subject: Rare Earth Magnets Used In The Creation Of Magnetic Smartphone Holders [print this page] The purpose of smartphones is to be able to host images, graphics, documents and facilitate video-calling, so it makes perfect sense that an Australian firm has put together a magnetic mounting systems which enables smartphones to be used as hands-free displays.
The new system has been put together by Melbourne-based Studio Proper, the Wallee M is a modular case mounting system designed specifically for use with both the iPhone 4/4S and Samsung Galaxy Nexus and can be used in a number of different settings such as using Google Maps for directions.
The question that most people will ask is how does it all work? Well, Studio Proper has used rare earth magnets for the smartphones cases so they dont need to be thickened out or carry excess weight.
The rare earth magnets, which will not cause any signal interference, are installed in all the accessories but not the cases.
"This allows us to keep case thickness to a minimum, instead adding a beautiful brushed steel inlay to the cases which is attracted to the magnets in each accessory," Studio Proper stated.
"We knew it wouldn't be any fun carrying strong magnets in your pockets all day," it further added.
The new Wallee M product is available for purchase to customers in the UK, Australia and the US, further to this, Studio Proper is in the process of beginning its tooling with a major manufacturer in China.
Moving on from smartphones on to another subject completely.
A report that has been put together by the Automotive Business Review stated that the increasing costs associated with rare earth magnets pose a significant challenge to the world electric vehicle (EV) market.
Furthermore, the website goes on to explain how an IDTechEx report suggests that the producers of future EVs which utilize traction motors will face difficult market conditions in the next few years as the costs of rare magnets is set to increase dramatically.
The report also states that 128 million EVs will be produced in 2022, which will help to generate revenues in excess of $260 billion (165 billion).
It states that car manufacturers may look to find new ways of developing non-magnetic motors given the fact that magnet prices are set to rise.
"Though there are several options being opted by the vehicle makers the focus will be on longer life, less maintenance and greater reliability reducing the cost of these components to a few per cent of vehicle cost which has increased up to 20 per cent or more in some cases," the website added.
