Space weather could wreak havoc in gadget-driven world

WASHINGTON, (AFP) - A geomagnetic space storm sparked by a solar eruption like the one that flared toward Earth Tuesday is bound to strike again and could wreak havoc across the gadget-happy modern world, experts say.Contemporary society is increasingly vulnerable to space weather because of our dependence on satellite systems for synchronizing computers, airline navigation, telecommunications net

TechnologyFeb. 21, 2011

Samsung develops new faster mobile DRAM

Samsung Electronics Co., the world's No. 2 semiconductor maker, said Monday that it has developed a new memory chip for mobile gadgets that can transfer data at a speed eight times faster than previous devices.The WIDE IO mobile dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chip can transfer data at a speed of 12.8 gigabyte per second, compared with 1.6 gigabyte per second of previous devices, the company s

IndustryFeb. 21, 2011

Fears of run on savings banks looming

FSC suspends 4 more second-tier banks 2 days after promising no new suspensions in H1Financial regulators’ ongoing crackdown on savings banks is increasing the chances of a bank run under which a great number of customers withdraw their deposits.The Financial Services Commission suspended operations of four more saving banks over the weekend, raising the possibility of a massive exit by depositors

Feb. 21, 2011

Androids to run in world's 1st robot marathon

In this photo released by Japanese robot maker Vstone Co., robots wait for the start to demonstration a race during a press conference Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2011. (AP Photo/Vstone Co.)TOKYO (AP) – A technology company is organizing the world's first marathon for robots in Japan, a country known for its love of gizmos.So far, five robots have entered the event, expected to last four days next week. O

IndustryFeb. 21, 2011

Ford teams up with Sollers in Russia

DETROIT (AP) ― Ford Motor Co. is teaming up with Russian automaker Sollers to make and distribute cars in Russia, one of the fastest growing auto markets.Under a deal announced Friday, Sollers will build Fords at Russian plants, helping boost a struggling local industry. Ford will have access to a huge market that could bolster its revenues.Financial details weren’t disclosed, but the automakers s

IndustryFeb. 20, 2011

Rolls-Royce develops all-electric phantom

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG’s Rolls- Royce Motor Cars unit said it’s developing a single vehicle from its Phantom model series that’s fully powered by electricity.The car will debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1 and will tour this year as the company collects data that “will be crucial in informing future decisions on alternative drive- trains for Rolls-Royce Motor cars,” BMW said in an e-ma

Latest NewsFeb. 20, 2011

U.S. House passes budget bill

U.S. lawmakers vote to cut $61 billion in government spendingWASHINGTON (AFP) ― Historic spending cuts approved Saturday by the U.S. House of Representatives face a grim future in the Senate, raising the prospects of a government shutdown and ramping up the public relations blame game.After a marathon floor debate running well past midnight, the Republican-controlled House voted to cut about $61 b

Feb. 20, 2011

LG top brass hits the road for hands-on reviews

Troubled company’s CEO scans production lines at home and abroadLG Electronics’ top man Koo Bon-joon’s air mileage must be piling up at record speed with all the overseas trips he has logged since taking over the distressed electronics maker last September.Koo, 50, has been particularly travel-happy over the past few months, according to those close to the company, embarking on frequent trips to e

Feb. 20, 2011

Honda sweetens deal for Civic

Honda Korea is offering a larger discount and longer installment period for the compact car Civic until the end of the month. Until the end of the month, those purchasing the Civic ― either the 1.8 and 2.0 ― can choose between a 4 million won ($3,600) discount, and two special rate financing programs. Honda CivicThe financing schemes are a 36-month zero interest installment program and a low inter

MobilityFeb. 20, 2011

Range Rover Vogue hits local market

The new Range Rover TDV8 Vogue was launched on the local market on Feb. 14.The vehicle is fitted with a LR-TDV8 4.4-liter engine that puts out 313 brake horsepower and 8-speed automatic transmission. Range Rover TDV8 VogueThe vehicle manages 9.6 kilometers per liter, which according to the company is 18.5 percent more efficient than the previous engine. The new engine also emits 14 percent less gr

MobilityFeb. 20, 2011

Kia launches Forte with fuel-saving technology

Kia Motors Corp.’s Forte Eco Plus, the country’s first vehicle fitted with an idle stop-and-go-system for automatic transmission, will go on sale today.The idle stop-and-go-system automatically shuts down the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt and restarts the engine when the car is back on the move to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Forte Eco Plus. (Kia Motors Corp)Acco

MobilityFeb. 20, 2011

Camaro to lead GM’s Korean expansion

Muscle car measures up to competition, but stiffer price may dampen enthusiasmChevrolet’s iconic muscle car Camaro was unveiled in South Korea on Friday.The Camaro is the third model of the eight Chevrolet vehicles GM Daewoo Auto and Technology Co. plans to introduce to the local market this year as part of its strategy for pushing up domestic market share and to leave behind the less-than-flatter

MobilityFeb. 20, 2011

Smartphone top electronics buy in 2011: survey

WASHINGTON (AFP) ― U.S. consumers are more likely to buy a smartphone than any other electronic gadget this year, according to a new survey.Technology research company Gartner said consumers in the United States are more likely to buy a smartphone in 2011 than a personal computer, a basic mobile phone, an electronic book reader, a tablet computer or gaming products.Gartner said the next most popul

IndustryFeb. 20, 2011