Smart Takes

Archive: 11-2011

• How should electronics companies sell the LED light bulb?

  The LED light bulb: attractive because it’s better, or alluring because it’s technological? A look at how Samsung positions its new $20 models.

  November 21, 2011, 8:31 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• Microsoft files patents for sensor-based security, wind energy design

  Servers in a wind turbine? Biometric security authorization for the web? Microsoft’s new patents offer a peek into the company’s latest R&D efforts.

  November 21, 2011, 7:38 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• Through data, evaluating the potential for life on other worlds

  An international team of scientists has developed a classification system for new planets that could help prevent them from overlooking the potential for life.

  November 21, 2011, 7:09 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• In proteins, a possible antibiotic revolution

  San Francisco-based startup AvidBiotics says it can reverse the effects of an E. coli infection with a novel new protein — no conventional antibiotic required.

  November 21, 2011, 6:36 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• Chicago, Philadelphia sign up for next-gen transit payment systems

  Transit authorities in Chicago and Philadelphia signed major contracts this week for next-generation fare payment systems that would allow commuters to use bank cards to pay for rides.

  November 18, 2011, 6:50 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• In the U.S., fighting the assumption that ’small’ means ‘feminine’

  At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Fiat unveils the 500 Abarth, a “masculine” version of its diminutive subcompact. Can it win over male buyers?

  November 17, 2011, 10:37 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• We’re on iTunes! Check out our SmartPlanet Minute

  Subscribe to the SmartPlanet Minute on iTunes for 60 seconds of intelligent news every week.

  November 17, 2011, 7:38 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• In Guatemala, a Silicon Valley-style startup hub

  In a tough neighborhood in Guatemala City, tech-savvy creatives are building a community to foster the development of startup companies.

  November 17, 2011, 7:11 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• GE, CODA sign deal for electric car charging stations

  Coda Automotive and GE Energy sign a deal to sell the WattStation charger with new electric cars.

  November 17, 2011, 6:48 AM PST | By Andrew Nusca

• GE to launch new software hub, eyes ‘industrial Internet’

  The company is looking to “is to develop a new generation of intelligent systems that can predict and respond to changes.”

  November 17, 2011, 6:11 AM PST | By Larry Dignan