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  • Anker Prime Charging Base for Power Banks Now Available in the US

    Anker Prime Charging Base for Power Banks Now Available in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anker Prime Charging Base offers 150W power, specifically designed to charge new Prime power banks efficiently.
    2. It features three additional ports: two USB-C (140W and 100W) and one USB-A (22.5W), with smart power allocation.
    3. Users can monitor real-time charging data and receive updates via the Anker App, which connects through Bluetooth.
    4. The device includes ActiveShield 4.0 technology for enhanced safety, monitoring temperature over 10 million times daily.
    5. Priced at $99.99, the charging base is available in the US online and on Amazon, with availability in Europe yet to be announced.

    Anker has just launched the Prime Charging Base (150W, 3 Ports) in the United States. This product was hinted at earlier this year, along with two new power banks that have already hit the market.

    Charging Capabilities

    The Anker Prime Charging Base is created to charge certain Prime power banks, such as the new Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) and the Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W) models. These devices connect through pogo pins, enabling the charger to provide up to 150W of power thanks to Anker’s Protocol. This feature allows you to recharge the 26K power bank fully in just 47 minutes, which is pretty fast.

    Additional Features

    In addition to the main charging function, the Anker Prime Charging Base includes three extra ports: two USB-C ports with outputs of 140W and 100W, and a 22.5W USB-A port. The total maximum output is 150W, with power being allocated smartly. When you connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, you can check real-time charging data through the Anker App. The app also allows users to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates. For safety, the device features ActiveShield 4.0 technology, which monitors the temperature more than 10,000,000 times a day. Its dimensions are 4.1 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches (~103 × 103 × 23 mm) and it weighs about 12.35 oz (~350 g).

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Anker Prime Charging Base (150W, 3 Ports) from the brand’s online store or its Amazon page in the US for $99.99. It is already on sale in the UK, but there is no information yet about when it will be more widely available in Europe.

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  • Govee Ultra Ceiling Light with Matter Coming Soon

    Govee Ultra Ceiling Light with Matter Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Govee Ceiling Light Ultra is a new smart light model (H1270) continuing the Ceiling Light Pro line, discovered on Govee’s website and CSA database.
    2. It features colorful lighting effects, remote control via the Govee Home app, and supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
    3. The light is Matter 1.3 certified, allowing compatibility with various smart home systems like Home Assistant and Apple Home.
    4. The design resembles the Ceiling Light Pro with a bulkier silver-tone frame and two light sources for different ambiance effects.
    5. The official launch date and pricing are unknown, but it may debut at CES 2026, with the previous model priced at $129.99.

    The Govee Ceiling Light Ultra is coming soon. This latest smart light seems to be a continuation of the brand’s Ceiling Light Pro, which was launched earlier in 2025. It has been discovered on a Govee website and also appears in the database of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization that oversees smart home protocols like Matter and Zigbee.

    Features and Connectivity

    The Govee Ceiling Light Ultra, known as model H1270, is made for indoor settings. As per the information on the CSA page, it will provide colorful lighting effects that can be controlled remotely through the Govee Home app, utilizing both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. The listing also indicates that it is a Matter 1.3 certified device, which allows it to work seamlessly with various third-party smart home systems such as Home Assistant and Apple Home.

    Design Insights

    A small image of the Govee Ceiling Light Ultra (shown below), found in a Govee user manual, suggests a design similar to that of the Ceiling Light Pro, featuring a bulkier silver-tone frame. It also implies that the light will have two sources: one aimed at illuminating the room and another directed upwards to create a softer ambiance. However, more specifics, including the round light’s dimensions, are yet to be verified. It remains uncertain how this model will be different from the previous one.

    Launch and Pricing Speculations

    When Govee will officially unveil the new Ceiling Light Ultra is still unknown; it might be introduced at CES 2026 in January. The price is also not disclosed. For reference, the Govee Ceiling Light Pro is priced at $129.99 (currently $89.99 on Amazon US).

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  • Peak of the Year’s Most Stunning Meteor Shower Approaches

    Peak of the Year’s Most Stunning Meteor Shower Approaches

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Geminids meteor shower originates from the asteroid 3200 Phaethon, not a comet.
    2. The particles from the Geminids are larger than those from comets, resulting in a brighter display.
    3. The peak viewing time for the Geminids will be the night of December 13 to 14, 2025, with up to 150 meteors per hour.
    4. Meteors from the Geminids travel toward Earth at a speed of 35 km/s.
    5. To maximize your viewing experience, find a dark location and ensure clear, cloud-free skies.

