Pico Projector

Optima has produced a "Pico Projector," which is small enough to fit in your pocket. Being the first of this kind one person claims it to be the invention of the year. Perfect for dull moments to take it out and attach you ipod or iphone and listen to music or watch music videos. The optima is compatible with normal RCA cords along with USB. This new creation will create great ease for many impromptu situations. Many companies caught on to this new hot item and many variations have been created. Although the resolution is not "High Definition," it proves to be very strong. You must also consider that it stays in your pocket. All this is available to the public now for under 130 dollars.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/04/optoma-pico-projector-gets-pictured-specced-and-priced/

Efficient Thin-Film Solar Cells

Scientists at MIT have just recently created more efficient ways to capture sunlight within thin-film solar cells. These solar cells are made of a new kind of silicon which are much more efficient and cost less. This new prototype combines a highly effective reflector on the back of a solar cell with an antireflective coating on the front. By adding silicon to these new types of solar cells, they can capture sunlight and produce electricity up to 15% more than the regular commercial cells. On modern solar cells each are backed with a metal layer which reflects light. Scientists backed surface of a silicon solar cell to make it so that it can capture and reflect sunlight. Scientists etch a series of ridges and troughs where on top they deposit a photonic crystal. The crystals make the light stay inside the cell longer increasing the chance of changing it into electricity. This new prototype can hopefully create enough electricity to where we now longer need power plants. This can help decrease the amount of pollution and decrease the effects of global warming.

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/21755/?a=f