Sunday, September 30, 2012

Inhabitat's Week in Green: ECOLAR house, transparent solar panel and Star Wars terrariums

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Inhabitat's Week in Green Solar Decathlon Europe, transparent solar panel and star wars terrariums

For the past two weeks Inhabitat has been reporting live from the Solar Decathlon Europe in Madrid, where 18 student teams from around the world have been competing for the title of the world's most efficient solar-powered prefab house. As usual, suspense was running high in the final days of the competition, and we're excited to announce that Team Rhône-Alpes' Canopea House has been named this year's winner! The beautiful modular house took top honors in the architecture and sustainability categories, and it features a 10.7 kW photovoltaic array on the roof that produces more than enough energy to power the home.

Some of the other standouts at the Solar Decathlon Europe include Germany's ECOLAR House, which features a flexible, modular design that can expand or shrink to accommodate the needs of its owners. It came as no surprise that the German team was tops in the engineering category, and the team incorporated hemp insulation in the floors, walls and ceiling to prevent thermal loss. Team Andalucia's Patio 2.12 House, which consists of four separate prefabricated modules built around an interior courtyard, scored high marks for energy efficiency and innovation. And although Italy's MED in Italy House might not look like much on the outside, step inside and you'll enter a different world altogether. The highly efficient home features a central courtyard and a rooftop photovoltaic array that generates about 9.33 kWh of energy per year -- roughly double what it needs. Team Rome also added wall layers that can be filled with heavy materials to provide high thermal mass once the home is installed.

Continue reading Inhabitat's Week in Green: ECOLAR house, transparent solar panel and Star Wars terrariums

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: ECOLAR house, transparent solar panel and Star Wars terrariums originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 10:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/30/ecolar-house-solar-panel-star-wars/

ALLTEL

5 Big Map App Issues Apple Must Solve

GrantRitchieEditor's note: Grant Ritchie is the CEO and founder of Locationary, which created the Saturn management and exchange platform for local business profiles and POI data. Follow Locationary here. The Apple iPhone 5 has been quite a story for a while with many "firsts": the fastest hardware, the most first-week sales, and so on. The device is also now famous for what it doesn’t have: Google Maps.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/gV8TFyvpteo/

NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS

How to replace a cracked screen on an iPhone 5

How to DIY replace a cracked screen on an iPhone 5

Between our news coverage leading up to the iPhone 5, our definitive review of the iPhone 5 following its release, and iOS 6, there's only one thing left to do -- open it up and show you what the iPhone 5 looks like on the inside!

That's right, iMore has teamed up with The Pod Drop to show you how to take apart a brand new iPhone 5, and even replace a cracked or broken screen if you're somehow not covered by AppleCare or warranty, now or in the future.

Sacrificing an iPhone 5 for science

Fortunately, none of us were clumsy enough to break our iPhones by accident (yet!). Unfortunately, that means in order to show you how the DIY repair is done, we had to break one on purpose. We captured the moment. (Purely for science, of course.)

Disclaimer: As with any repair, neither iMore nor The Pod Drop can be held responsible for any damage you may do to your device. It’s also worth considering that opening up your device to perform any repair or modification can and will void your Apple warranty. If you don’t feel comfortable opening your device, don’t. Use extreme care and caution when performing a repair on any device.

What you need to DIY replace a cracked screen on an iPhone 5

  • iPhone 5 with a cracked display (Any model)
  • iPhone 5 LCD & digitizer replacement - Coming soon!
  • Suction cup - Buy now
  • 5-point pentalobular (security) screwdriver - Buy now
  • Standard #00 Phillips screwdriver - Buy now
  • Spudger tool - Buy now
  • Razor blade - Buy now (You can also use any straight edge razor blade you pick up at your local hardware store.)

Video walkthrough

Our video will walk you through disassembly to reassembly. Even though it's possible to perform this repair using only the video, we highly suggest reading the written walkthrough and viewing the high quality images below. Both guides are meant to compliment each other so we suggest reading and watching both before actually performing the repair.

Power off your iPhone 5

Before performing any repair, you should always turn your iPhone completely off by holding down the Power Button and using the Slide to power off feature. Once the iPhone has completely turned off, you can move on to the next step.

Remove the two security screws in the dock connector

There are two security screws on either side of the Lightning connector port. Use your security screwdriver to remove them.

Remove the damaged display

There are two methods for removing the display. If you've cracked the bottom pretty badly you may find it hard to get a seal with a suction cup. We'll walk you through both ways of removing the display.

Suction cup method

This is the method we recommend and the one you should use if you can get a seal. If not, use the straight edge razor method below.

  1. Position your suction cup firmly above the Home button.
  2. Gently pull upwards while holding the phone down with your other hand.
  3. The display is in there pretty good so you'll have to apply quite a bit of strength to pull it out. Just make sure you keep your hand over the top of the iPhone as you don't want to completely pull the display off. There are still cables attached underneath.
  4. Once the display has dislodged from the device, swing it upwards to expose the cables connecting it underneath.
  5. Move on to the next section.

