Windows with World’s Tiniest Working Solar Cells

Tinted see-thru coating for generating electricity on glass windows makes use of ultra-small solar cells - shown to produce electricity in recently published peer-reviewed study and able to generate electricity from natural and artificial light.

New Energy Technologies, Inc. (Symbol: NENE) - Burtonsville, MD , today announced that, in addition to the active development of its MotionPower™ technologies for generating electricity by harvesting the kinetic energy of moving vehicles, the Company is continuing to further advance the development of its tinted transparent glass SolarWindows™ capable of generating electricity by coating glass surfaces with the world’s smallest known organic solar cells.

New Energy’s SolarWindow™ technology uses an organic solar array, which achieves transparency through the creative use of conducting polymers which have the same desirable electrical properties as the world’s most commercially popular semiconductor, silicon, yet boast a considerably better capacity to ‘optically absorb’ photons from light and generate electricity.

The Company’s ultra-small solar cells measure less than ¼ the size of a grain of rice, are fabricated using environmentally-friendly hydrogen-carbon based materials, and successfully produce electricity, as demonstrated in a published peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy of the American Institute of Physics.


solar cells have demonstrated a special ability to generate electricity in both natural and artificial light conditions.”

Unlike other solar technologies, New Energy’s ultra-small solar cells generate electricity not only from the visible light spectrum found in sunlight but also by using the visible light found in artificial light, such as fluorescent lighting typically installed in offices and commercial buildings. Commercially, while the majority of today’s solar cells can only be installed where direct sunlight is available, New Energy’s ultra-small solar cells can be installed anywhere that direct sunlight or artificial lighting such as fluorescent systems emit visible light.

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Solar Window

In January 2010, New Energy researchers achieved a major ‘transparency’ breakthrough in the development of our SolarWindow™ technology, capable of generating electricity on see-thru glass.

For the first time ever, scientists successfully developed and integrated transparent, environmentally-friendly compounds onto glass in order to collect the electricity generated on our SolarWindow™ -- an important function. To-date, the collection of electricity was possible only through the use of a metal contact, which blocked visibility and limited transparency.

Our first-of-its-kind SolarWindow™ technology enables see-thru windows to generate electricity by 'spraying' their glass surfaces with New Energy’s electricity-generating coatings..

These solar coatings are less than 1/10th the thickness of ‘thin’ films and make use of the world’s smallest functional solar cells, shown to successfully produce electricity in a recently published peer-reviewed study in the Journal..

source : http://www.newenergytechnologiesinc.com

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Skype Coming To The Android Market

Looks like Verizon’s exclusive rights with Skype will be no more, allowing Skype to release their app to the Android Market. A Skype PR rep confirmed to SkatterTech today that an Android app is coming to the Android Market, never mind that it’s currently exclusive to Verizon. In an e-mail, the rep wrote:

We will be bringing a direct to consumer app to the Android marketplace later this year. This application will be available for all consumers globally to download regardless of carriers. (i.e. similar to how we offer the iPhone app today)”

According to Skype PR rep, Skype will definitely be releasing a “direct-to-consumer” Android App this year, however the aren’t completely disclosing whether mobile video calling is an included feature. Unfortunately, the current set of Skype Mobile apps all have tragic restrictions. Even Verizon’s Skype Mobile app doesn’t let customers place domestic VoIP calls using Skype’s $3 per month unlimited calling plan (North America). It only offers free Skype-to-Skype voice calls, instant messaging, and discounted international calling rates. I’m definitely excited to see what Skype’s team has in store for this year given a little more freedom, but I truly hope they take full advantage of the potential provided in the latest generation of smartphone hardware and software.

Source: SkatterTech.com

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56-inch quad-HD Sony LCD HDTV

56-inch quad-HD Sony LCD HDTV announced for Japan

It's official. Japan gets all the cool stuff folks. Sony Japan announced today the TRIMASTER SRM-L560, a 56-inch quad-HD LCD HDTV. The unit sports 3840 × 2160 resolution via a 10-bit RGB LED backlit panel among many other features worthy of a ridiculously high price tag. It also includes "SRM Manager" software which allows owners to adjust color temperature and other pictures controls using a WIndows-powered PC. Coming to Japan November 1, the Sony TRIMASTER SRM-L560 will cost 6,825,000 yen, the equivalent of US$76583.

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Kicker wireless conference phone

If you are one of those who are working in a corporate environment, and I know for sure that the number is impressive these days, you probably know the conference phones that are expensive like hell, but they’re not as smart as you’d expected them to be. But the management wants them, so there’s nothing for you to do. More than that, you’re obliged to use these devices and get excited, or better irritated, because they don’t work as is supposed to.