    Every year, there are a lot of meteor showers that give a special show if you catch them just right. But in the coming days, the Geminids will be at their most active, and the display might just surprise you.

    Unique Origin of Geminids

    It’s important to understand that the Geminids are not like other meteor showers that happen throughout the year. Most meteor showers originate from comets that leave behind dust, which enters our atmosphere when Earth travels through those debris clouds. However, the Geminids are from an asteroid, which is quite unexpected. This asteroid is called 3200 Phaethon, has a diameter of 6 kilometers, and acts like a comet by shedding dust as it moves.

    Bright Show Ahead

    The particles from this asteroid are actually larger than those from comets. This means that when they enter the atmosphere, they shine more brightly and can create an amazing visual experience.

    If you’re keen to witness this meteor shower, mark your calendar for the night of December 13 to 14, 2025. At this time, the Geminids will peak, and you could see around 150 meteors per hour, zooming towards Earth at a speed of 35 km/s.

    Tips for Observation

    However, it’s crucial to take some precautions, similar to what was necessary for the Taurids. You should avoid any light pollution to ensure a completely dark sky. Plus, having a clear and cloud-free night will allow you to fully appreciate this spectacular event.

    Star Walk

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  • IKEA Smart Remote Control with Matter Now Available in the US

    IKEA Smart Remote Control with Matter Now Available in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. The IKEA Bilresa Remote control is designed for easy management of smart devices in your home.
    2. It is compatible with IKEA’s Dirigera hub and works with various smart home systems using the Matter protocol.
    3. The remote requires two AAA batteries (not included) and is made from ABS plastic.
    4. It is priced at $7.99 in the US, with a bundle option available for $19.99.
    5. Availability is limited online, but it can also be found in select physical IKEA locations.

    The IKEA Bilresa Remote control, which features a white smart/dual button design, is now on sale in the United States. This smart home gadget was initially leaked in 2025 and has already been released in various European markets.

    Features and Functionality

    The Bilresa Remote control is made for easy use throughout your house, letting you manage connected smart devices from afar. For instance, it can be utilized to turn a smart light on or off, or to modify its brightness and color settings. Additionally, you can use this device to activate a predetermined scene or a collection of smart home gadgets.

    Compatibility and Specifications

    This remote is meant to pair with IKEA’s Dirigera hub, which allows it to connect with other smart products. IKEA emphasizes that its different generations of smart bulbs, sensors, and remotes can work in harmony. Moreover, like many of IKEA’s new smart home offerings, the Bilresa is compatible with the Matter protocol. This compatibility ensures that it can interact with other smart home systems such as Home Assistant, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It runs on two AAA batteries, which are not included in the package, measuring 1 x 3 x 1 inches (2.5 x 7.6 x 2.5 cm) and is crafted from ABS plastic.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can now purchase the IKEA Bilresa Remote control, featuring a white smart/dual button design, from the brand’s online store in the US for $7.99. The website’s stock checker indicates that this item is also available in select physical IKEA locations. Additionally, a bundle named the IKEA Bilresa Remote control kit, dual button/multicolor, will be sold for $19.99, allowing customers to save around $4 by opting for the multipack. However, availability online is currently limited as it is out of stock.

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  • James Webb Space Telescope Discovers 13 Billion-Year-Old Supernova

    James Webb Space Telescope Discovers 13 Billion-Year-Old Supernova

    Key Takeaways

    1. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking discovery of the oldest supernova ever observed, known as GRB 250314A.
    2. The discovery followed a timeline where the SVOM satellite detected a gamma-ray burst, and subsequent observations were made by the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and the Nordic Optical Telescope.
    3. The Very Large Telescope estimated the supernova’s age to be 13 billion years, occurring just 730 million years after the universe’s formation.
    4. JWST’s Near-Infrared Camera revealed that the supernova resembles those found in today’s universe, providing insights into the evolution of stars.
    5. Observations of the galaxy containing the supernova suggest it is similar to other galaxies from the same early period, highlighting the scarcity of heavy elements at that time.

    The James Webb Space Telescope is changing how we observe and understand the universe with its advanced tools. It has already revealed some amazing structures in space, but it has recently made an even bigger find: the oldest supernova ever observed.

    Discovery Timeline

    This remarkable discovery is part of a sequence of events. In March 2025, the SVOM satellite picked up a strong gamma-ray burst in space. An hour and a half later, the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory also spotted this burst, enabling astronomers to pinpoint and analyze the event.

