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Consumer tech lobbyist calls China tariffs a 'poison pill'
The White House might argue that its proposed tariffs on Chinese tech would punish the harvesting of American intellectual property while preserving the US economy, but don't tell that to the Consumer Technology Association's Gary Shapiro. The industry lobbying group CEO has issued a statement describing the tariffs and the likely Chinese response as a "poison pill" to production, the "innovation economy" and customers' wallets. Instead, he suggested that the US slap China-style requirements (not necessarily joint ventures) on foreign companies while pushing for greater transparency, competition and respect for patents.
Washington state bill would make hard-to-repair electronics illegal
A number of states are considering right to repair bills, legislation which if passed would make it easier for individuals and repair shops to replace or repair electronics parts. Repair.org reports that 17 states have already introduced bills this year and while most aim to make repair parts and manuals accessible, Washington's proposed legislation would straight up ban electronics that prevent easy repair. "Original manufacturers of digital electronic products sold on or after January 1, 2019, in Washington state are prohibited from designing or manufacturing digital electronic products in such a way as to prevent reasonable diagnostic or repair functions by an independent repair provider," says the bill. "Preventing reasonable diagnostic or repair functions includes permanently affixing a battery in a manner that makes it difficult or impossible to remove."
The US' TV energy ratings don't reflect the real world
If you were hoping that your new, energy-efficient TV might help save the planet (and your power bill), you're in for bad news. Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group, has published research showing that the US' energy ratings for TVs (such as EnergyGuide and Energy Star) don't line up with consumption in the real world. Tests on 2015 and 2016 sets from LG, Samsung and Vizio show that they use "up to twice" as much energy as claimed, often by turning off power-saving features with "little to no" warning. Some switch off the eco-friendly mode if you so much as change the picture settings, for example, while high dynamic range video will jack up the energy draw by 30 to 50 percent. Even the test footage used for government tests doesn't reflect the electricity you'd use in real-life viewing, the Council adds.
