When consumers are asked if they feel guilty when they don’t by a green gadget, 60% feel no guilt at all a Retrevo Pulse study has revealed.  42% said they didn’t care if the gadget they bought was green or not.  16% would ignore green for a good price.  Yet, 40% of respondents indicated they do consider green when gadget shopping.  That’s only 2 in 5 shoppers who consider the environment when gadget shopping.

Many would imagine younger generations were more green-aware, but this appears not to be the case.  While 80% indicated they trust Energy Star ratings on products, only 36% of young respondents (under 25) actually consider energy ratings when making a purchase decision.  55% of those over 25 years of age do consider energy ratings.  

60% said they had knowledge of how to be green with gadgets, yet over half of those didn’t always put this knowledge into practice.  The motivating factor to turn consumers green was good old-fashioned American green, money that is.  Over 50% said tax or cash incentives would make them greener shoppers.

The study seems to indicate that consumers are well educated about purchasing green gadgets, but most don’t put this knowledge into practice.  The results suggest that industry and governments need to intervene and make green choices better by making less green options more expensive.

More information on the study can be found at Retrevo’s website.

]]> http://www.gadgetaddiction.com/news/green-matter/feed/ 0 http://www.gadgetaddiction.com/news/introduces-battery/ http://www.gadgetaddiction.com/news/introduces-battery/#comments Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:19:44 +0000 Ian http://www.gadgetaddiction.com/news/introduces-battery/ Stores in Europe that sell more than 32kg a year of batteries (the equivalent to one pack of four AA batteries a day) are now required to comply to new legislation that forces them to provide in-store recycling bins in an attempt at cutting landfill battery waste.

According to the BBC, the UK currently recycles just 3% of portable batteries and this legislation aims to raise that figure to 45% by 2016.

The recycling bins would be emptied free of charge, but many are skeptical whether consumers will be aware of the new rules or if they would go to the effort of returning batteries to stores.

Legislation like this puts responsibility on merchants.  If forces those who sell products to accept some responsibility for where those products end up.  Merchant schemes are only part of the solution and for that reason this scheme may fail to deliver.  Manufacturers, retailers, and consumers must all be complicit for a substantial impact to be seen.  While many individuals will recycle at home, but few venture out of their own backyard to recycle, unless it involves preventing a hefty landfill fee.  A first step would be better promotion to ensure consumers are aware that this program exists.  Education is part of the solution when it comes to changing peoples habits. 

There are parallels with the plastic-bag recycling facilities being offered at many grocery stores.  In most places it isn’t legislated that grocery stores offer this service, but it is a method for grocery stores to clear their own conscious.  Many of those bins sit empty and unused.  If you bring plastic bags to a grocery store, then why would you not just reuse them rather than put them into a recycling bin, walking around the counter and getting more only to put them back in the recycling bin on your next trip.  

Ireland may be an exception in the success of plastic bag recycling and this model would likely work better for batteries too.  In Ireland the use of plastic bags is legislated.  Ireland has imposed a “plastax” consumption fee on plastic bags since March 2002 where individuals pay at 15 cent fee for each plastic bag consumed at checkout.  This resulted in a 90% drop in plastic bag consumption, or approximately 1 billion fewer bags used annually.   This changed retailer and consumer behavior together: consumers used less bags and as a result retailers were required to stock less bags and could sell more reusable bags to consumers.

For the EU battery recycling program to succeed, it needs a similar consumer motivator.  A battery tax on disposable batteries might a better incentive.  Consumers would hopefully buy rechargeable batteries instead, and as a result retailers would sell more battery chargers and reduce the number of disposable batteries being shipped and stored.

