil a turbocharged 850 horsepower all-electric supercar while Mercedes announced plans to bring its B-Class E-Cell electric Vehicle to the US next year. Speaking of hot upcoming cars, this week we brought you a video showcasing 5 of the most exciting eco cars from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show and we shared 7 new hybrid and electric vehicles that you'll be able to purchase this year.

The world of renewable energy also heated up this week as scientists hatched a plan to harness volcano power by pouring millions of gallons of water into a dormant crater and President Obama rejected TransCanada's plans for the Keystone Xl pipeline. Meanwhile Philips unveiled a transparent solar-powered OLED car sunroof that charges during the day and lights up at night, and we took a look inside Switzerland's Berghotel Muottas - the first hotel in the Alps that generates more energy than it consumes. Clean energy technology also dived into the deep blue sea as Ireland's massive SeaGen tidal turbine received environmental approval, researchers found a way to turn seaweed into biofuel using a human stomach microbe, and a Nobel laureate developed the world's cheapest and most effective CO2 sponge.

In other news, this week we brought you the most freshest new green gadgets - from a tree trunk turntable that plays wood rings like records to a stunning jellyfish-esque LED chandelier and a cuddly Babyloid robot designed to comfort senior citizens. We also showcased the world's smallest greeting card (300 micro-meters wide!), a massive 300 lb stormtrooper cake, and five educational and arty apps for creative kids. Finally, we rounded up the hottest news in eco fashion - including the world's largest garment made from golden spider silk and an awesome set of bow ties made from recycled LEGO bricks.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: 300 passenger bus, babyloid robot and a jellyfish-esque LED chandelier originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChinaDraysonecoelectricenergy efficientEnergyEfficientgolden spider silGoldenSpiderSilinhabitantInhabitatsweekingreenKeystoneLEGOMercedesOLEDrenewable energyRenewableEnergySeaGenshipsolarsuper carSuperCarsustainabletransportationthisweekingreentransportationweekingreenSun, 22 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Arman Ahnood teases OLED display with solar cells, idealizes the self-sustaining smartphone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/oled-display-with-integrated-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/oled-display-with-integrated-solar-cells/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/oled-display-with-integrated-solar-cells/#comments Plenty of effort is going into improving smartphone battery life, but only a few individuals are delving into radical realms to achieve the goal. Take for example, Arman Ahnood, a researcher at the London Centre for Nanotechnology, whose latest prototype uses solar cells to capture wasted energy from OLEDs. Similar to Wysips (which uses only ambient light), and equipment from UCLA (designed for LCDs), each project faces the unenviable task of making the smartphone a self-sustaining piece of gear.

Ahnood's handiwork relies on an array of solar cells that surround and sit beneath the phone's display. Currently, the system averages 11 percent efficiency in its energy capture, with a peak efficiency of 18 percent. Naturally, there are gains to be made. Of the light generated from OLEDs, Ahnood approximates that only 36 percent is actually projected outward. Critically speaking, this also suggests that similar power savings could be achieved with dimmer, more efficient displays, but we'll let that slide. As it stands, Ahnood's system is able to generate approximately five milliwatts of additional power, given a screen size of 3.7-inches. It's hardly sustainable, but if the creation lets us squeeze in a few more text messages on Friday night, we'll take it.

Arman Ahnood teases OLED display with solar cells, idealizes the self-sustaining smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arman AhnoodArmanAhnooddisplaydisplaysenergyLondon Centre for NanotechnologyLondonCentreForNanotechnologymobile displayMobileDisplaymobilepostcrossoledphotovoltaicpowersmartphonesmartphonessolarsolar cellsolar cellssolar powerSolarCellSolarCellsSolarPowerFri, 20 Jan 2012 01:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: Detroit Auto Show, solar plants and hydrophobic nanocoating]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/15/detroit-auto-show-solar-plants-and-hydrophobic-nanocoating/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/15/detroit-auto-show-solar-plants-and-hydrophobic-nanocoating/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/15/detroit-auto-show-solar-plants-and-hydrophobic-nanocoating/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week Inhabitat hit the streets of Detroit to bring you the hottest hybrid vehicles and electric cars from the 2012 North American International Auto Show! We saw automakers unveil scores of sexy supercars like the Lexus LF-LC coupe, the Chevy MiRay, and the NSX concept hybrid, and we also showcased more realistic street-ready vehicles like Ford's Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, VW's brand new hybrid Jetta, and Via Motors' VTRUX extended-range EV pickup. We also peered into the future of sustainable transportation as we brought you the finalists in Michelin's city car design challenge, we learned that the world's largest driverless personal transit system is set to break ground in India, and we saw the UK green light the first phase of its new HS2 high-speed rail line.

It was also a bright week for alternative energy as MIT scientists discovered a way to make more efficient solar plants modeled after sunflowers and Sweden announced plans for a massive 700 megawatt wind farm in the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile, we learned that Rwanda's poo-powered prisons are able to produce 75% of their power from human waste, we showcased plans for an energy-generating rolling suitcase that charges your gadgets, and we saw the launch of several shining solar-powered devices - OLPC's XO3 tablet computer and the sun-powered Solarkindle e-reader cover.

