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  • LG PuriCare AeroHit Air Purifier with 360-Degree Filtration Released

    LG PuriCare AeroHit Air Purifier with 360-Degree Filtration Released

    LG has revealed its newest PuriCare AeroHit Air Purifier to the world. This latest model is designed for spaces up to 365 ft² (~34 m²) and boasts a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 250 cfm (~424.7 m³/h). The purifier features LG’s proprietary Aero Series HEPA H13 filter along with a comprehensive multi-layer 360° filtration system. According to LG, this device is quite effective at minimizing dust, odors, viruses, and various airborne contaminants, ensuring your indoor air stays fresh.

    Advanced Sensors for Better Air Quality

    Equipped with a built-in Particulate Matter (PM) 1.0 sensor, it can identify ultrafine dust particles as small as 0.01 micrometers and offers real-time updates on air quality. Additionally, it contains sensors that track indoor temperature and humidity, automatically adjusting its purification settings to keep your living space comfortable.

    Five Purification Modes for Every Need

    The AeroHit includes five different modes for air purification: auto, low, medium, high, and turbo. It’s also designed to be very quiet, operating at just 25 dB when in sleep mode. An LED display shows real-time updates on air quality and the machine’s status. In terms of size, the device measures 240 x 500 x 240 mm (~9.44 x 19.6 x 9.44 inches) and has a weight of 4.2 kg (~9.2 lbs).

    For added convenience, you can adjust the settings of the air purifier through LG’s ThinQ app, allowing you to monitor its performance from anywhere at any time. In terms of price, the LG PuriCare AeroHit Air Purifier is priced at 5,920,000 VND (~$234) and is currently available in Vietnam via LG’s official site. While specific launch dates for the US, UK, and Europe remain unannounced, it’s anticipated that LG will expand the availability of the PuriCare AeroHit Air Purifier to these regions shortly.

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    LG PuriCare AeroHit Air Purifier with 360-Degree Filtration Released

     

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  • Record Efficiency Reached in Thin-Film Solar Cell Technology

    Record Efficiency Reached in Thin-Film Solar Cell Technology

    Each film is an astonishing 2 μm thick and consists of four layers piled together. These layers include a CIGS crystal layer made from copper, indium, gallium, and selenium, an intermediate layer of aluminium-doped zinc oxide, a perovskite layer, and finally a contact layer at the base.

    Comparison with Traditional Solar Modules

    On the other hand, the active layer in a solar module that you can buy commercially must be at least a hundred times thicker. This leads to a lot more material being used, which increases weight and limits flexibility for other possible uses.

    Efficiency Improvements

    By enhancing the contact surfaces between the two parts of a tandem solar cell, which must allow light to pass through with minimal interference, scientists managed to boost the cell’s efficiency to 24.6%. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has confirmed this measurement through a specific testing method.

    Future Potential

    The team at Helmholtz-Zentrum believes that they can push the efficiency beyond 30%. If they succeed, this thin-film approach would rank among the top tandem solar cells, but require much less material to produce.

    Despite this exciting potential, we still don’t know how well the ultra-thin film will hold up over time. Perovskite-based solar modules—especially those that are highly efficient—tend to lose efficiency significantly when exposed to moisture and sunlight.

    Production Challenges

    Moreover, the manufacturing process needs to be greatly simplified before these thin-film cells can be used in real-life situations. Applying layers that are less than 1 μm thick requires a cluster system with vacuum and transfer chambers, indicating that this technology is still quite far from the $300 balcony solar panels we see today.

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    Record Efficiency Reached in Thin-Film Solar Cell Technology

     

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  • Height-Adjustable Desk by Herman Miller: 4 Motors, 180 kg Capacity

    Height-Adjustable Desk by Herman Miller: 4 Motors, 180 kg Capacity

    The latest height-adjustable desk from Herman Miller, known as the Spout, stands out from its competitors with a unique design that features four motorised legs instead of the usual two. This desk can adjust in height from 68.6 cm to 116 cm (27 in to 47 in) and has the strength to lift up to 180 kg (400 lb).

    Innovative Design

    The four cylindrical legs are designed to align perfectly with the rounded corners of the tabletop. You can choose from several sizes for the Spout: 116 x 58 cm (23 x 46 in), 148 x 74 cm (29 x 58 in), and 178 x 89 cm (35 x 70 in). The largest version has a solid metal base that adds substantial weight of about 70 kg (155 lb). This desk also includes some noteworthy features: it has a drawer spacious enough for a laptop and a pair of USB-C ports that can deliver up to 100 watts. If both ports are used at once, the power output decreases to 65 watts. Furthermore, the underside of the desk is designed for cable management, promoting a clean and organized workspace. The base design allows chairs to be used from all sides, making the Herman Miller Spout ideal for meeting rooms compared to other height-adjustable desks.

