Latest news with #solarpowered
CTV News
4 days ago
- Science
- CTV News
Concordia team develops solar-powered Minecraft-style game with eco heart
A trio of Concordia University designers in Montreal developed a solar-powered, Minecraft-style video game with an environmental message. Some Concordia University researchers in Montreal have come up with a video game about fighting climate change - and it's solar-powered. It's a modification of 'Minecraft' where players can build a better world. 'The Enigma of Gaia' is a multiplayer survival game that uses the Minecraft platform. Rosie McDonald is on the team that's been working on this for more than a year. 'We made mods to the game that include pollution,' she said. 'We've added temperature and thirst, we've added devastating storms that destroy the landscape, and so that's not in regular Minecraft. It's a lot harder to play this way, but it gets players to think very differently.' Developers of new game Muhammad Shahrom Ali, Quinn Saggio and Rosie McDonald are developers of the Minecraft-style game "enigma of Gaia," a solar-powered adventure. (Christine Long/CTV News) Challenges include rebuilding after a climate catastrophe in a Minecraft world. 'A tornado passes and then it just eviscerates the land,' said building team member Quinn Saggio. 'It takes away the dirt, the grass, the trees, the leaves, everything. It makes splotches. You have to jump to where you want to go. It makes traversal extremely hard.' Enigma of Gaia Enigma of Gaia is a new game developed from the Minecraft world. (Christine Long/ CTV News) This game is named after Mother Earth, so it's powered in an environmentally friendly way. 'This experiment is what does the world look like where solar power is ubiquitous?' said creative partner Muhammad Sharhrom Ali. 'More specifically, what does gaming look like in that world? And to experiment with that, we need to build the infrastructure.' Three solar panels on the roof of the Concordia EV Building are connected directly to a solar controller and a battery that is then powering a mini PC that is used as a server. Solar panles The game Enigma of Gaia is powered by solar panels. (Christine Long / CTV News) 'If one person is playing in a power-expensive manner, then everybody suffers,' said Ali. 'So when you create these conditions, people have to play in a more mindful way.' 'It's not something you can play whenever you want; it's dictated by the sun and the clouds,' said Saggio. The solar power levels fluctuate and are shown onscreen during gameplay in real time, encouraging more collaborative play. 'There's a lot of consideration and thought put into play that would otherwise be mindless,' said McDonald.
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Gizmodo
The Eufy SoloCam S220 Returns at Its Lowest Price, Almost 50% Off Amazon's Choice Solar Security Camera
Keeping an eye on the front door should not mean climbing ladders for battery swaps or paying a monthly bill just to watch your own porch. The eufy Security SoloCam S220 fixes both headaches. It is a compact, solar powered security camera that tops up its own battery with a small panel, records sharp video, and sends quick alerts when someone approaches, all without a subscription. Head over to Amazon to get the eufy Security SoloCam S220 for just $66, down from its usual price of $130. That's a discount of $64 and 49% off. See at Amazon Setup is simple. Mount the camera, angle the built in solar panel toward daylight, and walk through a short app wizard on your phone. After that, sunlight keeps the battery charged, so you are not hauling out a screwdriver every few weeks. The camera records in clear 2K resolution, which means faces, license plates, and package labels look crisp instead of smeared. Night vision keeps things visible after dark, so late deliveries and raccoon raids are just as easy to identify. Because storage lives on the device, you do not have to sign up for a plan to see your clips. Motion alerts ping your phone as soon as the SoloCam spots activity, and you can customize zones so swaying trees or passing cars do not blow up your notifications. Two way audio lets you answer the door from anywhere. Tell the courier to leave the box by the garage, or let a friend know you will be right there. If something looks off, a quick tap triggers the built in siren to draw attention. Weather is not a problem. The SoloCam S220 is built to handle rain, snow, and summer heat, so it can live on a fence, a shed, or a front porch with equal confidence. It also plays nicely with voice assistants. Ask Alexa or Google to show the live feed on a compatible smart display and you can check the driveway without pulling out your phone. Little quality of life touches round things out. The app timeline scrubs smoothly for fast review, firmware updates install over the air while the camera is charging in the sun, and the slim housing blends into most exteriors without looking like a sci fi prop. For renters, the no wire design means you can take the whole system with you when you move. The eufy Security SoloCam S220 is still available for $66 at Amazon, a sizable drop from the regular $130 price. See at Amazon