In other news, this week we rounded up our favorite eco gadgets from CES 2012 - including a hydrophobic nanocoating that makes any gadget completely waterproof. We also saw 200 Chinese works construct a 30 story prefab building in just 15 days, and we watched superman fly across a cute animated LEGO TV. Finally, we brought you the latest and greatest developments in wearable technology - including a set of smart sunglasses that merge virtual information with the real world, a set of bone-conducting earphones, and a set of motorized skates that can be attached to any boring old pair of shoes.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: Detroit Auto Show, solar plants and hydrophobic nanocoating originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showautomobileautomotiveAutoShowcesces 2012Ces2012conceptdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowhybridInhabitatMITnanocoatingnanotechnologynsxsolarSun, 15 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[China trumpets completion of 'world's largest battery energy storage station']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/china-byd-worlds-largest-battery-energy-storage/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/china-byd-worlds-largest-battery-energy-storage/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/china-byd-worlds-largest-battery-energy-storage/#comments See that above? That's the world's largest battery energy storage station, or so says the State Grid Corporation of China and BYD. The two entities have just wrapped up construction on the Zhangbei-based project, which marries 40 Mega-Watts of renewable energy generation (both wind and solar), 36 Mega-Watt-Hours (MWh) of energy storage and a smart power transmission system. The goal? To provide a "stable solution for transferring vast amounts of renewable electricity safely to the grid on an unprecedented scale." As it stands, BYD products 1GW of solar panels annually, and with China's population still rising, it's solutions like these that'll help it grow while keeping efficiencies high. Soaking up rays for solar energy is all fine and well, but having a facility to capture and store it is where the equation really comes together; something tells us a few other nations will be scrambling to snatch the record in short order.

Continue reading China trumpets completion of 'world's largest battery energy storage station'

China trumpets completion of 'world's largest battery energy storage station' originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydchinaenergygreensolarSat, 07 Jan 2012 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Onyx develops 330-watt 'plug-n-play' solar panel with built-in AC outlet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/onyx-develops-330-watt-plug-n-play-solar-panel-with-built-in-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/onyx-develops-330-watt-plug-n-play-solar-panel-with-built-in-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/onyx-develops-330-watt-plug-n-play-solar-panel-with-built-in-a/#comments Onyx's new 330-watt solar panel isn't the first to offer a "plug-n-play" solution for getting power to your gadgets, but it may be the first to include a standard US power outlet, and enough output to juice up a computer, light or any other appliance (within reason) through its built-in micro inverter. "You can literally point the panel at the sun and plug an extension cord directly into the panel for immediate power," according to the Onyx PR, which you'll find in full just past the break.

Continue reading Onyx develops 330-watt 'plug-n-play' solar panel with built-in AC outlet

Onyx develops 330-watt 'plug-n-play' solar panel with built-in AC outlet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectricitygreengreen techgreen technologyGreenTechGreenTechnologyminipostonyxonyx OSPP330-1onyx OSPP330-2onyx poweronyx solarOnyxOspp330-1OnyxOspp330-2OnyxPowerOnyxSolarOSPP330-1OSPP330-2powersolarsolar panelsolar powerSolarPanelSolarPowersunThu, 05 Jan 2012 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Notre Dame heralds paint-on solar cells, wants to smear your home with its goop (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/25/notre-dame-heralds-paint-on-solar-cells-wants-to-smear-your-hom/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/25/notre-dame-heralds-paint-on-solar-cells-wants-to-smear-your-hom/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/25/notre-dame-heralds-paint-on-solar-cells-wants-to-smear-your-hom/#commentsLeave it to the Fighting Irish to take a stab at solving the world's energy woes. Notre Dame researchers have successfully developed solar cells that can be easily painted on to any conductive surface. Imagine, for a moment, applying this solution to your home rather than attaching solar panels to the roof. The paint mixture incorporates quantum dots of titanium dioxide, which is then coated with either cadmium sulfide or cadmium selenide, and is then suspended in mixture of water and alcohol to create a spreadable compound that's capable of generating electricity. While its efficiency isn't currently much to crow home about -- which hovers around one-percent -- scientists are now actively pursuing ways to improve this aspect while making a more stable compound. Most importantly, the paint can be made cheaply and in large quantities, which suggests that even if efficiency remains in the doldrums, it may be a very worthwhile pursuit. Touchdown Jesus is already watching the video after the break.