    Pricing and Options

    The price for the Herman Miller Spout Sit-to-Stand Table ranges between $2,400 and $3,400, which depends on the chosen size and the material of the tabletop. You have the option of one white laminate or two types of real wood veneers for the top, and the base is available in seven different colors. Unfortunately, Herman Miller has not shared any information about pricing or availability for Europe yet.

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    Height-Adjustable Desk by Herman Miller: 4 Motors, 180 kg CapacityHeight-Adjustable Desk by Herman Miller: 4 Motors, 180 kg CapacityHeight-Adjustable Desk by Herman Miller: 4 Motors, 180 kg CapacityHeight-Adjustable Desk by Herman Miller: 4 Motors, 180 kg CapacityHeight-Adjustable Desk by Herman Miller: 4 Motors, 180 kg Capacity
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  • Husqvarna Launches New Wireless Automower Models 305E, 405XE, 435X AWD

    Husqvarna Launches New Wireless Automower Models 305E, 405XE, 435X AWD

    Husqvarna is starting the 2025 season by unveiling two new robot lawn mowers and an enhanced model that will be part of its consumer lineup. The company has revealed the Automower 405XE NERA and 305E NERA, alongside the upgraded NERA version of the Automower 435X AWD.

    New Mowers in the Lineup

    With the addition of the 405XE NERA and 305E NERA, Husqvarna’s collection of robot lawn mowers has expanded. Users can opt for either random or systematic mowing patterns. Depending on the chosen method, these models can manage areas of 6,500 or 9,700 square feet.

    Navigation Features

    For navigation, both mowers can operate with a boundary wire or utilize EPOS satellite technology. Users have the option of selecting a GPS-RTK antenna or the new Husqvarna Cloud. While the cloud feature simplifies setup, it may not be as accurate as using a physical reference station, as noted by the manufacturer.

    Advanced Capabilities

    These new robot mowers are designed for small to medium gardens, capable of tackling slopes of up to 30 percent. They also allow for cutting height adjustments ranging from 0.8 to 2.2 inches. The Automower 405XE NERA includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity, along with a radar sensor for obstacle detection, which the Automower 305E NERA lacks. Both models feature the EdgeCut technology for nearly edge-free mowing.

    In Europe, the starting price for the Automower 405XE NERA is €2,199, and the Automower 305E NERA starts at €1,699, both including 19% VAT. Although these robotic mowers will be available soon, they haven’t been listed yet in the official US online store.

    Updated Model Details

    The Automower 435X AWD NERA has received upgrades and is now wireless. This model is capable of off-road mowing, with the all-wheel drive system allowing it to tackle slopes of up to 70 percent.

    The mower can handle areas up to 3,750 square feet with random mowing or 5,400 square feet with systematic mowing, the latter of which will be available through a software update this summer. Besides Bluetooth and cellular connectivity, this gardening tool also features ultrasonic object detection and zone control. The European price for the Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD NERA is set at €5,999.

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    Husqvarna Launches New Wireless Automower Models 305E, 405XE, 435X AWDHusqvarna Launches New Wireless Automower Models 305E, 405XE, 435X AWDHusqvarna Launches New Wireless Automower Models 305E, 405XE, 435X AWD

     

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  • Philips Hue Bridge Update Enhances Motion-Triggered Lighting

    Philips Hue Bridge Update Enhances Motion-Triggered Lighting

    A recent update has been launched for the Philips Hue Bridge. The new software version 1969060020 was released on January 30th, bringing various enhancements to the smart home device. This update comes after the December release, which introduced support for all-day scenes and improved the Go to sleep feature.

    Improvements in Motion Sensor Functionality

    According to the release notes for software version 1969060020, there’s an enhancement for motion sensor triggers when your smart lights are set to return to the Last on state. This seems to correct a bug that some users reported, where motion sensors triggered the lights but didn’t revert to the previous setting.

    Optimizations and Performance Boosts

    Moreover, Philips Hue mentioned that it has optimized certain versions of the Twilight sleep and wake-up light that debuted last year. However, the company hasn’t specified exactly what changes have been implemented. Additionally, there are claims of overall performance and reliability improvements, but again, no specifics are given.

