MIT’s New Battery Breakthrough: Fast, Safe & Affordable

MIT researchers have created a battery that costs just one-sixth of traditional lithium-ion options¹ and charges in under a minute. Made from aluminum, sulfur, and salt, it offers a safer, low-cost solution to renewable energy storage. Capable of hundreds of cycles without degrading, this battery could reshape home energy systems and EV charging. As we shift to sustainable energy, this innovation may be key to making green power more affordable and accessible. The Technology Behind the Innovation The new battery design employs three readily available materials: aluminum (as common as kitchen foil), sulfur (often a waste product from petroleum refining), …

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New Android Malware Silently Hijacks Your Bank Calls & Feeds Conversations to Hackers

In the first quarter of 2024, researchers found 389,178 malware and unwanted software installation packages on Android devices. The situation didn’t improve in the second quarter, with 367,418 malicious installation packages detected, including 13,013 packages specifically for mobile banking Trojans¹. This shows that Android malware is becoming more common and more dangerous. In fact, a new type of malware can secretly take over your bank calls and send your conversations to hackers². Here’s what you need to know to protect your personal information and keep your finances safe. Beware of FakeCall FakeCall is an Android banking Trojan that can take …

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U.S. Gas Demand Expected to Surge as Tech Giants Ramp Up AI Data Centers

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is fueling an insatiable hunger for computing power, and tech giants are racing to build massive data centers to keep up. But as these AI powerhouses consume ever-increasing electricity, they turn to an unexpected ally: natural gas.1 But with this soaring demand comes a host of challenges, from the need for billions in infrastructure investments to thorny questions around the climate impact of all that extra gas burn. Will the AI revolution mean a new golden age for natural gas, or could it push the fuel past its breaking point? AI Boom Fuels Natural …

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7 Vintage Electronics Worth a Fortune Today

If you’re a fan of technology and history, you might be surprised by how much some vintage electronics are worth today. Many old gadgets have become collector’s items, and some have sold for astonishing prices at auctions.  From early computers to iconic smartphones, these items not only hold a special place in tech history but also show how much people value them. 1. Apple I Computer The Apple I is one of the first personal computers, released in July 1976. Every unit was hand-built by Steve Wozniak, one of Apple’s co-founders. The Apple I was groundbreaking because it was one …

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X-44 Manta: How a Canceled Project Revolutionized Modern Fighter Jets

When you think of cutting-edge fighter jets, the X-44 Manta might not immediately come to mind. Yet, this tailless, delta-wing aircraft concept developed by Lockheed Martin in the 1990s aimed to redefine air combat as we know it.  The Manta’s design sought to enhance maneuverability, speed, and stealth in ways that continue to influence modern fighter development. Key Features The X-44 Manta’s revolutionary design centered around three main elements: Origins & Development Timeline The X-44 Manta’s journey began in the 1990s when initial concepts emerged focusing on next-generation air superiority.  In 1999, the project was officially unveiled, showcasing impressive capabilities …

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Turn Your Android Phone into a Ham Radio with the KV4P HT

Imagine communicating off-grid without relying on cell towers or internet connections. Thanks to an innovative open-source project called the KV4P HT, you can transform your Android smartphone into a fully-fledged ham radio transceiver for just $35.1 Developed by experienced UX professional Vance Vagell, this homebrew VHF radio plugs directly into your phone’s USB-C port, enabling crystal-clear voice and text communication with other ham radio operators. But how does this tiny device work, and what makes it stand out in the ham radio world? What You’ll Need To get started with the KV4P HT, you’ll need to gather a few key …

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The US Army’s Latest Weapon: Switchblade 600 Drones Take Flight

In a bold move to modernize its arsenal, the US Army is adopting the Switchblade 600 drone, embracing a new era of warfare.1 AeroVironment developed this cutting-edge loitering munition, which is set to revolutionize battlefield tactics and provide soldiers with unprecedented precision strike capabilities.  As tensions rise in global hotspots, the Army’s investment in these high-tech “kamikaze drones” signals a shift towards more agile and lethal combat systems.  But what makes the Switchblade 600 so special, and why is the military betting on this flying assassin? A Lethal Package in a Portable Design The Switchblade 600 is not your average …

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7 Innovations of the Douglas X-3 Stiletto That Shaped Supersonic Jet Design

The Douglas X-3 Stiletto was a groundbreaking aircraft that changed the way we think about supersonic jets. Although it had a short service life, its innovative design and advanced technology laid the foundation for future planes.  Here are interesting insights into how the X-3 redefined what supersonic flight could be.  1. Cutting-Edge Looks The twin-engine Douglas X-3 Stiletto was the “sleekest and most radical-looking of the early X-planes”.(ref) Its long, slender body and pointed nose gave it a futuristic appearance.  The sleek lines were not just for looks; they were also designed to reduce drag, which is the resistance an …

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Supercharge Your Home Network without New Wires

Tired of Wi-Fi woes? Imagine streaming 4K videos, crushing online gaming sessions, and breezing through video calls without a hiccup. It’s not a pipe dream – it’s the power of a wired network. But before you start drilling holes and snaking cables through your walls, there’s a secret weapon hiding in plain sight: your home’s existing coaxial cables. With a dash of tech magic called MoCA, you can transform those dusty TV outlets into high-speed internet portals. It’s like discovering a hidden superhighway running through your house. Here’s how to set up your own turbocharged home network without breaking the …

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Read Receipts on Android: What the Check Marks & Message Symbols Mean

As of the second quarter of 2024, Android has solidified its dominance, commanding an impressive 71.65% of the worldwide market share. This figure underscores Android’s enduring appeal and widespread adoption across diverse markets and user demographics.1 Yet, many users remain puzzled by these mysterious symbols that have crept into their daily communications. What do these check marks mean? How can decoding them enhance our messaging experience? Here is the mystery behind these digital hieroglyphs. The Check Mark Chronicles: from Single to Double Android’s messaging landscape has significantly transformed, particularly with the Google Messages app. Users recently updating their app may …

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