Category: Hardware News

Latest news from the World of Hardware

Thermal Imaging is Finally Available For Your iPhone With FLIR ONE

Remember watching the Predator and thinking how cool it would be to see the world around you in thermal imaging? Though the technology has been around for quite a while and has been proactively used by militaries around the world. And we know consumer versions have been out for the benefit of campers and hikers, but nothing can come close to what FLIR ONE claims to offer.

FLIR ONE lets you use your iPhone as a thermal imaging camera. All you need to do is get the FLIR ONE case and the companion app and you are good to go do some predating. The FLIR ONE case itself comes with a thermal imaging camera which slides on behind the iPhone. The case is good to look at and bulks up your phone by just 110 grams and also makes the phone look good.

The case brings thermal imaging right on your phone

The technology can come handy in day to day use too and is not just limited for the outdoorsy folks. It can help people living in cold areas to find thermal leaks and make their heating more efficient. It will make it a lot easier to find your lost pet at night; it might make you feel a predator looking for its prey. It can also be used for driving on a foggy or rainy day.

FLIR ONE also has options for time lapse capture, paint and panorama functions. Apple might bring the time lapse feature with the iOS 8 update which might challenge the developers of this app to compete with Apple’s official offerings.

FLIR ONE will be available on Apple Stores and online retail portal in August. The pre-orders on the website will begin tomorrow. The case comes in Space Gray and will come with silver or gold versions later. It costs $349.99 and at this price only the serious enthusiasts will give it a try. Android users may have to wait for a while before they have an thermal imaging case, but maybe soon the technology might arrive pre-built into the future mobile phones.

July 29, 2014
Screen with Vision Correction to Eliminate the Need for Glasses

We use a lot of screens now. If you are working at a technology based institution like coding, gaming or a BPO, you probably even dream of looking at a screen. But all these screens are have an intense adverse effect on our eyes. We are not evolutionary trained to look at light emitting displays all day. This has caused a lot many people to take trips to the ophthalmologists quite regularly. Now scientists from the University of California Berkeley has authored a paper which states that it is possible to create screens that can display their content based on the perception capabilities of the users eyes.

The premise that the scientists put forward is fairly simple to understand. For the technology to work, it requires an algorithm that alters an image based on the glasses prescription of the users which works in tandem with a light filter in front of the display. The algorithm helps in altering the light emitted from each pixel which is then passed through a tiny hole in the plastic filter. These rays of light reach the retina in a way that recreates a sharp, focused image. The technology will be developed in cooperation with MIT and Microsoft.

A lot can benefit from this technology, even folks with visual issues which cannot be corrected through the use of glasses, and no, it can’t cure blindness but can address visual issues cased by physical deformity.

This technology can be embedded in almost all kinds of displays thereby almost eliminating the need for glasses. One major drawback is that it cannot be used by people with multiple optical needs. Also the technology depends of motion tracking to assess the users distance from the display. One of the authors of the paper believes though that these problems can be addressed by using the technology on bigger screens.

Overall this is a great research for the mobile age. In times when we are forced more and more to look at screens all day with the mobile work cultures, the biggest losers have been our eyes. So what if this technology will still have us looking at screens, at least they will adjust the content as the eyesight devolves.

July 26, 2014
Oplus Introduces the Xonphone 5 in India

Taiwan based phone manufacturers Oplus have introduced their 5-inch smartphone by the name Xonphone 5 in India today.

The Xonphone 5 runs Android 4.4.2 out of the box. It gets it processing power from a Mediatek 1.3GHz quad-core processor. It possesses 1 GB of RAM with 16 GB’s of internal storage with expandable storage support for a 32 GB MicroSD card. The phone is powered by a 2000 mAh battery. The phone is dual sim capable with a Micro SIM and Mini SIM slot.

The display on the Xonphone 5 is a 5 inch 1280x720p HD display with an 180-degree viewing angles. The display also has a 320 ppi display which sounds impressive for the price. The main camera on the device is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus and LED flash, and the front cam is a 2 MP fixed focus selfie cam.

The makers of the phone provide a screen protector inside the box with the usual USB connector, charger and earphones. The phone provides a Yamaha professional bass speaker system which will give a good audio experience.

The selling price of the device is set at Rs7,999 which is pretty competitive for the Indian market. The company has made an exclusive deal with Snapdeal to reach the consumers. If its performance matches up to its spec sheet, it might be another Asian brand that will create troubles for the Indian manufacturers like Micromax, Lava and others.

