aluminum
Latest
Apple’s iPhone SE is made with new low-carbon aluminum
Apple says the new iPhone SE is the first product made with commercial-grade low-carbon aluminum, reducing its impact on the planet.
Eco-friendly aluminum batteries might power solar and wind farms
Renewable energy might soon have storage batteries that are more environmentally friendly in their own right. Researchers have developed a new form of aluminum battery with twice the energy density of previous designs, making the technology more practical for large-scale projects like solar and wind farms while using more sustainable materials. The trick was to replace the usual graphite cathode (the positive electrode) with anthraquinone, an organic carbon-based molecule that ups the density by storing positive charge carriers coming from the electrolyte.
Tesla granted tariff exemption on Japanese aluminum for battery cells
Tesla has won an exemption from paying the 10 percent tariffs placed on imported aluminum from Japan. It filed a request with the Commerce Department in April for a tariff exclusion on 10 million kilograms of the metal per year from Nippon Light Metal Co for battery cells made in the Nevada Gigafactory. The department approved it this month.
Apple's iPad and Mac event: By the numbers
For the second time in as many months, Apple's executive leadership took to the stage to reveal the company's latest luxury computing products. This time around we saw a new iPad Pro with a fancy magnetic stylus, a Retina-enabled MacBook Air (made entirely of recycled aluminum), a new Mac Mini, and $9 headphone dongles to make the tablet you just dropped a grand on minimally functional in polite society.
Apple's aluminum devices will be a bit more environmentally friendly
Apple uses a lot of aluminum in its products, including MacBook Pro, iPhone and iPad. Now the company is investing in making aluminum without adding to the direct greenhouse gas emissions typical in current smelting technology. Apple, along with aluminum companies Alcoa and Rio Tinto, has partnered with the Canadian government to invest a combined $144 million in the process.
Amazon gives its Fire HD 10 tablet a classier metal shell
If you've been eyeing Amazon's Fire HD 10 tablet, but aren't a fan of its plastic shell, you're in luck. The company now offers a metal version of the tablet, addressing one of the main gripes about the mobile device. The best part? Pricing remains the same as the current Fire HD 10, starting at $230 for the 16GB model (with "special offers"). Alongside the new aluminum design, Amazon is also debuting a 64GB version that will set you back $290.
Nano-sized 'yolks' should lead to longer-lasting batteries
Those eggs you might have had for breakfast? They're not just food -- they may be the key to longer-running batteries in your devices. Scientists at MIT and Tsinghua University have developed a nanoparticle battery electrode whose egg-like design is built to last. Their invention, which houses a shape-changing aluminum "yolk" in a titanium dioxide cell, can go through charging cycles without degrading like the graphite electrodes in conventional power packs. That could improve not only the overall longevity of the battery, but also its capacity and maximum power. You'd have gadgets that not only hold out for longer between charges, but don't need to be replaced quite so often under heavy use.
Two Mac Pro cases + woodworking skill = unique bench
With the advent of the new, smaller "trashcan" Mac Pro, we're going to start seeing a lot more of the all-aluminum PowerMac G5 / Mac Pro cases going to the recyclers or - even worse - the dump. Gary Katz of Mac M.D. is a longtime Apple Consultant who saw a really impressive bench designed by a German Mac user that used two of the aluminum cases as stands as "legs". Katz was having his kitchen remodeled and decided to ask the contractors if they'd use their expertise to convert two gutted Mac Pro cases into a similar bench. The bench, which uses African mahogany, Wenge, and Padouk woods in addition to the Mac Pros, is beautiful on its own. Once he had it delivered, Katz added a string of LED rope lights inside the cabinets as well as a backrest to lean against. There are more photos detailing the work done by the contractor and Katz's additions on his personal blog. Have you upcycled a Mac or two into something as functional and beautiful as this? Let us know about it in the comments and please leave a link to some photos.
