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February 9, 2025
Genmitsu Cubiko: CNC Desktop Machine with Early Bird Discount
The Genmitsu Cubiko is a CNC system designed to bring professional-grade technology to everyday users. It is promoted as a small and cost-effective option, currently available for early preorders through a crowdfunding initiative, with prices beginning at $299. However, it’s crucial for potential backers to understand the high financial risks that come with crowdfunding projects. Even if the product does get delivered, there’s no assurance that it will meet the promised quality and features.
Specifications and Size
With dimensions of 300 x 335 x 318 mm (11.8 x 13.2 x 12.5 in), the Cubiko can handle workpieces measuring up to 150 x 110 x 40 mm (5.9 x 4.3 x 1.6 in) by utilizing a variety of tools. Users can choose between rotating tools and a laser module for their projects. The included 5.5-watt diode laser is suitable for engraving tasks, while the rotating tool allows for milling in wood and metal. Two other modules are intended for finishing rather than heavy-duty work: the drawing module accepts pens with diameters from 3 to 18 mm, and a polishing module, expected to launch later, will aid in restoring scratched surfaces.
Performance and Control
The official specifications indicate that the Cubiko has a machine power of 120 watts and a spindle power of 75 watts, which allows it to reach a maximum spindle speed of 10,000 RPM. It offers a precision of 0.1 mm and comes with an enclosure designed to reduce the risk of injuries and maintain noise levels around 60 dB. Users can control the machine easily through an app, and it is compatible with multiple software programs. The company plans to begin shipping the Genmitsu Cubiko by May 2025.
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Tags: CNC system, crowdfunding, Genmitsu Cubiko
February 8, 2025
Thermogalvanic Cell: 3X More Efficient Than Fridges & Heat Pumps
It’s a small prototype that the researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan have developed, but the performance metrics and concepts shown in the related scientific study could soon render some commonly used technologies appear quite inefficient.
Thermogalvanic Cell Explained
The authors assert that a thermogalvanic cell can establish a temperature difference between two distinct regions. This device can transform electrical energy into chemical energy while utilizing only a minimal amount of electricity, meaning the thermodynamic cycle can’t keep pace.
All types of refrigerators and freezers operate on this principle. A mechanical compressor, which runs on electricity, shifts heat from one place to another. Similarly, a heat pump essentially performs the same function; it can generate warm air for a home while pushing the cold air outside or the other way around.
Coefficient of Performance
A significant component in this scenario is the CoP (Coefficient of Performance). An efficient configuration would yield a coefficient around 5. For a heat pump, this means generating five times the heat output compared to the electric energy it consumes.
In stark contrast, the previously mentioned thermogalvanic cell boasts an impressive coefficient of 14.2. This was accomplished by either reducing or oxidizing iron ions using electricity, which effectively creates rust. When iron is oxidized, it produces heat, but when it is reduced, it absorbs heat.
Future Applications
Allegedly, the system can be easily duplicated and adjusted for size with minimal effort. This suggests that the heat pump alternative could be implemented in refrigerators or systems for heating and cooling homes. However, before this innovative technology can be adopted, it must transition from the lab setting and prove its efficiency in practical applications.
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Tags: Coefficient of Performance, Huazhong University, Thermogalvanic Cell
February 8, 2025
Acebeam Launches Flat EDC Flashlight with Red, White, and UV Light
Acebeam has launched a new flashlight designed for everyday carry (EDC). The UC20 features a flat design with a clip that can attach to belts or hats with visors. This style is similar to other models like the Nitecore EDC2x and the Olight Arkfeld series.
Unique Light Sources
One standout characteristic of the UC20 is its three different light sources. The main light can reach a maximum brightness of 1,000 lumens, while it also includes UV and red lights for added versatility.
Battery Specifications
Sadly, the Acebeam EDC flashlight comes with a non-removable battery that charges via USB Type-C in just 1.2 hours. This battery has a capacity of 1,000 mAh, equating to roughly 3.6 to 3.7 watt-hours, which is on the lower side for flashlights. Nevertheless, the UC20’s power needs are modest, making this capacity adequate for a reasonable usage time.
For instance, the primary LED can emit 5 lumens for an impressive 63 hours. When set to 60 lumens, the duration drops to 8 hours, while 200 and 450 lumens provide runtimes of 2.5 hours and 1 hour, respectively. However, using turbo mode rapidly depletes the battery, lasting only two minutes before reverting to 450 lumens for another 54 minutes.
