Plug-in panels are getting popular--how do we make sure they're safe? Dozens of US states are considering legislation to allow people to install plug-in solar systems, often called balcony solar. These small arrays require little to no setup and could help cut emissions and power bills. Balcony solar is already popular in Europe, and proponents say that the systems could make solar power more accessible for more people in the US, including renters. As popularity rises, though, some experts caution that there are safety concerns with how balcony solar would work with existing electrical equipment in homes. Let's talk about what balcony solar is, why it's unique, and how new testing requirements could affect our progress toward deploying the technology in the US.

Send the pool guy packing. One of these robotic buddies can maintain your water quality instead. Cleaning swimming pools is not fun. I learned this simple logic as a kid growing up in and around pools--it's the only way to survive summer in Houston, Texas. Four years ago, I became a pool owner myself, and I found that the rule still holds. Jumping into the pool on a hot day remains a rare treat, but if the pool is filled with leaves and dirt, that treat becomes a lot less delightful. And when the thermometer is reading over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the thought of laboring on the pool deck, scooping out debris with a net, is downright cruel.

Should You Leave Your Phone Charging Overnight? It used to be common wisdom that leaving your phone charging overnight degrades the battery. But handset design has evolved to mitigate the harm caused by constant charging. You may have heard that leaving your smartphone charging overnight--either plugged in or atop a wireless charger --can damage your battery. But is it actually harmful or dangerous to do that?

Datasets of complex cyber-physical systems (CPS) are difficult to build and large CPS datasets are not publicly available.

Technology Engineering Thomas Edison's failed rechargeable battery may get a second life The famed inventor's nickel-iron idea isn't suited for EVs, but it could help solar farms and data centers. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. A rechargeable battery based on technology pioneered by Thomas Edison may finally get its due. But while the famous inventor envisioned nickel-iron batteries powering the automobile industry over a century ago, researchers now believe the underlying concepts are more suited for renewable energy centers. According to a study published in the journal, a team including engineers from the University of California, Los Angeles have developed a prototype battery that recharges in seconds and withstands over 12,000 cycles of use--an equivalent to over 30 years of daily activity.

Chinese firms are building battery plants from Europe to North America, promising jobs while prompting local concerns about the environment, politics, and who really benefits. When the rest of WIRED subscribers get their hands on our next print magazine, you, dear readers of Made in China, can proudly say you heard about it here first. The issue is all about China and includes stories about robots, AI boyfriends, a Chinese town that became the crystal capital of the world, and a Chinese DNA database built for family reunions. Like this newsletter, the issue is our attempt to document how deeply Chinese technology now shapes everyday life--no matter where you live in the world. As part of the issue, I reported a story on how Chinese lithium battery companies like CATL, BYD, and Gotion are now building factories on nearly every continent.

You'd never guess this lock is smart by looking at it, and that's my favorite part. No bulk or screen; looks like a regular lock from both sides of the door. Impressive design with the battery hidden inside the lock bolt. App is beautiful and easy to use. Best with accessories that need to be purchased separately.