Continue reading Notre Dame heralds paint-on solar cells, wants to smear your home with its goop (video)

Notre Dame heralds paint-on solar cells, wants to smear your home with its goop (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nanoparticlesNotre DameNotreDamepaintquantumquantum dotsQuantumDotssolarsolar cellssolar energysolar paintsolar panelsolar panelsSolarCellsSolarEnergySolarPaintSolarPanelSolarPanelssprayspray paintspray-onSprayPaintuniversityuniversity of notre dameUniversityOfNotreDamevideoSun, 25 Dec 2011 14:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Scientists create first solar cell with over 100 percent quantum efficiency]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/scientists-create-first-solar-cell-with-over-100-percent-quantum/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/scientists-create-first-solar-cell-with-over-100-percent-quantum/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/scientists-create-first-solar-cell-with-over-100-percent-quantum/#comments Researchers over at the National Renewable Energy Lab have reportedly made the first solar cell with an external quantum efficiency over 100 percent. Quantum efficiency relates to the number of electrons-per-second flowing in a solar cell circuit, divided by the number of photons from the energy entering. The NREL team recorded an efficiency topping out at 114 percent, by creating the first working multiple exciton generation (MEG) cell. Using MEG, a single high energy photon can produce more than one electron-hole pair per absorbed photon. The extra efficiency comes from quantum dots 'harvesting' energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. The cell itself uses anti-reflection coating on a transparent conductor, layered with zinc oxide, lead selenide, and gold. NREL scientist Arthur J. Nozik predicted as far back as 2001 that MEG would do the job, but it's taken until now for the concept to leap over from theory. The hope is, of course, that this will lead to more competitively priced solar power, fueling the transport of the future.

Scientists create first solar cell with over 100 percent quantum efficiency originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellelectronmegmultiple exciton generationMultipleExcitonGenerationNational Renewable Energy LaboratoryNationalRenewableEnergyLaboratoryNRELphotonquantum efficiencyQuantumEfficiencyrenewable energyRenewableEnergysciencesolarsolar cellsolar powerSolarCellSolarPowerMon, 19 Dec 2011 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Has James Bond gone green? Bulletproof electric roadster in the works]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/has-james-bond-gone-green-bulletproof-electric-roadster-in-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/has-james-bond-gone-green-bulletproof-electric-roadster-in-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/08/has-james-bond-gone-green-bulletproof-electric-roadster-in-the/#comments

Warding off assassins while saving the environment just became a cake walk with the Jo-Mojo, an upcoming creation by Lativian armored vehicle company DARTZ. This two seat convertible roadster brandishes an 80 horsepower electric engine capable of pushing zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph -- yet most of its "mojo" is outside the hood. Custom seating, color-changing chameleon paint finish, bulletproof tires, and others are just a few of the many "drooling" features. The sunroof is given a task with flexible solar panels built-in, good for juicing up the batteries while idle or on the go. Aimed to hit the market at the end of Q2 2012, its estimated price tag starts at 30,000 euros (~ $40,000), within range of most low-end luxury automobiles. Check past the break for a video slideshow of this snazzy piece of metal by Gray Designs, DARTZ's partner in the venture.

Continue reading Has James Bond gone green? Bulletproof electric roadster in the works

Has James Bond gone green? Bulletproof electric roadster in the works originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergyarmoredArmored carArmoredCarautomobileautomobilesbatteriesbatterybulletproofcarcarsConvertibleDARTZDartz KombatDartzKombatenvironmentenvironment protectionEnvironmentProtectionevGray DesignsGrayDesignsgreenhorsepowerjames bondJamesBondjo-mojomphprotectionroadstersolarsolar panelsolar panelssolar powersolar poweredSolarPanelSolarPanelsSolarPowerSolarPoweredsunrooftransportationvehiclevideoThu, 08 Dec 2011 05:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: flexible OLEDs, wind-energy skyscrapers and 3D-printing spider robots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/inhabitats-week-in-green-flexible-oleds-wind-energy-skyscrape/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/inhabitats-week-in-green-flexible-oleds-wind-energy-skyscrape/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/06/inhabitats-week-in-green-flexible-oleds-wind-energy-skyscrape/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Exciting energy projects lit up the newswires this week as Inhabitat reported that Desertec will begin building the world's largest solar project in the Sahara Desert next year. We also saw a West Virginia wind farm use batteries to improve its performance, and we showcased the brand new Eco Whisper wind turbine, which is quieter and more efficient than three-bladed models. Meanwhile, Apple announced plans to build a major solar-powered iCloud data center in North Carolina, architects unveiled plans for a towering wind-energy generating skyscraper in Taiwan, and we shared ten tips for cutting down your electricity bill this winter.

In other news, green transportation took off for the skies as the world's first manned electric multicopter launched its first flight. We also brought you six sexy electric cars that will be hitting the streets in 2012, plus one awesome compact camper that is a miniature house on wheels. Across the pond, Foster + Partners unveiled a massive Thames Hub plan to update Britain's energy and transportation infrastructure, and IKEA just announced plans to build a massive 26-acre suburb in East London.

