metal
Latest
Scientists learn to build better metals by freezing alloys in space
Metals are full of microscopic structures that define properties like strength, but it's hard to figure out how those structures work on Earth, where gravity skews their effects. An experiment aboard the International Space Station may have solved that dilemma, however. By freezing alloys in the station's extra-low gravity, scientists tracked the growth of microstructures in a pure environment and revealed a wealth of data about how metal forms. For example, the structures sometimes "breathe" (really, ripple) as they grow -- if you're not careful when producing metal, those tiny shapes will either break or disappear altogether.
Samsung gives its metal-framed Galaxy Alpha a leather backside
Samsung's Galaxy Alpha was already a nice departure form its usual plastic wrapped phones. Now, the metal-framed option has a new material around back: leather. On the company's French site, four new devices surfaced, complete with back panels sporting the aforementioned scaly rawhide. However, the front of the phones keep the silver and gold hues we've seen on the regular models, and these new handsets are only available in limited quantities. In fact, there's only 100 of each. As you might expect, that kind of exclusivity and the addition of premium materials translates to a price tag of €649 ($790) -- €80 ($97) more than the existing options in France.
The Big Picture: cooling molten metal in space
Ever wonder what hot metal would be like if it weren't bound by containers, liquids... or even gravity? You're looking at it. The European Space Agency has developed an electromagnetic levitator that the International Space Station is using to see how molten metal cools when it's free of the constraints you typically find on Earth. This experiment isn't intended solely as eye candy, of course. The station crew will use a high-speed camera to record the cooling process and make note of how it affects material structures. If the tests prove fruitful, they could teach people on the ground how to forge metal alloys with greater strength, exotic patterns and other traits that are very hard to produce using modern day techniques.
Moto 360 metal bands arrive, gold option in tow
A few days before other retailers offer the option, and coming just after the goods appeared on Amazon, Motorola has officially put new bands on sale for its Moto 360. If you've already purchased one, or look to do so soon, the smartwatch now comes with your choice of silver or black metal bands for $299. Fancy the look of leather instead? There are the usual options in stone and black, with a congac hue on the way. In addition to those, stitched bands from DODOcase and silicone colors from TYLT are in the works. The gold model that broke from cover via the aforementioned retailer was properly outed as well in an 18mm width, but it'll cost you a bit more at $329. The light silver metal band comes in the narrower option, too.
Samsung's Galaxy A5 has some Alpha style, but not the substance
Samsung likes to get some mileage out of its lofty design themes and plenty of people have gone gaga over the Galaxy Alpha's subtle style, so it's no surprise that the phone's design DNA is being injected into other devices. SamMobile has been reporting for a while now that the Korea electronics giant has been working on a range of phones -- the so-called A series -- that feature some of the Alpha aesthetic, and now they've obtained images of the first one. It's called the Galaxy A5, and if these reports hold true it falls very firmly onto the middle of the road. There's a 5-inch Super AMOLED screen running at 720p up front, paired with a 13-megapixel rear camera and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset ticking away within the minimalist frame that may or may not actually be made of metal. Yeah, we know, it's a bummer, but the more modest price tag that'll almost assuredly stick to it might make the change in materials worth it.
TUG updates metallurgy and multiplayer capabilities
TUG is about to get a lot more metal. It's about to be so metal that you won't be able to handle all of the metal. At least, you'll need to be skilled with forging to handle all of the metal, as the game's initial implementation for metallurgy is coming to a test client near your desktop. The game has posted an update for backers explaining that the first pass is nearly complete, and the next game update will allow players to build a forge, make simple bronze age tools, and mine for important minerals. But what's it all worth if you can't show off to your friends? Multiplayer support is currently high on the priority list, with no specific ETA provided beyond a promise of another update in the near future. For more details on the developing features, check out the full update on Kickstarter.
