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  • Anker to Release Eufy Robotic Lawnmower in Spring 2025

    Anker to Release Eufy Robotic Lawnmower in Spring 2025

    There has been chatter for a while now, and a recent poll by Anker provided a solid hint. It’s now confirmed: Anker’s smart home division, Eufy, is set to introduce its first robotic lawnmower next year. The company has just launched a teaser website for this exciting new product.

    Launch Timeline

    The upcoming Eufy robotic lawnmower is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2025. The company intends to present the device at CES early in the year. The teaser site offers an initial look at the product, which appears quite familiar and closely resembles the TerraMow that was on Kickstarter last year; reviews of it can be found here at Notebookcheck (in German, but users can have the page translated automatically if their browser allows it).

    Features and Technology

    S800/S1200 robotic mowerEufy robotic mower will be wireless and packed with cutting-edge features, including AI and a sophisticated camera system for smart navigation. Additionally, an easy-to-use app and interface are promised to enhance user experience.

    Anticipated Innovations

    It’s uncertain how much of Anker’s inaugural Eufy robotic mower will stem from its own innovations. However, drawing inspiration from the TerraMow model appears to be a smart move, as it performed admirably in various aspects during our assessment.

    As we look towards 2025, it seems to be an exhilarating time for gardening enthusiasts with numerous new robotic mowers on the horizon. Brands like Gardena, Navimow, and Husqvarna have already divulged their upcoming models. Now, Anker, a key player with significant expertise in the smart home and robotic vacuum markets through its Eufy label, is joining this trend.

    Source: Link


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  • Biomethane: Turning Ammonia Production Carbon Neutral

    Biomethane: Turning Ammonia Production Carbon Neutral

    According to recent studies, biomethane is starting to revolutionize how ammonia is produced. It provides a method to transform what is usually a significant source of carbon emissions into a process that is carbon-neutral.

    A Closer Look at the Research

    In a research published in One Earth, environmental engineer Aurelian Istrate demonstrates that integrating biomethane into ammonia production can significantly lessen its environmental footprint. This is crucial since ammonia is a primary component in synthetic fertilizers, which are essential for feeding billions of individuals across the globe.

    The Traditional Ammonia Process

    Ammonia is conventionally produced by obtaining hydrogen from natural gas, resulting in considerable carbon emissions. Although renewable energy for electrolysis is a possible solution, it’s costly and lacks widespread use.

    Istrate proposes the use of biomethane derived from food waste and agricultural byproducts. This renewable gas shares chemical similarities with natural gas (CH4). However, the crucial difference is that it follows a closed carbon cycle. The CO2 emitted during production was originally captured during photosynthesis as the plants grew, making the process much more sustainable.

    Comparing Production Methods

    The study investigates three ammonia production techniques: traditional, electrolysis, and biomethane-based. Findings indicate that merging biomethane with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology could yield carbon-neutral ammonia. Even a blend of 44 percent biomethane and 56 percent natural gas, when paired with CCS, has the potential to achieve carbon neutrality.

    What’s particularly fascinating is that this approach can be implemented without the need for new technologies. CO2 separation is already a component of both biomethane and ammonia production, meaning the required infrastructure is already established. This makes biomethane a viable solution for cutting emissions in agriculture without affecting the supply of fertilizers.

    Source: Link

  • HEC Launches First 660MW Ultra-Supercritical CFB Power Unit

    HEC Launches First 660MW Ultra-Supercritical CFB Power Unit

    Harbin Electric Corporation (HEC) has reached an important milestone by testing the world’s first 660MW ultra-supercritical circulating fluidized bed (CFB) power generation unit at the Binchang facility in Shaanxi, China. After successfully finishing a full-load trial that lasted 168 hours, this unit has set new benchmarks in power generation technology.

    Innovative Specifications

    This domestically developed system operates at a main steam pressure of 29.3 MPa, with steam and reheat temperatures achieving 605°C and 623°C (1121°F and 1153.4°F), respectively. The boiler boasts an impressive 95 percent desulfurization efficiency, proving that large-scale CFB technology can provide cleaner energy on a major scale.

