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.

These are some of the lowest prices we've seen on our favorite bird feeders with cameras. Save even more with our WIRED-exclusive coupon codes. I'm a mom, and I like birds. If you know a mom who likes birds, chances are, she'll enjoy seeing the birds that visit her yard up close on her phone or tablet. I've been scouring the internet for the best sales on camera-equipped smart bird feeders that I've personally tested and recommend--ones with easy-to-navigate apps that are simple to set up and maintain, as your mom probably has enough to worry about.

You don't have to upload your video to the cloud or pay a monthly fee to secure your home. In the age of state surveillance, with big tech trampling our data privacy rights and gouging us for every penny, there are plenty of reasons to keep your security camera footage local. Whether you want to save money or ensure your video doesn't end up in the hands of persons (or AI) unknown, subscription-free security cameras are the way to go. The good news is that locally recording security cameras are better than ever. I've been testing security cameras for a decade, and the gap between the best cloud-connected and local cameras is closing. You don't necessarily have to give up the best features to shirk that subscription anymore.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. BotsLab 4-Cam W510 System review: This security package doesn't deliver Four 4K cameras, a base station with expandable local storage, and no subscription required, So, what's the catch? This four-camera system impresses with solid video quality and expandable local storage, but only when those cameras are in such close range that they probably won't provide full coverage of your property. Outfitting your home with outdoor security cameras can get complicated--and expensive--quickly. Anyone looking for a shortcut on both fronts might consider one of BotsLab's W510 kits, bundles consisting of up to six 4K outdoor pan/tilt security cameras, solar panels to keep each camera's battery topped off, and a base station with 32GB of onboard storage (expandable up to 16TB with a user-supplied 2.5 hard drive).

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Most floodlight cams need hardwired power, limiting your installation options. This battery-powered model can go anywhere, and it has a solar panel, too! Single floodlight isn't as bright as you get with hardwired models Despite a couple of minor bugs, this low-cost, battery-powered floodlight camera knocks it out of the park in most respects. The "Kit" in TP-Link Tapo C615F Kit refers to the inclusion of a solar panel that comes with this full-featured security camera/floodlight combo to keep its battery charged.

China's Renewable Energy Revolution Is a Huge Mess That Might Save the World A global onslaught of cheap Chinese green power is upending everything in its path. No one is ready for its repercussions. There's a particular kind of sci-fi nerd who equates fusion tech with utopia. If we could only harness the engine of the stars, it would uncork near limitless energy and neatly sweep away a whole mess of humanity's problems. But how would that work exactly? What would the transition look like?

I walked literal miles to find what's here. Recyclables in the trash is my metaphor here. Every third booth at CES showed off some new AI product or other. If you wanted to find a robotic lawn mower, throw a rock. Humanoid robots, smart locks and super thin TVs were everywhere.

Putting data centres in space isn't going to happen any time soon Could AI's insatiable thirst for colossal data centres be fixed by launching them into space? Tech companies are eyeing low Earth orbit as a potential solution, but researchers say it's unlikely in the near future due to a mountain of difficult and unsolved engineering issues. The huge demand for, and investment in, generative AI products like ChatGPT has created an unprecedented need for computing power, which requires both vast amounts of space and gigawatts of power, equivalent to that used by millions of homes. As a result, data centres are increasingly fuelled by unsustainable sources, like natural gas, with tech companies arguing that renewable power can neither produce the amount of power needed nor the consistency required for reliable use. To solve this, tech CEOs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have suggested launching data centres into orbit, where they could be powered by solar panels with constant access to a higher level of sunlight than on Earth.

The fully programmable, autonomous microbot only costs one penny to make. The microrobot, fully integrated with sensors and a computer, is small enough to balance on the ridge of a fingerprint. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Designing a swarm of fully autonomous, submillimeter-sized robots sounds like an expensive, if not impossible task. However, a team at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan not only built a new generation of recordbreaking, solar powered machines.

These smart bird feeders use connected cameras to capture up-close images and videos of visiting birds. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Birds are difficult to photograph. They move quickly, arrive sporadically, and have an uncanny knack for avoiding the camera. Birdfy's smart bird feeders make it easy to capture photos and videos of your feathered friends with a connected camera.