July 24, 2014
Phones With a Terabyte Of Storage To Become a Reality Soon With RRAM

Now right when you were wondering if the 128 GB expandable option would make your memory troubles obsolete, a group of scientists has something better in store for you. The researchers at Rice University have come up with a new resistive RAM (RRAM) which can be made with regular equipment at room temperature.

Several companies have been in the process of developing an RRAM, but they all have required higher temperature and voltages thereby making the production process expensive and inefficient for the manufacturers.

The RRAM acts as a flash memory and can store data without a constant influx of power. Now unlike the regular flash memory which uses transistors to save the data, this new technique uses resistance to save their bits. These bits can, therefore, be stored in a smaller area in comparison to a flash drive and hence increasing the amount of data that can be stored in a small amount of space.

Also like a multiple core processor, these RRAM’s can be stacked on top of each other so their storage capacity increases phenomenally. It is also said that RRAM performs much faster than regular flash storage, about a hundred times faster. They are apparently so efficient that they a postage stamp sized chip can hold a terabyte worth of data.

The research is being led by Professor James Tour of the Material science department. The technique is cheap and efficient as it utilizes one of the most abundant elements on the planet, Silicon. The process involves a silicon oxide with tiny 5 nanometers holes. This material acts as an active electrode and data bits can be stored by changing the conductivity of the electrode with low-voltage pulses.

Mobile technology will get a boost with this advancement. Major companies like Samsung are also experimenting with RRAM’s. While we would want our phones to be as robust and large data capable as our computers, we are restricted by the miniaturizability of the storage technology. RRAM’s and technology like it will bring us closer to achieving that. Maybe we could someday have a pro video rendering capability on our iPads.

July 24, 2014
Apple Reportedly Working on a 12-Inch Macbook and a 4K iMac

Apple is surely going to have a good this year. With the mega buzz around the new operating system, the OSX Yosemite and the iOS, Apple is confident of its hands being full with cash by the end of this year. Now the company is planning to bring out a 12-inch Macbook and a new iMac with 4K display or a standalone 4K monitor.

The 4K display would be immense step forward for the company and for the graphical and entertainment industry. An entire industry thrives on Apple systems and by having an iMac with 4K display will really speed up the content production for that medium. This will also help in bringing in these advanced displays to the lower mediums like the Macbook Pros.

The new Macbook is described to have a thickness between the Macbook Air and the Macbook Pros. This laptop computer will come with an intel processor instead of the Apple A8 processor. Though this started off as a rumor last year but its validity is getting established with each new report.

This report coming from Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac, is definitely going to make a lot of people happy. The software prowess of the Mac’s is the best in business and when united with superior displays, it’s going to be magical. Let’s hope these come out as soon as possible. They will surely obliterate the competition.

July 24, 2014
Wearable Technology You Should Know About

Wearable technology is the next technology boom. Since the saturation of the mobile phone market, companies have been looking for an alternative and wearable tech was a godsend for them.

Now if you are wondering that if this is another column about Smartwatches and Google glass then you are about to be surprised at what the market has in store for you.

Here we bring you some cool wearable tech which performs some amazing tasks while being rather pocket friendly.

1. Vrase

Now we all have been waiting for the Virtual Reality glasses to come in our reach. Well, there is a start-up that promises the experience using just your phone. Introducing Vrase, a VR and Augmented reality capable wearable. Simply load the content on your phone and slide it in the Vrase moble holder. This easy to use device gives options to attach peripherals like earphones and joysticks. All this makes Vrase perfect for movies, gaming and Augmented Reality purposes. The best part you ask, this incredibly simple device comes at less than half the price of Oculus and Project Morpheus and is compatible with multiple mobile phones.

2. Recon Jet

Google Glass’s real nemesis is Recon Jet. Unlike the Glass, the Recon Jet is for health and adrenaline junkies. It is the stud of wearable technology. The jet comes with onboard processing capabilities. It has 3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope and 3D magnetometer and ambient temperature sensors along with altimeter and barometer applications and GPS. The device has an optical touch sensor like the Google glass to help the user interact with the device. The device is also compatible with health sensors so you can have real time update while you are drillin it out.