    Rollout and Installation Instructions

    The company stated that the release would start a few days after the announcement but did not specify when the update will be fully rolled out. The software is expected to install automatically on your Hue Bridge (currently priced at $43.48 on Amazon). It’s advisable to ensure that automatic updates are enabled in the Philips Hue app by navigating to Settings > Software update > Automatic update.

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    Philips Hue Bridge Update Enhances Motion-Triggered Lighting

     

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  • X8 Pro Omni: Powerful Robot Vacuum & Mop with Voice Assistant

    X8 Pro Omni: Powerful Robot Vacuum & Mop with Voice Assistant

    The Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop has officially made its debut in North America and Europe. This innovative model was showcased at both IFA 2024 and CES 2025, marking it as the first of its kind from the brand to feature a rolling mop head.

    Advanced Cleaning Features

    The Deebot X8 Pro Omni utilizes the Ozmo Roller Mop, which is reported to provide a pressure of up to 4,000 Pa and rotates at a speed of 200 times per minute. It incorporates 16 nozzles that direct fresh water toward the roller, ensuring that dirt isn’t just moved around your floors while cleaning. When it comes to vacuuming, the device boasts impressive suction power of up to 18,000 Pa, thanks to its ZeroTangle 2.0 main roller brush. Both the extending roller mop and a side brush work together to guarantee that even the most hidden corners of your space are properly cleaned.

    Smart Navigation and Control

    Equipped with LiDAR navigation and AIVI 3D 3.0 camera-based obstacle avoidance, the X8 Pro Omni is designed for efficient cleaning. You can control the robot remotely through its companion app, or interact with it using the YIKO-GPT intelligent voice assistant. Additionally, it features a self-cleaning docking station that offers hot water mop washing at 75°C and hot air drying at 63°C. According to Ecovacs, this system can provide as much as 150 days of hands-free cleaning, making it a convenient option for busy households.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop on Amazon in the US for $1,299.99. In Europe, countries like France and Germany offer it for €1,299. However, details regarding the release of this model in other regions, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, remain uncertain at this time.

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  • World’s Largest Renewable Project Seeks Construction Approval

    World’s Largest Renewable Project Seeks Construction Approval

    Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH), a renewable energy initiative in Australia created by InterContinental Energy, CWP Global, and Mirning Green Energy, is making progress towards realization. The companies have shared documents seeking public input to secure authorization for the project.

    Project Overview

    As outlined in the application, this hub aims to generate power through large-scale wind and solar energy, alongside producing green hydrogen and ammonia. The scale of the project has increased from its initial plan of 50GW to now include an installed capacity of 70 gigawatts. This involves setting up around 3,000 wind turbines, each ranging from 7 megawatts to 20 megawatts, and installing up to 60 million PV panels.

    Capacity and Area

    The total capacity of 70 gigawatts is nearly equivalent to the combined generation capacity of Austria, Finland, and Denmark, which stood at 70.2 GW in 2022. In terms of land use, the Western Green Energy Hub is projected to span 22,700 square kilometers, surpassing El Salvador’s area of 21,000 square kilometers.

    “The WGEH project fits well with both state and national hydrogen strategies, and our opportunities have been enhanced by the Australian Government’s announcement of the A$ 22.7 billion Future Made in Australia initiative. This includes a $2 per kg renewable Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive, showing a strong focus on the renewable hydrogen and green fuels sectors,” said Dr. Ray Macdonald, CEO of WGEH.

    Next Steps

    After the public comment period concludes, the application will undergo review. The developers are optimistic about starting construction in 2029.

    InterContinental Energy (In English), Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (In English) Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

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  • Starlink Mini Dish Discount Available Now in the US

    Starlink Mini Dish Discount Available Now in the US

    Don’t let the term “Mini” trick you. The Starlink Mini dish actually comes with a higher price tag than the Standard dish in the US. However, thanks to an ongoing promotion at Best Buy, you can get this portable satellite dish at a nice discount.

    Price Cuts on Starlink Mini

    Best Buy has reduced the cost of the Starlink Mini kit by $100, bringing the price down to only $499. Other major retailers are also providing similar deals; for example, Walmart is selling the dish for $495, while Target and Home Depot have it priced at $499, until stocks last. Even though this isn’t the lowest we’ve seen for the Mini—it dropped to $449 during Black Friday and the Christmas sales—it’s still a good bargain, especially considering how uncommon discounts on Starlink kits tend to be.

