Energy — there’s an app for that
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It seems sometimes like there’s an app for everything. Some of them are even useful. Save energy with your smart phone. Today, on Engineering Works!
Smart phones are learning to do amazing things. What’s the weather going to be like this afternoon? Bring up your weather app and find out. Out to dinner with friends? One app will split the check for you. Another turns your iPhone into an iTunes remote.
App developers are aiming at another target, too. Using your phone to manage your house. Especially the amount of energy you use. Saving energy is getting sexy. One German company has developed an app that lets you open and close windows, turns lights on or off, change thermostat settings, from anywhere, through your phone. Other companies offer similar apps and more are getting into the game every day, it seems.
A technological perfect storm is driving these developments. We’re all concerned about energy use and climate change. More companies are developing technology to control home energy use, almost hour by hour. And smart phones and software for apps give you the technology to do something about.
It’s not all mobile technology. Major household appliance manufacturers expect to launch internet-compatible washing machines and refrigerators any day now. Match ‘em up with an app and you’re good to go. Other companies are getting ready with adapter plugs that will let older appliances talk to your app.
Our get-out-of-here app is ready and we’re gone. See you next time.
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http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/0,1518,670235,00.html