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Yahoo
Baseus Expands Smart Security Lineup with Sun-powered S2 and S1 Lite Cameras
LAS VEGAS, July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to keeping your home and loved ones safe, you need to rely on a trusted brand with advanced features. Baseus has become a pioneer in the security surveillance industry and has pushed boundaries to create products that are both innovative and practical. Now, the company is launching the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K in white and its Security S1 Lite 2K Outdoor Camera to introduce a new level of solar-powered security to your home. In a day and age where criminals are getting smarter and crime statistics are rising, it's important to choose the right outdoor security camera to protect your home. The Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K comes with several innovative features to keep you in control of your safety. To get a better understanding of how this security camera elevates your lifestyle, let's look at some of its main highlights. PIR and Radar Smart Detection: Many security cameras use Passive Infra-Red (PIR) detection to monitor movement or intruders by recognizing light emitted from nearby objects. However, the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K elevates this by adding Radar Dual-Sensor precision technology to cut down the risk of false alarms by 99%. See Clearly, Even in the Dark: Ensure the security of your loved ones in low-light conditions and in the dead of the night with 4K Ultra HD night vision, a 100LM spotlight, and a 145° Field of View. The Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K allows you to easily identify faces, number plates, and motion in both color and black-and-white. The camera also features 8MP Ultra HD with 8x digital zoom to capture every detail with clarity up to 39ft away. Power That Won't Quit: The Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K is the world's first solar-powered sun-tracking system camera that shifts along with the sunlight to keep absorbing sunshine for longer. The camera tracks the sunlight through sensors and rotates to stay in range, seamlessly converting the absorbed solar energy into electricity for the 7,800mAh battery almost twice as fast while giving you a 24/7 security camera installation. Safer Data and No Hidden Fees: The Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K can support up to 512GB of local storage from a microSD card. While the memory card does not come with the camera for flexible upgrades, you can install one to store your data securely on the local storage without any monthly subscription fees. You can also enjoy certified AES and RSA Dual encryption from us for guaranteed safety that your surveillance footage always stays in the right hands. Weather the Storm Safely: Your Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K is coated with an ETFE solar surface to ensure more than 95% of UV light transmission while still being weather resistant. The durable outdoor camera also comes with an IP67 waterproof rating and has been engineered to withstand the toughest weather conditions, easily withstanding extreme temperatures ranging between -20℃ and 50℃. Ready to Protect in Minutes: The wireless design of the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K makes it an absolute breeze to install. With simple installation instructions, you can have your home protected in less than 5 minutes. Smart App Control: The Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K gives you complete control over your home's security modes and features through the Baseus Security app. Seamlessly livestream from your phone, access video replay, and get instant notifications, all at your fingertips. Security That Speaks Up: Your Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K also features an innovative two-way audio design that allows you to speak directly to anyone within range of the camera or hear anything happening through the Baseus Security app on your smartphone. Seamless Voice Assistance: Get your Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K hooked up to your home's smart ecosystem and control your security camera alongside your compatible Amazon Alexa or Google Home virtual assistant to unlock a smart and secure lifestyle in your home. While the S2 outdoor camera holds quite a presence, Baseus also understands that your security system should suit your needs and adapt to your lifestyle. This is why they've also launched the Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K in white – built to keep up with your home's parameters and budget. Now, let's look at some of the main highlights of the S1 Lite. 24/7 Solar-Powered Security: To ensure consistent power, the Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K comes fitted with a built-in solar panel to provide non-stop surveillance for your property. Backed by a 5,200mAh battery with a 150-day lifespan, the S1 Lite is an energy-saving and efficient security solution that gets you to a full charge with just 2.25 hours of sunlight per day. Easy Installation: The Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K