The device has a 1 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with 1GB DDR2 SDRAM and 8GB flash memory. It also has an HD camera to substitute it for a go-pro, because POV shots are always the best. You can also connect the Recon Jet with your phone and check your text and messages.

3. The Dash

This is every outdoor lover’s dream headphone set. These wireless headphones don’t just entertain you with your music but also give you vital stats on the go. The device is perfect for people who like to track their performance. It is water resistant so feel free to take them for your next rafting trip. The headphones can measure Heart rate, Oxygen Saturation, Body temperature and calories burned. Along with the basics, the headgear also measures distance, speed, pace, rotation, G-force, drop rate, altitude, etc. The device also has an touch controls for changing songs and answering calls by connecting it to a phone through Bluetooth.

The device has 4 GB flash storage and is powered by a 100 mAh battery. The processor on-board is a 32bit ARM processor. Their neonish lighting design gives it a Tron-like feel.

At about 300$, these headphones are worth the money.

4. MBODY

These are pants which monitor your workout. You might be asking, why buy a pair of pants that measures vital stats instead of just a watch? Well the answer is that the MBODY does a lot more that a smart watch. It is capable of measuring Muscle Load, Heart Rate, Speed, Candence, Balance, Route etc. It is also capable of measuring electrical activity in your muscles and hence gives one of the best analysis amongst health hardware. If doings legs have been the pain for you, then MBODY will definitely help you out. The pants also measure the strengths of your muscles and body balance.

The “pants” come with their own MCell Bluetooth receiver which sends the information to its live app in your smartphone.

July 23, 2014
Samsung Answers The Galaxy Tab S Back Cover Deformation Issue

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S are one heck of an offering from Samsung. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that they are one of the best tablets out there. The stunning 1600 x 2560 pixels display makes it stand out in the crowd. Both Tab S tablets are sleek, sexy and flauntworthy. But recently one major issue has been troubling some consumers. The beautiful back design is getting deformed due to overheating of the devices. Though it’s not an extensive deformity, it is still noticeable.

The back cover on some Tab S were deforming due to overheating.

It has been speculated that the deformity is caused because of the heat generated by the application processor while running a 1600 x 2560 pixels display. The heat causes the Tab’s sexy back to bulge out in an uncomplimentary manner.

In an official statement issued by Samsung, they have negated this perception saying:

[quote text_size=”small”]

Contrary to certain media reports, the slight disfiguration that has formed on the rear surface of the Galaxy Tab S has been attributed to a limited number of defective back covers, which has no relation to the overheating of the application processor or the material used for the back cover. We would like to assure our customers that we have already resolved the issue. We ask affected customers to please contact their nearest Samsung Electronics customer service center.

[/quote]

Samsung is providing replacement and repairs for the affected customers. Considering the hefty pricing of the tablets, this is the least they could do. Samsung haters can give Samsung a break in this case.

July 22, 2014
Launch of MacBook Air With Retina Display Might Be Pushed to 2015

Recent report by Taiwan’s Economic Daily News said that Apple is going to launch two new Macbook Air variants; 11-inch and 13-inch in coming months. The report also added that the upcoming redesigned 12-inch MacBook with a Retina display is expected to ship later than expected, as late as early 2015.

The publication reports that the updates to both current MacBook Air sizes have entered production with Apple partner Quanta Computer and the new computers will boost Quanta’s 2014 notebook shipment numbers by 15%. The new devices are said to sport new chassis, screens, and chipsets. It is also said that the shipments are due in late-August.

Apple’s 12-inch MacBook with Retina display was initially reported to hit the marketplace sometime in the earlier part of the third quarter. This device will mark the first expansion of Apple’s Mac line since the MacBook Pro with Retina Display product line was introduced in mid-2012. According to the report, the new MacBook’s launch is glued to Intel’s power and performance-efficient 14-nanometer Broadwell part.

Any more specific hardware details for the new 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air laptops have not been revealed.

Apple has already refreshed its MacBook Air line a few months ago, updating its two models with slightly faster and more efficient processors, and dropped the prices across the line by $100. Apple will launch its OS X Yosemite update at some point in fall, likely alongside new hardware. In addition to the rumored new MacBook Air models, it is said that Apple might update its MacBook Pro family later this year, too.

July 21, 2014
Smartphones May Soon Have Anti-Glare Waterproof Screens

In a paper, published in the Applied Materials & Interfaces, Professor Valerio Pruneri from the Institute for Photonic Sciences in Barcelona, along with Corning Incorporated have introduced an invention which is going to make your life a lot easier. The glass can is an anti-glare, waterproof screen which can be incorporated as cellphone display.