Researchers also brought to light several stunning new forms of energy-efficient illumination as they unveiled the world's most efficient flexible OLED, Samsung announced plans to launch a bendable OLED cell phone in 2012, and we showcased a luminous netted vest for nighttime cyclists. We also spotted several fresh life-saving gadgets -- a spindly 3D printed spider robot that can analyze hazardous sites, and a series of designer gas masks that question our psychological reliance on luxury labels. Finally, you won't want to miss the awesome tot-sized Dalek costume that is currently tearing up our Green Halloween Costume Contest for kids, and this rock-solid carbonite Han Solo costume from our Halloween contest for adults.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: flexible OLEDs, wind-energy skyscrapers and 3D-printing spider robots originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>campereco whisperEcoWhispergreenhan soloHanSoloinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenlondonnorth carolinaNorthCarolinaoledSkyscrapersolarsolar powersolar poweredSolarPowerSolarPoweredvestwest virginiaWestVirginiawind turbineWindTurbineSun, 06 Nov 2011 20:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: Ray solar charger adheres to your window, basks in the sunlight]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/insert-coin-ray-solar-charger-adheres-to-your-window-basks-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/insert-coin-ray-solar-charger-adheres-to-your-window-basks-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/29/insert-coin-ray-solar-charger-adheres-to-your-window-basks-in/#commentsIn Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

The most frustrating products are the ones that have such simple ideas, you're upset that it hasn't been done before -- or that you weren't the one that came up with it. No idea is so simple as the brilliant Ray solar charger. A mobile phone juicer that comes with a kickstand and built-in suction cup so that it's nearly always pointed right at the sun. If you think that sounds like simple madness or genius, click past the break to find out why it could be worth your investment.

Continue reading Insert Coin: Ray solar charger adheres to your window, basks in the sunlight

Insert Coin: Ray solar charger adheres to your window, basks in the sunlight originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco-friendlyEnvironmentGreenInsert CoinInsertCoinPhone ChargerPhoneChargerPhotovoltaic CellPhotovoltaicCellPVRayRay Solar ChargerRaySolarChargerSolarSolar ChargerSolar PowerSolarChargerSolarPowerWindshieldWindshield MountWindshieldMountSat, 29 Oct 2011 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Solar Ship takes to the skies powered by good deeds and sunshine (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/solar-ship-takes-to-the-skies-powered-by-good-deeds-and-sunshine/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/solar-ship-takes-to-the-skies-powered-by-good-deeds-and-sunshine/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/solar-ship-takes-to-the-skies-powered-by-good-deeds-and-sunshine/#comments The Solar Ship is a little bit airplane, a little bit blimp and all good intentions. The hybrid dirigible combines the cockpit and landing gear of a plane with the top of a blimp, the latter of which is lined with solar panels. The green vehicle can take off from and land on short runways, an ideal feature in a craft designed to deliver supplies to areas hit by natural disasters or with otherwise rough terrains. The ship will come in three sizes, and the company will be offering up more public demonstrations next year. If you can't wait that long, however, you can check out a test run after the jump.

Continue reading Solar Ship takes to the skies powered by good deeds and sunshine (video)

Solar Ship takes to the skies powered by good deeds and sunshine (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blimpdirigiblegreensolarsolar powersolar shipSolarPowersolarshipsunsunlightsunshinevideozero emissionsZeroEmissionsMon, 24 Oct 2011 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: quantum levitation, Zombie-Powered Vertical Farm and Macquariums]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/23/inhabitats-week-in-green-quantum-levitation-zombie-powered-ve/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/23/inhabitats-week-in-green-quantum-levitation-zombie-powered-ve/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/23/inhabitats-week-in-green-quantum-levitation-zombie-powered-ve/#comments Alternative transportation blasted off into the future this week as DeLorean revealed plans to launch an all-electric vehicle in 2013 and Richard Branson announced the official opening of the Virgin Galactic Gateway spaceport. Researchers also developed a next-gen quantum levitation technology that could lead to floating vehicles, and we spotted a cloud concept blimp that soars through the skies. We also brought you an exclusive interview with Revenge of the Electric Car director Chris Paine, and we shared a leaked brochure with specs on Toyota's new Prius C.

Renewable energy also rocketed towards a more sustainable tomorrow as Japan's team Tokai took first place in the World Solar Challenge and Apple filed a set of patents for next-generation solar technology. Meanwhile Facebook announced plans to launch a new energy efficiency app in 2012 and we launched a contest where you can win one of 25 $600 home energy audits. We also showcased a stunning set of satellite photos of the world's power lines, and since Halloween is on its way, we brought you a Zombie-Powered Vertical Farm designed to keep its inhabitants safe from the Living Dead.

