Daily Crunch: Smart Home

Here are some of yesterday’s Gadgets stories:

USB-Powered Necktie Clip Cooler
Spotify Now On Sonos
Sony Wading Back Into The E-Reader Fray With New Readers
MIRAI SANZO: Japan Gets Android-Based Smart Home Robot
The E-Note Is An Ultra-Simple Note-taking Tablet

Daily Crunch: Smart Home

Backlink: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/ajayNSRRx_8/

Inside RIM: The Rise And Fall Of The Company That Made Smartphones Smart

Research In Motion is in the midst of a major transition in every sense of the word. Publicly, the company is portraying a very defensive image — one that is very dismissive, as if RIM is profitable and class-leading, and the media is out of line to criticize its business, as are investors. Internally, however, there’s a different story to be told. It’s a story filled with attitude, cockiness, heated arguments among the executive team and Co-CEOs, and paranoia. We’ve spoken to multiple ex-RIM executives at length about their experiences with the company over the past few years. While most speak highly of RIM and their time in Waterloo, they also each left the company due mainly to RIM’s lack of vision and leadership. Read on for an exclusive inside look at a company teetering on the edge between greatness and collapse.

Click here to continue reading at BGR...

Please follow SAI on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• RIM Isn't Making Any Money On The PlayBook
• RIM's Co-CEOs Have "Titanic" Arguments In Front Of Employees
• No, RIM Doesn't Need To Split Up -- It Needs To Travel Back In Time

Inside RIM: The Rise And Fall Of The Company That Made Smartphones Smart

Backlink: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/TzmYZNqUQKA/

Comment on On-Ramp Wireless Ramps Up Funds for Smart Grid by Fred

WiFi? Looks like 802.15.4 according to their website. But their high link budget trickery is costing them data rate... It's 1/4 as fast as ZigBee/15.4.

Comment on On-Ramp Wireless Ramps Up Funds for Smart Grid by Fred

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/cleantech/on-ramp-wireless-ramps-up-funds-for-smart-grid/#comment-634634

White House To Announce IT-Powered Smart Grid

FizzaNawaz writes "On Monday, the Obama administration is preparing announce the next steps that the US will take to build its 21st century electric grid, and IT is expected to play a big part in the plans. The White House is hosting a 90-minute media event called 'Building the 21st Century Electric Grid' and is releasing a new report on what it will take for lawmakers and the private sector to come together to solve this aspect of the energy challenge."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

White House To Announce IT-Powered Smart Grid

Backlink: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdot/~3/kCRDJxZ8N0c/White-House-To-Announce-IT-Powered-Smart-Grid

Comment on News Flash: Twitter Doesn’t Make You Smart or Stupid by ronald

It's not that simple: It's just not what Bill Keller thinks it is, they really need to read up on modern information theory, see links post. Sharing Information Corrupts Wisdom of Crowds[1] “Opinion polls and the mass media largely promote information feedback and therefore trigger convergence of how we judge the facts,” they wrote. The wisdom of crowds is valuable, but used improperly it “creates overconfidence in possibly false beliefs.” 1. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/05/wisdom-of-crowds-decline/

Comment on News Flash: Twitter Doesn’t Make You Smart or Stupid by ronald

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/2011/05/18/news-flash-twitter-doesnt-make-you-smart-or-stupid/#comment-625212

Comment on News Flash: Twitter Doesn’t Make You Smart or Stupid by Mathew Ingram

I didn't say most people use Twitter that way -- I said it's possible to use it that way. And those who use it for stupid things, well... what can I say :-) Thanks for the comment though.

Comment on News Flash: Twitter Doesn’t Make You Smart or Stupid by Mathew Ingram

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/2011/05/18/news-flash-twitter-doesnt-make-you-smart-or-stupid/#comment-625211

Here's Why It's Still Smart To Work With Nokia (NOK)

Nokia is obviously in a tough spot in the smartphone industry, but it can still be helpful for small companies to work with them, if the economics work out. 

Take Foursquare, for example.

Not only is Nokia developing their Symbian apps for them -- apps that Foursquare may not have made otherwise -- but it is also promoting the Foursquare app and brand around the world in Nokia advertisements.

We spotted this one last week in tiny Tarifa, Spain, on vacation. But Foursquare mobile partnerships exec Holger Luedorf tells us that they are all over the place.

Luedorf says it's hard to tell if the ads have helped grow Foursquare's user base, but they definitely help generate brand awareness.

