Paper Airplanes with MIT Solar Technology can Make Electricity

Solar panels come in many forms: Crystalline silicon, thin film, even sprays and transparent plastic. Time to add paper to the list.

A research team from the MIT has developed a flexible and extremely thin solar technology that, when printed, looks like an ordinary document ready to be stapled and turned in as homework.

But when wires are clipped to one end of a floppy sheet and set in the sun, it can power an LCD clock display and other small “gizmos,” researchers said. The technology may help push the solar industry away from hulking, expensive installations and toward options that can easily generate renewable electricity anywhere.

Using vaporous “inks” made from common elements rather than expensive, toxic components like tellurium, solar cells are deposited onto plain, untreated paper, including tissue, tracing paper and even newsprint.

The process, which is similar to the one used to make the shiny interior of potato chip bags, is nearly as simple as ink-jet printing -- just with a vacuum chamber thrown in.

The pages can be molded into paper airplanes and still generate electricity when unfolded. They’re also long-lasting, according to researchers, who tested cells produced last year.

The technology, according to MIT engineers, is cheaper and more adaptable than current commercial solar options that use glass and require heavy support structures. Paper solar cells, they said, can be taped to a wall, attached to laptops or made into window shades and clothing, even laminated to protect against harsh weather.

It will be a while before commercialization, since researchers are still working on improving the device’s efficiency from its current 1%. But may be Apple Inc., which has studied how to create solar-powered touch screen for its Smartphones, should call them up. embedded The MIT team reported the findings in the Advanced Materials journal this month. To watch this cell click embedded link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=21O0tBe-Alk

Goal-Line Technology a Chance for World Cup

 

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said goal-line technology could be in use for the 2014 World Cup if a system is proved to be reliable and affordable.

There has been a huge push for football to follow sports such as cricket and tennis in embracing technological help for officials with the argument brought into sharp focus by England having a clear goal ruled out against Germany at the last World Cup despite replays having shown that the ball had crossed the line.

"In March 2012, we shall have a final decision on goal-line technology. If it is proved to be perfect and reasonable, it's possible that the international board will adopt this technology during the 2014 World Cup," Blatter held a news conference.

"If this is the case then other football associations will have the right to use the goal-line technology." FIFA also decide in 2012 whether or not to have two extra officials behind the goal-line as a "general rule". "It is not yet decided if the assistance of two additional assistant referees will be included a general rule," said Blatter. "This will be done by an international board meeting in London that will take place immediately after the 2012 European Championships. Then, in July, we will have an indication how World Cup refereeing will be done in 2014."

Meanwhile, the dates for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil have been confirmed for between June 12 and July 13, with FIFA insisting the country will host the sport's greatest tournament.

The opening game of the tournament will be decided in October.

Five-time champions Brazil will host the tournament for the second time after 1950, when they lost the final match at the Maracana stadium to neighbor Uruguay.

The last South American hosts were Argentina in 1978.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke also confirmed that the Confederations Cup may be held in Brazil between June 15 and June 30, 2013. There have been concerns over the progress of construction of the stadiums being used in the competition, but Blatter insisted the country of 190 million will be ready to face the challenge.

"In Brazil we have the same concerns with South Africa and in the end you saw how it went. The World Cup will take place in Brazil, it will be great and they are working to be the best World Cup," said Valcke.

"Brazil is not ready for the World Cup, as was the case in South Africa two years before the World Cup. We know most of the stadiums would be ready for the World Cup, the latest for 2013."

ACTION URGED ON MOBILE NOTSPOTS

The Communications Consumer Panel estimates 1,400 base stations need to be built in rural areas

The upcoming 4G mobile auction should be used as an opportunity to upgrade the UK's mobile infrastructure, says an advisory group.

The Communications Customer Panel said regulator Ofcom should oblige operators to widen services to rural areas. It also suggested the money made by selling off the airwaves can be used to upgrade rural coverage.

It estimates that approximately three million people live in mobile "not-spots". The panel said it did not believe that new 4G services will be extended beyond existing coverage. 4G is the next-generation for mobile services, offering faster speeds, crucial as more people use smartphones to surf the web.

The panel is suggesting that Ofcom run a "reverse auction" after the initial sell-off, in which operators can bid for money to extend their services in rural areas.

Valuable spectrum

The 4G auctions begin next year with services likely to start rolling out from 2013. There is a great deal of interest in the spectrum - which has been freed because of the switch to digital TV - as it operates in the low frequency 800MHz band.