Verizon will sell the Moto 360 with a metal band on November 11th
If you refuse to wear a Moto 360 smartwatch until it's equipped with a metal wristband, you now have a firmer date than "fall" to mark on your calendar. Verizon says that it will ship this slightly ritzier version of Motorola's wearable in both black and silver on November 11th for the expected $300. It's not certain that Verizon will be the first out of the gate with the extra-shiny 360, but its timing should serve as a good yardstick even if you don't plan to buy your watch at Big Red. And don't forget: if two months is simply too long to wait, you can always buy the leather edition now and upgrade to metal later for $80.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 looks and feels like a premium device (hands-on)
When Samsung launched the very first Galaxy Note at IFA 2011, the device -- a 5.3-inch behemoth that came with a stylus - seemed absurdly large. But the idea was crazy enough to work: It was the beginning of a brand-new phone genre adopted by nearly every handset maker around the world and beloved by millions. Three years later, we're being introduced to the fourth smartphone in the series, known as the Galaxy Note 4. As you might expect, the device comes with new and improved specs in both hardware and software, but the design of the 5.7-inch phone itself has made a huge step in the right direction: It comes with an aluminum frame, and based on my first impression, it's the best looking of the bunch. It's time to explore Samsung's latest large-screened device.
The TUAW Daily Update Podcast for July 7, 2014
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get some the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the player at the top of the page. The Daily Update has been moved to a new podcast host in the past few days. Current listeners should delete the old podcast subscription and subscribe to the new feed in the iTunes Store here.
League of Legends takes a top spot on ... iTunes?
Proving that you don't need to be real to earn real success, the debut album from Pentakill, a band made up of five League of Legends characters, is currently sitting at number one on the iTunes metal charts. Look, we'd be clever and throw in a pun or two here, but this news really speaks for itself, don't you think? A real album from a fake band made up of not one, not two, but three undead - one of whom is undead because the guitarist shred so *bleep*ing hard on his axe that he went berserk and killed him - is sitting at the top of iTunes. What more can be said at that point? Here, just read the lore behind the band's legendary guitar:
Start your own mosh pit with the Metalcore Breakdown Composer
Out in the sea of odd samplers and drum machines on the iOS platform there's one understandable blind spot for music apps; metalcore. Birthed out the hardcore punk and death metal scenes the sub-genre started promisingly before becoming incredibly repetitive. Depending on your tastes Metalcore Breakdown Composer is either a obnoxious parody of modern extreme music or a fun toy to pass time on your iOS device. Utilizing a soundboard of various drums, guitar tones, and vocals players can tap together breakdowns -- essentially the bridge of a metalcore song -- for your listening pleasure. Whether you're making fun of a friend whose a fan or you just want to create your own simple breakdowns this app is for you. Currently MBC lacks the ability to record or export the sounds you make which is the kind of oversight that keeps it from being easily recommended as a keeper. Still it's a funny idea that could provide the right open minded parent an afternoon full of bonding time with their metalhead child. You can watch Metalcore Breakdown Composer's delightfully surreal video below to get a taste of just how tongue in cheek the product in question actually is. You can pick up the Metalcore Breakdown Composer for free right now in the app store. Perhaps you can bring the whole family together by starting mosh pits of love in the living room.
Japan looks to next-gen 3D printers for a return to manufacturing success
American 3D printer manufacturers have stolen a lead on the competition, but a Japan-based alliance is looking to fight back... it'll take a year or two, is all. The group includes universities, 27 companies including the likes of Panasonic, Nissan and Kawasaki, as well as the Japanese government. Rather than cheerfully-colored figurines and trinkets, the group plans to use titanium-based materials to craft complicated components like airplane parts and artificial joints for medical use. For the government's part, it's promising 3.8 billion yen ($36.5 million) this year, with each member organization adding another 500,000 yen per year to the research group. According to the Nikkei, work will focus on advanced tech that will allow 3D-printed components through (awesome-sounding) "molten metal powders." The aim is to have prototype machines by 2015, with some 3D printers ready for sale as commercial products. Final finished machines for making medical equipment and aircraft manufacturers will apparently take another four years to perfect.