The aluminum Nintendo Entertainment System is custom built inside and out
The folks at Analogue Interactive know that making a good looking game console only goes so far, and that it's what's on the inside that truly counts. It's with that in mind that the solid aluminum Analogue Nt -- the outfit's take on the original Nintendo Entertainment System -- sports fancy innards in addition to its machined casing. As Polygon writes, the system's motherboard is custom as well, sporting a fancy black printed circuit board, transparent solder mask and raised copper traces. We've embedded a picture after the break. Sounds pretty snazzy, right? Well, the outfit's still promising audiophile and videophile quality out of their little aluminum box that could, and units still command a $500 starting price for pre-order. You might balk, but remember, this is the same company that charged $1,300 (minimum) for a wood-encased Neo Geo. Comparatively, this is a steal.
The Samsung Galaxy Alpha is smaller, lighter and more elegant than the GS5
Aluminum sides, chamfered edges, slim profile, solidly built back -- this is what Samsung's chosen as its brand-new design language, and it's why the Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge (which was introduced this week) have a premium look and feel. But the new Note isn't the only device with the same type of setup: It has a smaller sibling called the Galaxy Alpha that was announced just three weeks prior. The Alpha, which should be making its way into select markets (such as the UK) this month, is a compromise for those who want a good-looking phone, but don't want one that's so large.
Moog shows off one-of-a-kind Aluminum Voyager and 10th Anniversary Minimoog Voyager at NAMM (eyes-on)
A couple of months back, Moog announced its limited edition 24-karat gold clad Minimoog Voyager to celebrate the 10th anniversary of said analog synth. But here at NAMM 2013, the outfit is showing of the latest bit of unannounced handiwork from its in-house machine shop. Feast your eyes on the Aluminum Voyager: a one-of-a-kind unit that is housed in the rugged silver material and features all blue panel lighting to complete the look -- right down to the rivets. We also took a bit of time to lay our peepers on that golden model, too. Our snaps don't really do it justice, but the combination of the shiny finish with translucent control knobs and accents of Japanese Awabi pearl make for one of the most dapper instruments we've seen. But don't take our word for it, dive in to the gallery below to take a closer look at the pair.
Element Case's Ronin iPhone 5 case: Wood, metal, leather, beautiful
I'm not going to spoil an upcoming review of the new Element Case Ronin iPhone 5 case by saying too much other than to say that information about this gorgeous US$199.95 hand-crafted case will be available tomorrow on the Element Case website. In the meantime, feast your eyes on this luscious piece of hardware. What makes this stunner different? CNC-machined, aluminum nickel-plated caps CNC-machined Ziricote wood rails Integrated CNC machined button mechanism Stainless steel hardware A premium leather-grain protective wallet Genuine leather protective "Back Plate" Screen protector Made in the USA We'll have a full review as soon as possible. My credit card is standing by to order one.
Road tested: ElementCase's Sector 5 case for the iPhone 5
I didn't know what to think about the ElementCase Sector 5 (SE) iPhone 5 "case." I had been using my iPhone 5 for a while, and I really appreciated the fact that it felt like it didn't need a case. I've lauded ElementCase in the past because the craftsmanship and quality were outstanding. But previous iPhones, with the glass on the back, really did need a case of some kind. I know too many people who have cracked back plates to recommend not getting one. The iPhone 5, in my opinion, rarely needs a case at all. Yet I found myself enjoying the Sector, despite the feeling it may not be completely necessary. Design As usual, the ElementCase used its knowledge of machining and has produced a lightweight and beautiful case -- except it's not so much a case as an aluminum bumper. The Sector needs you to remove only one screw to open it up (what ElementCase calls a multilink connection), and it wraps around the sides of the iPhone. The kit includes an adhesive-backed suede backing and a screen film, both of which I chose not to use. However, with all the included parts you could really protect your iPhone while keeping it looking very sharp. One unfortunate bit is a "road rash" protector, basically a collection of vinyl stickers you'll put around the edges of your iPhone to "protect" it from the Sector's rubber feet. The rubber feet are inside the four corners of the case, giving the shock absorption you want but having the nasty side effect of leaving some bits of rubber behind after prolonged use (see pic below). While I object to the vinyl, it's a good idea for ElementCase to have included these. That said, it makes the easier-to-remove case itself somewhat less easy to remove as you'll need to remove the non-reusable vinyl off your iPhone before ditching the Sector completely (if you choose to). The "road rash" vinyl sticker after over a week of use under the Sector 5 The Sector bulges out at the corners