This is why the guys over KickerStudio have come up with an interesting idea. They tried to solve the problem implied by these devices by imagining a new concept conference phone. And let’s see what the phone is able to do: first of all, it makes a synchronization with calendars and contacts for one-tap dialing, it tells you who is talking on the phone, on one hand, and the person who wants to speak, on the other hand, there’s a “hand raising” feature that indicates the desire of people to speak, it gives you the chance to record the calls and mark them and multi-line dialing.

You can also adjust the individual lines in order to enhance the call quality and to dial everyone very easy, because there’s a pre-recorded contact info that are accompanied by photo IDs.

You can find more information about the process of invention of this wireless conference phone at the KickerStudio’s website.

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120 GB High Definition HANDYCAM Camcorder

On Sony’s portfolio you can find the high definition video camcorders, some with normal features, and some with features you couldn’t probably imagine a few years ago. In this line, with a normal design for a camcorder and average specs (although for many, this camera could be considered the high end model) you can find the 120 GB High Definition Handycam camcorder.
In terms of keys features, this Sony camcorder includes high definition video recording in 1920 x 1080 pixels, 120 GB onboard memory, GPS receiver, 12 megapixel photo resolution, and the CMOS sensor: 1 / 2.88 inches Exmor R. in terms of design this 120 GB Handycam sports a solid design. With an all black matte plastic body (which doesn’t feel cheap at all, basically because is a superior plastic), this camcorder looks quite good because of the metallic silver finishes.

The opening panel sports all the necessary logos, “HD”, “Sony”, “Handycam“, and the light grey inserts with “12.0 megapixel” and “HDD” logos. On the case you still get some interesting touches like the metallic look on the top side of the camcorder, the “Sony” logo under the 12 megapixels lenses, and the list could go on. Overall, Sony didn’t try to create the most stylish camcorder on the market, but it did create a nice looking design with an excellent build which not only looks solid, but feels solid also.
You get no flex or weird noises when you press the camcorder more than you should. With a height of 71 mm (or 2 7/8 inches), wide of 75 mm (3 inches), deep of 137 mm (5 ½ inches), the 120 GB High Definition Handycam camcorder weights about 580 grams (or 1 lb 4 oz) with the battery. Regarding the battery department, Sony included a NP FH60 Lithium Ion battery with Accu Power Meter System.

While using the camcorder the power consumption should only arise at 4.4 Watt. An important feature in any camcorder is the LCD screen. Sony included in this model a 3.2 inches wide screen diagonal LCD, with the Extra Fine technology and an aspect ratio of 16 to 9. This LCD is not only bright under any environment conditions, but it also provides vibrant colors, including excellent image rendering, with almost one megapixel resolution, to be more exact 921000 pixels. Even more, the viewing angles are quite good offering good user experience under any necessary video or photo conditions.

In regarding the inputs and outputs on the 120 GB Sony camcorder, you should probably guessed by now that there are a lot of slots, ports and jack, since this camcorder has to be extremely well featured. Therefore, you get the S Video, Audio and component with the remote option into the same Audio and Video remote terminal. Also, the Audio output and Video output share the same jack, while the digital HDMI port only accepts HDMI connectors.

You get one 2.0 USB slot which will enable the camcorder’s connection to any computer that sports the compatible operating system. Also, added around the camcorders case are the component video outputs, headphone jack, microphone input, S video output, and the active interface Shoe (which basically allows you to connect any compatible accessories, like special microphones, or external lights, which will expand the camcorder’s capabilities).

Other excellent features, which are not lenses or optics related, are the 120 GBembedded hard drive, which can easily provide up to 48 hours of high definition video recording. Also, you can save even more hours depending on the recording format chosen. Therefore, let’s take a closer look to the available recording formats.

Basically all the recorded video can be stored (depending on the recorded format) with the following video encoding, MPEG4 with the H.264 / AVC (for the high definition video format), or the MPEG2 (for the slow definition recording format). The embedded 120 GB memory can store about 870 minutes  with the FH (HD), 1770 minutes with the HQ (HD), up to 2150 minutes in SP (HD), 2870 in LP (HD), up to 1770 minutes HQ (in SD), 2620 minutes in SP (SD), and up to 5020 minutes in LP (SD). If the embedded memory is not enough you can always expand the memory with an memory card, Memory Stick PRO Duo Media. Another excellent feature is the built in GPS receiver.

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New HTC Futuristic Gadget

A new HTC futuristic gadget is a concept table computer. This concept design includes a stylus pen that can help the users to execute commands and also draw. The computer comes with an Intel Atom processor, 128 GB storage capacity, 1.5 GB of RAM memory and a nice touchscreen. The operating system is Android OS and it comes also with one HDMi port, 2 USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The communication is one of the most important features when it comes to this type of gadgets and this is why, this concept table computer has a built-in microphone and camera. This could be the perfect competitor for Apple’s iPad.