    A Proud Achievement

    HEC expresses great pride in this accomplishment. “The successful operation of the 660 MW ultra-supercritical CFB boiler not only fills a significant gap in global technology but also solidifies Harbin Electric Corporation’s leading role in high-capacity, high-parameter CFB technology. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for ultra-supercritical parameters in CFB boilers globally,” said the company.

    Project Impact

    The Binchang Project, supported by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Energy Administration, aims to manage approximately 2 million tons of low-calorific coal and low-grade fuels annually. Additionally, the project will recycle 2 million tons of mine water and supply 6 million GJ of heat to local industries and households.

    HEC collaborated closely with top Chinese universities, such as Tsinghua and Xi’an Jiaotong, to face the challenging engineering issues related to scaling up CFB boiler technology. This advancement aligns perfectly with China’s objectives for cleaner energy and sustainable power generation.

    Source: Link

  • Orvibo Mixpad M5: New Matter-Compatible Smart Home Hub

    Orvibo Mixpad M5: New Matter-Compatible Smart Home Hub

    Orvibo has introduced the Mixpad M5, a fresh smart home hub designed for Southeast Asia and the Middle East. This innovative device boasts a four-channel switch control, enabling it to connect with numerous products at the same time.

    All-in-One Smart Hub

    The Mixpad M5 serves as an all-encompassing smart hub that includes a built-in speaker and supports a variety of music streaming services. It features a touchscreen that allows users to manage connected devices such as smart lights, curtains, and air conditioning units. Additionally, the display provides useful information like weather updates and alarm settings. It can be synced with Orvibo, Apple Home, or Google Home apps, and also comes with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant for hands-free commands. Notably, the hub is compatible with Zigbee 3.0 gateways and supports Matter, making it versatile for different smart home setups.

    Compact Design and Pricing

    This square-shaped hub has dimensions of 3.39 inches (~86 mm) on all sides, offering flexible mounting options whether on a wall or a flat surface. The exact price of the Orvibo Mixpad M5 remains unknown. It has been announced for several Asian and Middle Eastern countries, yet it was spotted at a third-party retailer in Mexico retailing for $349. There is still uncertainty about its release in other markets, such as the US. Orvibo already provides products in this region, including the Smart Dimmer Switch with Touchscreen, currently listed at $79 on Amazon.

    Orvibo via PR Newswire

    Source: Link


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  • Massive Natural Hydrogen Deposits Found: 200 Years of Energy

    Massive Natural Hydrogen Deposits Found: 200 Years of Energy

    When discussing hydrogen, the situation is very straightforward: these small molecules can even seep out of large steel tanks, and they are naturally found in the earth’s crust but are released directly into the air. This process occurs uniformly across the globe, making direct use of it impractical.

    New Findings on Natural Hydrogen

    Recent discoveries of significant natural hydrogen deposits in Mali, Oman, and Germany have led to a reevaluation of the presence of these concentrated, almost pure H2 reserves. A new study published in Science Advances reveals that prior beliefs regarding the capacity for natural hydrogen production have underestimated the actual reality significantly.

    Global Demand vs. Natural Supply

    Currently, the world needs about 500 million tons of hydrogen each year to eliminate fossil fuels completely. Earlier studies estimated that only 20 to 50 million tons are produced and escape into the atmosphere annually. However, if hydrogen can accumulate in appropriate underground reservoirs—an idea that is now gaining traction—the total global supply could be around 5.6 trillion tons. This quantity would allow us to live without fossil fuels for thousands of years.

    Researchers believe that a limited amount of this hydrogen is located in areas accessible with existing drilling technology. Given this, they estimate that the available hydrogen would last approximately 200 years.

    Future of Renewable Energy

    This provides ample time to develop renewable energy resources. Meanwhile, another type of fuel can be utilized that, while still being a fossil fuel, does not emit CO2 or other harmful byproducts during its use.