    Observations from Other Telescopes

    After that, the Nordic Optical Telescope situated in the Canary Islands recorded a weak light signal from the gamma-ray burst. This was before the Very Large Telescope could estimate the age of the supernova, which took place 13 billion years ago.

    Then, the James Webb Space Telescope employed its Near-Infrared Camera to study this supernova, showcasing remarkable details. Thanks to this technology, astronomers learned that the supernova known as GRB 250314A resembled those seen in today’s universe, but from an earlier time.

    Understanding the Context

    Moreover, they could observe the galaxy that housed this star, giving them insights into the environment surrounding the supernova. Emeric Le Floc’h from CEA Paris-Saclay in France remarked:

    “Webb’s observations indicate that this distant galaxy is similar to other galaxies that existed at the same time.”

    This finding is a record for the James Webb Space Telescope, as the previous oldest supernova was found in a universe that was 1.8 billion years old. In contrast, this latest discovery happened merely 730 million years after the universe’s formation, during an era when heavy elements were still scarce.

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  • Starlink Launches $89 Dish at Kiosk with $100 Service Credit

    Starlink Launches $89 Dish at Kiosk with $100 Service Credit

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX is expanding Starlink satellite Internet availability through major retailers and online platforms like Amazon.
    2. Dedicated Starlink stores are being established in underserved areas, offering free satellite dishes and plans starting at $40 per month.
    3. Innovative self-service kiosks and vending machines are being introduced, selling discounted equipment and providing rental options.
    4. Customers can purchase Starlink equipment at a low price, with incentives like a $100 credit for activating service within a week.
    5. SpaceX aims to enhance its revenue from Starlink as it prepares for a major upgrade to gigabit speeds with new satellites.

    SpaceX is expanding its reach by offering its Starlink satellite Internet service wherever possible. Following the initial launch of the Starlink Standard Kit in major retailers like Home Depot, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart, the company has also made it available online through Amazon.

    New Retail Strategies

    SpaceX is now establishing dedicated Starlink stores in areas that lack sufficient Internet service, where there is still a high demand. In these locations, SpaceX is giving away satellite dishes for free or providing Internet plans starting at just $40 per month. However, the sales team is not stopping there; they’ve introduced self-service kiosks to provide discounted equipment and subscription incentives.

    Innovative Vending Machines

    Recently, a Starlink vending machine was discovered at the Jordan Creek Mall in Des Moines, Iowa. This location wasn’t listed in the recent store announcements from Starlink, but it’s in an area that benefits from their services, allowing free rental of the dish. The self-service kiosk sells a Standard Kit for only $89, which is the lowest price ever offered for the Starlink dish, and customers keep the equipment instead of renting it for free as the website suggests. Additionally, those who activate their Starlink satellite Internet equipment from the machine—which also sells mounts and routers—will earn a $100 credit towards their service if they do so within a week.

    The Customer Experience

    This effectively makes the Starlink dish essentially free, similar to how it would be if ordered from the website in the same area, but without the need to return it after the service ends, unlike the free rental option. Customers can enjoy the retail experience of seeing and handling the product without dealing with annoying sales questions. They simply purchase a dish and set it up to get it at no cost.

    It remains uncertain whether this new method of purchasing Starlink satellite Internet through retail and kiosks will appeal to consumers, but the sales team is clearly exploring all possible options. Elon Musk recently mentioned that a significant portion of SpaceX’s revenue is derived from the Starlink segment. The satellite Internet network is set to receive a major upgrade to gigabit speeds, contingent upon SpaceX successfully launching the massive Starship 3 rocket to position the new high-capacity V3 satellites into orbit.

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  • IKEA Timmerflotte Temperature Sensor with Matter Now in the UK

    IKEA Timmerflotte Temperature Sensor with Matter Now in the UK

    Key Takeaways

    1. The IKEA Timmerflotte Temperature/humidity sensor is available on the UK online shop and part of a new line of smart home sensors.
    2. It features a round design with a digital screen for easy temperature and humidity readings and connects to the IKEA Dirigera hub.
    3. The sensor is compatible with Matter, allowing integration with ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and Home Assistant.
    4. It can activate other smart devices based on temperature and humidity readings, enhancing home automation.
    5. The price is £5.00, with availability in select physical stores and more smart sensors expected to launch soon.