has a wireless design that allows you to seamlessly set it up anywhere in just 5 minutes. It also reduces wire clutter and keeps your home looking neat. Capture with Clarity: To provide detailed footage and crystal-clear visuals, the Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K also comes armed with stunning 2K clarity for video capture. The 135° Field of View from the camera's ultra-wide lens also gives you a wider scope of surveillance, while an 8 times digital zoom ensures that you can see anything about 8 meters away. Full-Color Night Vision: Make your nights safer with the 2K night vision from the Baseus Security S1 Lite 2K Outdoor Camera 2K that also features an automatic spotlight to give you full-color capture for any motion detected up to 6 meters away. Control Your Data: Stay in charge of your privacy with the Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K. With up to 512GB of expandable storage from a micro-SD card, all your storage is processed locally without any monthly fees. Your data is also AES+RSA encrypted for guaranteed protection, and you can keep your peace of mind with a 2-year warranty. IP67 Waterproof: The Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K was engineered to withstand the toughest weather with an IP67 rating. This durable solar camera is waterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20℃ to 50℃. Stay Easily Alert and Connected: Get instant alerts and notifications to your phone with smart AI motion detection from your Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K. The camera is also compatible with your Amazon Alexa, Android, or Google virtual assistant, and connects seamlessly with your Wi-Fi setup. Two-way Audio and Custom Zones: The Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K also uses two-way audio to allow you to transmit audio outside through the camera or hear anything happening around the camera through your smartphone. You can also use your phone to customize 2 activity zones from the camera while shielding 2 privacy zones. Security systems are a crucial part of any modern household these days. While we could hope for a safer society, crime is an unfortunate reality that we all have to face at some point. Baseus prides itself on creating pioneering products that focus on the needs of each user and adapt to various dynamic lifestyles. Our Baseus Security range exemplifies our commitment to creating a more prepared and more practical global community, prioritizing flexibility, innovation, and excellence across all facets. Customers can purchase these two products for the discount price on Amazon now: Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera 2K About Baseus Founded in 2011, Baseus was born out of utmost care for users. The company embodies its slogan: Practical. Reliable. Base on User. This shows the pursuit of ultimate practicality to solve users' problems with outstanding design and fashionable appearances that also reflect reliability, high quality, and cost-effectiveness. Baseus delivers a variety of products - including Portable Chargers, Desktop Chargers, Wall Chargers, Wireless Earbuds, and Docking Stations. Chosen by 300 million users and providing 6 billion services, Baseus delivers over 100 million practical and aesthetic products each year, continuously enhancing users' sense of fulfillment. Join the Baseus family today to see a new world of technological innovation. Media Contact: Name: Baseus PR TeamPhone: +1 (213) 512-7063Email: pr@ Technology (HK) Co., LtdBaseus Official Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Baseus Technology (HK) Co., Ltd
The Sun
17-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Solar-powered 236-foot ‘Skydweller' aircraft flies for mind-boggling 90 DAYS without stopping
AEROSPACE boffins have unveiled a solar-powered surveillance drone that can fly for several months at a time - achieving near-constant eyes in the sky. US tech startup Skydweller Aero has partnered with French defence systems specialist Thales to build a new type of maritime surveillance drone. 5 5 5 As tech on the ground gets smarter, so too must the machines in the sky. The carbon fibre drone is set to fly for up to 90 days straight - far longer than existing aircraft, according to its creators. While its initial flight milestone will be three months, the aircraft has the potential to fly almost continuously. It takes it power directly from the sun, so there's no need to land and refuel. In May, - spending 67 days in the sky. That's the equivalent of 1,608 hours. The Skydweller has over 17,000 individual solar cells across its approximately 2,900 square feet (270 square meters) wing surface to capture the sun's rays and convert it into power. Its wingspan is 236ft - longer than a Boeing 747. Despite its similar wingspan, it weighs a whopping 160 times less than a traditional 'jumbo jet'. The surveillance drone doesn't really have capacity for much cargo either - sporting just 2.5 metric tons at maximum capacity in comparison to 400 tons for the 747 at full payload. In ideal conditions with minimal cloud cover, the solar cells can generate up to 100 kilowatts of power for the aircraft. The drone can only