Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today announced the new SimpleLink™ ultra-low power wireless microcontroller (MCU) platform that helps customers go battery-less with energy harvesting or enjoy always-on, coin cell-powered operation for multiple years. With this industry-first technology, customers have the flexibility to develop products that support multiple wireless connectivity standards using a single-chip and identical RF design. The SimpleLink ultra-low power platform supports Bluetooth® low energy, ZigBee®, 6LoWPAN, Sub-1 GHz, ZigBee RF4CE™ and proprietary modes up to 5Mbps. This platform expands TI’s SimpleLink portfolio, the broadest, lowest power and easiest to use wireless connectivity offering in the industry for the Internet of Things (IoT). For more information, visit www.ti.com/simplelinkulp.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/70647527-texas-instruments-simplelink/
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today announced delivery of a mobile-grade, battery-optimized Wi-Fi solution to the open source Linux community as part of the OpenLink™ project, focused on providing a wide range of wireless connectivity solutions for native Linux. Customers and developers targeting battery-powered Wi-Fi products can now use TI’s OpenLink drivers, gaining native kernel benefits such as tested technologies, faster time-to-market, and simplified re-integration when upgrading from one kernel version to the next. In addition to Wi-Fi, the OpenLink project includes native Linux solutions for Bluetooth® and FM technologies, and will expand to support other technologies such as ANT, Bluetooth Low Energy and ZigBee®. TI will also introduce additional low-power features to the kernel when possible. Visit www.openlink.org for source code, development projects, community support and more.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/texasinstruments/39163/
The Mini Cooper Countryman is the only small car to earn a good rating among the latest group of 12 small cars subjected to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s small overlap front crash test.
Two electric models and a hybrid are in the mix, with varied results. The electric-powered Chevrolet Volt (with a gasoline engine “range extender”) earns an acceptable rating, while its battery-electric rival, the Nissan Leaf, earns a poor rating. The Ford C-Max Hybrid, a small four-door wagon, earns an acceptable rating. Another small four-door wagon, the gasoline-powered Mazda 5, is rated poor.
Today Kia Motors America (KMA) introduced the 2020 Soul, a completely new version of Kia’s beloved, award-winning and unconventional compact utility vehicle. In conjunction with that world-debut, the all-electric, battery-powered Soul EV was also unveiled. Just as quirky, fun-loving and crowd-pleasing, the Soul EV provides the opportunity for lovers of the Soul to drive without ever stopping for gas.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8246058-2020-kia-soul-ev-la-auto-show/
Did you know up to 99% of your vehicle battery is recyclable and almost all of it can be used to make new batteries or other products?
The metals in conventional batteries are the most recycled materials in the world—more than paper, glass and cardboard. The plastic can be recycled into new battery cases and the electrolytes can be reused or made into detergents.
Johnson Controls, the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive batteries, makes new batteries from 80% recycled content—this means you could be driving a car that is powered by the same materials that were in the battery from your grandparent’s vehicle.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7481051-johnson-controls-earth-day-battery/
Black & Decker® (NYSE: SWK) brings innovation to the screw driving category once again with the introduction of the GYRO™ 4V MAX* Lithium-ion Rechargeable Screwdriver (BDCS40G), the world’s first motion-activated screwdriver that controls variable speed and direction. The variable speed feature and direction change that occurs with a twist of the wrist provide improved control while screwdriving compared to rechargeable screwdrivers on the market.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57534-black-and-decker-gyro-screwdriver-motion-activated-variable-speed
Starting this May, homeowners in Stockholm can access pay-per-use power tools for the garden, eliminating the need to maintain and store hedge trimmers, chainsaws and other tools that are used less frequently. The project is a pilot, and part of Husqvarna’s commitment to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for taking care of gardens and green spaces.
The Husqvarna Battery Box, is a "smart", 8x3 meter, unattended container with 30 electronic lockers that store battery powered garden care products. Via an iPhone app, homeowners can reserve tools, get instructions, pay, and open the locker to pick up their pre-booked power tool. The "box" will be placed at Bromma Blocks, a shopping center 15 min west of Stockholm city. Renting a garden care product will cost 350 SEK a day (approx 35 Euros or 38 USD).
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8087051-husqvarna-pay-per-use-power-tools/
http://www.fross.com Fhoss Interview with Executive Chairman Andrew Kimitri founder and innovator of self illuminating battery powered PPE safety clothing globally.
http://www.fhoss.com/ Triple the lifetime of standard reflective safety wear. Self illuminating PPE safety clothing using exclusive battery powered technology, Global patent by Fhoss.
DEWALT® launches its first battery-powered Outdoor Power Tools. The line includes two 40V MAX* Brushless String Trimmers, two 40V MAX* Brushless Blowers, and a 40V MAX* Hedge Trimmer. The cordless outdoor tools run on the DEWALT 40V MAX* Lithium Ion battery platform with EXTREME RUNTIME (XR) on the brushless units.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7253253-dewalt-battery-powered-equipment/
BLACK+DECKER™ announces new powered kitchen and bathroom scrubbers for cleaning without all the work. The GrimeBuster™, GrimeBuster™ Pro, and ScumBuster® Pro motorize scrubbing in order to agitate surface materials, eliminating the typical “elbow grease” that manual cleaning requires.