This spectrum will mostly be good at penetrating buildings and will allow operators to offer better in-building coverage which is becoming an increasing problem as people use their smartphones at home.

The money freed up by the 4G auctions must be ploughed back into notspots, said the panel.

HOW TO BE A PART OF THE UK MOBILE MAP

·                                 You will need an Android handset

·                                 Download the app below or from Android Marketplace

·                                 Once downloaded, data will be collected without you having to do anything

more

·                                 If you wish to see what coverage is like in a particular place, simply click

on the app

·                                 The app is free to download

·                                 It uses very little bandwidth

·                                 The data is anonymised and neither Epitiro nor the BBC will collate or

store any personal data

UK 3G Survey

It estimates that the UK needs an extra 1,400 base stations to improve rural coverage.

"This is a critical moment, and we have a unique opportunity to resolve the persistent problem of inadequate mobile coverage," said panel chair Bob Warner.

"Most places that were mobile coverage notspots 10 years ago are still notspots today, and the spectrum auction represents perhaps the only chance we have in the next decade to improve coverage in the nations and for rural communities," he added. The BBC is conducting its own survey into notspots developed by network analysis firm Epitiro. Ofcom said that mobile coverage is one of its priorities and is conducting its own research into the problem. One of the largest blackspots for mobile coverage is on rail networks.

Research conducted for Ofcom last year found that on the East Coast mainline the probability of maintaining a 15 minute phone call was as low as 10% for two operators.

iPad, iPhone Preferred By Enterprise Customers Over Android Devices

The iPad tablet and the iPhone smartphone have been more popular with enterprise customers during the second quarter of the year, a study from a mobile device management and security firm reveals.

Regarding latest report from Good Technology, device activations for the iPad and iPad 2 in the enterprise space happened within the second quarter of the year compared to device activations in the same position for devices powered by the Google-supported Android mobile operating system.

The report says that in the enterprise market, 27.2 percent of all device activations were iPads and iPad 2s. This is compared to Android activations comprising 24 percent of all device activations for the market.

The new report notes that this has reversed the trend of Android devices having the upper hand in the enterprise market. This is also the first time IOS-device activations outnumbered Android activations.

When taking smartphones and tablets together, 75 percent of all activations are iOS devices, the study says.

Good Technology Senior Vice President John Herrema said in a statement that: “While Android may be gaining Smartphone market share with consumers, our business users are clearly gravitating to the iPad and doing so in large numbers.”

Apple Files Patent Complaint against Phone Maker HTC

HTC ChaCha phone Sales of HTC's Smartphones have surged manufacturing it a big player in the industry

 Apple has accused the Smartphone maker HTC of infringing its patents, in the latest phase of the legal battle between phone and tablet PC makers. Apple has filed a complaint against the US International Trade Commission (ITC) seeking an inquiry by the panel into the matter.

The news comes just weeks after Apple and Samsung accused each other of copying designs and technology. HTC is the world's third-biggest mobile phone maker, by stock market value.

However, HTC has denied Apple's allegations.

"HTC is distressed that Apple has resorted to competition in the courts rather than the market place," said Grace Lei, HTC's general counsel.

Growing Rivalry

The launch of products like IPhone and IPad saw Apple become the market leader in the Smartphone and tablet PC market. Apple's achievement in quickly securing a large slice of the market, with fashionable products enjoying good demand from customers, prompted several rivals to launch their own gadgets hoping to win a share of the fast-growing market.

However, that resulted in relations between Apple and its rivals souring as the competition grew. Last year the American technology company filed a similar complaint against HTC accusing it of infringing as many as 20 of its patents.

That prompted HTC to launch a counter attack, claiming that Apple was guilty of infringing patents held by the Taiwanese company. HTC went to the extent of seeking a ban on sales of iPhones, iPads and iPods in the United States.

A REMOTE CONTROL FOR YOUR ENTIRE HOME

 A REMOTE CONTROL FOR YOUR ENTIRE HOME

 While bold and brash is some people's style, many prefer a more subtle approach when it comes to technology, especially in the home.

Gareth Mitchell looks at how hi-tech does not have to mean high visibility and how an entire home could be altered with remote control. Richard Taylor looks at a homemade solution to turning a house into a media hub.

Toshiba Thrive Tablet PC

TOSHIBA THRIVE TABLET PC: PICTURE PERFECT REVIEW AND PRICE DROP TO $429

The Japanese computer giant Toshiba has produced a genuine beauty in their long-awaited Thrive Tablet PC. Let’s we can discuss some of its best qualities.