Speaking of Halloween, this week we shared instructions for making a DIY cardboard box robot costume, and we launched our 2011 Green Halloween Costume Contest for kids. We also brought you several developments from the realm of eco textiles -- a material that repairs its own rips and tears and a Japanese company that recycles old bras into power-generating fuel. Finally, we showcased several slick developments in aqueous technology: an oil skimmer that cleans up spills four times faster, an artificial muscle that could one day propel nanobots through the body, and a quirky set of 'Macquariums' made from Apple iMacs.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: quantum levitation, Zombie-Powered Vertical Farm and Macquariums originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carecoeco-friendlyelectricityenergyevgatewaygreeninhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenrichard bransonRichardBransonsolarsolar powersolar poweredSolarPowerSolarPoweredspaceVirgin GalacticVirginGalacticweek in greenWeekInGreenSun, 23 Oct 2011 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple solar patent wants a sunny display light for your Sunny (De)light]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/apple-solar-patent-wants-a-sunny-display-light-for-your-sunny-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/apple-solar-patent-wants-a-sunny-display-light-for-your-sunny-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/apple-solar-patent-wants-a-sunny-display-light-for-your-sunny-d/#comments
Let's begin with the usual disclaimer: Apple patent applications do not mean the outlandish technology will be arriving in the next iPhone, just that someone in a Cupertino basement cooked it up during a marathon "imagining" session (possibly while enjoying a cool glass of purple stuff). The company's latest drawings-and-charts masterpiece concerns the construction and placement of photovoltaic cells and, more importantly, using the sun's energy to illuminate a display. By using a mirror pointed at the sky, you could reflect some rays toward your screen to supplement an LED backlight, or by turning the top lid of your Macbook into a solar panel. Although we can see one minor drawback in using solar powered backlighting -- if you have to point your display toward the sun, you're gonna need some powerful shades.

Continue reading Apple solar patent wants a sunny display light for your Sunny (De)light

Apple solar patent wants a sunny display light for your Sunny (De)light originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple PatentApplePatentEnvironmentalPatentPatentsSolarSolar CellSolar EnergySolar PanelSolar PatentSolar PowerSolarCellSolarEnergySolarPanelSolarPatentSolarPowerUSPTOWed, 19 Oct 2011 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT researchers suggest graphene could be used to build a better camera sensor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/mit-researchers-suggest-graphene-could-be-used-to-build-a-better/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/mit-researchers-suggest-graphene-could-be-used-to-build-a-better/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/mit-researchers-suggest-graphene-could-be-used-to-build-a-better/#comments As you may have noticed from the pace of research over the past few years, graphene is promising to make a whole lot of things a whole lot better. Now, it seems, you can also add camera sensors to the list. A team of MIT researchers recently discovered that graphene can serve as a photodetector over a "very wide energy range," and that it works particularly well in infrared light, where other types of detectors often come up short. That, the researchers say, could open to the door to everything from better nightvision systems to more advanced detectors for astronomical telescopes -- not to mention more inexpensive camera sensors in general, since graphene is cheap to work with. What's more, the researchers also suggest that those same light-detecting abilities could make graphene a good material for collecting solar energy, although they note that there's still much more research needed to determine if it's truly an efficient means of generating energy.

MIT researchers suggest graphene could be used to build a better camera sensor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camera sensorcamera sensorsCameraSensorCameraSensorsdetectorgraphenemitphotodetectorresearchsensorsolarsolar powerSolarPowerWed, 12 Oct 2011 03:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype magic carpet uses electrified threads to 'fly,' Aladdin pre-orders (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/prototype-magic-carpet-uses-electrified-threads-to-fly-aladdi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/prototype-magic-carpet-uses-electrified-threads-to-fly-aladdi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/01/prototype-magic-carpet-uses-electrified-threads-to-fly-aladdi/#comments If you spent your childhood longing to fly, you're not alone -- and one Princeton grad may have come one step closer to making it a reality with a prototype magic carpet. Ok, it's not actually a rug of the magical variety, but a 4-inch piece of plastic electrified by tiny conducting threads. It works as such: by applying a current to the sheet, tiny air pockets form underneath, propelling it forward one centimeter a second. Since it requires air pockets to move forward, the carpet must stay close to the ground -- making it more like Marty McFly's hoverboard than Aladdin's preferred mode of transportation. Better yet, the inventor has plans for a solar powered version, which would free the carpet from heavy battery constraints and allow it to travel freely over larger distances. Check out the video and source after the break for more deets.

Continue reading Prototype magic carpet uses electrified threads to 'fly,' Aladdin pre-orders (video)

Prototype magic carpet uses electrified threads to 'fly,' Aladdin pre-orders (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AladdinBack to the FutureBackToTheFutureelectricelectrical powerElectricalPowerflyflyingmagic carpetMagicCarpetNoah JafferisNoahJafferisPrincetonripple powerRipplePowersolarsolar poweredSolarPoweredSat, 01 Oct 2011 21:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: Solar Decathlon, hydrogen jet and a solar LED installation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/25/inhabitats-week-in-green-solar-decathlon-hydrogen-jet-and-a-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/25/inhabitats-week-in-green-solar-decathlon-hydrogen-jet-and-a-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/25/inhabitats-week-in-green-solar-decathlon-hydrogen-jet-and-a-s/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week an incredible crop of sun-powered prefabricated houses popped up in Washington DC for the 2011 Solar Decathlon, and Inhabitat was on the scene to bring you exclusive coverage of this year's stunning homes! We took a look at all 19 of this year's ultra-efficient projects, we rounded up seven stellar teams set to take the competition by storm, and we'll continue to keep you posted as the results roll in, so stay tuned. We also highlighted several inspiring projects from MIT's $1,000 house challenge, we saw a massive solar LED installation light up the night in Croatia, and we spotted plans for a futuristic floating island paradise at sea.