 The EPBA is 

Yes, Google has officially announced they
are entering the highly competitive realm of operating systems, offering a
light-weight option that is supposedly quite versatile. However, Google OS
doesn’t quite have that definitive ring to it so users will be cordially asked
to refer to it as Google Chrome OS. Yes, the metallic motif from their browser
is now representative of an entire operating system. But what’s Google’s
ambitions for this foray:

“Google Chrome OS is an open source,
lightweight operating system that will initially be targeted at netbooks. Later
this year we will open-source its code, and netbooks running Google Chrome OS
will be available for consumers in the second half of 2010. Because we’re
already talking to partners about the project, and we’ll soon be working with
the open source community, we wanted to share our vision now so everyone
understands what we are trying to achieve.”

“Speed, simplicity and security are the key
aspects of Google Chrome OS” says Google. And likely Apple and Microsoft as
well. But here’s the kicker: we’ve yet to see Google try and succinctly fall
flat on their backsides. They don’t do things half-assed. You only have to look
to Google Android, the search-giants portable OS that runs on smartphones and
other low-level devices, to see their operating system acumen.

Google has only divulged a few details via
their official blog, however speculation across the web is mounting. What
exactly will a Chrome OS entail? Some speculate that it may be a beefed-up
browser experience. After all, Google has long since been trying to collect all
your daily activities onto web-based programs (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google
Maps, Google Groups, etc). It’s not out of the realm of possibility to produce
an entirely web-based OS experience.

However, one thing remains certain. When
Google dives into the water, they tend to make a big splash. We’ll keep you
posted!

Source

iPhone 3GS Jailbroken

The way it used to be said: For every
action there is an opposite and equal reaction

The way we say it today: For every iPhone
update there is an opposite and equal jailbreak

You can bet that as soon as the iPhone 3GS
became available studious hackers/bored programmers were delving into the sea
of code looking to break open the high-security prison that is the iPhone OS. Some
updates are as simple as sliding a credit card in between the latch and the
door jam. Others take drill presses and safe crackers. Either way the end
result is always the same, it’s just a matter of time. And the time is up on
the 3GS stronghold. This one goes to George Holtz, a developer who also
unlocked the original iPhone. This particular exploit is called purplera1n and
is available to Windows XP and Vista users only (though a Mac version is assuredly forthcoming). It is,
however, in the beta stage of development and so Holtz recommends a complete
backup of the phone prior to testing.

The purplera1n jailbreak can be found here.

Additional support is available via Holtz
blog here.

Source

Too Hot to Handle?

Though iPhones have long been known to be a
hot commodity, they’ve also attained the more infamous reputation for over-heating. And the issue has only worsened with the release of the 3GS. Reports
coming into PCWorld even suggest that the heat is so immense that the back of
the phone is discolouring in reaction.

As for the official word, Apple has not
gone on record declaring this a ‘known issue.’ But they did recently release
the following warning:

“If the interior temperature of the device
exceeds normal operating temperatures, you may experience the following as it
attempts to regulate its temperature: the device stops charging, display dims,
and/or weak cellular signal.”

Source

3GS Cracking Up

Another developing issue with the 3GS is
the increased possibility of the screen cracking. This is, however, a
mishandling issue more than a manufacturing defect as many of the cracked
screens being reported have come from accidental mistreatment. However, Apple
is making it easier to repair the unfortunate occurrence by adding in-store
repair for cracked screens. If your phone is under warranty and the crack is
deemed to have resulted from a defect the repair is free. However, if it is not
covered under the warranty, it’ll set you back $199. And despite what you might
think, iPod Touch’s are not eligible for in-store repair due to different
manufacturing methods between the two devices.

Source

Top 5 Paid Apps

• Hero of Sparta

• Flight Control

• Sally’s Spa

• StoneLoops! Of Jurassica

• Tower Bloxx Deluxe 3D

Top 5 Free Apps

• Fast & Furious The Game Test Drive

• Top100Lite – Sexy Lingerie, Bikini and Swimwear Models

• Target Practice

• Room Escape

• iHandGun

But a deal is a deal. $50 ($64 Canadian) to
upgrade an XP or Vista operating system. That’s a massive 70% off of the price tag come
October 22nd when Windows 7 hits retail. But before you get carried
away, here’s all you need to know:

What is it?

