Tag Archives: power

Perovskia Solar’s innovative tech: Harnessing indoor light @ CES 2024



Perovskia Solar indoor solar panelsPerovskia Solar AG, under the leadership of CEO Anand Verma, has revolutionized the way electronic devices are powered by introducing indoor solar cells. These solar cells can be customized to any shape, size, and design, making them versatile and adaptable to a wide range of electronic devices.

Indoor solar cells power devices

While solar cells have traditionally been designed to harness the power of sunlight outdoors, the majority of electronic devices are used indoors. This necessitated the development of solar cells capable of generating electricity from indoor light sources, a feat successfully achieved by Perovskia Solar.

The company’s solar cells can operate with any light source, including natural light, fluorescent light, and LED light. Despite sunlight being more potent than indoor light, these solar cells are designed to be highly sensitive and efficient in capturing and converting indoor light into electricity.

One of the remarkable features of these solar cells is their flexibility. They can be integrated into everyday devices such as smartwatches, keyboards, cameras, and IoT systems, allowing users to have solar-powered devices that never require charging. This is made possible through partnerships with companies like Apple and Samsung, who incorporate the solar cells into their products.

A new material for a new usage

Perovskia Solar’s solar cells are based on a new material called perovskite. This material, combined with their fully printed technology, enables the solar cells to be printed in any shape, size, and design. This not only makes them functional but also aesthetically pleasing. A testament to their innovation is the CES Innovation Award won by their customer, Baracuda Group, for a self-sustainable wristband powered by Perovskia’s solar cells.

The efficiency of perovskite solar cells is also impressive. These solar cells have the ability to absorb a significant amount of visible light, making them highly efficient at converting light into electricity. This means that even in low light conditions, such as indoors, perovskite solar cells can still generate enough power to keep devices running.

In addition to their flexibility and efficiency, perovskite solar cells also offer aesthetic appeal. The black border of the solar cell blends seamlessly into the design of devices, making it almost invisible to the user. This means that devices can be powered by solar energy without sacrificing style or functionality.

Furthermore, perovskite solar cells have the potential to power IoT sensors, which are becoming increasingly important in various industries. These sensors can be used to monitor and collect data in real-time, and the ability to power them with perovskite solar cells makes them even more versatile and efficient.

While perovskite solar cells are not yet capable of powering high voltage devices such as televisions, the technology is rapidly advancing. As researchers continue to enhance the performance and efficiency of perovskite solar cells, it is only a matter of time before they become a viable option for larger devices.

In terms of lifespan, these solar cells are designed to outlast the life of electronic devices, providing users with a long-lasting solution without the need for replacements or maintenance.

Who is Perovskia Solar panels for?

Currently, Perovskia Solar serves customers from various parts of the world, including the US, Japan, Europe, and Asia, and collaborates with global industry players. While the technology is not yet capable of providing power backup for an entire house, the company is working towards that goal.

Conclusion: Indoor solar can power your daily needs

In conclusion, Perovskia Solar’s indoor solar cells have ushered in new possibilities for powering electronic devices. They offer a sustainable and convenient alternative to traditional power sources, thanks to their ability to generate electricity from indoor light sources. The flexibility, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal of these solar cells make them a promising solution for powering consumer electronic devices and IoT sensors. As technology continues to evolve, the potential of indoor solar cells in transforming the way we power our homes and offices is indeed exciting.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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Dyness keeps you powered during adventures and emergencies @ CES 2024



Dyness portable power stationA portable battery pack for camping is a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay connected and powered up while enjoying the great outdoors. During CES 2024, Spencer Thompson from Dyness introduced their E-Pearl 1000W battery power pack, a product specifically designed for camping and other outdoor activities.

Portable battery pack for camping

The Dyness E-Pearl 1000W battery power pack boasts a capacity of 1000 watts, making it suitable for charging a wide range of devices such as laptops, phones, and even small appliances like tiny fridges. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and transport during camping trips. Thompson mentioned that it is a popular choice among campers in Utah, where camping is a common recreational activity.

The E-Pearl 1000W battery power pack stands out from other similar products in the market in a few ways. Firstly, it has a handle that makes it more comfortable and mobile compared to other models. Additionally, as Dyness is the manufacturer, they are able to offer the product at a competitive price point. The retail price for the Dyness battery power pack is around $900.

While the Dyness battery power pack is not designed to power an entire house, it is more than capable of providing enough power for a day or day and a half at a campsite. It can easily charge devices like cell phones and provide lighting without draining the battery too quickly. For those who require more power, Dyness also offers a larger model with a capacity of 1,500 watts.

