Consumer Electronics

As EV adoption accelerates, the necessary charging infrastructure to support it lags behind in the US. The Biden administration has ambitious goals to get the country up to speed, but well-crafted implementation will be crucial to protecting the electrical grid. Part of the solution is harnessing the full potential of EV batteries to bolster energy supplies.

Sun-powered work commute: Lightyear built an EV that can drive 43 miles powered by solar panels. It could usher in an influx of solar-equipped models from other automakers.

We expect relatively strong performance on Prime Day despite a slow start to the year for Amazon and other etailers.

EU agreement could push USB-C standard: For holdouts like Apple, this means the end of proprietary charging cables. For consumers, it means more convenient cross-device charging and substantial savings.

The metaverse market could shortly get a lot bigger: Apple’s RealityOS, rumored for an announcement next Monday, will encourage many on-the-fence consumers to adopt VR.

Didi gets short shrift, again: Forced to delist from NYSE, the ride-hailing giant was made an example of by Beijing’s ruling. Now that China is loosening controls, Didi remains in delisting limbo.

A new kind of hybrid: Renault’s Scénic Vision will feature a hydrogen-powered battery for fast charging and a long range. But technical and logistical hurdles could be roadblocks to adoption.

The case for better bicycle tech: Garmin adds a camera to its Varia cycling radar device, which could help cyclists avoid collisions.

From 1,000 songs in your pocket to $3 trillion in theirs: The iconic music player set the computer maker on a course to dominate consumer products that carried over to the iPhone and beyond.

Rivian’s fall from grace: After a historic IPO, Rivian hits a speed bump with a stock price drop and supply chain headaches. However, the startup is positioned to regain its momentum.

Best Buy broadens its focus beyond electronics as consumer spending shifts: The retailer is adding outdoor furniture, beauty, and e-transportation to its stores in a bid to maintain pandemic-era gains.

GM gets bullish on EVs: GM thinks it can outmatch Tesla in the EV race by focusing on more-affordable options for cars and trucks. But can it keep up with the competition?

The factory has eyes: Startup Invisible AI will deploy its computer vision analytics system in all of Toyota’s factories in North America. But the unprecedented insight could have some downsides.

Sustainability you can touch: Consumers are getting more options to purchase eco-friendlier laptops like Lenovo’s Slim 9i. But the greener option is to fix and maintain current devices.

Economy-building batteries: US EV battery production plans are in full gear to help reduce foreign dependence on clean energy while boosting the economy. However, securing sufficient minerals remains a barrier.

EVs, DIY-style: Soaring gas prices have classic car lovers flocking to conversion specialists for an electric makeover. The trend could help decarbonize the global transportation sector much faster.

Sun-powered EVs: The sun can help reduce EV range anxiety. But integrating solar cells into vehicle bodies is a better option for average drivers than hauling heavy panels around.

Apple delivers on its self-repair promise, sort of: An online service will allow you to order parts and tools to fix your iPhone 12, 13, and SE 3. Will other device-makers follow suit?

The metaverse’s brainy side: Moonhub wants to bring the eduverse to the workplace. It could be the end of worker-training reluctance but will require purchasing many pricey headsets.

Goldilocks zone for EV battery temperature: GM’s heat pump can extend EV battery range and cut charging times. Advancements in the technology could benefit far more than cars.