    The study highlights that this approach could temporarily address the hydrogen storage issue. The adaptable fuel can be extracted as needed while leaving the remainder in suitable geological formations.

    Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge one more consideration: there is a significant margin of error in these calculations. The estimated supply ranges from 1 billion to 9 trillion tons, with the most likely figure being around 5.6 trillion tons. Even a fraction of that could lead to groundbreaking changes in energy production.

    Source: Link

  • China’s New Competitor Could Challenge Intel and AMD Soon

    China’s New Competitor Could Challenge Intel and AMD Soon

    One of the leading Chinese manufacturers of home appliances, Gree Electric, which is also the largest producer of residential air conditioners globally, has recently shared that its six-year effort to create its own processor has finally succeeded. Unfortunately, specifics about this new chip and its intended use are still not disclosed.

    A Step Towards Independence

    Gree Electric’s chairwoman, Dong Mingzhu, stated that this processor represents “a significant milestone in our journey towards technological self-sufficiency.” Given the reasons that led the company to pursue this technology, it’s likely that the chip will be used in air conditioning systems and other household appliances.

    Background of the Development

    Back in 2018, Gree set up a subsidiary dedicated to designing chips specifically for air conditioners since the company was investing around $550 million each year on chips produced by other firms. Earlier this year, in March, Gree revealed its intentions to build a chip factory, which was anticipated to commence production in June. Although it’s possible that the start date for production has been postponed (this has not been confirmed), it is clear that Gree Electric is now among the self-sufficient chip manufacturers in China. It remains uncertain how long it will take for them to compete with global giants like Intel and AMD, if that ever occurs in the near future.

    Source: Link

  • Epson EH-QS100B 4K Laser Projector: 4500 Lumens & HDR10

    Epson EH-QS100B 4K Laser Projector: 4500 Lumens & HDR10

    Laser projectors are getting more and more popular nowadays. Epson has recently introduced the EH-QS100B, which is a 4K PRO-UHD laser projector designed for home use. With its super-short-throw design, it can display images as large as 160 inches while taking up very little space—perfect for smaller rooms or as a substitute for traditional TVs.

    Image Quality and Features

    The EH-QS100B boasts 4K PRO-UHD resolution and comes equipped with sophisticated frame interpolation and resolution enhancement technologies to ensure clear image quality. Its 3LCD laser light source produces 4,500 lumens for both color and white light, along with a dynamic contrast ratio that surpasses 5,000,000:1. This combination results in bright and sharp visuals suitable for various lighting environments. Additionally, the projector is compatible with HDR10 and HLG formats.

    Lifespan and Projection Capabilities

    According to Epson, the laser light source can last up to 20,000 hours in high, medium, and Eco modes. The projector has a throw ratio of 0.16 to 0.22:1, allowing for large image projection from short distances. Other optical features include manual focus, a 1.35x digital zoom, and a projection lens with a focal length of 2.3 mm.

    Connectivity and Noise Levels

    For connectivity, the EH-QS100B includes dual HDMI (HDCP 2.3), USB-A, USB-B, and ethernet, plus it supports HDMI ARC. It is also compatible with smart home integration through Crestron, Control4, ESC/VP.net, and PJLink protocols. Noise levels are measured at 34 dB in normal mode and drop to 20 dB in Eco mode.

    Weighing 12 kg, and measuring 695 x 341 x 156 mm, the EH-QS100B can be easily mounted on walls, tables, or cabinets. It supports up to 1.07 billion colors and is said to operate effectively in temperatures ranging from -10°C to 60°C. As of now, there is no pricing information available for this model.

    Source: Link


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  • Xiaomi Launches Mijia Dictionary Pen C1 with 26M Words

    Xiaomi Launches Mijia Dictionary Pen C1 with 26M Words

    The Xiaomi Mijia Dictionary Pen C1 has been introduced in China. This gadget is made to assist kids in learning both Chinese and English. It includes a built-in 3.02-inch (~77 mm) screen that shows the meaning, pronunciation, and translation of words, along with the battery status.

