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Better Batteries Via Nano "Eggs"

12 August 2015 Marco Attard Accessories

Eggs are not just one of the best breakfast foods-- scientists at MIT and Tsinghua University use egg-y inspiration to create a "yolk-and-shell" nanoparticles boosting the capacity and power of lithium-ion batteries.

The "egg" in question consists of an aluminium nanoparticle (the "yolk") surrounded by a titanium dioxide (aka titania) "shell." According to the researchers the combination is a "high-rate champion among high-capacity anodes,” meaning it can lead to the more powerful batteries of the future.

Current lithium-ion batteries use graphite anodes with a storage capacity of 0.35 ampere-hours per gram (Ah/g). Researchers have been long looking into better performing alternatives, but most fall short. For instance, lithium mettle might store much energy per gram but is prone to short circuits or catching fire, while silicon and tin have high capacity that drops at high charging or discharging rates. Another potential replacement is aluminium, with a theoretical capacity of 2 Ah/g.

Microsoft Peripherals Get Win 10 Update

06 August 2015 Marco Attard Accessories

Following the Windows 10 launch Microsoft announces updates on its PC accessory lineup, with devices such as keyboards and mice taking advantage of the latest features and functionality of the OS.

The first device is the Wireless Desktop 900, a wireless keyboard and mouse combo described as having a "simple, modern design and features quiet-touch keys for comfortable and responsive typing." The main Win 10-related features are one-touch access to Cortana, OneNote and virtual desktop, and AES encryption for "safe and secure wireless connectivity."

Logitech Case Bloks iPad Damage

22 July 2015 Marco Attard Accessories

Logitech reveals a set of first products following the "Logi" rebrand-- the Blok iPad Air 2 case family, one consisting of the self descriptive Blok Protective Shell, Protective Case and Protective Keyboard Case.

Blok cases feature square corners and construction in "unique extra-absorbent polymers" to add further support against damage. Thus the company claims the cases can withstand drops of up to 1.8m on surfaces as hard as concrete.

The Protective Shell is the most basic offering in the Blok portfolio, being a protective shell with a built-in screen protector. The Protective Case is more or less identical, but adds a kickstand with a 50-degree viewing angle.

Chromecast Gets Ethernet Adapter

16 July 2015 Marco Attard Accessories

Google adds further capabilities to the Chromecast HDMI dongle with a Ethernet Adapter-- essentially a means for customers to "create a fast and reliable connection" for the device via RJ45 cable.

The Chromecast uses wifi for network connectivity, bringing about media streaming problems when a strong wireless signal is not available. One can obviously buy devices to strengthen or repeat wifi signals, but the Ethernet Adapter makes such woes a bit easier to resolve.

The Papercraft-Inspired Stretchable Battery

24 June 2015 Marco Attard Accessories

The Papercraft-Inspired Stretchable Battery

Researchers at Arizona State University get inspiration from a centuries-old Japanese art of folding paper to create a battery able to stretch to more than 150% of its size without losing any functionality.

The paper-folding art in question is kirigami-- a variant of the more famous origami adding cuts to the traditional folds. Previously the researchers tried creating origami-inspired batteries, but the results could flex, but not stretch.

Such flexible and stretchy batteries can find applications in a variety of wearable devices. In fact, the researchers managed to power a smartwatch using a kirigami-based lithium-ion battery inside an elastic band. The batteries can even be woven into fabrics used for clothing manufacture.

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