The Toshiba Thrive Tablet PC has dual cameras for capturing all your favorite memories. The rear camera is your main multimedia cam, producing a crisp 5 mega pixel auto-focus image in stunning 720p HD. The front camera is a convenient tool which will give you a nice 2 mega pixel webcam or portrait practice with a built-in microphone, so if you are needing to chat to family, friends or even business clients, then this will more than suit your needs.

It not only looks good with its slip-resistant rubber grip finish, but the display is exceptional! Toshiba is giving you their best innovative design right here with the Toshiba Thrive Tablet PC. They have built in their “Resolution+ video enhancement” technology to add to your experience. This technology automatically adjusts the brightness and color, depending on the lighting in the environment you’re in.

The standard tablet comes with 8GB of memory built in, with other models being available in 16GB and 32GB. That’s a whole lot of music, videos and games!

With it are strong battery life and several connectivity ports, full Flash Player support, beautiful screen and perfect price, this great piece of technology is a must-have for tablet customers wanting Android addition and high performance in their next tablet purchase.

Virgin Australia Adds In-Flight Mobile Technology

VIRGIN AUSTRALIA ADDS IN-FLIGHT MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

Australian Virgin has used new technology to its aircraft that provide their passengers with in-flight voice calls, SMS, and GPRS (3G) data usage. The airlines 737-800s have been fitted with Aero Mobile’s connectivity technology that will support in-flight phone usage.

Presently, the system is being used for crew communications but the service could easily be switched on for passengers. Unlike Europe and the USA, Australia has already approved in-flight mobile phone usage. This can help Australian carriers increase additional revenues and help make up for the lack of WiFi on many Australian flights.

This system is very easy to use for passengers. Anyone using the service is billed by their carrier as if they were roaming in another country. The service was rumored to be launching earlier this year but was delayed. This may have been connected to interference problems caused by some in-flight WiFi.

HUNTS CAR-BOAT TECHNOLOGY

THE lucky driver of the mystery amphibious car marked on the River Great Ouse newly has spoken to The Hunts Post about his unique experience.

Exclusive rights attorney Paul Hicks, from Papworth, was loan the bright yellow Aquada by its manufacturer Gibbs Technology. Mr. Hicks, who works for Cambridge-based firm Boult Wade Tennant, has helped the British company apply for more than 60 patents to defend the pioneering technology integrated in the wonderful car.

The Hunts Post previous week published the first pictures of the car in the river at St. Ives, taken on June 19, and readers have since been calling us with information.

This incredible picture of the Aquada was captured a week later by amateur photographer Moira Cleland, of Beech Drive, St. Ives, who was cycling along the river with her colleague Nick Boulding when she marked saw it approaching.

Mr. Hicks, who was tracked down by The Hunts Post, said: “I work with the guys at Gibbs Technology. There is a lot of innovative technology concerned in the Aquada to do with its cooling systems, propulsion etc. “It’s a fantastic piece of engineering and it’s nice to see real British engineering in action.”

He explained that the car was exposed to the world’s press in 2003 but added: “It’s not accessible on the open market yet – people can only register their interest.

“It is a fantastic bit of kit. On the river there is a speed limit of four miles per hour so we were limited to what we could do but we have taken it out on a water skiing lake and put it through its paces and did some water skiing with it.

“The car gains a lot of interest wherever it goes. It is amazing to drive on land and on the water. It’s unbelievable fun.”

Entry to the water is via beach, boat ramp, and slipway or directly from the water’s edge and once afloat, the transition from road vehicle to High Speed Amphibian (HSA) is “effortlessly” achieved – the entire driver has to do is press a button and drive into the water. The wheels automatically rise and as you press the accelerator nearly a ton of thrust pushes the Aquada onto the plane. The whole process takes less than 12 seconds and the Aquada can plane at over 30mph.

The website finishes: “The Gibbs Aquada is the ideal leisure vehicle. It combines the adventure of an open top car with the sheer delight experienced in a high performance speedboat.”

SONY PROJECTOR LAMP TECHNOLOGY IN NEW MACHINE

 

The latest projector lamp technology from Sony has been integrated into its new home cinema machine. Film fans can enjoy an outstanding 3D cinematic experience when they buy Sony’s VPL-HW30ES 3D projector. The system is a big step up from Sony’s innovative 3D home theatre projector, the VPL-VW90ES, with images that are three times as brilliant.

The Japanese firm has employed Dynamic Lamp Control Technology to present this boost to the intensity and in doing so, has not only maximized the feature of the 3D image but also improved the efficiency of the projector lamp.