Green transportation got things rolling this week as Chicago launched a lush green subway car filled with plants, and Edison unveiled an electric version of their X-Prize winning Very Light Car. Two-wheeled transportation took off as well as an all-electric Tron Lightcycle hit the streets for the first time and researchers developed a nylon bike that is as strong as steel using satellite technology. We also took a spin in the 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid and we showcased plans for a Lockheed Stratoliner hydrogen jet that can travel anywhere on earth without refueling.

As September winds down schools across the county are now in session, but if you're still scrambling to pick up a few last-minute supplies don't miss our roundup of 14 green gadgets for back to school and ten solar-powered designs to charge your life. We also saw eco-fashion go high-tech as researchers developed a smart t-shirt that can monitor hospital patients' vital signs, designers created a motion-sensing interactive window display and a Star Wars fan made a remarkably realistic stormtrooper helmet entirely from Adidas sneakers. Finally, we shined a light on a Swedish daycare center's plans to track kids with GPS tracking devices.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: Solar Decathlon, hydrogen jet and a solar LED installation originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoeco-friendlygpsgreeninhabitatInhabitats Week in GreenInhabitatsWeekInGreenledmitsolarsolar powersolar poweredsolar-powerSolarPowerSolarPoweredSun, 25 Sep 2011 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2011 wrap-up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/intel-developer-forum-idf-2011-wrap-up/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/intel-developer-forum-idf-2011-wrap-up/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/intel-developer-forum-idf-2011-wrap-up/#comments We came, we saw, we conquered -- and just like that, Intel's Developer Forum was over. Much like years past, Chipzilla was proudly beating its own drum: we saw demos of Ivy Bridge and Haswell, a healthy helping of Ultrabooks and of course its high speed interconnect du jour, Thunderbolt. But that doesn't mean we didn't see a lot of other random, mind-stimulating otherness. Did you catch all the treasures we found lurking deep within the halls of this year's show? Unfortunately, we can't tell from here, so you better hop past the break for the full listing and find out.

Continue reading Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2011 wrap-up

Intel Developer Forum (IDF) 2011 wrap-up originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aava mobileAavaMobileasuscpudeveloper forumDeveloperForumeyefinityhaswellidfidf 2011Idf2011intelintel developer forumIntelDeveloperForummedfieldmsiprocessorrealvncsan franciscoSanFranciscosolarsolar powersolar-powersolar-poweredSolarPowerthunderboltultrabookultrabooksux21ux31wrap upWrapUpTue, 20 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Electree: finally, a bonsai tree that uses solar power to charge your gadgets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/the-electree-finally-a-bonsai-tree-that-uses-solar-power-to-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/the-electree-finally-a-bonsai-tree-that-uses-solar-power-to-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/the-electree-finally-a-bonsai-tree-that-uses-solar-power-to-ch/#comments
So you're tres green chic with your solar-charging jacket, and that Ralph Lauren backpack keeps your gadgets energized even off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. But what about stylish photovoltaics for your home, dear earth-friendly aesthete? We humbly submit the Electree, by French designer Vivian Muller. Shaped like a bonsai tree, each of its 27 leaves is a solar panel that helps charge a 13,500mAh battery. A concealed USB connector and A/C outlet will feed your gadgets while minimizing unsightly wires, and rotatable branches let you customize the look. Muller's looking for 400 presales to make the Electree a reality: for early birds, the price is €269 (about $370). If this sounds like the sort of thing you'd put on your windowsill, hit the source link to commence with the purchasing.

Continue reading The Electree: finally, a bonsai tree that uses solar power to charge your gadgets

The Electree: finally, a bonsai tree that uses solar power to charge your gadgets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artawesomedesigneco-friendlyElectreehouseholdlamplightlightingpre orderpre salePreOrderPreSalesolarsolar powersolar poweredSolarPowerSolarPoweredtreeVivian MullerVivianMullerMon, 19 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: sun-powered homes, retro robots and a solar laptop chipset]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/inhabitats-week-in-green-sun-powered-homes-retro-robots-and-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/inhabitats-week-in-green-sun-powered-homes-retro-robots-and-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/inhabitats-week-in-green-sun-powered-homes-retro-robots-and-a/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

This week Inhabitat shined a light on the future of high-tech architecture as we brought you 20 stunning sun-powered homes that are getting ready to battle it out in this year's Solar Decathlon - including Team New York's prefab Roof Pod, Canada's TRTL solar shell house, and China's Y Container home. We also brought you exclusive photos of the recently unveiled 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero, while the Empire State Building soared to new heights as it achieved LEED Gold certification. In other NYC news, we covered an underground park in the Big Apple which is to be illuminated entirely by fiber optics. Vincent Callebaut also unveiled plans for an incredible self-sufficient skyscraper for Taiwan, and we learned that scientists are planning to build a fake volcano for climate change research.