Straight edge razor blade method

If the bottom of your iPhone 5 screen has shattered badly, it'll be next to impossible to get a good enough seal to pry it up. You'll need a straight edged razor blade for this method. Be careful and work slowly not only so you don't damage the iPhone but more importantly, so you don't cut or hurt yourself.

  1. Start at either side of the Home button and carefully work the razor blade between the frame and the glass.
  2. Slowly pry upwards until you get an edge freed enough that you can slip a pry tool or spudger in between.
  3. Now set the razor blade aside and continue to work around the bottom and bottom edges until you free the display from the frame.
  4. Do not pull it straight upwards but instead, swing it upwards as there are still cables attached at the top we need to remove.

Remove the iPhone 5 display panel

  1. There's a silver shield covering the LCD and digitizer cables. Remove the three screws holding the shield in place with your #00 Phillips screwdriver.
  2. Gently lift the shield out of the iPhone 5.
  3. Now you have a clear view of the cables holding the display assembly to the logic board. Use your spudger or pry tool to carefully pry all three cables from the logic board.

You can now lift the front digitizer and LCD assembly off the device.

Ready the new iPhone 5 display

Odds are your new replacement display will come stripped down to nothing but the display assembly. We'll need to remove some pieces off the old cracked display to place on the new display before laying the new assembly in place.

Remove the display shield, earpiece shield, and earpiece assembly

  1. There are a total of eight screws holding the display and earpiece shield in place. They are outlined in the picture below. Remove all eight screws using your #00 Phillips screwdriver.
  2. Now use your pry tool or spudger to carefully lift up the display shield off the back of the display. The best way is to slip your pry tool beneath the shield at the bottom on either side of the Home button. The shield will easily lift off.
  3. Now remove the earpiece shield at the top by lifting it off and setting it aside.
  4. The actual earpiece assembly sits directly below the shield and will easily lift off as well. Set it aside.

Remove the front-facing camera and sensor cable

  1. The front-facing camera and sensor cable sits to the left of where the earpiece assembly was and lines the top of the device. We need to remove it.
  2. Carefully lift it up but notice the kink in the cable underneath the front-facing camera. The noise canceling mic is pushed into the display assembly. Pop it out carefully.
  3. The rest of the cable is only held in with a tiny bit of adhesive. Carefully peel it back to finish removing the cable from the display assembly.

Remove the Home button assembly

  1. Remove the two screws on either side of the Home button assembly using your #00 Phillips screwdriver.
  2. Start lifting the Home button shield starting on the left side but don't pull completely up yet.
  3. On the right hand side you'll see a contact that's stuck to the display assembly that runs on the Home button shield. Use your finger or pry tool to carefully break the adhesive.
  4. Set the Home button shield aside.
  5. Now we've just got to remove the actual Home button. Simply push the Home button up from the front of the assembly and use your pry tool or a metal spatula to loosen the gasket on the back side. The Home button should come free pretty easily.

Transfer the removed components to the new iPhone 5 display assembly

Now that we've removed everything from the old assembly, we can transfer it to the new, unbroken assembly. In order to do this, just follow the above directions in reverse order or refer to our video where we'll walk you through readying the new assembly.

Once you've finished readying the new assembly, continue on.

Replace the iPhone 5 display assembly

  1. Start by securing the three cables back to the logic board.
  2. Replace the logic board shield cover over the cables and secure it with the three screws we originally removed using your #00 Phillips screwdriver.
  3. There are plastic clips that run along the top of the display assembly like you can see below. These need to sit underneath the inside of the frame.
  4. Starting from the top make sure you slide the clips in place and carefully work your way around the edges of the display applying even pressure to snap the display into place.

Replace the dock connector screws

Use your security screwdriver to replace the two screws on either side of the Lightning connector port.

And ...done!

Now that you've finished reassembling your iPhone 5 you can go ahead and turn it back on by pressing and holding down the power button until you see the Apple logo.

If all went well, your iPhone should boot up just fine. Make sure to test the new replacement for dead spots and check the display quality to make sure there are no dead pixels or discoloration. Since you did have to transfer components that control brightness, sound, and the proximity sensor - it's always a good idea to test those functions too so you know you transferred all the components over correctly.

Thanks again to The Pod Drop for all their help. If you don't feel comfortable repairing your own iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, check them out. There are many reputable repair shops that can do it for you, and many times, even offer you a warranty on the repair for far cheaper than what a replacement iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch would cost.

Want to know how to perform another type of iPhone repair or modification? Send me suggestions to ally@imore.com.

Additional resources:



Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/Yy_bu7WUq8s/story01.htm

INTERDIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

This is the carbon fiber core of Ferrari's first hybrid

Ferrari has already said that it will never make an electric car -- at least, not while Luca di Montezemolo is in charge -- but we already know that a hybrid Ferrari is in the cards. And, this is what will hold it all together. At this year's Paris Auto Show the company rolled out this carbon fiber cage that is the core chassis of the machine. Other than a pledge that the thing will use F1-inspired technology nobody would tell us what it would be called (possibly F70, at least internally) or just when the rest of its components will be bolted on. But, for now, enjoy this sneak peek under the skin of Ferrari's next hypercar.