Glare has been a major issue in appreciating smartphone content when outdoors. Especially in a country like India which has some intense sunlight, outdoor use is troublesome. This revolutionary new display is stated to obliterate that issue.

Glare has been one of the major issues with mobile screens for long

The technology is quite easy to comprehend. The glass is scratched at the Nano molecular level. This helps to deflect the light away from the user’s eyes. These tiny scratches are so efficient that they do not effect the transparency of the screen. The research team has also made 100nm teeth onto the surface of the screen to deflect water, thereby making it hydrophobic. The textured surface looks like a lotus.

In their paper the team has mentioned that they would need to put the display through some more experimentation to make sure it can be used as a touch screen interface. But here is the best part, they have mentioned that large scale manufacturing of these screens will be inexpensive. This display is totally an “about time” kind of invention. This technology will be a boon for the future of smartphones. With screens capable of playing 2K content on mobile phones, a glareless screen is just what the doctor prescribed.

With this glasses the need for expensive anti glare screen filters also comes to an end.

July 19, 2014
Apple and IBM Join Hands for Enterprise Mobility Solutions

Apple and IBM announced an exclusive partnership to enhance their market in Enterprise Mobility. The goal is to use each other’s strengths to take on the competition. Apple intends to use IBM’s big data and analytics capabilities on its mobile platform of iPhones and iPads.

This is a huge deal as this brings two of the industry giants together in a landmark partnership. This alliance is almost relatable to an international treaty. The companies will try to redefine the workflow process, address key industry mobility challenges and inspire mobile-led business evolution.

Apple has struggled for long to make its mark in the enterprise space

With this partnership the companies plan to develop a new class of more than 100 industry-specific enterprise solutions including native apps, developed exclusively from the ground up, for iPhone and iPad. They also want to incorporate IBM cloud services optimized for iOS, including device management, security, analytics and mobile integration. Also, a new AppleCare service will be introduced, and support offering tailored to the needs of the enterprise will be provided. Finally, a new package will be offered from IBM for device activation, supply and management.

IBM will introduce its MobileFirst Platform for iOS that will aim to provide comprehensive business related solutions. From analytics, workflow and cloud storage, to fleet-scale device management, security and integration. It will also provide private app catalog, data and transaction security services, and productivity suite for all MobileFirst systems.

Businesses will get a boost with iOS 8 features like Handoff

iOS 8 will also play a major role in this relationship. Apple has provided lots of features for developers to create new apps. This will give a lot of freedom to enterprise developers to build a new IT model for a mobilized workforce by improving the way users are informed of how their devices are configured, managed or restricted. It will also have expanded security, management and productivity features.

IBM has a huge resource of about 5000 mobile experts who, using its 4,300 patents, help in easing the adoption process of mobile solutions. Along with the operating system support from Apple, enterprises might get a good bargain shifting to an advanced Apple based workflow.

Even though, this is a mobility partnership it will be a huge boost for Mac OSX ecosystems too. As Apple has provided some great interlinking features between the iOS and Mac, enterprises might shift entirely to Apple systems. This will be a huge challenge for Microsoft’s Windows systems which have had an almost monopolistic rule in the enterprise computing space. The Windows mobility options are still not evolved enough to take on Apple, so there might be trouble for Windows ahead. This of course will not happen immediately as Windows systems are a lot cheaper and enterprises have invested huge amounts on their computers, but mobile is the way forward. Apple might have finally got the advantage it has been waiting for over 30 years.

July 16, 2014
Review: NudeAudio’s NUDE Move M

The NUDE Move M is a sexy looking portable speaker. The tiny red sliver of branding over the completely black surface stands out. We definitely love the red harness rope provided with the speakers; they both look as if they are meant for each other. The tiny rope also secures it during a pool party, so you can hang it safely away from your drunken friends who may take it to its untimely demise in the water.

So we got around to play with the speaker and did a thorough review of the speakers for you. Here is what we thought about the NudeAudio Nude Move M Bluetooth Portable Speaker.

