Battery tech is something we take for granted nowadays. We usually only think about the little packets of advanced chemistry squeezed inside our gadgets when we’re far from a charger and that pesky little battery icon turns red. But the lithium-based batteries that power pretty much every gadget nowadays may be set to be replaced […]
Category: Technology
‘Moderate’ is the new ‘extreme’: Weather’s impact on growing renewable grid operations
From severe storms to recent unprecedented cold and heat waves, extreme weather events are impacting electric utilities, grid operators, and ultimately customers like never before. At the same time, the energy sources that power the grid are evolving, integrating higher percentages of renewable sources. This evolution in both weather and the power grid is raising […]
McDonald’s to end AI drive-through test with IBM
McDonald’s is changing course on its artificial intelligence plans. The fast-food giant will end a test run of its AI drive-through technology partnership with IBM in more than 100 restaurants. The so-called Automated Order Taker will be shut off no later than July 26, according to a memo sent to franchisees late last week, obtained by CNBC. The […]
BYD and CATL aim to launch new EV batteries with 6C charge rate
BYD and CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd) reportedly aim to launch a new electric vehicle (EV) battery with a 6C charge rate. A battery’s C rating measures the current at which it is charged or discharged. Car News China explains that a charge rate informs people how many times a battery can fully charge within an […]
Explained: Nissan’s solid-state battery that could double EV range
The manufacturer that brought us the first mainstream electric cars could also be about to become the first to bring us the next big thing in EVs: a car with double the range for less money. The secret lies in the much-talked-about solid-state battery technology, which, if it lives up to the hype, should yield batteries that […]
Europe needs a green power grid. What’s holding it back?
It’s not yet clear how the results of the European Parliament elections will influence the policies of the next European Commission. Among other important issues, this uncertainty is hanging over the bloc’s plans for going climate neutral by 2050. But one thing is certain: Electricity from renewable sources will be a vital element in reaching […]
Synthesis process boosts perovskite solar cell performance to near market-ready standards
Solar power is not only the fastest growing energy technology in recent history but also one of the cheapest energy sources and the most impactful in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A Rice University study featured on the cover of Science describes a way to synthesize formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3)—the type of crystal currently used to make the […]
FCC names its first-ever AI scammer in threat alert
The first artificial intelligence robocall scammer has been officially named by the Federal Communications Commission. But is it too little, too late? After all, Royal Tiger has already gotten away with loads of scams that have impacted millions of Americans. Let’s talk about what these headlines mean for AI scammers in general, what you still […]
Geothermal model gives key insights into extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock
Geothermal energy from the superhot rock miles below our feet has the potential to become a major player in the energy transition, but first we need to develop ways to not only access those rocks, but also extract their heat. Now a computer model sheds light on the latter, describing for the first time what […]
CATL and BYD are working on batteries with a 6C charge rate
The ‘C’ is an indicator of the ratio of battery size to charging power. At 1C, an 80 kWh battery can be charged with a maximum of 80 kW. At 6C, the same battery can theoretically be charged with six times the charging capacity, meaning up to 480 kW. The first Chinese electric vehicles are […]
Microsoft’s all-knowing Recall AI feature is being delayed
Microsoft is planning to launch its new Copilot Plus PCs next week without its controversial Recall feature that screenshots everything you do on these new laptops. The software maker is holding back Recall so it can test it with the Windows Insider program, after originally promising to ship Recall as an opt-in feature with additional […]
watchOS 11 brings Live Activities to the Apple Watch
As we previously covered, watchOS 11 brings new fitness and health features to the Apple Watch. However, the update also comes with some welcome changes, such as the addition of Live Activities. First introduced with iOS 16, Live Activities are now coming to the Apple Watch with watchOS 11. Live Activities coming to the Apple Watch with watchOS […]