Apple patents tech to build solar-powered, cell-enabled MacBooks

Diagram of how future MacBooks can absorb sunlight. (Source: Patently Apple)

Looks like Apple is looking to develop solar-powered MacBooks capable of taking your calls. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently released 31 new patents to Apple. Some of the patents include technologies on how to use solar power to charge a MacBook, how to receive and transmit cellular telephone signals, and create backside touch sensors that would allow you to interact with the laptop with the lid closed.

Solar-powered MacBook can be created with the use of a “smart glass” or electrochromic glass that changes light transmission properties according to voltage, meaning it controls the amount of light and heat it sends out. The patent describes top plate with solar cells that will be sandwiched between smart glass in the back and an LCD display in front. This means users can adjust the smart glass to let light transmit solar cells to charge the device.

Source: ReadWrite

Samsung will reportedly reduce modifications for Android devices

When Samsung unveiled the 12.1-inch Galaxy tablet at CES 2014, it would seem Google wasn’t happy with the debut of the Magazine UX Samsung introduced with the new Android tablet. Re/code reports that Google has pushed Samsung to reduce the modifications they introduce into future devices. We’re not sure what deal they might have struck or what this means for future devices. Perhaps the new 10-year patent licensing agreement between the two tech giants plays a role here or Samsung might be making a new Nexus device.

Sony clip-on cameras could soon support tablets

Sony’s QX10 and QX100 clip-on cameras could only support a number of devices with its 75mm width. Now, the Japanese tech company aims to remedy the problem with a line of tablet attachments that are said to cost about US$36. Xperia Blog reports the SPA-TA1 attachments are built to support devices that measure between 85mm and 190mm in width, which basically fits most tablets out on the market.

It will have six different options in case you decide to change devices. Sony will start selling the accessories in Japan on April 4 for ¥3,765. We will keep you posted on any news about a worldwide release.

Lenovo acquires Motorola from Google for US $3 billion

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Lenovo has bought Motorola Mobility from Google for US $3 billion. This latest shocker is the latest chapter in the story of Motorola Mobility, a company that was bought by Google in 2012 and that union produced two smartphone models that diversified the Android smartphone landscape. Google says that it thinks Lenovo has what it takes to scale Motorola to a global company which makes sense since Lenovo is already currently a top-three player in the Chinese and Asian smartphone market. Lenovo recently became the leading PC manufacturer, it will be remembered that it similarly purchased IBM's computer business and built it into multiple product lines.

Lenovo gets the Motorola brand, trademark portfolio and access to 2,000 phone and mobile patents which Google will still own. Can Lenovo propel Motorola to the next level as it did the ThinkPad line of notebooks? Who is the big winner in this transaction and what are the repercussions for Google's own mobile device play? Stay tuned as more news unfolds.