Electronic Component News « Conrad Electronic UK

Scientists create brain cells from skin

January 31st, 2012

Researchers in California have shown how developments in science and technology are leading the way forward, creating brain cells from skin.

As of yet, the technique has not been used on human cells but has experienced great success elsewhere.

The result of these tests was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and was just one of a number of recent developments concerning cell generation.

Previous reports saw stem cell research help improve the sight of individuals suffering from blindness, with ethical questions surrounding this monumental development.

In order to combat this potential issue with stem cell development, the American researchers looked at bypassing the stem-cell stage.

This saw them able to convert skin cells directly into neurones – something which could have a huge impact on future medical treatment and development.

Dr Deepak Srivastava commented on the study and explained it “opens the door to consider new ways to regenerate damaged neurones” and suggested that the cells surrounding the injury could even be used to repair the damage.

Of course, further investigation and testing will be needed before this becomes a reality, but it is clear that scientific development is set to transform our lives in more ways than one.

Already, electronic devices such as mobile phones have become commonplace within our homes and even car accessories and gadgets now help to improve our safety outside of the home.

On top of this, self healing electronics have also been developed – proving that it is not just people who are benefitting from the developments which have been made.

What are your thoughts on how science and technology is developing? Do you think self-healing is something which will become commonplace and what other advancements could occur in these fields?

Growing demand for vehicles and electronics will ‘create large market’ for batteries

January 30th, 2012

According to a recent report, the market for rechargeable batteries is set to experience intensified growth as demand for personal electronics and electric vehicles increases.

With more and more devices relying on the use of these batteries, growth in their market is a natural progression and represents the changing trends and focus of manufacturers and shoppers alike.

Nowadays, everything from mobile phones to MP3 players and vehicles rely on rechargeable batteries of all descriptions, implementing these power sources alongside other features and car accessories.

These batteries offer high levels of power and performance, whilst removing the need to replace them on a regular basis. This makes them both more convenient and less costly than other power sources, perhaps contributing to their popularity.

The report, produced by analyst NanoMarkets, suggests the growing demand will force certain types of rechargeable battery to become more popular than others.

The need for what they describe as ‘performance batteries’ is expected to create a ‘large market’ for electrode materials used within the batteries.

Lithium manganese, lithium iron, nickel manganese and nickel cobalt have all been named as the main contenders for this growth, with all of these compounds being commonly used to form the cathodes of rechargeable batteries.

For the average consumer, all this means is that the batteries which power their popular devices could be improved.

With the industry experiencing a growth in this area, manufacturers are sure to develop newer versions which offer higher levels of performance.

This means consumers could stand to benefit from these developments, taking advantage of the range of products which will become available from the average electronics shop.

In what products do you think rechargeable batteries are most effective and how would you like to see them improved in the future?

Smartphone control – how heating could soon be monitored by our mobiles

January 24th, 2012

An innovative Smartphone app showcased at this year’s CES emphasises the importance of mobile phones in the modern world as even our heating falls under their control.

It seems that the initial role of mobile phones as a way to communicate whilst on the go has been all but forgotten as new features are developed to further enhance these innovative designs.

With numerous technologies being showcased at the CES, the future of Smartphones could see everyday aspects, such as our heating, controlled by our mobiles.

The app – which will be available for iOs or Android handsets for free – is created by Nest and is labelled as “the thermostat of the future.”

A thermostat replacement is fitted to the wall of your home, replacing the traditional heating thermostat you usually find there, and is then controlled remotely via your mobile phone.

Along with being able to control the heating of your home whilst out and about, the app also allows you to pre-programme certain energy-saving functions.

These can include having the heating automatically turn off when you leave the house or lowering the temperature gauge at certain times – such as overnight.

The innovative app could therefore completely transform the way we heat our homes, helping to save energy and money.

The fact that it is free means that it is likely to be highly popular with the average mobile phone user, giving them a way to control their heating without disrupting their everyday routine.

Currently the app is only available in the States but, providing it gains success over there, it is likely to come to UK shores as well.

What are your thoughts on the heating thermostat app? Do you think mobile technology is reaching its limits or is this only the start of things to come?