In the meantime, the 3D glasses from Sony are intelligently synchronized with the projector to ensure that each eye is receiving an exact image as audience enjoys their film. Sony’s High Frame Rate SXRD Panel adds to this, submission extraordinarily sharp and dot-free images. They are also 18g lighter than the previous model and offer 30 hours of continuous watching from just a 30 minute charge.

Even the procedure of the VPL-HW30ES projector is planned with home cinema users in mind. Its advanced air discharge system suppresses sound levels to just 22dB, while still delivering a highly proficient cooling system.

K3 Business Technology Boosts Retail Software Arm with Latest acquisition

 

K3 Business Technology, the AIM planned company has advertised enterprise source planning software, hosting and managed services to the provide chain production, has snapped up the Retail Merchandising Partition of Azurri Computer Solutions Ltd. K3 is paying primary £1.0 million in cash for the business with a additional £0.5 million owed dependent on enhance in gross margin generated by Azurri Retail more than the next two years. Shares in K3 were insensitive at 222.5p.

K3 said Azurri Retail was a highly corresponding fit with its own retail software operations, adding up further professional skills, and would be eagerly incorporated into the group. The arrangement is in line with K3’s policy to build frequent revenues and obtain beneficial user basis with important cross-selling opportunities, in particular for its hosting and manage services contribution.

Andy Makeham, the chief executive of K3, said: “I am pleased to have accomplished the achievement of Azurri Retail. We carry on to make stronger recurring revenues by attaining new user bases, where we can also propose extra services and upgrades, and Azurri Retail stand for an exciting occasion to obtain a prominent retail client base. We look ahead to working collectively with our new customers to make sure the continuing successful delivery of their IT necessities.”

For the year to December 2010, Azurri Retail produces sales of £1.0 million and fundamental income of £0.4 million. Over £0.6 million of 2010 revenues were recurring. The company’s customer base comprise a number of major retailers, including Matalan, JJB Sports (LON:JJB) , Littlewoods, Holland & Barratt and the National Trust.

In March this year, K3 gained Clarita Solutions Ltd, a business that sells Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP explanations to the retail and distribution markets. It also purchases Sense Enterprise Solutions Ltd, which presents Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP solutions to the industrialized and distribution markets. Those agreements followed the achievements of Panacea Ltd and convinced possessions of FD Systems Ltd last November and December respectively. In the six months to December 31, 2010, K3 reported a 5% increase in revenues to £24.68 million and an 8% rise in pre-tax profits to £4.24 million

Updated Samsung laptops coming, Apple in sights

 

Samsung's 11.6-inch ultra portable has been refreshed with more aggressive pricing and Intel Sandy Bridge processors. The refresh presages a similar update from Apple for its MacBook Air, though it ruins to be seen if Apple can competition Samsung's more competitive pricing.

Like Apple, Samsung offers 13.3-inch and 11.6-inch ultraslim, ultralight, aluminum-clad laptops. But Samsung is trying to distinguish itself by keeping ahead of Apple on the performance curve.

Samsung's first 11.6-inch Series 9 model (NP900X1A-A01US) used Intel power-efficient "Nehalem" class Core i series processors and graphics silicon. The latest 11.6-inch offering bumps up to Intel's latest Sandy Bridge power-efficient chips.

That puts Samsung two productions ahead of Apple--at the moment, at least. Apple's modern MacBook Air models house Intel's older Core 2 Duo chip and Nvidia graphics.

Samsung has also upped the size of the largest solid-state drive offering to 128GB, matching the 11.6-inch MacBook Air.

And it trumps the Air in price, to boot. An 11.6-inch Air with a 128GB solid-state drive, 4GB of memory, and a 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo processor is priced at $1,399. Samsung's Sandy Bridge-based model with a similar configuration (see chart below) is priced at $1,249.

Samsung has also refreshed the 13.3-inch Series 9 models with faster Sandy Bridge processors and a larger 256GB solid-state drive. For example, a model (NP900X3A-A05US) with a 256GB solid-state drive, an Intel Core i7 Processor 2617M processor, and 6GB of memory is $2,049. A model (NP900X3A-B02US) with a 256GB SSD, a Core i5 2467M processor, and 4GB of memory is $1,649.

How does Apple stack up? A 13-inch MBA with a 256GB SSD, a 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and 2GB of memory, is $1,599.

The refreshed 11.6-inch models will be available in August; the updated 13.3-inch Series 9 is available now.