refuel when the sun is out, which means it relies on over 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) of batteries to power it through the night. Skydweller flies slightly lower than the average commercial carrier, at an altitude of between 24,600 and 34,400ft, on average. However, it can fly as high as 44,600ft during the day, before dropping by between 4,900 and 9,800ft at night to minimise power consumption. Although as with any battery - these onboard batteries will degrade over time, which could limit the maximum patrol duration of the aircraft. Other incredibly lightweight solar-powered drones have suffered catastrophic mid-air failures before when ascending or descending through medium altitudes, Live Science noted. The brains behind Skydweller are hoping to avoid this by designing the aircraft to operate specifically within this flight range. Using automatic gust-load alleviation software in the flight control system, the aircraft will be able to reduce the aerodynamic loads caused by turbulence. This eye in the sky will require a quadruple-redundant flight control system and sophisticated vehicle management system (VMS) to stay in the air reliably for up to 90 days. That means if one of the onboard systems fails, a backup system can take over to maintain the flight. The VMS will also have a clever computer algorithm that allows it to diagnose and fix any problems in the system - like its very own on-board IT specialist. 5 5
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Fox News
New Tesla solar-powered charging station opens
Tesla just rolled out something big: the Oasis Supercharger. This isn't your average charging station; it's a massive, solar-powered site in Lost Hills, California, that could completely change the way we think about fueling electric vehicles. Instead of relying on the traditional power grid, the Oasis runs on clean, renewable energy, showing us what the future of sustainable EV charging might actually look like. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Tesla has long promised to integrate solar panels and battery storage into its Supercharger stations. CEO Elon Musk envisioned a network where most stations could operate off-grid, powered by renewable energy. While a few stations received solar upgrades over the years, most remained reliant on conventional electricity sources. Now, with the Oasis project, Tesla is finally delivering on that promise in a big way. The Oasis Supercharger is truly massive. It will eventually offer 168 charging stalls, with half of them already operational. The station is powered by an impressive 11 megawatts of solar panels, which include both ground-mounted arrays and solar canopies. These panels cover 30 acres of land, making it one of the largest solar-powered EV charging stations in the world. To store the energy generated by the solar farm, Tesla has installed 10 Megapacks, which together provide 39 megawatt-hours of battery capacity. What makes Oasis especially remarkable is its ability to operate completely off the grid. This means it can provide reliable charging even during power outages or in remote locations where grid access is limited. Tesla brought 84 stalls online just in time for the busy Fourth of July travel weekend, and the remaining stalls, along with a new driver lounge, are expected to open later this year. This project is important for several reasons. First, it significantly reduces the strain on local utility grids by generating and storing its own energy. This makes the charging station more resilient and less vulnerable to power disruptions. Second, it proves that large-scale, solar-powered EV infrastructure is not only feasible but practical. As electric vehicles become more popular, the demand for sustainable and reliable charging options will grow, and Oasis offers a clear vision of how to meet that demand. Tesla's Oasis Supercharger sets a new standard for the industry. It shows that EV charging stations can be fully powered by renewable energy and operate independently from the grid. This approach could transform how we think about fueling electric vehicles and help accelerate the transition to clean transportation. Despite this impressive achievement, challenges remain. Recent changes in U.S. legislation have reduced incentives for solar energy and battery storage projects. These policy shifts could slow down the development of similar off-grid charging stations across the country. As a result, the expansion of renewable energy and EV infrastructure might face headwinds in the near future. Tesla's Oasis Supercharger really shows us what's possible for the future of EV charging. It brings together clean energy, smart technology, and real-world reliability in a way we haven't seen before. But with new regulations and so much demand for charging, it makes you wonder, will other companies and governments step up and build more solar-powered, off-grid stations like this? Or is Oasis going to stand alone as a rare example, while most charging stations keep relying on traditional energy? What do you think it will take to make this kind of green innovation the new normal? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
