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BY SIMON FRASER | 1 min read

I have a problem with Google. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been a huge fan of Google since I switched over from Dogpile. (Remember when Dogpile was the best?)

The problem I have with Google is their mass appeal. It’s made them too generic and complicated. It really gives me too much to complain about.

But every once in a while, Google does something that is true to their core “Don’t Be Evil” policy.

For instance, Google has co-sponsored the Little Box Challenge with the IEEE. It is a $1M challenge that seeks the creation of a power inverter that is the size of a tablet. The unit would enable users to convert a DC current from solar, wind or electric vehicle sources into an AC current that could power appliances and other devices.

In short, it would greatly mobilize energy generation while leaving a vastly reduced carbon footprint. It could bring electricity to just about anywhere in the world.

Registration closes on September 30th, 2014. The winner is to be announced in January 2016.

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