Blogs
“Smart pills” could save firefighters from injury or death
January 22, 2013 11:27 am | by Kasey Panetta, Associate Editor | CommentsWhile the idea of “Smart Medication” didn’t go over very well with the ECN crowd, there is a group to which it could be the difference between life and death.Firefighters often battle in extreme environmental conditions that can be pretty tough on the body’s vitals.
Developing quality electronic systems for cars
January 22, 2013 10:20 am | by Anthony Le, Windbond Electronics, www.winbond.com | Winbond | CommentsDifferent systems in the car have varying quality requirements. The engine, safety and mission critical systems have the highest and most stringent specification. However, this doesn’t mean the infotainment system and connectivity systems skimp on quality. The environment in a car is harsh — road conditions and simple wear-and-tear use take their toll — so the goal is to
Would you like some iPhone with your ramen noodles?
January 22, 2013 9:43 am | by Jason Lomberg, Technical Editor | CommentsSometimes, an innovative product changes the landscape of the tech world. It illuminates the masses, electrifies the blogosphere, and raises the overall standard of living. And then there’s this – the Anti-loneliness bowl, a ramen soup receptacle that doubles as an iPhone dock.
What technology do you expect to take the consumer space by storm in 2013? (Part II)
January 21, 2013 11:31 am | by Kasey Panetta, Associate Editor | CommentsThe question of, "What technology do you expect to take the consumer space by storm in 2013?" continues in part II of the February Brainstorm series as experts take on the question of what will be popular in consumer electronics and the consumer technology space in the next 12 months.
What technology do you expect to take the consumer space by storm in 2013?
January 21, 2013 11:30 am | by Kasey Panetta, Associate Editor | CommentsThe question of, "What technology do you expect to take the consumer space by storm in 2013?" begins in part I of the February Brainstorm series as experts take on the question of what will be popular in consumer electronics and the consumer technology space in the next 12 months.
Do you have what it takes to be a Brainstorm expert?
January 21, 2013 10:36 am | by Kasey Panetta, Associate Editor | CommentsWe here at ECN love to hear what you have to say, so for our March issue we’re opening up the Brainstorm discussion to our faithful readers. We want to hear your thoughts about lighting and the future of technology.Typically, the Brainstorm is an editorial section consisting of short commentary by five or six experts in a particular vertical market. Check out the Brainstorm archive, here.
Would you steal energy?
January 18, 2013 2:14 pm | by Kasey Panetta, Associate Editor | CommentsWhile stealing is generally frowned upon in most societies, there is a new type of thieving that might just change that.Dennis Siegel, a Digital Media student from the University of the Arts in Germany has designed a harvester that takes advantage of unused energy in electromagnetic fields.
U.S. energy usage and Jevons' paradox
January 18, 2013 11:21 am | by M. Simon, Technical Contributor | CommentsECN recently published a piece slamming Texas for passing a law that "allows Texans to make and sell the old-fashioned inefficient kind of bulbs". The author further states that the goal of the national law Texas is opposing "was to lower U. S. energy usage." It will do no such thing. It will increase electrical usage. We have known this since Economist William Jevons discovered the principle in 1865.
Is Apple changing its mind on touch panel structures?
January 18, 2013 9:33 am | by Calvin, Senior Analyst at DisplaySearch | Display Search | CommentsRecently, the supply chain has been buzzing about potential changes in the touch technologies used for future iPhones and iPads, in particular involving LCD suppliers rather than touch panel makers. First came a report that Innolux had delivered TOD (touch on display) samples for the iPhone....
Would these “smart” ice cubes change how you drink?
January 17, 2013 2:24 pm | by Kasey Panetta, Associate Editor | CommentsSometimes great technology comes out of bad life experiences. Like the time Dhairya Dand from MIT Media Lab was so intoxicated he blacked out, and came up with an idea for a technology that would prevent people from drinking too much.By placing a smart LED inside molds of waterproof, edible jelly...
Texas’ light bulb law: Not the brightest bulb on the tree
January 17, 2013 12:13 pm | by Karl Stephan, Consulting Engineer, Texas State University, San Marcos | CommentsEach January brings with it a slew of laws scheduled to take effect on the first of the year, and 2013 is no exception. As of Jan. 1, for example, it is now illegal to make or sell new 100-watt and 75-watt light bulbs that do not meet the efficiency standards of the federal Energy Independence and Security Act (nicknamed ERISA).
More cautionary tails
January 16, 2013 10:07 am | by Screaming Circuits | CommentsI recently wrote about the horrors of LED marking variations. Unfortunately, LEDs aren't the only place to find inconsistencies in our world. Another part to keep a close eye on is the ubiquitous three-terminal voltage regulator. For just short of...
Are we running out of wind?
January 15, 2013 8:53 am | by M. Simon, Technical Contributor | CommentsThe first mate gave me a heads-up about about the state of wind energy locally. Gamesa USA is pulling out of a proposed wind farm development in Ogle County, Illinois. saukvalley.com reports....
4k2k: Are we underestimating its value?
January 14, 2013 11:31 am | by Paul Gray, Director of European TV Research, DisplaySearch | Display Search | CommentsWith the predictable run of 4k2k announcements this CES, most comments have sensibly focused on content availability. This was undoubtedly the single greatest factor in the failure of 3D to create a revival in the TV market.
Delving into superconductors
January 14, 2013 8:29 am | by M. Simon, Technical Contributor | CommentsEver since Polywell Fusion caught my attention, superconducting magnets have been a large side interest of mine. I keep track of papers published in the field through IOP Science - Superconductor Science and Technology. They post a list of papers every month which are freely available for personal use for the first month after publication.
