Apple

Apple wants to improve power transfer systems used in electric vehicles

apple patent DC power

A recently published patent application suggests Apple is hard at work on developing high-voltage battery power converters for electronic cars. The U.S. patent for “Converter Architecture” explains how power from a high voltage source could be transferred downward to a lower voltage.

As AppleInsider explains, electric and hybrid cars are usually powered by a high voltage battery, which is mostly used to get the vehicle moving. The same energy sources are then used to fuel other parts of the automobile, such as the infotainment display, dashboard, and air conditioning system.

Unfortunately, Apple believes current systems that convert high voltage power to a lower voltage are “inefficient and suffer from load transients that are absorbed by and may cause damage to a low voltage battery.”

The company's solution:

In one implementation, an unregulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to a first energy source to down convert a first voltage supplied by the first energy source. A load is electrically connected to the unregulated DC-to-DC converter to receive the down converted first voltage. A regulated DC-to-DC converter is electrically connected to the unregulated DC-to-DC converter to regulate the down converted first voltage to a second voltage. A second power source is electrically connected to the regulated DC-to-DC converter to charge the second power source using the second voltage, and the second power source is switchably connectable to the load.

Improving battery efficiency for electric and hybrid cars is a worthwhile goal, especially as these type of vehicles become more popular. What's not yet known, however, is whether this patent has to do with the company's secretive Project Titan and how.

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts below.

Pixelmator Pro gains Light mode, Automator batch processing, auto-enhancements & more

Pixelmator Pro for Mac, a powerful Photoshop alternative, has been updated on Mac App Store this morning with full support for the latest macOS Mojave 10.14 software. Code-named “Quicksilver,” the app packs in a beautiful new Light appearance augmenting its default darkened interface, plus other perks like machine learning-based automatic photo enhancement, the ability to batch-process your images in Apple's Automator app, and more.

Refresh your swag game with Twelve South’s new insulated tumbler, zip-up hoodie & more

If you're looking to refresh your swag game, Twelve South has something for every true Apple fan out there. Some of the refreshed or new items in their fall merchandise update include a cozy hoodie sweatshirt, a new insulated tumbler for coffee addicts and more.

Company gear

Premium accessory maker Twelve South doesn't just make unique, innovative Apple-exclusive accessories but one-of-a-kind merchandise.

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Some of the company gear they've created over the years includes a candle that smells like a freshly unboxed Mac (updated last year with a brand new smell, as mentioned in our hands-on video embedded above), coffee mugs in Apple’s signature white and Twelve South’s red, plus some nice Mac-themed coolers that keep your drinks chilled, to name but a few.

New & updated Twelve South merch

Here's what's new in terms of Twelve South merchandize.

$25 Restart Insulated Tumbler

If you need a cup (or two) of coffee in the morning to get you going or cannot focus until you've had your favorite morning kickstart, this 20-ounce tumbler might be just for you. Ideal for taking your favorite morning kickstart, like a superfood smoothie or coffee, with you, it has copper vacuum insulation that keeps your beverages hot or cold for hours.

$60 cotton blend full-zip hoodie

Autumn is here and winter is coming! Good thing Twelve South unveiled a new zip-up hoodie made from a super soft cotton blend and lined in cozy fleece. Featuring a heat-sealed Twelve South logo, this stylish sweatshirt is sure to keep you warm throughout the season.

$25 Refresh double-wall insulated bottle

If you live an active life, surely you're aware of the importance of staying hydrated. Whether you're hitting the treadmill or finding zen on the yoga mat, grab this double-wall insulated bottle that will keep your water cool all day long so you stay refreshed.

$20 Drink Different 6-pack can cooler set

The updated set of different Mac-themed sayings, each with collapsible neoprene for “take-along to the beach, boat or barbecue”. According to the Charleston, South Carolina-headquartered firm, “you'll have a great time trying to get your PC friends to guess what they mean.”

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These new or refreshed items join Twelve South's existing merchandise that we previously rounded up, like their $24 baby onesie, a $24 baseball cap, a cool $29 ⌘Q Staring cotton blend T-shirt, a 6-pack can color set and more.

To explore all company gear, head over to the Twelve South Merch store.