Upgrade from XP/Vista to Windows 7 for
70%-off the retail price. Available through various online retailers including
Amazon until July 11th/while supplies last.

Do You Qualify for the Upgrade?

First off, if you’re running Vista
Ultimate, there is no bargain here for you. Unfortunately Microsoft seems to be
penalizing their more dedicated users by forging the upgrade discount for
Ultimate versions (though you can still upgrade but it will require a clean
install).

If you’re running XP, Vista Home Premium,
or Vista Business you qualify for the discount. For the latter the upgrade
takes the form of Windows 7 premium which is discounted to $99.

Laptops may provide a different set of
hurdles. Check out CNET’s list of applicable laptops.

Can Your System Run Windows 7?

System Requirements:

1GHz processor (32- or 64-bit)

1GB of main memory

16GB of available disk space

Support for DX9 graphics with 128MB of
memory (for the Aero interface)

A DVD-R/W drive*

Alternatively: Check out the Windows 7
Upgrade Advisor

*There are rumblings that Microsoft may
deploy a Windows 7 upgrade via USB thumb drive, but this is not set in stone.
Check out the link in Even More to Know below for an alternative

What about 32-bit/64-bit versions?

Both versions will be shipped in the same
package when the pre-orders are sent out October 22nd.

What if I buy a new computer between now
and October?

From June 26th until next
January all machines sold with Vista will come with a free Windows 7 upgrade.

Even More to Know:

• One Windows 7 upgrade per OS (meaning you
  cannot upgrade multiple machines)

• This OS might herald a new age for touch
  navigation

• Interested in a Windows 7 upgrade on a USB
  drive? Check out this PC World guide

Mind Controlled Wheelchair

You know how in some versions of X-Men
Prof. Xavier is able to control his wheelchair with his telekinetic abilities?
It makes you wish that it was that easy to give mobility to those that
paralyzed. But if Toyota has anything to say about it, it may very well become that easy. Toyota has teamed
up with researchers in Japan to create the world’s fastest EEG sensor. The prototype is capable
of interpreting specific brain waves in as little as 125 milliseconds. That’s
virtually instantaneous, allowing user’s to command the chair to turn left of
right on a whim. The command to stop the chair is for the user to simply puff
out their check, an action tracked by a separate component. The technology has
largely focused on tracking brain waves associated with imaginary hand and foot
operations, but Toyota hopes to develop a similar devices that is based on
emotional feedback. Toyota hopes to see the chair go into commercial production in the health
care industry.

Source

Projecting Phones

Portable projectors are picking up steam
these days. Whether it’s an add on for the iPhone or an appendage to your
laptop, these shows-on-the-go devices can really come in handy. So it’s
interesting to see the potential for one more thing to be rolled into the
all-in-one smartphone as researchers reveals a miniature OLED projector capable
of fitting into most cell phones. The current prototype can display a
monochrome image at 10,000 candelas per square inch, while the colour image is
half that brightness. There’s no word on when or if the technology will make it
to the market, but it really seems as though it’s only a matter of time.

Source

The Woodway EcoMill

In a way, treadmills are a funny thing.
They consume energy just so you can expend energy. Well, the Woodway EcoMill
hopes to rectify that. Free from power cord, this EcoMill charges its batteries
from your exercise-energy, ensuring your workout is entirely off the grid. What’s
more, the Woodway EcoMill is already commercially available. So, what’s it
doing in this ‘Looking Ahead’ feature? With it’s $8,500 price tag, you’d best
start looking ahead by padding your savings account if your interested in
picking up this eco-friendly exercise machine.

Source

LightLane Provides Bikers with Impromptu
Illuminated Cycling Lane

When you’re on your bike the only thing to
fear is fear itself. And cars. And snow. And sand. Also, stones, bits of trash, the
night…Well, LightLane looks to mitigate the last item on the list, providing
cyclists with a clever cushion on those dusk till dawn bike rides. In addition
to some potent LEDs, the LightLane uses two diode-pumped solid state green
lasers to dynamically ‘paint’ a line on the left of the rider. This long
stretch of neon-green light provides a makeshift bike lane that drivers can readily see and hopefully respect.