A variety of power options

One of the standout features of the Dyness battery power pack is its versatile charging options. It includes a 60-watt USB, a normal USB 2.4 amp, and a quick-charge 18-watt port. It also has the ability to power devices using a standard power outlet. This means that you can power just about any device that you have or need, whether it be a small cooking surface while camping or a cell phone during a power outage.

As for charging the power pack itself, it has the capability to be charged through solar input, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for campers who want to harness the power of the sun. It can also charge using a wall socket or a DC plug, like in a car. With these options, you can power the pack off of a vehicle or generator in an emergency, or directly from the sun while out camping.

Conclusion: A powerful battery for outdoor adventures

In conclusion, the Dyness E-Pearl 1000W battery power pack is an excellent choice for campers looking for a reliable and portable power source. With its high capacity, versatile charging options, and competitive pricing, it offers a convenient solution for staying connected and powered up while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether it’s charging devices, running small appliances, or providing lighting, the Dyness battery power pack is a valuable companion for camping trips and other outdoor adventures.

For those interested in purchasing the Dyness battery power pack or exploring their full line of products, their website is the place to go. The website showcases their range of portable battery packs and home battery systems, making it easy for customers to find the product that suits their needs.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Dolphin Design: Better IoT with ultra-low power AI chips @ CES 2024



Dolphin Design low power chipsUltra-low-power AI chips can revolutionize the way companies build IoT smart devices and power artificial intelligence capabilities. In this conversation, Vincent Huard, the CTO of Dolphin Design, discusses the company’s focus on developing ultra-low power chips for various applications, including power management, audio, and AI.

The challenge of power consumption

One of the main challenges in implementing cutting-edge AI is power consumption. High power requirements raise costs and limit the scalability of innovative devices. Dolphin Design’s ultra-low-power AI chips address this issue by significantly reducing power consumption, making it more feasible to deploy AI-enabled devices in real-life scenarios.

These revolutionary plug-and-play chips provide energy-efficient solutions that can run on battery power for extended periods and can even operate without a battery at all, a key factor in their adoption. Dolphin Design aims to attract customers in the imaging, microcontroller, and MPU industries who want to incorporate AI into their devices in a cost-effective manner.

Low-power chip applications

There are a lot of practical use cases for these chips. In smart buildings, they can be used to count the number of people in a room and adjust heating or cooling accordingly. In retail, the chips can track customer movement and analyze their interests, helping businesses optimize product placement. The chips can also be used in urban planning to monitor bike paths or count the number of bicycles passing through a specific area.

The chips have potential applications in safety and disaster management, as well. For instance, they can replace manual car clickers used to count traffic on roads, providing more accurate and reliable data. They can also be deployed in isolated areas to detect wildfires and send alerts, enabling faster response times and potentially saving lives.

Low-cost, scalable IoT solutions

One area where low-cost, scalable IoT solutions can have a significant impact is in the management of sensors and data transfer in smart city applications. The scalability issues associated with sending sensor information over the network can be costly in terms of data transfer and data center expenses. However, these scalability issues can be effectively managed with ultra-low power chips.

Low-power consumption IoT solutions are beneficial when it’s hard to provide power, as the battery-powered chips offer a cost-effective alternative to running cables over long distances. These chips can also incorporate renewable energy sources, making these solutions even more efficient and sustainable.

Conclusion: Low-power smart chips are a win for afforidable IoT

Dolphin Design sees two main prospects for their smart chip: chip manufacturers and system makers. Chip manufacturers can license the AI chips’ intellectual property (IP) to incorporate into their own chips, while system makers can collaborate with the company to develop specialized chips.

Dolphin Design’s low-cost, scalable IoT solutions offer a transformative, energy efficient, cost-effective approach to implementing AI at a larger scale. With their wide range of applications and integration possibilities, these solutions have the potential to revolutionize industries and contribute to the development of smart cities and other IoT applications.

For those interested in learning more about low-cost, scalable IoT solutions, Dolphin Design is ready to help. They offer both IP licensing and design services, making it possible for companies without chip design teams to still benefit from these solutions. Dolphin Design’s website provides more information about their offerings and capabilities.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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STM Goods makes traveling in style and security a snap @ CES 2023



STM Goods Simple Travel SuppliesFor the regular traveler, trying to find the right travel supplies can be a priority. Limiting the number of items, and finding the right travel bag is important. Luckily, STM Goods (short for Smarter Than Most) makes a line of bags and accessories for any traveler.

STM Goods’ bags and backpacks

STM makes a line of backpacks and bags for any traveler and outdoorsman. The bags allow you to carry your gear safely and securely while giving you easy access to your stuff. Whether you are backpacking in the great outdoors or fighting your way through the boardroom, STMbags have you covered.