Of course, most startups won't get this sort of treatment. There's only one Foursquare, one Angry Birds, etc., and it helps to be a cool brand that bigger companies want to align themselves with.

But the point is that industry giants like Nokia and Microsoft, which are st rugging in mobile, still have a ton of cash to throw around at smaller companies.

So even if they aren't as strategically important as developing for Apple, Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc., it can be smart to work with them.

Don't miss: Take our photo tour of Foursquare's NYC headquarters →

For the latest tech news, visit SAI: Silicon Alley Insider. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Microsoft's Secret Plan To Disrupt Google Maps On The iPhone
• Microsoft Buying Skype Would Make No Sense
• Check Out This Startup Office: An Amazing 3-Level Apartment (PHOTO TOUR)

Here's Why It's Still Smart To Work With Nokia (NOK)

Backlink: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/Cqbfun0LrpA/foursquare-nokia-2011-5

Comment on PG&E;’s Smart Meter Opt-Out Plan: What’s Next? by Tesla_X

I don't need another 1 watt 900mhz or 2.4ghz wireless transmitter, or 2 on either side of my house, garbaging up my living environment with RF that disables my other wireless devices (two sets of phones no less) that use the same frequencies, and cause them to have to broadcast at higher power to function. The overall increase in wireless frequencies in/around the home are synergistic and affect each other and the effects have not been adequately studied to determine the level of electronic nuisance or adverse health effects. The data here in the US is biased toward ignorance/no data means no problem. This is not the same as saying they are safe. Wireless networks can be hacked. I don't want a community or a utility that is easy to 'stuxnet' or fall victim to a utility grade DDOS attack. Putting in the product this way now makes this possible. They could cost effectively exchange the wireless chip and power components for a modem IC and an RJ-11 connector. Done. Not cost prohibitive by any stretch of the imagination...only by the PGE PR department. And you don't need a smart meter to do interval data, or fancy insecure wireless to record, store and harvest usage data at intervals monthly. We're just told that because the PGE PR department says so. I don't want PGE changing the way power factor is measured to their benefit, especially to residential customers. Analog vs. digital meters see power factor differently. Not enough attention has been paid to this. Power factor can put readings off by as much as 30%. I don't want hardware and software enabling PGE to hit a button to change how much they charge me or how the meter functions, or a hacker being able to do same. Just a slip of the finger or an auto-calibrate setting, or an incorrect CT setting in software could double my bills and then I have to listen to PGE tell me why it is not their problem for a few billing cycles before maybe fixing the problem. I don't like TOU/Peak day/Bend over Pricing either. PGE does a real good job of serving themselves, and trying to convince others through stupid PR campaigns that they are serving the ratepayers...what a crock. They need to stop insulting everyone's intelligence. What they NEED to do is reward efficiency, cooperate with business to deploy DG of all kinds(instead of opposing anything they don't own), stop gaming the PUC, gaming Direct access, gaming the reverse auction process vs what they SAY Renewables cost THEM, AB1613?, hell...just about everything they touch turns into a lawsuit. Great job Guys! How about PGE concentrate on delivering value for a change? Why the heck couldn't they deploy power line broadband or fiber or something useful that people would WANT to pay more for, and offer the enhanced power monitoring as an optional service? How about giving regular monthly discounts for people on regular residential rates for those that shift major loads to the evening and early mornings? As little as a few bucks a month would send more of a message than all the TOU BS in the world....which is just another excuse for a rate increase (BOP...bend over pricing), without calling it one.

Comment on PG&E;’s Smart Meter Opt-Out Plan: What’s Next? by Tesla_X

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/cleantech/pge%e2%80%99s-smart-meter-opt-out-plan-what%e2%80%99s-next/#comment-612094

Comment on I Returned My ‘Smart TV’ Because the Apps Were Dumb by Chris

You're right. Widgets are pretty widget-y right now, but that will change. Though I think for social apps, the two-screen experience is the way to go.

Comment on I Returned My ‘Smart TV’ Because the Apps Were Dumb by Chris

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/video/smart-tv-crashy/#comment-582120

Comment on I Returned My ‘Smart TV’ Because the Apps Were Dumb by Rob

Here is an idea that has worked good for me. Just buy a blue-ray player with a wi-fi connection like I did and stream your movie content through it. If that crashes you'll still have a TV. Furthermore, let's face it, not to bash Vizio but it isn't exactly at the top of the food chain when it comes to that type of technology. I got a Sony blue-ray unit with built-in wi-fi and it works perfect across my wireless internet. Try it out. Just an idea.

