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Nokia 'ill-treats' phones in US lab

Mobiles are subject to heat, falls, liquids and more

TechAmerica 2009 Innovator Awards

Find out this year's tech pioneer winners

 
 
 

Startups step up at DemoFall

Well-funded entrepreneurs face off with venture capitalists and media at latest Demo event

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Loaded with promise in R&D pipeline

Before fax machines and LCDs became everyday tech, they were recipients of R&D 100 awards.

Defcon badge inspires hacks

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Redesigning the router

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Smartphone as movie projector?

Micron's microdisplay technology could soon be in small devices

 
 
 

Robots make themselves at home

Find out the latest in home-cleaning technology and more

Location-based tech headed your way

Programmers, mappers and designers offer peek at the newest ideas in location-based tech at Where 2.0


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Valley adopts renewable energy tech

2009-06-08 15:08:00

City and county governments in Silicon Valley tap on solar and fuel cell tech


Solid-oxide fuel cells use specially engineered ceramic plates, catalysts, and high temperature to convert fuel directly into electricity through a clean electrochemical process rather than combustion. The fuel cells currently run on propane, but can easily be configured to accept other fuels. Eventually, the county hopes to run the fuel cells using only water.

"Projects like these," Honda said, "where Congress, Santa Clara County, the Department of Energy, and Silicon Valley partnered together to power the 911 Communications Facility, exemplify how the public and private sectors can effectively come together for the common good."

Officials hope that by adopting these technologies, governments will demonstrate their effectiveness and scalability, fostering wider uses and applications.

Credit: James Martin, CNET News.com