STM Goods Dux bags

We got a close look at the Dux line of backpacks and bags. The backpack line comes in two sizes: 30 liters and 16 liters, so there is an option no matter how much you’re carrying, while the messenger bag comes in 16 liters. For the avid traveler, all three sizes are able to fit under the seat on a plane, or of course overhead, so it is a great travel companion.

Our favorite feature of the bags was the ability to access your gear from several angles. If you’ve got your bag on the ground, you can access all of the contents from the top or back, giving you access to everything in the bag. However, if you’ve got the bag on your back or over your shoulder, you can access the items through smaller zippered openings on the sides.

For example, this is a great feature for photographers and videographers. Imagine holding a digital SLR in one hand, with the strap around your neck. On your back, you’ve got your STM Goods Dux backpack. You want to transition from closeup photos to long-distance photos, so it’s time to swap lenses. Without having to put down the camera or the backpack, you can open the side pouch exposing only the lens you need access to. You can remove the lens, swap them on the camera, and put the first one back in the bag.

The 30-liter backpack is available for $250. The 16-liter backpack is available for $230. The 16-liter messenger bag is available for $250. All three bags are available in 4 color options.

STM Goods’ mobile accessories

In addition to a full lineup of bags, STM Goods also makes mobile accessories to enhance your travel experience. From phone rings and holders to stands and selfie sticks, the product line really has a lot of options.

ChargeTree Go

If you’re deep in the Apple mobile ecosystem, you’ve got a lot of devices to charge while traveling. This can mean bringing 3 chargers, plus probably a power strip to plug them all in. The ChargeTree Go, however, combines all of the normal charge points into a single device.

On the front is a Qi charger for your iPhone. On the side is a pop-out charging surface for an Apple Watch. On the back is a platform for AirPods. Using the one device, you can charge all three. The best part is that you can flatten the device so that it fits easily into your bag without getting damaged. The ChargeTree Go is available now for $120.

MagSafe

The MagSafe line offers a number of products that connect to an iPhone using the magnetic connector on the back of the phone. The MagLoop is a small ring that connects to the phone and gives you an easy way to hold the device, especially on long uses. It can also be flipped down to be used as a stand. It’s more flexible than other phone holders because it is removable without ruining the product. The MagLoop is available in 2 colors for $30.

The MagPod is a magnetic tripod stand that can hold your iPhone in nearly any position. This is because the ball joint on the head, which gives a nearly 180-degree range of motion. The legs on the stand can also be pulled in to turn it into a short selfie stick. The MagPod is available in two colors for $50.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Elysie is a backpack with power for people on the go @ CES 2021



Elysie smart backpackWhether you’re a photographer, writer, journalist, or podcaster, there is one very common thread – the need for portable power. Heck, even regular device users know that, by the end of a long day, your phone is likely dead or nearly so. Portable battery packs can solve the problem for some people, but for many, we need more. Fortunately, we’ve got a more powerful solution in Elysie.

Elysie is, on the surface, a backpack. But, in reality, it is so much more. It’s got power storage built into it, with 2 separate 25,000 mAh batteries. In the outer shell, which is a polycarbonate material, are photovoltaic cells (solar cells) to charge the internal batteries. While the cells will charge best in the sunlight, they will also charge inside under decent lighting. The straps are reinforced, which makes the backpack great for carrying equipment, and feature photoluminescent straps, one at the top and bottom of each side (a total of 4).

The Elysie bag has a ton of smart technology integrated into it. Using the connected mobile app, you can check on the bag’s battery level. It can also tell you the current air quality in your current location. It’s also got a number of tracking systems built-in. Obviously, this is a bag you’re not going to want to lose. Fortunately, it has integrated geolocation tracking, so if you leave it behind somewhere, you can find out where.

One of the really interesting aspects of the Elysie bag is its ability to track what is inside. Using RFID tags attached to items, you can log what you regularly carry, like a laptop, camera, and headphones. When they are in the bag, it can let you know. More importantly, when they are missing, the app can also let you know.

The company is currently working on distribution and hopes to bring the Elysie bag to market soon. To learn more about the bag and the company, head over to the Elysie website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Joule is making your home energy consumption smarter @ CES 2021



Joule power managementIt seems like every year we use more and more electricity in our daily lives. Moving our work to our homes has not lessened that consumption – in fact, it has certainly increased it. No longer can we let our air conditioner hibernate a little during the day, because we’re always home. We’ve got extra computers and equipment for our jobs. And, we’re watching more streaming content than ever before. But, there are always ways to decrease our usage, but how can you determine what they are? That’s is where Joule comes in.