Nissan helps make iPhone indestructible

January 17th, 2012

For many Smartphone owners the biggest concern is how to prevent their mobiles from becoming damages. Cracked screens and scratch marks are the biggest problems which are encountered by users but, thanks to Nissan, this may no longer be a worry for iPhone owners.

This is because the car manufacturer has developed a brand new self-healing case. Known as the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case, the device features a self-healing paint finish using an advanced paint which was developed in 2005.

The product has already been used on a number of Nissan’s creations, but is now making its debut into the world of consumer electronics through the Nissan Scratch Shield.

The paint is combined with a close-fitting design which makes the new case more effective at protecting people’s iPhones from damage. According to a report on the product, Nissan’s new case has three main advantages: high flexibility, scratch resistance surface and improved grip.

The flexibility of the case is provided through the elastic properties of the paint and means that small scratches are able to heal themselves. This is in addition to an outer coating which is more resistant to scratches than traditional paint – helping people’s phones to look better for longer.

The self-healing properties are offered through the use polyrotaxane. This is used in the outer paint covering and sees a chemical reaction occur follow minor damage, allowing the cover to heal itself.

The first batch of prototypes for the case has recently been released, with specially selected individuals being put in charge of testing the devices.

If they prove to be successful then Nissan will look to make the mobile phone cases available for commercial sales later in the year.

What are your thoughts on this new use of technology? What other developments do you think will be seen and are they worthwhile?

Read more on mobile phones and self-healing technology:

Bio batteries and self-healing electronics: The latest technology news

Samsung Vs Apple war intensifies with new patent claims

How can you monitor radiation using your mobile phone?

Labels: consumer electronics, iPhone, mobile phone cases, smartphones
Posted in Conrad News, Electronic Component News, Technology News | Be the first to leave a comment! »

Five benefits of power heaters

January 13th, 2012

Whilst most of the UK benefitted from a fairly mild winter, this does not mean that we have seen the last of the cold. The unpredictable nature of our climate means we can face cold spells at almost any time of the year. Power heaters or space heaters are a great way to provide additional warmth to homes during these times – but what are the other benefits?

1. More convenient

Certain areas of a home, such as the garage or basement, may be more difficult to heat through conventional methods. Space heaters are, therefore, the perfect gadget, offering increased convenience.

This is because they are able to deliver high levels of warmth whilst remaining portable, allowing you to put them wherever they are needed. The device’s safety features will also mean that the device is protected from overheating, making it safe to use as well.

2. Directed flow of warmth

Due to their portable nature and smaller size, power heaters will also offer a more directed flow of heat. This means that you will be able to direct the heat exactly where it is needed, making it more effective than central heating on a short term basis.

3. Adjustable positioning

Most power heaters, like the power heater KA 5027, will also offer a fully adjustable rotation. This means that you can ensure that you get heat exactly where you want it. Being able to change the position also means you will feel more of the benefit, being able to direct the flow at yourself.

4. Effects are felt quicker

Power heaters will reach their set temperature much quicker due to their smaller size. This means that you could feel the benefit quicker than if you turned your central heating on.

5. Small physical size

The small physical size is another benefit. Not only does it make it quicker for the device to heat up and more convenient to use, but it also makes it easier to store. This means that the device won’t clutter up your house – making it an integral component.

What are your thoughts on power heaters and other warmth generators? Are there any other benefits to these heaters and how do you make the most of the warmth within your home?

Theme parks and fairy lights – the new uses of radiation

January 12th, 2012

It may seem like a strange use of resources, but radiation and nuclear plants have been transformed into festive lights and even theme parks recently, demonstrating how technology and innovation often go hand in hand.

Boasting one of the most unique tourist attractions in Europe, Dusseldorf in Germany has transformed an unused nuclear reactor into a theme park.

Boasting over 600,000 visitors a year, the park has 40 outdoor attractions with a swing ride being erected within the cooling tower. Footage from this can be seen in the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLIzZLhzYrQ&feature=player_embedded

The park, Wunderland Kalkar, also contains several pubs and restaurants for families and adults to enjoy. Those wanting to stay overnight can do so in the park’s very own hotel, offering a truly unique experience for any thrill-seeking travellers.