The product, at one time simply relegated
to the realm of ‘concept,’ has been met with overwhelming support, prompting the
designers to move the LightLane into production.

Source

Flick-Gesture Control Comes to Apple TV via
the iPhone

If you’re an Apple fan-boy/girl then you’re
in for a real treat. The iPhone 3.0 version of the Remote app brings gesture
control to your Apple TV box in what is being dubbed ‘a huge improvement’ in
terms of navigation. The 3.0 upgrade of the app provides a blank space on your iPhone/iPod Touch screen which you can use to navigate through menus.
Essentially, it acts much the same as a laptop trackpad with mouse-clicks
replaced by tapping the screen. Perhaps where the upgrade provides the greatest
utility is in the searching category where the iPhone keyboard is now at your disposal
to enter search criteria. It is a shame, though, that Apple didn’t go one step
further and make use of the iPhone’s accelerometer to enable full-motion
gesture control.

Follow the source for a video of the app
in action

Source

The TouchWall

It was only a matter of time before someone
put together a touch-screen wall and while this particular model recently
demoed at Cannes is not likely the first, it certainly has some intuitive quirks.
The TouchWall, designed by Schematic, is capable of detecting RFID badges of
those standing nearby. It then provides a personal workspace relative to badge’s
owner, offering relevant maps and directions to where they need to go as well
as providing social networking features, such as the ability to leave messages
for other guests.

Source

Copy/Past

Finally, the most fundamental aspect of
modern computer technology comes to the iPhone. With the touch screen, selecting
text is a breeze but up until this update it was not a possibility. Apple has
finally rectified this archaism and you can now copy and paste until your
heart’s content.

Spotlight Search

This new addition is accessed by swiping to
the left from the main screen. This brings up a search box and a keyboard.
Start typing and results will appear, letter by letter. Spotlight searches
through media (music, videos etc) and contacts, as well as apps and emails.
It’s a great way to browse through what can be a daunting amount of information
and what’s best is that it provides instant access, allowing you to launch
videos and play music right from the search screen. (In other search-related
updates, Apple has also added the ability to search email over IMAP, enabling
users to search, say a Gmail account, without having to launch the browser and
log into Gmail itself.)

Find My Phone

Dropping $100 a year for MobileMe? Well,
you just might have another reason to feel you’re getting your money’s worth.
Apple has added a feature that allows you to locate your phone on Google Maps
in about 2 minutes. Once you have the general area narrowed down you can tell
the iPhone to emit a beep to better track it down. In case it was stolen you
can also remotely wipe the phone’s contents, or simply deactivate the phone
entirely. Of course thieves can just as easily deactivate the feature itself
but it’s a step in the right direction.

Other Notable Updates:

-Landscape keyboard for email and SMS

-Tweaks to the camera make for better low
light photos

-Calendar syncing with clouds such as
Google Calendar and Yahoo in about 20 seconds

-Safari Autofill provides automatic
entering of common criteria

-Shake-to-Shuffle/Undo allows you to gyrate
to shuffle songs or undo actions

-Push notifications mean updates from
messenger clients can launch themselves, rather than requiring you to have the
app open to receive notification (this will also come in handy for other
applications as well)

Source

Our glimpse into the future of gadgets foretold of a monitor in a keyboard, a desk that ‘reads’ whatever’s placed on it (including the temperature of your coffee!), and the iPhone getting a long overdue app addition

You Got Your Monitor On My Keyboard

Ah, Eee PC, what budget wonders will you cook up next. Wait
a minute, this is actually pretty damn innovative. Asus has managed to squeeze
in an iPhone-sized touchscreen onto the end of a rather thin keyboard. The
result is a novel new way of surfing the net, controling media, and staying in
touch while you’re in the bathroom. The 5-inch, 800×480 capacitive touchscreen
runs in conjunction with an Atom chipset embedded in the keyboard. It’s also
capable of running Skype and MSN, making an ideal addition to your TV room. Not much else is known about the Eee Keyboard but strangely, it’s due out later this month.