    The IKEA Timmerflotte Temperature/humidity sensor is now up for grabs on the company’s UK online shop. This device is part of a new line of smart home sensors from the well-known Swedish brand, which have already made their way to various European markets.

    Design and Functionality

    The Timmerflotte features a round shape with a digital screen at the front. Users can easily switch between the current temperature and humidity levels by simply pressing a button. It’s built to connect with the IKEA Dirigera hub, allowing users to manage it remotely and link it with other smart devices through the IKEA Home smart app.

    Compatibility and Features

    Just like all the recent smart devices from IKEA, the Timmerflotte is compatible with Matter. This compatibility means it can also integrate with other ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, and Home Assistant. For instance, it could be used to activate a smart thermostat or a dehumidifier depending on the readings. The sensor comes in a white plastic case, with dimensions of 7 x 7 x 3 cm (around 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.2 inches).

    You can purchase the IKEA Timmerflotte Temperature/humidity sensor for just £5.00 at ikea.com. Additionally, some physical stores, including those in Croydon, Edinburgh, and Manchester, have it available in stock. More new IKEA smart sensors are anticipated to launch in the weeks ahead.

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  • New Xiaomi Mijia Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner Now Available

    New Xiaomi Mijia Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lightweight Design: The Xiaomi Mijia Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner is designed to be agile and easy to lift, making it suitable for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

    2. Strong Suction Power: It offers a powerful suction capability of up to 22,000 Pa (50AW) with a motor that spins at 110,000 rpm, and includes two brush heads for versatile cleaning.

    3. Advanced Filtration: The vacuum features a five-stage filtration system that captures 99.9% of dust, including particles as small as 0.3 µm, along with a washable dustbin.

    4. Battery Life: It operates on four 2,000 mAh lithium-ion batteries, providing approximately 40 minutes of run time in eco mode and 10 minutes at maximum power.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The vacuum is priced at CNY 359 (around $51) in China, with no current plans for global release, while Xiaomi has launched other models in select European markets.

    Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner in China. The company calls this model “agile,” as its lightweight design makes it easier to lift for cleaning areas like blinds or corners of rooms.

    Powerful Suction Capabilities

    The Mijia Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner delivers an impressive suction power of up to 22,000 Pa (50AW) thanks to its motor that spins at 110,000 rpm. It includes two brush heads: one is a longer stick with a brush width of 250 mm (approximately 9.8 inches), while the other is a smaller crevice brush. When using the smaller brush, the vacuum weighs a mere 860 g (about 30.3 oz), and it weighs 1.42 kg (around 50.1 oz) with the larger attachment.

    Advanced Filtration System

    Xiaomi’s Mijia Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner is equipped with a five-stage filtration system claimed to capture 99.9% of dust, including tiny particles as small as 0.3 µm. It features a dustbin that holds 200 ml, and some filter parts can be washed. Additionally, the vacuum operates on four 2,000 mAh lithium-ion batteries, allowing it to run for roughly 40 minutes in eco mode or 10 minutes at maximum power. It’s important to note that this model lacks a docking station and simply recharges through a USB-C cable.

    Market Availability and Pricing

    In China, the price of the Xiaomi Mijia Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner is CNY 359 (around $51). The company has not yet shared any intentions to introduce this product to other global markets. However, Xiaomi has recently launched the Truclean W30 Pro Wet Dry Vacuum in select European nations, including Germany, where it is currently priced at €349.99 at the Mi Store.

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  • Xiaomi Mijia Refrigerator Pro: Smart Features Unveiled

    Xiaomi Mijia Refrigerator Pro: Smart Features Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Large Capacity: The Mijia Refrigerator Pro has a total capacity of 560L, with 360L for refrigeration and 200L for freezing.

    2. Smart Temperature Control: Users can monitor and adjust temperatures remotely through the Mi Home app, with a precision of 0.1°C.

    3. Food Preservation Technology: It features micro-chilling technology to extend the freshness of meat for up to ten days and includes an ice maker that prevents bacteria.

    4. User-Friendly Features: The refrigerator includes a food alarm clock for expiration reminders and operates quietly at 31 dB(A).

    5. Pricing and Options: Priced at CNY 9,999 (~$141), it comes in three colors but is currently only available in China.

    The Xiaomi Mijia Refrigerator Pro Micro-Freshness Dual System Cross-Type 560L has just been made available in China. This modern kitchen gadget comes equipped with a variety of smart features, such as the ability to control it remotely.