Pokemon's Honedge brought to life
The folks behind the Man at Arms video series and makers of replica weaponry from games and films are at it again, this time with a Pokemon look-alike. The latest Man at Arms video shows the creation of the Pokemon Honedge, a new creature introduced in Pokemon X and Y that resembles a sword with a blue cloth attached to its hilt. While the Man at Arms crew chopped together a fine approximation of the creature (complete with a rather sharp blade, as seen in the ending demonstration), they did leave out Honedge's ornate sheath. Not that we'll be the ones telling them about the minor detail. They make swords, after all, so we'd hate to critique them. Led by master swordsmith Tony Swatton, Man at Arms' past work includes the energy sword from the Halo series, the God of War series' Blade of Chaos as well as swords from Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. [Image: Man at Arms]
Pebble introduces the Steel, an all-metal smartwatch with an elegant look (video)
To say 2013 was a good year for Pebble is a huge understatement. The company started out at last year's CES showing off functional versions of its iconic smartwatch -- you know, the one that generated over $10 million on Kickstarter in a matter of weeks -- and it ended the year by announcing it had pushed more than 300,000 units and was planning to launch a dedicated app store. But while the watch has a healthy ecosystem, loyal following and a sporty look, the Pebble isn't exactly the kind of device you slap on your wrist for wine-tastings or galas at the local art gallery. For those types of events, you'll need a premium-looking smartwatch, but good luck finding one; you'll probably just opt for your traditional Rolex or other fancy piece of wrist jewelry over anything else on the market. Fortunately Pebble didn't come to CES empty-handed this year. CEO Eric Migicovsky announced the Pebble Steel at the company's press conference this morning, which takes the original Pebble watch and encapsulates it in an all-stainless steel, CNC-machined body. If you like the idea of the Pebble, but don't think it radiates enough elegance or class, the $250 Steel may be more up your alley. The new device will be available alongside its predecessor on January 28th, but you can pre-order it beginning today. So what did we think about Pebble's new look? In a nutshell, we like it (although the jury's still out on the name itself). Keep reading below to get our full take on the new watch, and enjoy the image gallery and hands-on video first.
Doris Sung explains the tech behind her breathing, eco-friendly architecture (video)
Doris Sung has spent the past few years designing "breathing" architecture that adapts to environmental conditions. Thanks to an overview of her work at The Creators Project, we now have a simple explanation of how Sung creates these responsive structures. Her walls and windows are based on multi-layer metal "skins" that curl when certain layers react to heat -- the brighter the sun shines, the wider the skins open to let colder air through. Special software shapes each panel to maximize the cooling effect, even for very curvy surfaces. Sung's approach hasn't seen much real-world use so far, but she hopes for energy-efficient buildings that need very little air conditioning to remain comfortable.