a bit, and adds a little visual interest to the iPhone. There are a couple of inadvertent issues with the Sector, however, and while they stem from the design, I'll detail them in the functionality section. Suffice it to say the "trussed" design (meaning there are a lot of cutouts) is a blessing and a curse, keeping weight down but also causing potential problems for big fingers. The review unit I got was a nice dark gray gun metal color. The weight is negligible, and that's really amazing. Still, this does add enough weight to the already crazy light iPhone 5, so you will definitely notice the iPhone is a bit heavier. Since I'm not covered in replacement iPhones, I did not perform a drop test. It's possible the shock absorbers will protect the phone, but it's also possible the added weight could be a problem. The Sector comes with a handy screwdriver for removing the case itself (and you can even attach it to your keys), but with that vinyl tape I doubt you'll be doing it often. Functionality OK, it's a case. As I said, I'm unwilling to throw my iPhone at the ground, but let's take this just as a sort of backup insurance. It's light, it's barely there, what's not to like? Unfortunately the deeper wells around the volume buttons make it much harder to access them if you have big fingers. I have relatively small fingers and often found myself having to squeeze in to flick the mute or change volume. That's not good. Apple puts those above the "surface" of the edge for a reason. Also, the lower left bulge is just big enough to where I really have to stretch my left thumb to access the upper right corner. While the 5 is taller, this additional distance was just enough for my smallish hands to have a problem where there was none before. Your mileage may vary. And lastly while the hole cut for the headphone port is ample, I found it was not ample enough for a generation of plugs made before smartphones became our music players. My old Sony desktop speaker plug barely fit, and seemed to pop out regularly. If you use EarPods or any of the more recent audio cables, changes are you'll be OK. My Sony MDR headphones were not OK, however. The plug fit, but so barely it kept popping out. The ports otherwise (mic, speakers, Lightning cable) all were fine thanks to the extensive trussing going on for weight purposes. The power button is accessed with a push button atop the case, so that worked fine. You also have access to the SIM slot, for what that's worth (in owning 4 iPhones I have yet to touch my SIM tray). One small problem with the stainless steel screws is that, in my review unit, they were painted black and after some use that paint came off. I actually like the patina look and it's not obvious at all, but if you're the kind of person who inspects cases with a jeweler's loupe, you'll see it for sure. Conclusion The build quality of the Sector is incredible. What's amazing to me are all the chambers and edges on the Sector, the trussing to keep weight low, and how it feels in your hand. When I first added the Sector to my iPhone I wasn't sure it was such a great idea, but after a week I have come to really enjoy it, and feel like I've got just enough added protection to my 5 that I can keep slapping it down on tables as I did before the case. I can imagine that with the additional suede backing it would be even more protected. The problem is that the price, US$139.95 may not justify the protection and the minor aggravations (specifically access to those volume buttons). If you have small hands or feel like your iPhone 5 is the perfect weight, you'll also have problems with having it on there. So is the Sector a great case? Yeah, it's a good case. I'm not sure it's worth the money, but if you are into status symbols, and the ElementCase lineup is mostly that, it's probably the coolest iPhone 5 case you can get right now. Pros: Provides some protection Looks cool Easier than ever to remove or put back on Cons: Vinyl stickers are a bummer Some usability issues with volume The iPhone 5 doesn't feel like it needs a case, so this can feel extraneous at times Who is it for? Anyone who wants their iPhone 5 to look different and can afford a luxury case which offers modest protection.
TWI and the super-thin iMac
The slim lines of the upcoming iMac models would be impossible if it weren't for a bit of intellectual property from Cambridge, England-based TWI. TWI developed a technique called friction-stir welding in 1991 that doesn't require melting metals to join them together. Through the use of a rotating tool made out of a wear-resistant material, metals are softened and then merged under frictional heat. The method has been used in the aerospace industry for years to produce rocket propellant tanks, airplane wings and is used at Denver's Lockheed Martin facilities on the manned Orion spacecraft. Friction-stir welding is now coming down to earth to join the aluminum front and back of the new iMacs, creating a welded edge that's only 5mm thick. Not only does the technique produce a smooth join, but the process is faster and uses less energy -- both important factors in the mass production of computers. Apple licensed the technology from TWI this year, although TWI could not reveal the details of the license or its application to existing or future products.