    Benefits of the Starlink Mini

    The Starlink Mini stands out for its ability to provide high-speed internet wherever you are, even in areas lacking cellular coverage. Its size is comparable to that of a usual laptop, making it easy to carry in a backpack. The Mini features a combined design that merges both a Wi-Fi router and satellite dish into one, which means you won’t need to set up a separate router or deal with a complicated installation. All you need is an unobstructed view of the sky, a power bank, and a compatible USB cable to start binge-watching your favorite Netflix series in remote locations. As for speeds, you can anticipate download speeds ranging from 20Mbps to 100Mbps, with upload speeds reaching up to 25Mbps. The service plans kick off at $50 for the Mini Roam plan, which includes 50GB of data, while the unlimited plan costs $150.

    Where to Buy

    Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are all offering these deals on the Starlink Mini dish. Don’t miss out on these savings if you’re looking for portable internet solutions!

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  • Vienna’s $21B Investment in Heat Pumps and Geothermal Energy

    Vienna’s $21B Investment in Heat Pumps and Geothermal Energy

    Vienna is taking significant steps to reduce its long-standing reliance on Russian natural gas. The capital of Austria is putting $21 billion into energy-efficient heating alternatives, which includes heat pumps and geothermal systems designed to power both residential and public buildings. The aim is to eliminate fossil fuel imports, lower air pollution, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions while boosting local and renewable energy sources.

    Geothermal Efforts

    On the edges of Vienna, engineers are currently drilling into a deep hot water reservoir referred to as the “Aderklaa Conglomerate.” This geothermal project, managed by Austria’s OMV AG, will harness boiling hot water to drive heat pumps, providing sustainable heating for 20,000 homes.

    Climate Goals by 2040

    This effort is part of a larger city plan to reach climate neutrality by 2040. Vienna revealed its energy transition strategy in September 2023, but recent world events have made this goal more urgent. Increasing fuel costs and Kiev’s refusal to continue the transit of Russian gas to Central Europe have only strengthened Vienna’s resolve to achieve energy independence.

    Expanding District Heating

    Vienna is intensifying its focus on district heating, aiming to broaden its network to encompass 400,000 households, which would make it one of Europe’s largest systems. Presently, the city’s main source of heat comes from a waste incineration plant created by the famous architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, which supplies warmth to 200,000 homes.

    Additional heat pump systems are being integrated into other waste incineration facilities, and Vienna’s primary waste treatment center has also incorporated a heat pump for extra energy production. The city also plans to tap into heat from smaller, local sources.

    Financial Hurdles Ahead

    Despite this ambitious vision, Vienna is encountering financial hurdles in making its district heating network competitive. Currently, heating costs are linked to natural gas prices, making long-term purchase agreements essential for stability. Nevertheless, city officials are optimistic about the future.

    “This is like a moon landing,” states Jürgen Czernohorszky, Vienna’s Climate Councilor. “But we must take bold actions to transform the city for the next century.” With significant investments and creative solutions, Vienna is placing a big bet on a future without Russian gas.

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  • New Dreame A1 Pro All-Terrain Robot Lawn Mower Launches

    New Dreame A1 Pro All-Terrain Robot Lawn Mower Launches

    Dreame has introduced the A1 Pro robot lawn mower across several European nations. This is the sequel to the original model that came out last year. Both the new and old versions were displayed at IFA 2024, where the company highlighted the differences between them.

    Notable Upgrades

    One of the key enhancements in the A1 Pro is its wheels. The new all-terrain wheels are designed to offer better grip, allowing this model to navigate more difficult surfaces and different weather conditions. Despite these improvements, the ability to handle slopes remains unchanged at 45% or 24°.

    Similar Features

    Besides a few small design changes, the functionalities seem to mirror those of the A1. It incorporates OmniSense, a technology that uses LiDAR for navigation and avoiding obstacles, which helps it to navigate your garden without needing boundary wires or an RTK antenna. The mower is claimed to be ideal for lawns up to 1,000 m² (~10,800 ft²), completing the mowing in 24 hours on standard mode. Through the Dreamehome app, users can remotely activate the mower, schedule future tasks, manage the map, and adjust settings like cutting height.

    Pre-Order Information

    The Dreame A1 Pro robot lawn mower is now available for pre-order on Amazon in countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Germany, priced at €1,599. The product listing indicates that it will launch on February 10th in France and Germany, while customers in the Netherlands may need to wait until August. For context, the first model was initially sold for €1,999 but is currently around €1,499. It’s not yet known when or if the Pro version will be available in other markets like the US.

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