Tech Trends

Airbus To Drop Lithium-Ion Batteries In A350

February 15, 2013 10:18 am | by The Associated Press | News | Comments

Airbus abandoned its plans to use lithium-ion batteries for its new A350 airplanes due to the uncertainty surrounding the technology following the grounding of Boeing's 787, the company said. The European aerospace group said Thursday it would revert to conventional nickel-cadmium batteries for the A350.

Benefits, Risks, & Solutions Of Implementing BYOD Policies

February 15, 2013 9:17 am | by Dean Wiech, Managing Director, Tools4ever | Articles | Comments

A new trend gaining speed in many industries is the concept of “bring your own device” (BYOD). Plainly put, BYOD is when employees have the ability to bring their own technical devices - like smart phones, tablets and laptops - and use the company’s network instead of a company-provided device. BYOD has many benefits and risks, though, that each organization’s IT department needs to consider.

How 3D Metal Printing May Change Manufacturing

February 14, 2013 9:11 am | by Penn State | Videos | Comments

At a recent additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, showcase at Penn State, engineers demoed some of the latest technology in the field. Hear from experts about how 3D metal printing may change manufacturing in the United States, and what challenges it faces.

The New Big "Small" Thing

February 14, 2013 9:09 am | by CBS News | Videos | Comments

Automakers in Japan are developing new "microcars" that fit only a driver. Toyota is currently testing a microcar (or ultra compact car) made of aluminum that can reach top speeds of 30 MPH. Targeting older drivers who don't need to go far, these electric cars can be handy. Lucy Craft reports.

Manufacturing For Growth

February 14, 2013 9:08 am | by WorldEconomicForum | Videos | Comments

During 2012, the Forum built on the findings of the Future of Manufacturing report with the Manufacturing for Growth project, creating a platform for business executives, policy-makers and members of civil society to identify key strategies and recommendations for driving economic growth and job creation through the production of goods.

Techquity: Cook On Apple

February 13, 2013 12:27 pm | by Reuters | Videos | Comments

Apple's CEO addresses the company's cash pile and outlook at a conference, while Facebook suffers a pair of downgrades. And Google is teaming up with an unlikely partner, General Electric, and it will become integrated into several GE applications.

Hybrids, Hype Roll Into Toronto Auto Show

February 13, 2013 10:12 am | by Will Campbell, The Canadian Press | News | Comments

Hybrid engines going mainstream and a bumper year for new vehicle rollouts are expected to make this year's Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto one to watch. Canada's leading auto festival marks its 40th anniversary with the Canadian debut of more than 40 cars, SUVs, trucks and concept vehicles.

‘Good-Bye To All That’

February 13, 2013 8:00 am | by Robert Kozak, Advanced Biofuels USA | Blogs | Comments

For supporters of biofuels and all those who support balanced leadership of all DOE programs, it is a time of good-bye to all that and a hope that the future will be better. To set the stage: Just before Chu’s appearance, Nissan Automotive was on the schedule at the show. The topic? Dropping the price of the electric Leaf by $2,000 to $3,000 to improve sales.

Alfa Romeo To Make U.S. Comeback With New Car

February 12, 2013 2:33 pm | by Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer | News | Comments

After a 30-year absence, Italy's storied Alfa Romeo brand will return to the United States later this year with a new two-seat compact sports car. Italian automaker Fiat SpA said Tuesday that the long-delayed Alfa 4C will go on sale during the second half of the year. Fiat owns Alfa and controls the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram brands in the U.S.

Airships, Blimps To Take Off Again

February 12, 2013 1:22 pm | by CBS News | Videos | Comments

More than 75 years after the Hindenburg disaster, airships could be taking off again. Worldwide Aeros' calls its new blimp the evolution of air transport as it waits for FAA approval to take its aeroscraft for a test flight outside the hangar. CBS News' Bill Whitaker explains.

Solar Industry Grapples With Hazardous Wastes

February 11, 2013 10:13 am | by Jason Dearen, Associated Press | News | Comments

Homeowners on the hunt for sparkling solar panels are lured by ads filled with images of pristine landscapes and bright sunshine, and words about the technology's benefits for the environment — and the wallet. What customers may not know is that there's a dirtier side.

Humbled Toyota Rolls Out New Tundra Pickup

February 7, 2013 12:14 pm | by Dee-Ann Durbin, Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writers | News | Comments

Back in 2007, Toyota trumpeted its bulked-up Tundra as a game-changer that would cut into Detroit's dominance of the U.S. pickup truck market. "The truck that's changing it all," was the tagline from an ad that featured the beefy Tundra pulling a 10,000-pound trailer up a steep ramp.

