AllYouCanTech

Causes of the Unsuccessful Trial of Malaysia’s Innovative Glow In The Dark Road

When researchers address photoluminescence, it is often in relation to natural occurrences such as bioluminescent waves or potentially groundbreaking innovations like glow-in-the-dark wood. Bright coloring is seldom regarded as a public safety enhancement for roadways. Nevertheless, in 2023, Malaysia aimed to change that by applying photoluminescent paint to a section of rural road. This modern painting initiative provided essential street lighting to a nation in urgent need of improved road safety infrastructure, where accidents happen approximately every 50 seconds, and fatalities occur every two hours.

Although the luminescent paint received enthusiastic feedback initially, it soon faced practicality issues, with political figures noting cost and durability challenges that rendered broader project expansion unreasonable. Just over a year post-implementation, Malaysian officials have postponed plans for further expansion of the initiative. Malaysia is just one of several nations exploring photoluminescent paint to enhance road safety. Nearly ten years prior, the Netherlands implemented glow-in-the-dark paint along about 100 kilometers of road outside Amsterdam but discovered that rainfall resulted in unpredictable light output.

In more recent times, trials in Australia and Ireland have aimed to evaluate the viability of similar road markings. These initiatives are designed to find a more sustainable, energy-efficient alternative to standard street lighting, especially in rural areas lacking robust electricity infrastructure. Malaysia’s recent trial serves as both a model and a cautionary tale for those interested in adopting such technologies, providing insight into the challenges governments encounter as they pursue innovative infrastructure enhancements.

The setback of Malaysia’s luminous roadway initiative

Malaysia’s attempt to utilize photoluminescent paint instead of conventional streetlights for enhanced visibility had multiple benefits. For one, the paint performed admirably in both rainy and foggy scenarios, maintaining luminescence for up to 10 hours regardless of weather conditions. Glow-in-the-dark paint has also been viewed as an environmentally friendly solution that does not necessitate intricate electrical systems. Increasing roadway visibility is a critical aspect of the nation’s goal to improve the safety of its roads, and the project was perceived as a novel approach to illuminating rural areas plagued by frequent power outages.

Initially, Malaysia limited its new road markings to certain sections within the rural Selangor and Johor areas, with planners anticipating a broader application throughout the region. However, cost emerged as a key obstacle, as the photoluminescent paint was approximately 20 times more expensive than standard white lines. Additionally, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research expressed concerns regarding the paint’s longevity in the country’s humid environment. Such findings echoed those of the International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, which suggested that photoluminescent paint would require reapplication as often as every 18 months in tropical climates. Ultimately, these financial and durability apprehensions led to the project’s downfall.

A promising outlook for photoluminescent paint?

In spite of Malaysia’s unsuccessful road trial, various countries and businesses are still experimenting with the technology, yielding mixed outcomes. The Netherlands introduced photoluminescent paint as early as 2014. Unfortunately, the paint deteriorated when exposed to rain, resulting in a temporary halt of the program. Despite this setback, numerous European firms have persisted in advancing the technology.

Indeed, the French company responsible for Malaysia’s glowing road ventures, LuminoKrom, has applied its luminescent paint to bike paths, bridges, roads, and industrial areas worldwide, including in France, Colombia, Japan, and India. Irish manufacturer Luminousflux is another prominent entity aiming to broaden the use of this technology in Europe, with tests ongoing in Sligo, Ireland. Photoluminescent paint is also making headway in Australia, where the government of New South Wales commenced a six-month trial of glow-in-the-dark roads on a hazardous hairpin curve, located south of Sydney.

Local officials reported 125 near-miss incidents on the curve during the first half of 2024 alone. According to the Australian government, the Glow Road technology employed in the trial has been thoroughly tested to ensure it will endure Australia’s specific climate conditions. The trial is projected to last for six months, after which the New South Wales government will determine whether to broaden its application throughout the region.

Apple Unveils New Limited-Edition iPhone Accessory in Just One Week

Following the launch of the iPhone Pocket, a collaboration between Apple and Issey Miyake, the company discreetly revealed another limited-edition iPhone accessory, this one entirely centered on accessibility. Developed in collaboration with Hikawa, the MagSafe accessory is also more affordable than Apple’s earlier released iPhone Pocket.

“The grip was crafted through a comprehensive interview process to support various methods of holding the iPhone while minimizing the effort required to maintain stability,” stated Bailey Hikawa, product creator of this new iPhone accessory.

The Hikawa iPhone & Grip Stand commemorates the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple. On the product description page, Apple notes that it has been designed with direct feedback from individuals with disabilities affecting muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control to create this ergonomic grip for all users. Apple does not specify the price for this product, so customers interested in this unique collaboration should act quickly to obtain it.