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Sony X Series Walkman Video MP3

It was only a matter of time until for Sony to join the Microsoft - Apple war. And no, I am not talking about the operating system war, but the multimedia player war; because as much as Microsoft tries to subtly hides its attack against the iPod range, the truth is obvious and too clear to not see it. Even so, until now, Microsoft was unsuccessful with all its attacks. The most important multimedia player range is, especially nowadays, the touch screen line. Zune HD is not yet the best solution against the constant evolution of the iPod touch that already has reached its third generation (hard to believe).

To make things even more difficult, Sony launched the X Series Walkman Video MP3 in two memory units, 32 GB and 16 GB. First of all, Sony is headed for a horrible mistake with this product, mostly because of the way it is marketed. No offence to anyone that works in the "genius management" department at Sony, but what name is "X Series Walkman Video MP3"? I really don't understand why they didn't take into notice Apple's and Microsoft's policy. Zune HD is a great name, easy to keep in mind and to be proud of, while iPod touch, well first is iPod, and second "touch" is strictly correlated with the touch screen feature.

 

Not the best name in the ipod line but it does the job. However, "X Series Walkman Video MP3", could have been marketed as "Walkman X", simple, clean, with resonance, and worth of the potential customer's money. Even so, the tech specs are good. This walkman doesn't bring anything new to "wooow" you, but enough to convince you that this player can fight the competition. Â In terms of design, this player looks great. You don't get great metallic finishes, but it looks good. The front side basically holds the display with a small Home buttons below the touch screen. With a height of 3 7 / 8 inches, wide of 2 1 / 8 inches, deep of 13 / 32 inches, this walkman multimedia player weight about 3.5 oz. as you can imagine it's as portable as the iPod touch and Zune HD.

The 32 GB model offers a real memory of 29.1 GB while the 16 GB model offers a real memory of 14.2 GB. Both models come with built in rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. You have to recharge it using your computers USB port. A full recharge will take about 3 hours, while an almost full charge can take only 1.5 hours. This battery is sufficient for continuously audio playback of 33 hours (if the audio encoding is AAC with 128 Kb per second). in video mode you should be able to playback about 9 hours (using the MPEG4 with simple profile and 384 Kb per second). if radio is your thing, then listen to 17 hours your favorite radio station without recharging this multimedia player.

In terms of connection, this battery will offer about five and a half hours of internet connection. As you already imagined this walkman model is recommended for music, video, web browsing, radio, podcast. Therefore, you must expect several formats for audio and video to be already embedded. In audio mode, Walkman X Series (if it's correct to diminish its full name) includes four supported formats, MP3, L PCM, AAC, and Windows Media Audio.

The maximum allowed bit rate is strictly set at 320 Kb per second. To improve the user's audio experience, Sony added five EQ modes, from Heavy, Jazz, Unique, Pop, and a custom mode for you to create. Also a nice feature is the strong bass offered. Because this is a multimedia player you should expect play modes, such as normal, shuffle and other combinations. More impressive are all the sound modes embedded. Sony really tries to improve its Walkman players in order to have a chance against Apple's iPods. Therefore, names as Digital S Master Amplifier, or Clear Stereo are just a few of what X series has to offer.

The same great attention was diverted for the surround effects (with several modes, as studio, club, arena, and others). In the video department, this multimedia player includes the most important formats out there, such as MPEG4, AVC with both AVC and H.264 and last but not least the Windows Media Video format.

Just like the audio mode, the video mode also contains several playback modes, shuffle, normal, repeat and variations of these three modes. Easily watch videos in both portrait mode and landscape mode. The videos and photos will offer the best experience thanks to the astonishing 3.0 inches touch screen Organic Light Emitting Diode with WQVGA resolution (432 x 240 pixels rendering up to 262000 colors). The touch screen is great, and easy to use. Just one touch can simply open whatever feature you might want. The feedback is real and it will impress you.

The player only sports a stereo mini jack for headphone output and a 2.0 USB port. Only the JPEG pictures can be viewed on this player. The connectivity is ensured by the built in Wi-Fi with IEEE 802.11 b/g. Sony ships in the containing box, beside the player, the MDR NC 020 Noise Canceling EX Series silver ear buds, the quick start guide, the audio input cable, an USB cable, and a CD containing several software such as, Windows Media Player 11, Content Transfer, Operation Guide and Media Manager for Walkman. In terms of connectivity you don't have to worry about anything.

This software can easily be recognized by Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2, Windows Vista Home Basic with Service Pack 1, Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1, Windows Vista Business with Service Pack 1, and Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 or later. The only Windows operating system that is incompatible is the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Overall, Sony added in the competition a good player.

Unfortunately it is wrong branded and its price tag is somewhat much, about $399 for the 32 GB model and $299 for the 16 GB model. No offence Sony but for less than $399 customers can easily buy an iPod touch 64 GB which offers a better design, better features, better performances, and iTunes Store with App Store.

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