Hot Wheels: Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

February 7, 2013 12:13 pm | by Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer | News | Comments

General Motors is following the Volkswagen playbook by bringing a diesel-powered small car from Europe to the United States. The automaker will introduce the diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze compact on Thursday at the Chicago Auto Show.

Pampering Lexus LS Is Fuss-Free Sedan

February 6, 2013 1:56 pm | by Ann M. Job, For The Associated Press | News | Comments

After decades of top reliability ratings, the Lexus LS 460 remains the quintessential serene, no-fuss, pampering, large, luxury sedan. In fact, the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Dependability Study noted the LS had the fewest owner-reported problems in the auto industry and ranked above vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW.

Michael Dell's Journey To Take Back Dell

February 6, 2013 12:29 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

Dell decides to go private, the latest move by Michael Dell to take the computer company he founded to new heights. Like all good tech stories, Dell started in a college dorm room where Michael Dell would build computers and sell them directly to his classmates. Here is a look at how Michael Dell built his company.

New BlackBerry To Be Released In U.S. In Mid-March

February 5, 2013 10:08 am | by Rob Gillies, Associated Press | News | Comments

The chief executive of Research In Motion said he's disappointed the new BlackBerry won't be released in the United States until mid-March, but he said early data suggests sales in the U.K. are above expectations. Thorsten Heins said in an interview Monday with The Associated Press that he was disappointed in the mid-March U.S. release date. But he said the U.S. and its phone carriers have a rigid testing system.

Productivity Never Grows Old At Canadian Fab Shop

February 4, 2013 8:02 am | Articles | Comments

Other than conversation pieces, what’s the value in having decades-old machine tools occupy valuable floor space in a modern fab shop? The answer is “Plenty!” according to Ken Lennox, provided the machines are in suitable roles and were originally built with “the right stuff.”

Thermal Imagers: A Priceless Investment

January 31, 2013 3:29 pm | by Rachel Leisemann Immel, Associate Editor, IMPO | Articles | Comments

Industrial inspection cameras have revolutionized the predictive maintenance industry. From the many types of cameras available, thermal imagers are ones that have claimed their place in a manufacturer’s predictive maintenance arsenal. Once an instrument too expensive for the average facility, today’s technology has advanced thermal imagers to the point of necessity.

A New Industrial Revolution

January 31, 2013 3:08 pm | by Rachel Leisemann Immel, Associate Editor, IMPO | Articles | Comments

Pennsylvania is a growing energy leader in the United States, becoming a net exporter of natural gas in 2011. They have seized opportunities the Marcellus Shale boom has provided, and expanded into global leaders in natural gas—and are making the region known for its industrial innovation and talent, truly fueling a new industrial revolution.

The Most Desirable American Muscle Car?

January 30, 2013 2:44 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

The 1971 Hemi 'Cuda convertible was considered the most desirable - and most valuable - of all American muscle cars. Only 11 of them were produced that year. 'Cudas in good condition can be worth millions of dollars. After this 'Cuda was stolen and discovered in 2001, it was fully restored with original parts and painted 'Plum Crazy' color - take a look.

The New Horizon In Tech

January 30, 2013 2:40 pm | by CBS News | Videos | Comments

As devices get smaller and smaller, tech companies are looking for the next innovation that will keep consumers coming back for more. IBM Fellow and Vice President of Innovation Bernie Meyerson offers five new innovations that could change our lives within the next five years.

BlackBerry CEO Talks New Phones

January 30, 2013 11:49 am | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

CEO Thorsten Heins, tasked with turning around the company, discusses the new phone and his future plans. The new Z10 features a virtual keyboard, and while a new Blackberry with a qwerty keyboard is coming, Heins says Blackberry has a "very loyal customer base" that won't mind waiting.

Can Blackberry 10 Breathe New Life Into RIM?

January 29, 2013 12:39 pm | by CBS News | Videos | Comments

Since 2006, the smartphone landscape has undergone seismic changes. Now, a former industry leader is looking to regain customers. CNET.com's Sumi Das reports RIM is making a gamble with their new Blackberry 10 operating system in a move to stay relevant.

Ford, Daimler, Nissan To Research Hydrogen Cars

January 28, 2013 2:04 pm | by Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer | News | Comments

Ford is joining with Daimler and Renault-Nissan to speed development of cars that run on hydrogen, with hopes of bringing a vehicle to market in as little as four years. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles generate electricity after a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is stored in special high-pressure tanks, and the only emissions are water vapor and heat.

Manufacturing: The Solution To The Jobs Crisis

January 28, 2013 1:02 pm | by CNN Money | Videos | Comments

Dow Chemical CEO and chairman Andrew Liveris says advanced manufacturing is coming back to America and will drive our economy. Liveris argues that technology became the new word for manufacturing since technology has to be researched and made.