Water Resistance and Pricing
Conversely, the red LED consumes a lot of power; it lasts only 4.3 hours at 8 lumens, and 23 lumens will fully drain the battery in just over an hour. The UV light can shine for a maximum of 2.3 hours.
The UC20 is designed to be tough, capable of being submerged in water up to 6.5 feet deep. Currently, Acebeam is offering the UC20 at their official store for $59.90. This flashlight is available in both green and black for EDC use.
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Tags: Acebeam UC20, EDC flashlight, rechargeable battery
February 7, 2025
Ambrane MiniCharge 20: Compact 20,000mAh Power Bank with Type-C
Ambrane has introduced the MiniCharge 20, a compact power bank ideal for travelers, hikers, and everyday users. Proudly manufactured in India, it boasts a robust 20,000mAh battery and comes with an integrated Type-C cable that also acts as a convenient carrying loop.
Features of Ambrane MiniCharge 20
The MiniCharge 20 is safe for air travel and constructed using ISO-certified materials ensuring durability and safety. It has an elegant metallic finish and provides various charging options, such as a 22W Type-C port, a 22W USB-A port, and a built-in 20W Type-C cable. Battery levels are easily monitored through LED indicators, while advanced protection circuits safeguard devices and prolong battery life.
This power bank is capable of fast-charging with protocols like PD 3.0, QC 3.0, PPS, and VOOC, making it suitable for both Type-C and USB-A devices. To fully recharge, it requires about 5 hours and 40 minutes when using a 20W charger.
Pricing and Availability
The MiniCharge 20 is priced at Rs. 1,899 and comes in two colors: Gradient Blue and Titanium. It is available for purchase online through platforms like Flipkart, Amazon.in, and Ambrane’s official site, as well as in physical stores such as Croma, Vijay Sales, and Reliance Digital. It can also be quickly delivered through services like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart in major cities. The power bank includes a 6-month warranty.
Additional Launches
In other news, Ambrane has also released the MagSafe 10,000mAh Power Bank. This model supports 22.5W fast charging with a Type-C port (22W), USB-A port (22.5W), and a 15W MagSafe wireless output. The device can be fully charged in just 3.5 hours with a 20W PD charger, and it is compatible with PD 3.0, QC 3.0, VOOC, and PPS charging protocols.
Tags: Ambrane MiniCharge 20, fast charging, Portable Power Bank
February 7, 2025
WUQI Licenses Ceva-Waves WiFi 6 IP for New Chip Development
Ceva-Waves, a branch of semiconductor firm Ceva that focuses on WiFi technology, has recently shared the news about launching its prebuilt WiFi 6 STA IP platform within a new Bluetooth/WiFi combination chip produced by WUQI Microelectronics. This merger allows the WQ9201 chip to maintain a compact design along with a low-power, high-performance WiFi 6 modem. Additionally, Ceva is supplying a FullMAC software stack, which helps to relieve the CPU in WUQI’s wireless chip, enabling it to manage the complex tasks involved in protocol switching and the coordination of WiFi and Bluetooth.
Efficient Wireless Management
With Ceva handling the intricate parts, the WQ9201 wireless SoC features a unique dual-band RF architecture that functions on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. WUQI also integrates a custom CMOS power amplifier to lower energy usage in devices that run on batteries. This emphasis on reducing size and increasing power efficiency enables the WQ9201 to achieve one of the tiniest footprints in the industry, all while providing excellent baseband performance.
Industry Recognition
The WUQI chip has been honored with the 2024 China Core Excellent Technology Innovation award and is utilized in consumer electronics, including devices from Honor and smart home products such as those from TP-Link. Qiang Gu, who leads WUQI’s WiFi product division, stated that the WQ9201 is set to take full advantage of Ceva’s WiFi 6 IP capabilities to offer “unprecedented WiFi throughout efficiency,” addressing the demands of HD streaming and the Internet of Things (IoT).
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Tags: Ceva-Waves, TP-LINK, WQ9201
February 6, 2025
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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Tags: Air Purifier, HEPA H13 filter, LG PuriCare AeroHit
February 6, 2025
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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Tags: CIGS solar cells, Perovskite Technology, tandem solar efficiency
February 6, 2025
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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Tags: height-adjustable, Herman Miller, Spout Desk
February 6, 2025
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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Tags: Husqvarna Automower 305E NERA, Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA, Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD NERA
February 5, 2025
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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Tags: Hue Bridge, Philips Hue, software update