Posted on 06/25/2009 8:58:04 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON (AFP) – US software giant Microsoft launched a free online home energy monitoring tool on Wednesday that allows consumers to gauge their usage and reduce consumption.
Microsoft Hohm, available as a beta, or test, version in the United States at microsoft-hohm.com, lets users "better understand their energy usage, get recommendations and start saving money," Microsoft said.
"We believe technology will play a pivotal role in tackling the global energy issues we currently face," Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft, said in a statement.
"Microsoft Hohm demonstrates how a combination of advanced software and Internet-based services can help people track, understand and manage their personal energy usage," he said.
Microsoft said Microsoft Hohm uses advanced analytics licensed from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the US Department of Energy.
It said Hohm provides suggestions for energy conservation based on home energy input data and feedback contributed by users.
Savings recommendations can range from caulking windows to removing air leaks to installing a programmable thermostat, Microsoft said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
today it is just a free monitoring tool...with the next upgrade, Bill Gates will control your thermostat
Heck, I didn’t download it and look at all the energy and bandwidth I saved already. :-]
“Microsoft launches home energy monitoring tool”
That weighs 200 pounds, takes 10,000 watts to run, and when it crashes your house goes dark.
And after that a Czar will make it mandatory.
You can buy energy monitors already but those aren’t connected to the internet.
Using too much heat? Now you're capped!
Using too much air? Now you're capped!
Watching too much TV? Now you're capped!
Using too much gas? Now you're capped!
Is that “capped” as in shut off?
Or “capped” as in “I’m going to bust a cap in your ass!”?
I’m giving even odds that the government would do one or the other if it could.
Not true. There are entire home control solutions out there, including monitoring, and control of almost anything, from anywhere in the world right from your cell phone.
Absolutely no info on their page as to how it works....only this:
We’ll send you notification to the email address you have provided above when Microsoft Hohm becomes available. We’ll use your email address only for this purpose.
Lol! I didn’t think about that second one... But now that you mention it...
Why?
It's easy to use and doesn't give any control of my house to anybody. It is non-intrusive.
Well, gee, that convinces me. This is not based on "ordinary" analytics, but "advanced" analytics.
"Hohm"... why does that remind me of a group of hippies sitting around a fire?
Another reason not to have Microsoft in the House Network....
LOL.. I guess it depends on what the application is.
Do I need their tool?
No.
Having a smart house is a bit too trekky uhh tekky for me.
Not unless his firmware can override Screwdriver 1.0
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.