The minimalistic design elements of the Nude M make it stand out

Build quality:

The Nude M follows a minimalistic but rugged design philosophy. The only inputs available on the device are an On/Off button, volume up and down and the Bluetooth enable/disable button. The device is quite sturdy and safe, thanks to the giant rubber that covers all its corners. The rubber cover is also removable for cleaning purposes. The device offers support for auxiliary input, micro USB for charging and Bluetooth for calls and music. Nude M is really easy to connect to the phone through Bluetooth. We especially admire the cute little power and Bluetooth notification lights.

Utility:

Apart from listening to music, the Nude M can also act as a speakerphone and works good for conference calls, though sometimes the receiver may not get a clear sound on the other side. The range of the Bluetooth though, calls for a tad bit of criticism.

Battery:

The Nude M’s battery gives a decent output. You can easily expect 6-8 hours of backup, so you can do easily plan an all-nighter without any worries of losing the groove.

The notification lights stand out on the black exteriors

Sound Quality:

Well this is the main criteria to judge the speakers and there isn’t a lot that disappoints, but we were left asking for more. The device is bass rounded so the sound is a bit echo heavy. Hip-Hop, House EDM’s and other bass heavy tracks sound great on the speakers but the output of genres like Classical, Jazz and Rock could have been better. Though the speaker is pretty loud, we compared it to the speakers lying in our office and some of the cheaper models gave louder sound output than the Nude Move M.

Conclusion:

The Nude Move M is an impressive little device which is also flaunt worthy because of its beautiful minimalistic design. Its great for folks who like tracks with a good amount of bass. So if you are looking for style points with some utility features, the Nude M can be your choice.

July 14, 2014
Super Confident Apple Doubles Up its iPhone 6 Order

Seems like Apple is absolutely sure about its newest upgrade since reports claim that the company has decided to double up the number of iPhone 6 units for this fall. From the sound of it, the Apple flagship device is just about ready to rock the tech world later this year.

The report from Taiwan’s Business Weekly claims that number of iPhone 6 orders placed is about twice the number that Apple placed for the iPhone 5. However, it is possible that this huge number could be because Apple is making two different iPhone 6 models: One with a display of 4.7 inches and another with a display of 5.5 inches.

Earlier this month we had spoken about the rumours regarding Apple launching a new skinnier and lighter version named ‘iPhone Air‘.

iPhone renders

The report also says that one of the iPhone 6 models will enter into mass production this month. Hence, confirming the previous rumors that Apple will unveil the 4.7-inch version of the iPhone 6 in early September and then releasing it around two weeks later.

iPhone renders 2

We have seen so many mock-ups and leaks of of iPhone 6 and we are quite familiar with what the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will look like. The iPhone 6 is said to be the thinnest iPhone ever which is just 6 millimeters thick and also more rounded on the edges than the iPhone 5s, with the power button moved from the top to the side of the device.

July 11, 2014
Newly Unveiled Adidas Fit Smart to Take on Nike and Other Wearables

This summer has seen wearable tech get a major boost. The market is getting steadily populated with devices from major companies like Samsung, LG and Motorola with many more on the way. After tablets, wearables seem to be the next big thing. Google is putting its weight behind the Android Wear project to further encourage and integrate the Android ecosystem. Now Adidas will try its luck in the market with a simplistic device called the Adidas Fit Smart.

This is not the initiation of Adidas in the wearable tech arena. The company released the MiCoach Smart Run smartwatch last year. The Smart Run can be connected to the online miCoach account and you can track your progress online and plan ahead.

Adidas’s latest, the Fit smart will go on sale in August this year. The watch has the ability to track distance traveled, pace, calorie-burning and monitors heart rate. It can stand out against the competition because of the tracking infrastructure of the miCoach. Users who give up after taking a lot of effort to go out and run can use the personalized training abilities of miCoach and can be encouraged to keep going on. Its like having a personal trainer on your wrist.

On the design front the Adidas Fit Smart follows a minimalistic design. The display gives the most important specs like Pace, time, calories burned on the screen. There is a small LED strip that change color based on the intensity of the workout. The strap is made of soft silicone. The watch can also be synced to a smartphone with the miCoach app for your in-depth data analysis on the move.

The company will also face some serious competition from the iGiant or as it’s better known, Apple. The company is slated to bring its smartwatch sometime later this year. The main competition to this is the Nike Fuel band which in comparison to the Fit Smart saves you a 100 dollars. But the Fit Smart gives more functionality and is an all-round trainer and not just a data gatherer.