It was also a hot week for energy-generating tech as Intel unveiled a solar laptop chipset that can be powered by a desk lamp and MIT developed a tiny kinetic generator that can produce 100 times more power than previous devices of its kind. Meanwhile, Google invested in the power of pig poop and researchers rolled out a new inexpensive, powerful, and lightweight jelly battery that could one day power laptops and electric vehicles. Energy infrastructure also got a boost as a UK competition showcased six designs for next-generation power pylons, and New Mexico announced plans to build an entire city for the sole purpose of testing green technologies.

In other news, this week we spotted several pulse-pounding electric vehicles: a streamlined carbon fiber jet ski and an incredible mirrored motorcycle. We also went back to the future with a look at Nike's new pair of LED studded kicks, and we spotted a slick set of retro robots made from salvaged materials. Finally, we shared a bevy of tips for living a more sustainable lifestyle -- check out these seven gadgets that can improve your health and five ways to green your home entertainment system.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: sun-powered homes, retro robots and a solar laptop chipset originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architectureeco-friendlygreenhouseinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenmotorcyclesolarsolar houseSolarHousetrtlSun, 18 Sep 2011 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel reveals 'Claremont' Near Threshold Voltage Processor, other conceptual awesomeness at IDF (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/intel-reveals-claremont-near-threshold-voltage-processor-othe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/intel-reveals-claremont-near-threshold-voltage-processor-othe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/intel-reveals-claremont-near-threshold-voltage-processor-othe/#comments Thought Intel was done busting out new slabs of The Future at IDF? Wrong. Justin Rattner, the firm's chief technology officer, just took the stage here in San Francisco in order to showcase a trifecta of new concepts, all of which were borne out of research in Intel Labs. The first, and perhaps most notable, is the Near Threshold Voltage Processor (code-named "Claremont"), which relies on novel, ultra-low voltage circuits that dramatically reduce energy consumption -- like EnerJ, but not. How so? Well, by "operating close to threshold, or turn-on voltage, of the transistors," it's able to scream when needed or scale back dramatically (below ten milliwatts) when the workload is light. If you're curious as to just how low that is, we're told that it's low enough to keep running while powered only by a solar cell the size of a postage stamp. Sadly, the research chip isn't destined to become a product itself, but Intel's hoping that the knowledge gained could lead to "integration of scalable near-threshold voltage circuits across a wide range of future products, reducing power consumption by five-fold or more and extending always-on capability to a wider range of computing devices."

As for demos? A smattering of multicore / multiprocessor sessions aided Intel in upping its bragging rights, and we were informed that coding for multicore setups is "easier than the press makes out to be." The outfit also took the opportunity to release a Parallel JS engine to the open source crowd, adding data-parallel capabilities to JavaScript to purportedly "speed up browser-based services such as computer vision, cryptography, and 3D games by up to eight-fold." Furthermore, a newly revealed Hybrid Memory Cube -- complete with seven times better energy efficiency than today's DDR3 memory -- was also unwrapped. More details can be found in the links below, and we've got your unveiling video embedded just beyond the break.

Gallery: Intel reveals Near Threshold Voltage Processor, other conceptual awesomeness at IDF (video)

Continue reading Intel reveals 'Claremont' Near Threshold Voltage Processor, other conceptual awesomeness at IDF (video)

Intel reveals 'Claremont' Near Threshold Voltage Processor, other conceptual awesomeness at IDF (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsClaremontcpuexperimentalHybrid Memory CubeHybridMemoryCubeidfidf 2011Idf2011intelNear Threshold Voltage ProcessorNearThresholdVoltageProcessorParallel JSParallelJsprocessorresearchsolarsolar cellsolar powersolar poweredsolar-powersolar-poweredSolarCellSolarPowerSolarPoweredvoltageThu, 15 Sep 2011 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: magnetic highways, MoMA tech exhibit and lasers in the sky]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/inhabitats-week-in-green-magnetic-highways-moma-tech-exhibit/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Renewable energy supercharged our transit system this week as Inhabitat showcased Vycon's plans to tap speeding subway trains for immense amounts of kinetic energy, and we took a look at an innovative magnetic highway system that harvests energy from passing cars. Biofuels also got a boost from several unlikely sources as researchers discovered that bacteria in panda poop is incredibly efficient at breaking down plant matter, and scientists developed a way to recycle newspaper into biofuel. We also showcased a real-time energy monitoring device for kids, we learned that some radioactive areas around Fukushima are more dangerous than Chernobyl, and we took a look inside a subterranean atomic shelter that has been transformed into a cavernous underground office.

How do machines communicate with people? If you're pondering that idea, you'll be interested in this exclusive video interview with Museum of Modern Art curator Paola Antonelli on MoMA's new 'Talk to Me' technology exhibit which recently opened in New York City. We were also amazed by several artistic innovations this week as Wacom unveiled a pen that instantly digitizes anything you can draw and Sarah Garzoni created a beautiful series of printed paper butterflies.