New 2012 iPhone body reportedly leaks, gives the glass front its time to shine
Remember that tall, mostly aluminum 2012 iPhone shell that appeared to have leaked? It's back. This time, KitGuru has unearthed what it claims is a "test sample" with the glass front panel roughly intact. We've seen the darker steel sides, aluminum back and new dock connector before, but the front gives us a much better sense of how the finished product (if real) will turn out. Sitting next to an iPhone 4S, it's suggested that the new model would stuff in that bigger screen more through a better use of the available area -- there's much less blank space than on the iPhones we've known since 2007. While we still don't know for sure if the design shown here is close to what will go hand-in-hand with iOS 6 in the fall, we're starting to see enough smoke that there's bound to be a fire nearby.
Tesla gives Model S Signature drivers a year of free data, reveals their cars' true colors (video)
Although Tesla has already delivered the first Model S to its eager owner, the fledgling automaker is still offering a steady stream of treats to those patiently waiting for the official June 22nd date. Drivers who spring for the Signature Series trim level of the EV sedan now get a year's worth of mobile data at no extra cost, a bonus no doubt helpful for buyers who get lost on the first drive. Regardless of which Model S might eventually find the driveway in the future, Tesla is providing a look at how it paints the car's chosen color. Each aluminum shell is dipped in an electro-coating solution, baked in an oven, water-sealed and given its final clear coat paint by robots -- no dealer will be charging extra for weatherproofing here. It's all appropriately futuristic, and you can get a peek at the whole process in the video after the break as well as at the source.
iPhone case mod features aluminum back, vintage logo
If you enjoy case mods, then you should check out this latest offering from the K.O. gadget store. The custom backing lets you replace your glass back panel with an aluminum one inspired by the concept designs of the iPhone 5. Though the idea of an aluminum back is fetching, the highlight of this case mod is the vintage Apple logo that graces the back. There's even an add-on light that'll make the multi-color logo glow when you are using your phone. The case mod is on sale for a limited time only -- long enough for the company to sell a bunch of units before Apple cracks down on them, hypothesizes M.I.C. Gadget. It's available for US$23.90 plus shipping from the K.O. Store. [Via M.I.C. Gadget and Gigazine]
Anodizing aluminum and titanium explained and demonstrated in less than five minutes (video)
Many of us use gadgets that sport gleamingly refined, anodized aluminum or titanium cases -- but have you ever wondered exactly how the process works? Bill Hammack, at it again after explaining to us how the CCD, LCDs, and hard drives work, breaks it down (pun intended) for us -- in less than five minutes. He talks about, and even shows us how the surface of titanium is meticulously rusted using electro-chemicals to grow an oxide layer, changing the color based on its thickness. He follows that up with some commentary on how a similar reaction gobbles up and transforms aluminum, creating a much thicker, porous oxide layer that can be filled with any color dye. So, just to be clear: controlled corrosion is good for your Mac, border control -- maybe not so much. You can watch the video right after the break.
HTC fixes rare One S chipping finish issue, swaps phones for free
The black HTC One S uses a process called micro arc oxidation (MAO) to harden its aluminum unibody and make it feel like ceramic. We've recently experienced some chipping on the finish of one of our review units, so we reached out to HTC to find out if this is a known problem. Turns out we're not the only ones to report the issue, and while rare, the company's gone ahead and tweaked its manufacturing process and is offering to swap affected phones for free for existing customers. Here's HTC's statement: HTC is committed to delivering a high quality product and great experience for all our customers. There have been a few, isolated reports of this issue. The finish on the One S was laboratory tested as being at a hardness similar to ceramic. While that's hard, it doesn't mean it's impossible to damage. Regardless, HTC takes quality very seriously and are providing all customers with an immediate fix and we are implementing some small changes to ensure customers do not experience this issue in the future.
Sony's 2012 Xperia series gets together for awkward family portrait
While Sony's newly-christened Xperia phones are a bit difficult to tell apart, there's nothing quite like getting the whole clan together to tell these statement slabs apart. It's largely about the size and build differences here -- while the 4.3-inch Xperia S readies itself for retail stores very soon, the middleweight Xperia P is showing off its aluminum unibody frame. The Xperia U then shyly rounds out the series with the smallest footprint of the bunch. Hopefully our gallery below will help you decide exactly which Sony phone is the one for you.