Overall the simplistic design and competitive price will be a benefit for the Fit Smart. It can make a good market for itself if the device excels in what it has to offer, thereby encouraging more minimalistic wearable technology.

July 10, 2014
Finally an Attractive Fitness Tracker! Check Out Withings Activité Watch

Well, you can’t say Withings’ Activité is a Smartwatch, atleast not in the typical sense. But it’s not just a conventional watch either. Withings describes it as the first Swiss-made watch that happens to be an activity tracker.

The French company’s new watch has computing brains to track steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled, and sleep patterns. The watch, for starters, has an analog dial, with real hands unlike typical smartwatches.

The accelerometer-based activity tracker built into the watch monitors steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled and sleep pattern. The Activité also builds in a second dial on the front of the phone that tells you how close you are to reaching your daily fitness goal.

It looks mostly like a classic watch. It’s chrome and round, available in black and silver, with an analog face and a classic design. You might never know there’s anything else inside the Activité were it not for the second, smaller dial in its bottom-right corner, known as the activity dial.

The Withings’ approach of a simplistic design certainly is ground breaking in terms of smartwatch. Cédric Hutchings, the CEO, said the company’s goal was always to be different from the standard screen-on-your-wrist design.

And that’s not just it, there’s more to take from this watch than just its simple design. The Activité lasts a year with a single watch battery, is waterproof up to 5 meters, and comes with a chic leather band. Withings focused on the materials and design of its new watch, and ended up with a device that people would probably be willing to wear even if it contained lesser “smart” capabilities.

At $390, the Activité costs quite a bit more than other smartwatches, but there’s a good chance people will pay the extra for its slick design. The new watch, and all of Withings’ wearables, reports its information into an app called HealthMate, which runs on both Android and iOS. The Activité, a part high-end, Swiss-designed watch, and part activity tracker, was announced in New York City at an event that was more like a fashion show than a gadget unveiling and will be available this fall.

July 8, 2014
India’s upcoming floating Solar Farm

India is in a major energy crisis. With the population multiplying on a daily basis the need for cheap forms of electricity have become a must. India has large plans, whether politically invoked or not; we might be one of the first few nations with a large chunk of renewable electricity sources.

About five years ago large parts of the Thar desert in Rajasthan and surrounding areas was sanctioned for subsidised privately run solar farms. The land was practically given for free, and an energy reclaim of Rs. 5/ KW (8 cents approximately) was promised to the solar energy companies that were supposed to be set up.

The project is yet to see the light of day. However, sources tell us that the work is still underway.

Meanwhile, a new project in the southern state of Kerala is said to lead the Solar energy revolution in India, thanks to the abundance of sun and large water bodies. A new 50MW plant built entirely on 1.27 million square meter floating platform in Kerala is said already to be in the works. The plant has been approved by the NHPC and will get commissioned in October of 2014. (Yes this year).

This Solar Farm project will provide cheap and renewable electricity to about 18,000 homes. After the states announcement on building two lakh megawatt of solar power generation capacity, the price of barren solar usable land rose this quarter by tenfold, building a plant on water will be cheap for the government as well as the people enjoying the electricity.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”SP Gon Choudhury” author_title=”chairman of the Renewable Energy College”]

Each station would require around 3,000 square feet of space to generate 20 kilowatt of power. There are many water bodies that could be used for this

[/quote]

The total project is estimated to cost between Rs 350 crore and Rs 400 crore, the Renewable Energy College will assist in sourcing material till commissioning of the plant.
The first phase of this Solar Farm, estimated to cost Rs 35 lakh, has been fully funded by the ministry of new and renewable energy and is expected to generate around 12 kilowatt of power to begin with by October 2014.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”SP Gon Choudhury” author_title=”Chairman of the Renewable Energy College”]

The ecology of the water body is not likely to be affected much, and it will also reduce evaporation, thus helping preserve water levels during extreme summer. Solar panels installed on land, face reduction of yield as the ground heats up. When such panels are installed on a floating platform, the heating problem is solved to a great extent

[/quote]

The yield on these panels is expected to be 20% higher than land based solar power plants. The overall capital cost for such solar projects will be around Rs 6.5 crores per megawatt, which will bring down costs of electricity to Rs 7 / unit. This price will then be further regularised by the state electricity board.

With the large availability of Sun energy in the country, the future may finally hold a strong supply of electricity for everyone, everywhere!

July 7, 2014