Source

What is the ‘Seamless Experience’?

Chock up another one to ASUS as the claim two spots on this
week’s . Now that they’ve finished reinventing the keyboard, ASUS would like you
to reconsider your desktop…your actual, wooden one that is. In something that
retrospectively should have been in Spielberg’s gadget-packed Minority Report,
this redesigned table top is capable of interacting with objects simply placed
on its service. In the demo an external harddrive is set on the glass surface.
Instantly a window appears below the harddrive, displaying its contents.
Dragging the hard drive around automatically pulls the window with it (and we’re
not just talking right-angles here either). In a more frivolous application a
cup of coffee is placed on the table prompting a ring to encircle the base of
the cup. Therein the temperature of the coffee is displayed, thereby creating
an entirely new office betting game. While it’s merely a working concept at the
moment, it may very well find its way into the offices of technophilic
employers in the future.

Source

iPhone? Word.

While this lacks the decidedly futuristic quality of this
column, it is nevertheless long overdue. With the release of Dataviz Documents
to Go Microsoft Office users can now freely edit word files on the go (Excel
editing can be had as a free upgrade if you purchase now, but you’ll have to
wait until its finished). And you don’t have to worry about your .doc’s and
.docx’s getting reformatted as the app use InTact to ensure everything remains
the same as it appears on the big screen. All this for the low, low price of
$5.

Source

Yesterday we posed the question: is the App
Store more or less mature than a 7th grade game of truth or dare? Okay, so
that wasn’t the exact wording, but the point remains; with each and every new
urine-themed game and babe-ranking app that makes it into the App Store’s Top
100, the entire enterprise threatens to devolve into a portal for one-trick
ponies and gimmicky titles geared towards that broad demographic known simply
as ‘the immature.’ But how does this impact on the application marketplace
kickstarted by iTunes? Is it a serious means of distributing quality games or
is it merely a network perpetuated by frat boys and pubescent males? 

On the one hand, companies are not in habit
of wasting cash. So it stands to reason that all these free juvenile apps were
either commissioned on the sound reasoning that consumers would either buy the
full-price version or succumb to the in-game adverts. Either way companies are
banking on the viability of a market geared towards those that appreciate
having toilet humour and hilarious insults in the palms of their hands. And
judging by the fact that the number of these apps is only increasing, it’s safe
to say, for now, that these low-brow games are a part of the App Store (and by extension
iPhone) culture.

On the other hand, none of those juvenile apps
listed in the previous post made a ‘full version’ presence on the ‘Top 100 paid
apps’ list (that’s not to say that folks aren’t shelling out for these titles,
as iBeer and More Toast make an appearance, among others). But when it comes to
shelling out cash, the majority of folks are doing so for more sophisticated
apps. And so perhaps the presence and apparent success of such apps is simply a
matter of what’s freely available (after all who wants to dish out two bucks
just to find out they have the sex appeal of an octogenarian—see ‘What’s your
Sex Appeal’ app in the previous post)

But no matter how you look at it, juvenile
titles have gone hand in hand with the iPhone since day one (think iFart) and
that connotation is growing with each and every ribald app added to the Top 100
lists. Should they choose, Apple could censor such apps from the lists being as
they are the only ones who are privy to the criteria and no one would be the wiser.
But they don’t. For while the iPhone is marketed as a do-all device that has an
app for everything, the popular apps’ lists themselves eerily reflect what
people are really using their so called ‘smartphones’ for. That is, so long as it’s free.

The iPhone is popular and powerful enough to support a serious gaming marketplace but it’s also popular and purile enough to satisfy the needs of low-brow technophiles as well. And so while I
wouldn’t expect to see Pee Monkey Toilet Trainer on a ‘There’s an app for that’
iPhone commercial, you can rest assured that by the time the big-budget, must have games reach the touch screen smartphone, you’re baser instincts will be well looked after.