This week on the weekly roundup we have been pretty bowled over with the level of high-end technology we’ve seen. In our last post we spoke about this being the year of the classic series of films Back To The Future and how we’re pretty far off the world that Doc and Marty visited. However, whilst we haven’t started dressing like we’ve been hit by an 80’s charity shop, our tech is starting to make its way towards the level shown in the films.
For starters, and without any messing around, we have a working hoverboard on the horizon! Before you say that hover boards have existed for a while; we know. However, this development from Lexus doesn’t require special circumstances to hover (previous models have needed Copper beneath them) it just works!
Described on Lexus’ website as using “magnetic levitation to achieve amazing frictionless movement. Liquid nitrogen cooled superconductors and permanent magnets to allow Lexus to create the impossible.” This model is the first of its kind to be a genuine, rideable board; ready for McFly whenever he pops by! Although, from a Physics standpoint, levitation is well understood and far from impossible, we’ll let Lexus off this time as their board is epic! They’ve even released the coolest piece of footage we’ve ever seen to demonstrate their product. Prepare for 37 seconds of awesome!
From no wheels, to four wheels now as we saw the first 3D-printed supercar this week! The Blade is the brain child of San-Fransisco based company Divergent Microfactories, who are trying to bring the efficiency and cost-cutting
benefits of 3D-printing to the automotive world. The Blade’s chassis is made of a 3D printed Node joint, developed by Divergent and allows the printed carbon fibre tubes, which make up the chassis, to be plugged into in.
The result? A strong frame which weighs only 1,400lbs, fuelled by a 700hp engine, with the ability to run CNG and gas that is one hell of a combination!! What’s more, the Blade looks like a glimmer of the future with sleek, aerodynamic lines and a huge glossy windscreen which sinks into one of the cars huge filters. This really is a beautifully orchestrated leap forward for Divergent and car manufacturers everywhere.
Does this look familiar? If not, you’re far more organised than most of us, as this web of wires is a very common occurrence for us and most people we know. As much as we love tech, gadgets and devices here at Reviveaphone, we don’t feel the same way about the mass of chargers we need in order to keep them going. Which is why we were particularly excited about developments this week in the form of wireless charging! We’re sure to many people this would bring a world of convenience and happiness, but how well do they actually work?
The majority of Android customers who have bought a recent handset will be familiar with the luxury of charging via Qi, and for iPhone customers Powermat has offered the same benefit. However, the power of the chargers has fallen extremely short in comparison to cable charging and it’s far from widely available. However, two very significant developments from Dupont and IKEA (yup, the Swedish furniture empire) have brought the possibility of easy, fast and accessible wireless charging much closer to being a reality.
Firstly, Dupont has stated that it will be bringing induction chargers into a version of its Corian surfaces, called the
Corian Charging surface, which will have the ability to charge smartphones, tablets and laptops WIRELESSLY!! This is a very appealing prospect indeed! What the Corian Charging surface does is take existing technology one step further by supporting both Qi and Powermat, bringing accessibility and versatility to wireless charging technology. Finally! Dupont has even confirmed that the surfaces are capable of supplying a 15-watt Quick Charge, making the sluggish nature of this tech a thing of the past!
Similarly, IKEA’s developments have been extremely promising too; with their idea to bring wireless charging into some of their furniture. This really is an ingenious combination, offering items such as lamps and nightstands complet
e with the ability to wirelessly charge your gadgets! There are a few setbacks however, as to be expected with the initial release of technology. Namely the need for a special case if your phone isn’t equipped with Qi technology, meaning 
extra purchases and extra bulk on your device, which can even impede the use of headphones. However, unlike a lot of other wireless charging stations, these charge almost as quickly as cable, don’t generate a noticeable amount of heat (of course this could vary depending on your device, software, location etc.) and will charge your device regardless of orientation. Admittedly, the centre of the phone must be place over the + sign on the surface, but compared to the fiddly, complicated technique you need for some of its competitors, this is very user-friendly.
With developments like these, we could be looking at wireless charging on a much wider scale and with much better results too!
That’s it for this weeks roundup and we hope you’re as impressed with these incredibly innovative developments as we are! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