Of course, there are no safety risks at the park, with the reactor having never been put into operation. This means that buying a Gamma Scout personal geiger counter is not necessary – but that doesn’t mean you can’t invest in one if you want to.

Gamma Scout geiger counters are handheld devices used to monitor radiation levels in given areas. They are commonly used within the medical and research industries but can be applied to other areas as well.

Read ‘what is a gamma scout geiger counter’ for more information.

Other recent innovations which are connected to radiation saw an artist create a fairly light display which was triggered by radiation.

The lights were connected to a geiger counter, with certain radiation levels triggering the fairy lights, providing a striking and interesting display.

Of course, these are not the only developments or uses to have been found for radiation or their detectors. Previous reports showed how mobile phones had been developed to monitor radiation levels through an Android app.

This demonstrates how personal radiation detectors are becoming a more popular gadget, becoming available in numerous forms.

What are your thoughts on these uses of radiation and nuclear reactors? It is something you would visit or use?

Labels: Gamma Scout personal geiger counter, monitor radiation levels, personal radiation detectors, radiation
Posted in Conrad News, Electronic Component News | Be the first to leave a comment! »

Does the rise of the Internet spell the end for TVs?

January 10th, 2012

With children abandoning Television in favour of mobile internet gadgets, could the future of TV be somewhat bleak? Or is there a ray of hope for the former technology favourite?

According to the annual Childwise survey, the number of televisions found in children’s bedrooms is dropping, whilst the number of mobile phones with internet access grows.

Of those aged between seven and sixteen, 61% were said to have this type of mobile phone, using it for an average of 1.6 hours each day.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that children have abandoned TV entirely – just that it has lost some of its dominance within the average home.

So how can manufacturers address this changing trend? And are TVs likely to vanish from our homes?

This outcome is highly unlikely and the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has seen Samsung and a number of others reveal connected TVs.

This “future proof” TV can have its hardware updated every year to prevent it becoming obsolete and also has motion detection, voice activated controls and facial recognition technology built in.

According to Samsung, 2012 will see about half of all TVs which are shipped have internet capabilities – demonstrating how marrying the public’s new-found love of the internet with TVs is the best way to develop the gadgets.

The rise of online gaming has also propelled this change, with a number of traditional consoles now allowing users to connect to the net to play against friends and other gamers.

This new type of gaming accessory features alongside traditional devices, like Logitech steering wheels, and enhances game play whilst ensuring TVs remain a vital household gadget.

If these television sets experience the popularity which is expected, then these devices could become even more integral to our homes.

Offering internet connection, TV viewing and game playing capabilities, these devices will be at the forefront of the technology market and could signal a resurgence in the popularity of TV sets.

Do you prioritise the internet over a traditional television? Do you think internet-able TVs are the future of technology or will televisions still become obsolete in the future?

Could 2012 spell the end for social networks?

January 9th, 2012

With the New Year now well and truly underway, could the next twelve months lead to the demise of social networks?

Social networking is a 21^st Century phenomenon, with over half the population of Britain now using this form of communication. Whilst it may feel like we’ve all been on Facebook for ages, a lot of us were actually ‘networking’ when Mark Zuckerberg was still an unknown Harvard student.

Nowadays, more than 800 million people use Facebook, but there are also some new kids on the social networking block. Twitter saw its big break in 2011 and is set to be a real contender for social networking ruler this year.

Google has also joined the party with Google+, experiencing its strongest month to date at the end of 2011. Fairly optimistic predictions expect 400 million Google+ members by the end of this year, making this another potential challenger to Facebook.

The growth and development of these sites can be attributed to a number of different factors. The online format not only makes communication easier and more convenient, but it can also make it more enjoyable.

The fact that Smartphone and computer Tablet devices have also become more readily available has also helped the growth – giving individuals the perfect gadgets to sign into their accounts whilst out and about.

The average electronic shop will now stock a range of these devices, ensuring that the average user has access to their social networking sites at all times. So, with developments continuing to be made, will social networks still be experiencing such popularity come the end of the year?

Whilst it is unlikely that the craze will end anytime soon, a new development will surely come along to change the face of technology once again. Whether this will simply remodel the existing social networking system or completely destroy it, however, remains to be seen.

