The UK's last coal plant will sigh out its final pollutants Monday before shutting down for good and officially ending the country's century and a half of coal production. Nottinghamshire's Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant was the last of its kind following Britain's 2015 commitment to close all coal power plants by 2025. Ratcliffe was originally scheduled to shut down in 2022 but stayed open after Russia invaded Ukraine and Europe entered a gas crisis.
The Ratcliffe plant once had 3,000 engineers but only employs 170 staff now. That group will gather to watch a livestream of the plant being turned off, and over 100 of them are set to work on decommissioning the plant over the next two years. Many of the other employees will enter new jobs at different power plants owned by Uniper, Raticliffe's German owner, while others will enter training programs to work on other aspects of the industry.
Britain opened the world's first coal power plant in 1882, London's Holborn Viaduct, with the help of Thomas Edison's Edison Electric Light Company. Coal has played a major part in the UK until very recently. According to a report from energy think tank Ember, coal was responsible for 39 percent of the UK's energy supply in 2012 but shrunk to just two percent in 2019. The decrease in coal production was reportedly equal to double the amount of all greenhouse gases used in the UK in 2023. Between 2012 and 2023, wind and solar generation also increased from six percent to a 34 percent share of the UK's energy. Britain still has a long way to go, but this step has made it the first G7 country to remove all coal power production.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-uk-says-goodbye-to-coal-production-114520865.html?src=rss
August 2024 brought a whole bunch of innovative gadgets to us – unique designs that merge cutting-edge technology with everyday convenience. These groundbreaking designs intend to elevate our daily productivity, streamline our tedious tasks, and enhance our digital experience. From a Nokia phone concept with a pill-shaped form to a Tri-Fold smartphone from Huawei – we’ve curated a collection of 10 best tech gadgets for you! If you’re a tech lover exploring innovations, or someone who simply wants to elevate their tech gear – these exceptional gadgets will surely impress and inspire you.
1. Nokia Infinity Pro
Named the Nokia Infinity Pro, this unique phone concept features a thin pill-shaped design, which challenges the conventional ‘candy bar’ form factor of smartphones. It looks like an intriguing cross between a foldable clamshell and a smartwatch. It has a curvaceous form which fits snugly in your hand.
Why is it noteworthy?
The screen covers the phone’s front, not simply the rectangular sector. The back of the phone is equipped with two circular mounds, opposite to one another. One mound is essentially a dual-camera system, while the second is a circular display.
What we like
The circular display offers access to important controls and notifications even if the phone is placed down
What we dislike
Putting the phone face down often could scratch the screen
We don’t know which UI elements can be used at the top and bottom of the screen since most platforms are designed for rectangular screens
2. Huawei Tri-Fold Phone
This Tri-Fold smartphone was spotted in the hands of the Huawei CEO, and it may end up becoming a reality. The phone was seen recently, and it is quite a strange one. It is foldable, but unlike typical flip or fold phones, it features three panels with two hinges.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is called the Tri-Fold, and it got quite a bit of coverage and attention on the internet. People have been guessing tech specs and launch dates, and someone even speculated a price of USD 4000. It is essentially a single display zigzagging from the front to the side, forming three screen panels.
What we like
It is impressively thin
What we dislike
Doesnt seem like there can be a case or screen guard for the phone
The phone isn’t available in the market yet, it is currently all speculations
3. Battery-Free Amplifying Speakers
Dubbed the Battery-Free Amplifying Speakers, these one-of-a-kind speakers are portable and battery-free. They are built from metal and are blessed with sleek good looks and amped functionality. They are intended to be a refreshing version of the conventional no-power smartphone speaker.
They’re made from Duralumin – an aluminum alloy used in aviation and aerospace industries, as it is equipped with vibration-resistant properties. All you need to do is place the smartphone into the speaker and let the sound envelop the room and you.
What we like
The speakers are power-free
Sleek and minimal good looks
What we dislike
They don’t pair well with bulky smartphone covers and cases
4. Transparent Gameboy
Designed by LFD Official, this conceptual Gameboy design is an ultra-advanced gaming accessory. It is designed to cater to your gaming needs both indoors and outdoors, without any restrictions, allowing you to play on the native small screen or a bigger one. And it is transparent!
Why is it noteworthy?
The transparent Gameboy includes an integrated mini projector, which can be removed and placed to project on any room wall, outdoor tent, or more. This projector allows the gameplay output to be switched, letting you play the game on a larger surface whenever you feel like it.