The GrimeBuster™ ($14.99 MSRP) and GrimeBuster™ Pro ($29.99 MSRP) quickly clean kitchen surfaces, dirty pots and pans, sinks, microwaves, and more. They are lightweight and each feature an ergonomic design. With a slip-resistant grip, they are also submersible in water. Each scrubber comes with two dishwasher-safe scrubbing attachments – one with a non-scratch sponge and one with nylon bristles. Heavy-duty sponge and bristle brush attachments will be sold separately. The GrimeBuster™ is powered by four included alkaline batteries. The GrimeBuster™ Pro has added features, including a longer handle and a charging dock that powers its long-lasting Lithium-Ion battery. The attractively designed GrimeBuster™ Pro can be left on the counter on its charging base until it’s time to clean again.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8005955-black-decker-powered-scrubbers/
Top Hybrids and Electric Cars Must Buy 2016 [ Buying Guide ]
Top Recommended Hybrids and Electric Cars
List Car you need to buy:
====== 2016 Tesla Model S ========
We owned a 2013 Tesla Model S for 18 months and despite numerous dealer visits and maintenance issues, we were ultimately sad to see it go. It's quick, comfortable, quiet, spacious, and can tote as much cargo as some crossover SUVs. The "85" version can go 265 miles on a charge, so range anxiety is a nonissue. We even drove ours from L.A. to New York in less than three days using Tesla's free Supercharger quick-charge network. We definitely have gripes, including some underwhelming interior trim pieces and a lack of small item storage. There's also the below-average reliability, although our dealer experiences were exceptional. So even though it's not perfect, the Model S remains our favorite electric car.
============2016 Kia Soul EV============
Kia's first real foray into the electric vehicle world is a success. In fact, the funky Soul is arguably more appealing when it swaps out its internal combustion engine for an electric motor. In our testing, the Soul EV went farther on a charge than its similarly sized and priced competitors, and then recharged quickly thereafter. It also doesn't suffer a reduction in cargo space versus the non-EV Soul, meaning it provides the utility of a small SUV rather than that of a small hatchback like its rivals. A long warranty and generous features are other benefits.
===============2015 BMW i3=============
BMW's i3 is a remarkable vehicle. Its main structure is made of light yet strong carbon fiber instead of the usual steel or aluminum. This helps reduce the i3's weight, which pays dividends for both electric range and performance. With its electric motor in back and the battery under the floor, the i3 boasts sporty acceleration and handling.
======= 2015 BMW i8 ===========
You want your plug-in hybrid to be a head-turning sports car? Look no further than the BMW i8, the two-door supercar for the environmentally conscious. Like the more attainable BMW i3, the i8 is built around a carbon-fiber passenger cell. But in the i8 an electric motor drives the front wheels and a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine pushes from behind.
===== Luxury Hybrid 2016 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid =====
Porsche's flagship sedan is the Panamera, a low-slung four-door with a hatchback trunk. The 2016 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is the plug-in hybrid version, and it offers 16 miles of pure electric driving before the supercharged 3.0-liter gasoline V6 engine takes over. Acceleration, handling and braking are pure Porsche, which is something of a trick for a car this large. It's perfect for those shoppers
======= Hybrid SUV 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid =========
No other automaker bothers to offer a hybrid version of its three-row SUV. But Toyota's Highlander Hybrid doesn't earn a spot in our Buying Guide purely by default. It continues to show just how well the hybrid formula can be applied to a big, family-friendly crossover SUV. The hybrid version earns a 28 mpg combined estimate, or 7-8 mpg better than the V6-powered Highlander. In addition to that, the Highlander Hybrid offers solid build quality, respectable acceleration, a sophisticated and quiet ride quality and plenty of standard and available features.
====== 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid 2016 Toyota Prius =====
Substantial changes last year vaulted the Toyota Camry Hybrid onto our top-recommended list. Although it doesn't quite match the fuel economy of some competitors, the real-world cost of that difference is negligible. Plus, dismissing the Camry simply because of an mpg or two would mean missing out on an otherwise compelling sedan. Comfort remains a Camry priority, but this latest Camry Hybrid also handles pretty well.
====== Hybrid Cars 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid / Energi =====
The 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a great choice for car shoppers who are new to hybrids. It's quiet, comfortable and feels very much like a normal family sedan, while delivering the fuel economy you expect from a hybrid. It's also a Ford Fusion, which means you also get impressive refinement, good road manners and plenty of standard and available high-tech features.
======= 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf =====
Among entry-level EVs, the Volkswagen e-Golf is our favorite. It handles well, has a handsome interior, delivers class-competitive range and has the optimal equipment for quick battery recharging. What's even better, cargo space is unchanged from the non-EV Golf because the batteries are located under the floor.
