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Here’s how the Nest Learning Thermostat works

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smart Home, Videos,

We just gave you the rundown on Nest, the new learning thermostat brought to you by one of the creators of the iPod. Now, here's a video that shows how it works. Definitely elegant due to its simplicity. You can pre-order Nest now, and they'll ship in November.

Nest: The amazing iPhone-controlled learning thermostat

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Design, Smart Home, Wireless / WiFi,

If your house is less than 20 years old, you probably have a programmable thermostat. It's probably a plain rectangle with a handful of buttons and a monochrome LCD screen, and it's probably a slight nuisance to program. It also probably isn't connected to your home Wi-Fi network. Nest is trying to change that with its new Nest Learning Thermostat.

The thermostat is a round metal dial with a circular color LCD screen that works a lot like an iPod classic click wheel. That could be because Nest was co-founded by former Apple employee Tony Fadell, one of the creators of the iPod. You can turn the temperature up or down by twisting the dial, or you can go through its menus by pressing it in like a button. It can be set to automatically change the temperature based on the time and whether you're present.

Click to continue reading Nest: The amazing iPhone-controlled learning thermostat

Power Bridge turns the power strip upside down

Posted by Mark Rollins Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech,

The Power Bridge is a concept device that solves the problem that most anyone with a computer or home entertainment system has run into: power strips, with their mess of cords, are unsightly. The simple idea, designed by Hyukjae Chang, takes the outlets and flips them upside down. The result? Something that is functional, and appears to even be a bit safer. Way to go, Mr. Chang, for this long-needed idea of improving the power strip aesthetic. We hope it catches on and sees the light of day.

Solar Powered LED Necklace

Posted by Jenny Lewis Categories: Accessories, Wearables, Design, Misc. Tech,

solar LED necklace If you like to make statements with bold jewelry, make statements about alternative energy or just make statements in support of glowing in the dark, we have found the necklace for you! May Yokoyama’s Lux neckace is constructed of solar panels strung with LED bulbs. After two hours of charging the necklace will glow for four hours, ensuring your statement is made clearly and for a long time.

McAfee Study Shows Spam Wastes Energy

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Internet,

Carbon Footprint McAfee commissioned spam expert Richi Jennings to study its environmental impact. The results were that the energy used in transmitting and deleting is equal to the electricity used in 2.4 million homes. Furthermore, the GHG emissions were equivalent to 3.1 million automobiles. Last year, McColo was taken offline and the spam volume dropped 70%, with the energy savings equal to taking 2.2 million cars off the road that day. Sign up at McAfee if you would like to download the entire report, although we suggest you don’t print it to save a tree.

Earth Day is Coming, Plant a Tree

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Hot Deals, Science,

Earth Day logo Every year we like to ~~nag~~

remind you to do your bit for Earth Day, and this year is no exception. Next Wednesday, April 22, plant a tree, volunteer to work for your city or send an Earth Day E-card. Check out the Facebook application Every Day is Earth Day to find how you can decease your carbon footprint. The goal is to offset 100,000 lbs. of CO2. Finally, you can get a free download of Grist’s Wake Up and Smell the Planet before Earth Day.

Inlet-Outlet - Use Energy, Make Energy

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home,

Solar Power can be expensive for something as large as a house, but think about this energy saving concept. The Inlet-Outlet can turn an appliance or other device into an energy generating one. For example, take something like your dryer that already uses way too much energy with a panel behind it capturing the excess heat and turning it into electricity. An entire system could turn all those plugged in exercise vehicles at your local gum into a mini-power plant. Kudos to Carla Diana and Jeff Hoefs for the smart design.

SmartSwitch Saves Energy Usage

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Science,

Curb your partners/spouses, kids, and neighbors’ bad habits of wasting energy. Peter Russo and Brendan Wypich of Stanford University have created a SmartSwitch. The prototype doesn’t keep anyone from turning one on, but if it is done too often the flipping is more difficult. The device provides tactile feedback with a network connection and brake pad. The SmartSwitch fits into a standard electrical box and can be used for a home or an entire community, unless they have secretly purchased a Clapper.

Participate in Earth Hour

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Science,

Can you go without power for one hour? Can you live without the telly, computer, radio or microwave for 60 minutes? That’s exactly why Earth Hour was created. This year, over 500 cities in 75 countries have committed, twice the number that participated last year. The idea originated in Sydney, Australia two years ago with 2.2 million homes and businesses showing their concern about global warming. Check the site to see if your city is on the list and be prepared for blackout March 28, 8:30 p.m.

Google Tests PowerMeter Monitoring

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Google, Smart Home, Internet,

PowerMeter Graph Google has a new tool that they are testing. PowerMeter will show home energy usage in real time on your PC. You set the rate of your electricity charge, plug in your appliance and a monitor will calculate the cost. Forty million trackers are already in use and Google predicts that another 100 million will be bought in the next few years. Studies show that those who have access to home energy information can save up to 15% of their electricity bills. PowerMeter is not yet available but should be soon.

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