Gestures or Voice

WiSee - an interesting concept, but I think voice would be a more likely method for interacting with controls in the future. Having to memorize sequences of gestures doesn't seem very user friendly.

Power Company Controlled Thermostat or Blackout

I was reading this article about a UT professor's work to gather data about the power grid in order to better manage demand. It talked about rolling blackouts as a method to prevent the total collapse of the system when it is overwhelmed by demand.

I've read other stories about the power company wanting to have the ability to reach in and change the settings on my thermostat to reduce energy usage during peak times. I usually get my feathers ruffled by the idea of the power company controlling the temperature in my house.

Then it occurred to me that a house that is a little too warm is better than one that has no power, so no air conditioning either - and no lights, internet, etc. Of course, this also reminds me of the Ben Franklin quote about the choice between liberty and security.

Which poison would you choose? Rolling blackouts or a remote controlled thermostat?

Siri + Arduino = Universal Remote

A pretty cool hack... Siri + Arduino (Warning - foul language for no apparent reason in the video):


Siri Universal Remote from toddtreece on Vimeo.

Jetsons

I like my Logitech Harmony Remote Control, but there would be something very cool and futuristic about controlling my TV via the iPad or my phone. Enter the Logitech Harmony Link. Toss a little flying saucer looking disc near your components, hook it up to your WiFi network, and start controlling your TV from your tablet/smartphone. Since you are working over WiFi, you can make changes from anywhere in the house. Next, I want to control the thermostats and lights. Stuff like this could bring the X10 dream to a reality for the masses.

Via LifeHacker