What we like
Transparent aesthetics
Bigger display with minimal bezels
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a real product
5. Woojer Edge
Say hello to the Woojer Edge, it is designed to provide an immersive experience that lets you feel sound! Irrespective if you’re listening to music, gaming, or watching a movie, Woojer Edge will provide you with the ultimate immersive audio experience. It lets you feel sound like never before with a built-in aptX Low Latency Bluetooth 5.0 and analog headphone amplifier.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Woojer Edge series includes a Strap Edge for gamers, and on-the-go music lovers, and a Vest Edge designed for VR, gaming, audio professionals, and music producers.
What we like
Made using high-end breathable fabrics
It has powerful and accurate, hi-res haptic feedback
What we dislike
The vest can be a bit cumbersome and uncomfortable when users are seated
6. ChopBox
Meet the Chopbox – it is a smart chopping board with a bunch of unique features! It can kill germs on your cooking tools and kitchen space. You can rid your kitchen counter of clutter, and the extra kitchen accessories using this innovative kitchen appliance. Chopbox features a built-in disinfecting UVC light, letting you clean your knives and cutting surfaces.
Why is it noteworthy?
You need to place your knife in between two cutting surfaces and activate the small 254nm UVC light which can clean up to 3 knives in one go. The UVC light is guaranteed to kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria, and it is 100% safe for humans to be around this light.
What we like
No negative side effects from the UVC light
You can replace the main cutting surface when needed
What we dislike
You cannot put it in the dishwasher, as the heat can damage the appliance
7. Omni
Dubbed the “next-generation smart speaker concept”, this is the Omni. Omni is amped with a voice-enabled assistant, and it enables users to employ voice control to handle home appliances with ease and efficiency. The speaker is intended for indoor use only, and it allows you to listen to different music in any room of your home.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can connect multiple devices in different rooms, and control them using Omni, without moving even a bit. The Omni smart speaker makes every voice command “straightforward and responsive”, allowing you to easily use it.
What we like
Lets you connect multiple devices
Makes giving commands super easy
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
8. nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version
The nubia Z60 Ultra Leading Version features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version – an overclocked version of the flagship chip everyone is currently using. They’ve essentially taken a pretty powerful chipset, and dialed it up to 11, allowing it to give most tasks an additional boost, especially gaming.
Why is it noteworthy?
It has some impressive numbers in benchmark tests, and it can handle tasks with ease, especially mobile games. It also doesn’t get bothered when handling image and video processing in real time.
What we like
Unique and quirky design
Exceptional camera output
What we dislike
There is no wireless charging
The phone gets a little too warm during graphic-intensive tasks like gaming
9. JMGO N1 Ultra
Say hello to the JMGO N1 Ultra – the projector that’s designed to be one step closer to perfection. It features modularized laser stacking, quad layered diffuser system, and dynamic light speckle reducer technology. It also has an integrated gimbal design, that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features JMGO’s LSR technology, providing a 96% speckle reduction, which delivers stunning and crisp visuals. You can enjoy an immersive viewing experience that will feel completely natural and comfortable.
What we like
Fine-tunes your projection angles accurately
Provides an elevated viewing experience from any angle
What we dislike
Only connects for Wi-Fi streaming, no Ethernet
10. Superscreen
Say hello to Superscreen – it offers you the benefits and perks of a tablet with the power and convenience of your smartphone. It is an HD display that wirelessly transmits your mobile device, allowing you to see and engage with your smartphone content at a larger scale. It wirelessly upgrades your phone to a full-sized touch-screen display.
Why is it noteworthy?
Superscreen provides you with a new and refreshing way to experience the digital world you usually witness on your phone. It can do everything a tablet can, as well as everything your phone can do in a good-looking form which is also quite affordable.
What we like
Scales your content in full HD so nothing gets stretched or blurred
It is faster than Wi-Fi in transferring data
What we dislike
Your phone screen needs to stay on, draining its battery faster
The new Apple AirPods 4 are packed with innovative features designed to elevate your listening experience to new heights. The video below from Brandon Butch will walk you through the process of setting up, customizing, and optimizing your AirPods 4 to ensure you get the most out of your device. By following these essential tips, […]
Remember those rumors of an Apple smart display suspended on a robot arm? According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to debut the first device as soon as 2025, alongside a new operating system called homeOS.
It could be a device with a robotic arm or a simpler HomePod-with-screen affair. Gurman elaborated on this, claiming two versions are in the works: a low-end display for the basics, like FaceTime and smart home controls, and a high-end robotic variant that’ll cost upwards of $1,000. According to the report, Apple Intelligence will be a key part of the experience for both devices. I’m intrigued to see how Apple’s flavor of AI can help me run my home. I literally have no idea how it would.