Apple patent hints at possibility of Liquidmetal iPhone and iPad
For all its tough chemical properties and unusual capacity for intricate molding, Liquidmetal is apparently too uneconomical for anything much bigger than Apple's SIM ejector tool or, perhaps, the chess pieces rendered above (for illustrative purposes only!). Attempts to use so-called "metallic glass" to mass-produce larger objects, like the bodies of phones or tablets, have been hampered by difficulties in creating large sheets of controllable thickness, because stretching and other traditional techniques just cause the stuff to break. However, a patent recently awarded to Crucible Intellectual Property (the shell company representing the exclusive licensing tie-up between Apple and Liquidmetal Technologies) suggests some progress has been made towards removing this barrier. Now, we can't claim dwarven levels of expertise on the subject, but we're inclined to agree with the interpretation of the folks at Electronista, who spotted that the patent describes a range of factory methods (generally involving lots of melting and conveyor belts) for creating sheets of metallic glass of controllable thickness between 0.1mm and 25mm and in widths of up to three meters. The paperwork explicitly mentions the use of these sheets in making iPhones, iPads, watches or indeed "any electronic device known the art." In the shorter term, if you happen to really, really want a Liquidmetal chess set, you can register your enthusiasm at the More Coverage link below. [Rendered image by Cassidy Stevick, Liquidmetal Technologies]
Japan to reduce rare earth consumption in response to China's export controls
Japan took another step toward lessening its rare earths dependence today, announcing plans to drastically reduce consumption levels in response to China's continued market dominance. Of particular concern to the Japanese government is dysprosium -- a rare earth used in the production of high-powered magnets. China, which accounts for about 95 percent of the world's rare earth supply, has been tightening export controls on the metal in recent months, sending global prices skyward. With its domestic supplies dwindling, Japan has now committed to reducing its dysprosium consumption by 30 percent over the next few years, as part of a $65 million initiative. Much of that money will presumably go toward helping manufacturers develop alternative production and recycling methods, as some already have. Toyota, for instance, has found a way to produce hybrid and electric vehicles without using dysprosium, while Mitsubishi, Panasonic and TDK are currently looking at ways to extract the metal from old air conditioners. If effective, the government's program would reduce domestic consumption by between 200 and 400 tonnes per year.
Magnetic soap could make your next oil spill less oily
Instead of spending millions upon millions to clean up the next oil spill, why don't we just all pitch in and buy some soap? That's basically what researchers at the University of Bristol are proposing, with a new kind of soap that's apparently like no other. This soap, you see, is magnetic, which means it could be easily removed from water without leaving behind any hazardous chemicals -- a potentially major selling point for cleanup crews and environmentalists alike. To create it, the team collected water with chlorine and bromine ions, and used it to dissolve iron particles, creating a metallic core. They proceeded to test their creation by placing the soapy particles within a test tube, underneath layers of water and oil. Much to their delight, they were able to remove the particles with only a magnet, ostensibly providing a template upon which disaster response crews may build.
Major Chinese supplier halts rare earths production in attempt to boost prices
With prices sliding and uncertainty rising, China's biggest producer of rare earth minerals has suddenly decided to suspend all operations, in a move that could strain already tense relations with the West. Baotou Steel, a miner, refiner and vendor located in Inner Mongolia, announced the decision in a statement today, explaining that it's simply looking to "balance supply and demand" in response to a prolonged price slump within China. Since June, in fact, prices of neodymium oxide and europium oxide have declined by 34 and 35 percent, respectively, with many analysts attributing the drop to mounting economic uncertainty in the US and Europe. Earlier this year, the Chinese government announced plans to merge or close some 35 rare earths producers within the mineral-rich northern region of Inner Mongolia, effectively crowning Baotou Steel as the industry's epicenter. Now, of course, that's all changed, though the shutdown will only last for one month. It's also worth noting that China still exerts rather considerable influence upon the market, accounting for roughly 97 percent of all production of rare earths -- a group of 17 minerals used to manufacture gadgets like cellphones, flat-screen TVs and EV batteries, among others. And while new deposits and market projections may point to a transforming landscape, it's unlikely that Chinese influence will wane anytime soon -- much to the chagrin of Western free trade advocates.
Japanese scientists discover massive rare earth deposits, China bristles
China's control over the rare earths market hasn't faced too many challenges over the past few years, but that may be changing, thanks to a major discovery in Japan. Geologists say they've uncovered expansive new deposits of rare earth minerals, buried within a seabed some 20,000 feet below the Pacific Ocean surface. Research leader Yasuhiro Kato estimates that the deposits contain anywhere from 80 to 100 billion metric tons of rare earths, which, if commercially viable, could pose a serious threat to China's global hegemony. Supply shortages and aggressive Chinese export controls have combined to raise global prices in recent years, much to the chagrin of manufacturers who rely upon the metals to produce smartphones, tablets and a wide variety of other gadgets. But with analysts predicting a rare earth surplus within the next few years and Japan's mining industry now poised for a potential resurgence, the outlook is certainly looking a lot brighter.