Steve Dent contributed to this report.

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This is the carbon fiber core of Ferrari's first hybrid originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 18:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/28/this-is-the-carbon-fiber-core-of-ferraris-first-hybrid/

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION

Cobra Wallet – Is it a Wallet or a Phone Stand?

The Cobra Wallet is the latest wallet design to seek funding via Kickstarter. This wallet features a curved design that offers storage for up to 8 cards and a couple of bills (there’s also a hidden area that can hold a key). At only .5 inches thick, the Cobra Wallet helps reduce pocket bulge while [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/09/25/cobra-wallet-is-it-a-wallet-or-a-phone-stand/

IKON OFFICE SOLUTIONS

Amazon breaks down its Kindle Paperwhite light technology (video)

Amazon breaks down its PaperWhite technology video

Amazon's certainly not the first company to deliver an illuminated e-reader, but the mega-retailer's psyched about its new Kindle Paperwhite nonetheless, and after playing around with the device a bit, it's easy to see why. According to CEO Jeff Bezos, R&D's been working on the technology for years now, attempting to get the perfect balance of brightness and battery life, all while ensuring an even distribution across the display. How does it achieve this? We've heard the technology described as an optical cable laid flat across the display. The company goes into a bit more detail on the technology that powers the reader, via a few Beautiful Mind-esque shots in the video after the break. It'll give you something to do while you wait for your reader to ship early next month.

Continue reading Amazon breaks down its Kindle Paperwhite light technology (video)

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Amazon breaks down its Kindle Paperwhite light technology (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/28/amazon-breaks-down-its-kindle-paperwhite-light-technology-video/

TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Motorola Droid XYBOARD 8.2 poised to get ICS update

Xyboard 8.2

It's been about a month since we saw Motorola rolling out the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Wifi only version of the XYBOARD, and now we see that Verizon has posted the changes and instructions for the LTE version's update. 

In addition to the changes and security enhancements that come with ICS, Verizon lists the following benefits of the update:

  • Includes the latest Motorola USB driver to allow Xyboard to connect to a computer to transfer files.
  • Securely refresh your Corporate Email account with the native email client.
  • Faster Browsing Experience
  • Improved network connectivity

With the device page now up for the world to see at Verizon's website, we expect the update itself to begin rolling out shortly. Keep an eye out for it, and holler loud in the comments and forums when you see it. 

Source: Verizon



Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/aJKVstwao3Q/story01.htm

LAM RESEARCH

Wikipad CEO James Bower defends his gaming tablet's $500 pricing, why one device beats two

Why does the Wikipad cost $500 dollars CEO James Bower explains

No matter which way you cut it, the Android-based Wikipad gaming tablet -- dubbed as much despite not having any connection to Wikipedia -- is unusually expensive. As a 10.1-inch Android tablet, it's comparably priced with the leaders of the market (of the Apple and Samsung variety). The obvious problem comparatively with the big dogs: visibility. What is Wikipad, anyway? And who made it?

"This is our first product into the market," consummate salesman and Wikipad CEO James Bower told us in an interview earlier this week -- yes, the company's name is shared with its first product. "We've self-funded the whole concept to this point with a couple of us founders. No VC money or anything," he said (the company did, however, just close its first round of venture capital funding for marketing costs, post-development). Bower's company took the idea of an Android-based gaming tablet with a proprietary, physical (and removable) gamepad from concept to reality in the last year, first revealing the tablet at CES 2012. "We've been able to accomplish a lot very efficiently and very effectively to this point," Bower said, in reference to the approximately 80 people who created the device.

That said, despite our positive hands-on time with the Wikipad (even in its prototype state), $500 is a heck of a lot of money to plunk down on an unproven device from an unproven company. The argument gets harder when you remember Sony's PlayStation Vita -- an arguably much nicer device with a far larger library of gaming content that costs half the Wikipad's price at $249.99. Bower doesn't see the logic in this argument. "It's double the price, but it's also double the size," he pointed out. "If you buy a tablet that's seven inches, you can get a $199 tablet -- it's called a Google Nexus or a Kindle Fire. If you're gonna get a full 10-inch tablet, a tablet to this quality, you're gonna spend $499 to $749 ... if we were talking about a 7-inch device or a 5-inch device, and we were at this price point, then it'd be a different story." Admittedly, the tablet -- as a standalone device -- isn't too shabby. But will it woo consumers away from the likes of Apple and Samsung? Bower hopes as much, but we're not so sure.

Continue reading Wikipad CEO James Bower defends his gaming tablet's $500 pricing, why one device beats two

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Wikipad CEO James Bower defends his gaming tablet's $500 pricing, why one device beats two originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/28/wikipad-ceo-james-bower-interview/

DELL