    Features and Technology

    The Mijia Dictionary Pen C1 is equipped with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology that identifies words on a page. It reportedly processes words in just 0.3 seconds with an impressive accuracy of 98% and has a vocabulary exceeding 26 million words. Additionally, users can perform voice searches for words, and offline queries are supported. The definitions on the pen’s display can be tailored to match the child’s age, and the Mijia app provides remote parental controls. Xiaomi claims that the device can stay on standby for up to 100 days and comes with 32GB of storage.

    Crowdfunding and Pricing

    Xiaomi is set to kick off a crowdfunding campaign for the Mijia Dictionary Pen C1 in China on December 18th. Supporters will need to contribute CNY 349 (~$48) to get the device, which is a discount of CNY 50 (~$7) off the regular price of CNY 399 (~$55). It remains uncertain if or when Xiaomi will release the product in other regions, such as Europe, in the future. Currently, Xiaomi offers other products in Europe, including the Multi-function Flashlight, which is priced at €33.61 on Amazon Germany.

    Source: Link


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  • IKEA Expands Smart Lighting Feature to More Customers

    IKEA Expands Smart Lighting Feature to More Customers

    IKEA is expanding its new adaptive lighting feature for smart lights to a larger audience. This tool was released earlier this month specifically for iOS users with the IKEA Home Smart app version 1.41.0.

    Android Users Get Access

    Now, Android users can also enjoy this dynamic lighting effect with the IKEA Home Smart app version 1.36.1. The feature seems to be the same as the one for Apple devices. As mentioned in the release notes, the adaptive lighting feature allows the color and brightness of your IKEA smart lights to adjust automatically during the day. This likely means you’ll have a cooler, brighter light in the mornings and a warmer, dimmer light in the evenings.

    Similar Features from Other Brands

    A comparable feature is available in products from other smart lighting brands, like Philips Hue, including the Philips Hue Go Portable light, which is currently priced at $89.98 on Amazon. It’s important to mention that this feature will only function with smart lights that are connected to a Dirigera hub; it will not work on the IKEA Home Smart 1 app for the Tradfri gateway and associated smart devices. You can now download the IKEA Home Smart App version 1.36.1 for Android from the Google Play Store.

    Source: Link


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  • Flic Duo: New Smart Button with Dual Switches Unveiled

    Flic Duo: New Smart Button with Dual Switches Unveiled

    Flic has revealed its latest smart button, the Flic Duo. This new product will be showcased at CES 2025 in January, marking nearly ten years since the company introduced its first switch. Currently, details about the Flic Duo remain limited and tightly held by the company.

    Features and Functionality

    The Flic Duo is touted as being “crafted to effortlessly cater to various needs,” suitable for both personal and professional use. Some additional insights become available when you subscribe for launch updates via email. For instance, it has been confirmed that the Flic Duo will feature two buttons, capable of executing more than 20 different trigger commands. The device will utilize Bluetooth 5.4 technology, which promises better stability and lower energy consumption than previous versions.

    Additional Specifications

    Other notable specifications include a three-axis accelerometer, a tri-color LED, a buzzer, and a CR2032 battery mount. To celebrate the launch, users can participate in a Flic mystery adventure game, where solving a code allows you to earn points. These points can be redeemed for rewards such as early access to the product, discounts at the Flic.io Shop, and special launch promotions. More points can also be acquired by engaging with the company on social media platforms.

    Pricing and Availability

    The complete specifications of the Flic Duo Smart Button, including its retail price and release date, are set to be disclosed at CES, which kicks off on January 7th. As a reference point for pricing, the Flic Twist Smart Home Controller, released in 2021, is currently listed on Amazon for $80. This Matter-compatible wireless control dial provides a range of functionalities, including dimming lights, managing music, and initiating smart home routines.

    Source: Link