    Impressive Capacity and Temperature Control

    The Mijia Refrigerator Pro boasts a refrigeration capacity of 360L, incorporating 18 different storage zones. Underneath the refrigerator section lies a spacious freezer with a capacity of 200L, capable of reaching temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). Users can easily adjust or monitor the temperatures of both the fridge and freezer through the Mi Home app. Xiaomi claims that their technology maintains a consistent temperature within just 0.1°C, utilizing three temperature probes for regular checks.

    Advanced Features for Food Preservation

    This refrigerator is marketed with micro-chilling technology, which allows fresh meat to be stored for up to ten days at temperatures above freezing, enhancing flavor and minimizing nutrient loss. Additionally, it features an ice maker designed to prevent bacteria. Users can also create ice remotely using the Xiaomi app. Another handy function is the “food alarm clock,” which reminds users when their food is nearing its expiration date, and it supports both voice and text inputs for logging. The unit operates quite quietly, producing as little as 31 dB(A) noise, and has earned a Level 1 energy efficiency rating in China. Its dimensions are slim, measuring 892 x 600 x 1,912 mm (~35.1 x 23.6 x 75.3 inches).

    Pricing and Availability

    At Xiaomi Youpin in China, the Mijia Refrigerator Pro Micro-Freshness Dual System Cross-Type 560L is priced at CNY 9,999 (~$141). Buyers can select from three color options: ice crystal white, starry silver, and apricot glass. However, Xiaomi has not yet introduced its smart refrigerators to Europe, although it does offer other smart home devices, such as the Robot Vacuum X20 Pro, which is currently listed at €334.99 on Amazon DE.

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  • Super Soaker Inventor Unveils New Heat-Based Creation

    Super Soaker Inventor Unveils New Heat-Based Creation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lonnie Johnson, a retired NASA engineer and inventor of the Super Soaker, aims to revolutionize electricity generation with his new project, the Johnson Thermo-Electrochemical Converter (JTEC).

    2. JTEC generates electricity using water heated to only 93 °C and operates in a closed loop, utilizing hydrogen gas to create energy from various sources, including industrial waste heat.

    3. The technology addresses significant energy waste in industries, with potential to capture up to 50% of lost energy as excess heat, with the first commercial unit expected in 2026.

    4. Johnson’s start-up has received $30 million in funding and is expanding its engineering team, but faces challenges in reducing production costs for widespread implementation.

    5. Online reactions to JTEC are mixed, with curiosity about its potential tempered by doubts regarding efficiency, costs, and competition with existing thermal power technologies.

    Lonnie Johnson is a retired engineer from NASA and the Air Force, boasting over 140 patents. Many recognize the 76-year-old from Atlanta as the creator of the famous Super Soaker water guns, but he also earned a spot in the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2022. However, with his new project, Johnson isn’t just focused on making summer more fun; he’s aiming to revolutionize electricity generation.

    Innovative Energy Solution

    The Johnson Thermo-Electrochemical Converter, known as JTEC, functions with very few moving parts and is designed to create electricity using water heated to only 93 °C. The system uses hydrogen gas that crosses an ultra-thin membrane because of pressure differences. As the heat raises the pressure on one side, charge carriers flow, generating electricity. Since the hydrogen isn’t used up, the process remains closed loop. This means it could capture energy from various sources, including industrial waste heat, geothermal energy, or even old boreholes.

    Addressing Energy Waste

    Johnson states that energy waste in industries is enormous, with as much as 50% lost as excess heat. This is precisely the kind of latent possibility that JTEC seeks to exploit. The first commercial unit is expected to be set up in 2026 at a large energy provider in the southeastern U.S., although the name of the company has not been revealed. The start-up behind this initiative has already secured $30 million in funding and has significantly grown its engineering team. However, a significant challenge still exists: production costs need to be reduced before the technology can be widely implemented.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    In a recent report by The Seattle Times, Johnson provided a look around his new lab in Atlanta, saying that inventing is all about “the search for good problems.” Besides JTEC, he is also working on a solid-state battery, viewing both projects as a “horse race” to see which will have a greater impact first.

    Feedback on Johnson’s JTEC technology on Reddit shows a mix of feelings. While many users are curious, there is also a fair amount of doubt—largely because of the absence of solid data regarding efficiency, costs, and how this system stacks up against current thermal power technologies. Nevertheless, the report indicates that the project is being actively developed, has received financial support, and is planned for its first commercial trial in 2026. The true potential of this technology in shaping the future of energy will only be revealed once reliable performance data is provided.

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