Old-school upright vacuums left a lot to be desired, and cordless models right many of those wrongs. They’re thinner, lighter and easier to maneuver, and you don’t really have to sacrifice suction power anymore. Dyson isn’t your only option these days either — there are dozens of cordless vacuums. After testing a bunch of the best cordless stick vacuums, we’ve come up with our top picks, including our best budget pick at $300.
Fujifilm’s original GFX100S was a popular alternative to the GFX100, offering the same picture quality in a slimmer body at a much lower price. It did have some flaws, though. Now, the company has released the $5,000 GFX100S II as a smaller, cheaper alternative to the $7,500 flagship GFX100 II. It’s a big improvement on the original and offers the same picture quality as the GFX100 II for $2,500 less. It lacks all the video talents of the pricier camera, though.
A Minecraft Movie is slated for release in April 2025 and will star Jack Black as Steve, alongside Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks and Emma Myers. The team behind it shared a new clip during Minecraft Live, which expands on the brief crafting moment seen in the first trailer. The segment also gives us our first look at the movie’s interpretation of a Minecraft bee. I’ll let you form your own opinions — the teaser starts at 4:51.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-apples-rumored-smart-display-may-arrive-next-year-112222362.html?src=rss
Capturing stunning waterfall photos with your iPhone is easier than you might think. By using the hidden Live Photo feature, you can simulate long exposures and create beautiful, flowing water effects without the need for expensive equipment or advanced photography skills. The video below from iPhone Photography School will walk you through the steps and techniques […]
The Beelink SE9 Mini PC is a groundbreaking device that stands out as the first to feature the innovative AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and a powerful AMD iGPU. Despite its compact size, this powerful machine is engineered to handle a wide range of demanding applications, from gaming to AI tasks. The SE9’s […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way humans brainstorm and generate ideas by facilitating real-time, collaborative conversations between humans and intelligent systems. This interesting insight explores how a human, Chris, initiates and guides a brainstorming session involving two AI models—Moshi AI and ChatGPT—to generate insights and refine ideas in ways that were previously unimaginable. At […]
Dental hygiene is already quite the tiresome chore at home, so you can probably imagine how some people use travel as an excuse to conveniently “forget” brushing their teeth. Of course, you can always bring your own toothbrush, or hope your hotel provides one, but not all travel toothbrushes seem to be designed for travel. Conventional toothbrushes take up plenty of space with their long bodies while folding designs feel flimsy, unreliable, and always disposable. For those who really want to keep their teeth healthy even when far from home, they’ll need this kind of toothbrush that can keep them company for years to come, thanks to a modular design that also ensures that the planet’s health isn’t sacrificed for the sake of yours.
The vast majority of toothbrushes, whether those for the home or for travel, are made from plastic. Given how people are advised to replace their toothbrushes regularly, the accumulated waste from all these dental hygiene tools is staggering. In reality, what you really need to replace is just the bristles of the brush, something that this concept design takes into heart.
More than just its compact foldable form, the IO travel toothbrush concept embraces a modular design that lets you swap out those bristles as needed. It helps reduce the amount of waste from toothbrushes that are thrown out as a whole object when you really need to only replace the head. It also makes the toothbrush more hygienic and convenient, since you can replace the bristles anytime, especially after an accidental drop or brush (no pun intended) with unsanitary surfaces.
The body of the toothbrush itself is also designed to last and is made using surgical steel or other durable metals. The smooth, edge-free design prevents that metal from cutting into your mouth or skin. It has an elegant minimalist design that not only makes it aesthetically pleasing but also reduces the space it takes up in your bag or kit. Like the bristles, it actually also has a modular design that lets you separate the two parts, in case you need to replace one or the other.
This IO toothbrush concept is designed for sustainability from every angle. Even the packaging is supposed to be biodegradable and can even be dissolved in water. You can easily just dissolve the packaging rather than throw it away, ensuring that you won’t be leaving any trash behind. With some outside-the-box thinking, this toothbrush concept proves that human health and convenience don’t have to come at the expense of the planet.
OpenAI has introduced a new version of its Sora AI video model, aiming to enhance video quality and efficiency. This development addresses previous criticisms and technical challenges, positioning Sora as a stronger competitor in the AI model space. The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with OpenAI pushing boundaries, striving to stay ahead amidst strong competition. […]
iOS 18.1 Beta 5 brings a host of new features and improvements to the iOS ecosystem, focusing on enhancing user experience and streamlining functionality across various aspects of the operating system. This update introduces significant changes to the Control Center, display settings, iPhone mirroring capabilities, and AirPods Pro 2 firmware. Let’s dive into the key […]