In other news, we shined the spotlight on several brilliant advances in lighting technology as scientists successfully created rain by shooting laser beams into the sky and a designer unveiled a solar OLED tile system that can transform skyscrapers into zero-energy displays. We also brought you several bright ideas in wearable tech as Halston unveiled a glow-in-the-dark sequin gown, a ghostly troop of illuminated radiation suits wandered through the German countryside, and a Cornell student developed a type of clothing that traps toxic gases. Meanwhile the Hudson River lit up with a luminous field of 200 LEDs and Laser Power Systems unveiled plans for a nuclear powered car. Speaking of green transportation, we also spotted a high-tech E-Max motorcycle that converts pressure into power, and we watched Toyota's all-electric P001 racer become the first EV to break the Nurburgring's 8-minute speed record.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: magnetic highways, MoMA tech exhibit and lasers in the sky originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalanimalsbacteriacare-maxeco-friendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVglowglow in the darkGlowInTheDarkgreeninhabitatInhabitats Week in GreenInhabitatsWeekInGreenlaserlaser beamsLaserBeamslightlightingmotorcycleoledp001pandaradiationsolarsolar powerSolarPowertoxictoyotaVyconSun, 04 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Solar-powered rollerblading robot carries you to work on a chariot of humiliation (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/solar-powered-rollerblading-robot-carries-you-to-work-on-a-chari/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/solar-powered-rollerblading-robot-carries-you-to-work-on-a-chari/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/solar-powered-rollerblading-robot-carries-you-to-work-on-a-chari/#comments Bob Schneevis is at it again. The man who turned George W. Bush into a robotic Roman warrior has now developed something he calls the Solar Electric Robot Chariot. Showcased at this year's Maker Faire Bay Area, Schneevis' single-motor, bot-drawn carriage features a set of battery-juicing solar panels and an array of cameras that control its chauffeur's mechanized movements. The bot, meanwhile, glides around on a pair of rollerblades and is designed to move its legs in the same way humans do -- with the only difference being that humans don't rollerblade anymore. Skate past the break to see the chariot coast around a parking lot with Mitchell Goosen-like grace.

Continue reading Solar-powered rollerblading robot carries you to work on a chariot of humiliation (video)

Solar-powered rollerblading robot carries you to work on a chariot of humiliation (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob SchneevisBobSchneevischariotelectricGrant GrundlerGrantGrundlermaker fairemaker faire bay areamaker faire bay area 2011MakerFaireMakerFaireBayAreaMakerFaireBayArea2011rollerbladingskatingsolarsolar electric robot chariotsolar powerSolarElectricRobotChariotSolarPowertransportvideoSun, 04 Sep 2011 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: space pod hotel, Lego LED lamps and the world's largest solar-powered boat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/21/inhabitats-week-in-green-space-pod-hotel-lego-led-lamps-and-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/21/inhabitats-week-in-green-space-pod-hotel-lego-led-lamps-and-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/21/inhabitats-week-in-green-space-pod-hotel-lego-led-lamps-and-t/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Incredible green architecture projects lifted off to the stars and charted the seas this week as Inhabitat showcased a solar-powered space pod hotel that could launch in 2016 and PayPal founder Peter Thiel invested $1.25 million to create a chain of floating micro-countries. Meanwhile, Apple unveiled new images of its spaceship-shaped headquarters and its Grand Central Terminal store, and OPEN Architecture floated plans to transform a Zeppelin hangar into a green-roofed extreme sports center. Living green building projects also got a boost as Mexico unveiled plans to develop the world's largest urban park and an incredible crop of grass-covered cubicles sprung up in downtown Denver.

It was also an epic week for electric vehicles as Germany's "Schluckspecht" car set a world record for driving over 1,000 miles on a single charge, Lightning Motorcycles broke the 200 MPH electric bike speed record, and Stanford unveiled what could very well be the fastest solar car ever built. We also watched the world's largest solar-powered boat arrive in Hong Kong as it continues its trip around the world, while Google Street View began mapping the Amazon using cameras set on canoes and trikes. Solar Roadways also received a $750,000 grant to develop a large-scale installation and Zero2Infinity proposed a cheaper way to travel to space via an immense helium-filled balloon.

In other news, the past week was charged with renewable energy developments as a 13-year-old kid harnessed the Fibonacci sequence to make a solar power breakthrough and researchers developed an energy-harvesting LCD screen that could one day power our gadgets. We also learned that deep-sea mussels can convert hydrogen into energy, we were shocked to see another shiny slick of oil turn up near a BP well in the Gulf of Mexico, and we saw Australia outfit its soldiers with photovoltaic systems. Finally, on the home front we brought you a set of fun LEGO LED lamps perfect for illuminating any room, and we shared five tips for greening your finances.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: space pod hotel, Lego LED lamps and the world's largest solar-powered boat originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boatcarInhabitatInhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenlampledlegendsolarsolar powersolar poweredsolar-poweredSolarPowerSolarPoweredweek in greenWeekInGreenSun, 21 Aug 2011 20:37:00 EST