Apple has been seeking new collaborations for its accessories.

It appears Apple has gained insights after acquiring Beats – recognized for its numerous partnerships with artists, athletes, and other figures. Observing Apple’s willingness to collaborate with more firms to create distinctive products is certainly something customers appreciate.

The Hikawa iPhone Grip & Stand utilizes magnets to firmly attach the device to any iPhone with MagSafe, while also facilitating easier removal for users. The accessory additionally functions as a stand in both portrait and landscape orientations. It draws inspiration from modern sculpture, and Apple remarks that each Hikawa product is an “art object unto itself.”

The limited-edition accessory is offered in two shades, a high-visibility Chartreuse and recycled Crater, exclusively at Apple’s online store. The product is now available for $69.95. BGR will keep you updated if Apple introduces new iPhone accessories in the future. Meanwhile, you can explore other currently available iPhone 17 accessories such as cases, straps, and more.

2025 Gadget Gift Handbook: Best Selections for Any Budget

The festive season has arrived, making it a great opportunity to pick up some gifts for your friends and family. Searching for the ideal tech present can be tricky, especially when you’re working within a budget. Fortunately, there are numerous products available on Amazon that would delight anyone to discover in their stockings this year. Additionally, you might want to explore the tech gifts we’ve suggested for those who seem to have everything.

This year, we’ve scoured Amazon for the top tech gifts to consider for someone as a present for 2025. These items aren’t oversized, but they are perfect for anyone eager to unwrap a new gadget during the holidays or for those who regularly utilize technology. None of these gifts exceeds $100, ensuring you can remain within a feasible budget, no matter what you’re willing to invest in someone. They generally boast favorable reviews from other customers who have bought them. At the end, we’ll elaborate on our selection criteria for these items. For the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, here are the 10 best tech gifts suitable for every price range.

**Keyboard, Laptop, and Gadget Cleaner**

A cleaning kit is a universally appreciated gift, particularly one aimed at maintaining keyboards, laptops, and various gadgets regularly in use. The All-in-One Keyboard, Laptop, and Gadget Cleaning Kit offers an efficient means to keep your well-used devices in top shape. Available for $14.99 (with a limited-time Black Friday Deal at $11.98) on Amazon, this kit enjoys a 4.6-star rating and has received 2,956 reviews. It’s an ideal gift for a colleague or as a stocking stuffer, particularly for someone unsure about the frequency at which experts recommend cleaning computer components, including keyboards.

This kit includes a keyboard brush, a polishing cleaning cloth, a keycap puller for mechanical keyboard users, a metal pen tip for headphones, a flocking sponge, a slim soft brush, a lens cleaning pen, cleaning spray, and a large microfiber cleaning cloth. All items are compactly packed, making it easy for someone to store in their desk drawer or keep handy in their vehicle. Customers highly endorse its use, praising the cleaning effectiveness of these tools and the convenience of having a variety of instruments in one package. Many users emphasize its compactness, as traditional cleaning tools can occupy considerable space.

**Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker**

Portable speakers make an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys listening to music while multitasking. The Ortizan Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a highly recommended choice and would be a great present this holiday season. You can snag it for $28.48 during a Black Friday Deal (regular price $49.99) on Amazon, where it holds a 4.5-star rating from 44,090 users. If you’re on a budget, this product represents an economical alternative to pricier Bluetooth audio devices. The Ortizan features Bluetooth connectivity for music playback and boasts a vibrant RGB light display on the sides that pulses with the music. Expect around 30 hours of playtime before needing to recharge, although user reviews vary regarding its battery longevity.

Many who purchase it comment on the sound quality when using it, especially considering the affordable price. Numerous reviews also praise the efficiency of its Bluetooth connection and the device’s compact size, making it easy to transport. It’s ideal for outdoor use, being waterproof and dustproof, so you can relax knowing it’s safe near a pool or at the beach, and you can enjoy your tunes while showering.

**Ocoopa Magnetic Hand Warmers**

Hand warmers are a superb solution for staying cozy during chilly winter months. For those wishing to bestow warmth upon someone, the Ocoopa Magnetic Hand Warmers serve as an excellent choice to keep them comfortable in the cold. These metal hand warmers fit easily in each hand and can provide prolonged warmth for several hours across three different heat settings. They’re portable, fitting in pockets or attaching to bags using their magnetic bottoms. Equipped with a rechargeable battery that charges via USB, you can buy them for $18.99 during a Black Friday Deal ($29.99 regular price) on Amazon, where they enjoy a 4.7-star rating from 1,162 reviews. These are comparable to the rechargeable hand warmers we suggest as a USB.