Like something out of a middle school science fair project, (a ton of) potatoes and apples can be used to charge smartphones. Instead of having to utilize 800 pieces of produce to generate a charge, a Barcelona-based company, Arkyne Technologies, wants to use a single plant.
The company’s product, a pot called the Bioo Lite, uses the energy generated by photosynthesis to charge smartphones. It’s an idea scientists have been researching for several years. If you remember back to science class, photosynthesis is the process by which sunlight is used to turn CO2, and water into oxygen and organic compounds. Bacteria in the pot breaks up the compounds, releasing electrons that travel along nanowires. The resulting electricity powers a typical USB port, where you can plug in your phone or tablet cable.
Arkyne Technologies claims the pot allows up to three charges per day. The plant generates power both day and night, so users can charge their phones anytime. How long will it take for your smartphone to be fully charged? It depends on the phone’s battery capacity, but it should be similar to using your computer to juice up your device, according to the company. However, the output of 3.5 volts and 500 milliamps is actually a little less than many USB ports. Not all plants produce the same amount of electricity, so cacti aren’t recommended. Bioo Lite will only work while the plant is alive, so taking care of the plant is crucial. If you kill your little green friend, you’ll have to replace it with a new one.
The 8.2-by-4.3-by-4.3-inch (21-by-11-by-11 centimeter) pot is available for an early bird special of roughly $112 on Indiegogo. The company already surpassed its goal of raising nearly $17,000 and is estimated to begin shipping as early as December 2016. Like other Indiegogo campaigns, back at your own risk.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.