So, what does 2012 hold in store for social networks? Will we see Facebook numbers diminish for the first time in 2012? Or will Google give up on Google+? It’s unlikely, but the bubble has to burst at some point.

Read more on social networking and computing:

Microsoft Becomes Friends with Facebook to Help Search Engine Bing

Google Seeks To Aid Egyptian Tweeters

Online Safety: Do You Feel Safe Using The Internet?

Labels: electronic shop, google+, smartphones, social networking, Tablet devices
Posted in Electronic Component News, Technology News | Be the first to leave a comment! »

Bio Batteries and Self Healing Electronics: The Latest Technology News

December 22nd, 2011

As Christmas draws ever closer, the world of technology refuses to slacken its pace by continuing to introduce new developments. So, as 2012 approaches, what is the latest news from the world of technology?

Self healing electronics

The longevity of gadgets is something which consumers are increasingly concerned about and, according to US researchers, broken electronics could become a thing of the past.

The group of scientists and engineers from the University of Illinois published their work which saw the creation of a self-healing circuit.

The process uses the force which is used to cause the break to lead to the opening of tiny reservoirs of liquid metal. This is then released to the damaged area, re-completing the circuit and restoring connectivity.

Other news on electronics has seen Cambridge researchers develop flexible electronics using a simple home printer. This was done using a carbon-based product known as graphene, which is recognised for its strength and conductivity.

The recent development concerning self healing electronics is expected to aid space travel as well as helping to produce greener personal electronics and gadgets.

Bio batteries

With developments over batteries already characterising much of the technology news for the past year, it is hardly surprising that one of the latest reports concerns another new technology for this area.

The new bio battery produces energy from paper, converting the item into sugar which is then used as the battery’s fuel source.

The new technology, which has been produced by Sony, is expected to help mobile phone users top up their devices whilst also being beneficial for the environment – not using any harmful chemical and metals.

The development of this bio battery supplements the earlier creation of jelly batteries, made by researchers at Leeds University.

What are your thoughts on the latest technological developments? What further advances do you think will occur in 2012 and how will they characterise the New Year?

Labels: Bio batteries, creation of jelly batteries, gadgets, mobile phone
Posted in Electronic Component News, Rechargeable Battery / Alternative Energy News, Technology News | Be the first to leave a comment! »

Five Household Essentials: From Speaker Connectors to Hand Tools

December 14th, 2011

Every home is reliant on a number of essential items and tools and with Christmas on the way, making sure you have the necessary equipment to keep your house in top condition is essential. To help you make sure you’re prepared this season, here are five household essentials that cover everything from speaker connectors to hand tools:

1. Speaker Connectors

Want to blast some festive tunes throughout your home this Christmas? Well, you will need to make sure that you have all of the necessary equipment and that includes speaker connectors. These handy little leads ensure that everything is well connected and allows electrical signals to be easily transmitted.

Take a look at ‘Speaker Connectors And Why You Need Them’ for more information.

2. Thermostats

Heating is one of the most important aspects of your home, especially at winter. Making sure you have a good quality heating thermostat is therefore essential in ensuring you monitor the temperature and condition of your home throughout the season. What’s better is they could save you money as well.

3. Fuses

Everything from household to thermal fuses are needed throughout the year and you never know when you might need one. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable this winter and make sure you stock up on a good supply of fuses to ensure everything in your home continues to work as it should.

4. Power Tools

DIY and home improvements would be chaos if it wasn’t for power tools. Everything from circular saws to electric drills are essential items for your home. Make sure you invest in good quality items that will last and store them safely and securely away from your children.

Look here for information on some of the best power tools.

5. Hand Tools

Whilst power tools are important, every home needs a good supply of hand tools as well – especially over Christmas. The humble screwdriver will come in particularly handy when it comes to replacing batteries in kids toys, whilst a simply multi-tool can help you gain access to those impossible to open presents and blister-pack goods.

What are your household essentials and why? What items are particularly useful over Christmas?

Labels: electric drills, hand tools, power tools, speaker connectors, thermal fuses, Thermostats
Posted in Conrad News, Electronic Component News | Be the first to leave a comment! »

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