Joule is a cloud platform that is able to take data from any electric meter, old or new, and turn it into useful knowledge. It then combines it with data about other utilities, such as water and gas. The ultimate goal of the system is to help you optimize your energy consumption. The platform can work in residential, commercial, or industrial environments, meaning that it can help in any part of your life.

Users are able to interact with their collected data through a paired web and mobile application, as well as through an Alexa skill. Today, the company provides service for more than 12,000 users in Italy and has collected over 800,000 readings. The company has successfully helped these users minimize their ecological footprint.

In addition to the platform, the company offers a companion device – Scala. This device looks like a smart speaker, but has environmental sensors built in, allowing it to record indoor conditions to apply to the cloud platform’s algorithms. It has a screen on the front that can show information, such as indoor temperature, energy consumption, air quality, and humidity. You can also invoke the speaker with your voice and ask questions about past, present, and future consumption, among other factors.

To learn more about Joule, you can check out their website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Nomadplug makes traveling a breeze for your devices @ CES 2021



nomadplug foreign travel adapterA hardware startup is not an easy thing to accomplish. There are numerous obstacles out there just waiting to slow you down, such as currency fluctuations, your certifications, selecting your manufacturer, or even a global lockdown! Now there is a great product called Nomadplug, created by Ryan Silberman. Nomadplug is an international travel adapter that has been in development for 3 years. It’s sleek and small, making it very lightweight to travel with. Speaking of travel, it functions in all of the 195 countries!

Nomadplug is a slick new product for many reasons and these are what sets it apart from other travel adapters. Unlike most travel adapters that have an individual piece for each plug type, Nomadplug does it with one interlocking connection. You simply disconnect the stack at the location you need and plug it into the wall. It also uses a rare earth magnet for keeping all the interlocking modules together.

On the backside is a universal plug so you can use almost any device from any country in any outlet in any country. The only limitation is that the device must support the voltage of that particular country. This makes traveling with modern phones, tablets, or computers easy. The plug features an easy to use hinge that prevents it from falling out of sockets.

In addition to the adapter, there will be three USB-C chargers that can also be used for your laptop and mobile phone. That means no more traveling with extra power bricks! The model that is available now provides 18W and a single USB port. Future models will be available with 30W and 65W, both offering more than one USB port. You can currently purchase the current model in a variety of colors for $76.44. For more information go to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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SolarGaps Solar Panel Smart Blinds at CES



The trouble with solar panels is that they take up a fair bit of space, typically on the roof of a property, which means that those living in apartments or condos often miss out on the opportunity to generate electricity from the sun. SolarGaps have a solution to this issue, with solar panels that also work as blinds, both generating power and shielding the interior. Todd talks to Erik at SolarGaps to find out more.

SolarGaps smart blinds are fitted to the exterior (or interior) of windows and automatically track the sun to maximise electricity generation and minimise heating effects. Installation is straightforward and each panel on the outside generates around 100 W-hrs per square meter so a south-facing 3 bedroom apartment could produce around 4 kW per day. As the blinds track the sun, the output is typically 20% higher than the equivalent static photovoltaic pnel. The blinds can be fitted inside too but this reduces the power output.

SolarGaps is launching on Kickstarter in February with a price around US$480 per square metre, rising to around $1000 per square metre when the product is launched, so if you are interested, get in early.

Todd Cochrane is the host of the twice-weekly Geek News Central Podcast at GeekNewsCentral.com.

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Meet SunPort, the World’s First Smart Grid Solar Delivery Device



sunportAmid the bright lights of Las Vegas, SunPort offers a way for consumers to be much more energy conscience with how they use their devices.

SunPort is a tiny box that plugs into your outlet and measures the amount of energy that goes through it. That information is then tracked and matched with solar energy purchased from solar farms by usage. This allows for the application of solar energy without the need for installing panels or having sufficient land. SunPort director of information systems Nick Williams compared the method to depositing money into a bank and then withdrawing it from an ATM.

The device is portable, of course, meaning it can be used in any outlet so you can use your solar energy on the go. It can be preordered now and is expected to cost $80 per year for both the plug-in and the energy.

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Ampy Charges Up Your Devices Just by You Moving Around



AMPY MOVE has found a unique way to help find the energy to keep your smart phone powered throughout the day: your body.

AMPY MOVE is a motion charger that captures kinetic energy from your motion and transforms it into battery power. Co-founder Alex Smith said at CES that one hour of exercise could supply up to five hours of extra smart phone standby battery life. The form-fitting device features an 1800mAH Li-Ion battery and can also be charged from a wall outlet. A second USB port allows the user to charge their smart device from the portable charger.

The product is already available for purchase at getampy.com and retails for $99.

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