Cleantech & EV'sNews

Tesla Powerwalls and other home battery packs proving more than useful in Texas blackouts

February 19, 2021
Tesla Powerwalls and other home battery packs are proving extremely useful in the current Texas blackouts following a snowstorm. Home battery packs have grown in popularity in recent years by combining them with home solar systems to optimize the use of solar power. Some have also been using home battery packs, like the Tesla Powerwall, to provide backup power in case of an outage. Events that…
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MobileNews

Android 12 DP1: Pixel Launcher gains new 4×5 grid option

February 19, 2021
Today’s the big day of the Android 12 Developer Preview, and we’re hunting for changes large and small. One interesting small change we’ve spotted is that the Pixel Launcher now offers a new 4×5 grid option. Last year, with the launch of the Pixel 5, Google…
MobileNews

Google Fi adds new Motorola phones, running introductory ‘Unlimited’ plan promo

February 19, 2021
Motorola offers the most affordable phones on Google’s MVNO with a trio of devices launching this week. Google Fi is also introducing a promo where new Unlimited plan customers can get 50% off their first three months of service.  The Moto G Play (2021) is normally $169, but it’s currently discounted to $99, which you’ll get back as Fi bill credit. That’s also the case for the $199 Moto…
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NewsPhotography

Leica introduces APO-Summicron-SL 28mm F2 L-mount lens

February 19, 2021
Leica has introduced the APO-Summicron-SL 28mm F2 ASPH lens for full-frame L-mount bodies. It features 13 elements, 6 of which are aspherical; several of the elements are of the anomalous partial dispersion type to reduce chromatic aberration. The lens can focus as close as 24cm (9.5″) and the maximum magnification is 0.2X. The focus group is driven by a stepping motor that Leica calls…
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Cleantech & EV'sNews

Tesla slips in reliability rankings based on new owner surveys

February 19, 2021
Tesla has slipped in industry reliability rankings based on new owner surveys from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. Over the years, Tesla has often been knocked for reliability in owner surveys. The automaker’s innovative nature often prioritized speed over quality and reliability. Last year, Tesla’s former VP of quality explained why it might not be a good idea to buy first batches of Tesla…
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