Comment on I Returned My ‘Smart TV’ Because the Apps Were Dumb by Rob

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/video/smart-tv-crashy/#comment-582118

Comment on Is Smart TV Platform Fragmentation a Good Thing? by Ben

Apple has tried working with content owners for years. Steve Jobs being the biggest shareholder of Disney does help kick start things a little bit, but you always have companies like NBC trying to ruin it for everybody.

Comment on Is Smart TV Platform Fragmentation a Good Thing? by Ben

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/video/is-smart-tv-platform-fragmentation-a-good-thing/#comment-572831

Comment on Is Smart TV Platform Fragmentation a Good Thing? by Ramin

HTML will be the publishing standard for free ad supported streaming content, not Apps. Apps will complement HTML.

Comment on Is Smart TV Platform Fragmentation a Good Thing? by Ramin

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/video/is-smart-tv-platform-fragmentation-a-good-thing/#comment-572691

What Is A Smart TV?

This article is sponsored by Samsung Smart TV.

The web has changed how we watch TV shows and movies.

Netflix's streaming service is booming. Hulu has a library with entire seasons of current TV shows. And anyone can create their own entertainment thanks to sites like YouTube and Vimeo.

Now major TV manufacturers are taking advantage of this shift by adding a layer of web-enhanced features to your traditional viewing experience.

These smart TVs adapt the features we've grown used to: apps, unlimited streaming, and syncing over multiple devices.

But what exactly makes a TV "smart?" We break it down for you.

Web Apps

Smart TVs have adapted the popularity of app stores for smartphones and brought them to your living room. On most you'll find the major video streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and YouTube along with news and information from sources like ESPN, AccuWeather, and Yahoo.

Smart TVs come loaded with these apps and most give you access online to stores where you can download more.

DLNA Certified Streaming

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) set a standard for sharing media among devices on your home network. Smart TVs that are DLNA certified can play movies, photos, and music from your PC, smartphone, and many other devices that connect to your wireless network.

Need an upgrade? Here are some options to make your existing TV smarter:

• Apple TV ($99): Stream videos from iTunes, your Mac, and your iPhone or iPad.

• Boxee Box ($199): View free web videos and stream content from your PC.

• Roku XDS ($99): View videos from Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand.

• Logitech Revue ($299.99): Turns your TV into a Google TV with streaming Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and several other apps.

• Sony Internet TV Blu-Ray Player ($399): Blu-Ray player with Google TV built in.

• Computer with HDMI out: Many laptops and desktop computers like the Mac Mini come with an HDMI port that will turn your TV into a second monitor. With a smartphone remote app like Rowmote, you can turn your computer into a high-def player with tons of media storage.

Check out some smart TVs and other holiday gifts. Click here to see 50 gift ideas for gadget lovers >>

Join the conversation about this story »

What Is A Smart TV?

Backlink: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/alleyinsider/silicon_alley_insider/~3/Xi9WjuD2fao/what-is-a-smart-tv-2010-12

Gmail Labs Adds ‘Smart Mute’ and Easier Ways to Unmute Features

Gmail made some changes to its "muting" feature that help you keep you inbox empty from the mailing lists:

Gmail Labs Adds ‘Smart Mute’ and Easier Ways to Unmute Features

Backlink: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DTWB/~3/tEEYSqf5OCM/

Comment on Verizon: Here’s the Truth About Sprint 4G by super smart

Roger A is right about the different generations, and I am a geek who spends an unbelievable amount of time researching stuff like this out of curiosity and because I have relatives on Sprint service.

Comment on Verizon: Here’s the Truth About Sprint 4G by super smart

Backlink: http://gigaom.com/mobile/verizon-heres-the-truth-about-sprint-4g/#comment-524646

Spanish Postal Authority Uses Smart Stamps to Promote Tourism, Business

Correos, Spain's postal authority, in conjunction with the company Macanudos, has released a QR-coded stamp that you can scan with your mobile phone.

Although it is not the first such stamp to be released by a national postal organization, it is the first is available to private companies to use for promotion.

Sponsor

Macanudos is a mobile marketing company out of Granada, Spain. They are working with the Spanish post office to extend a postal campaign begun in 2007. That campaign allows private companies to promote their brands in conjunction with the country's stamps. First out of the gate is a QR proof-of-concept, said the company's press release.

"The Spanish postal stamp consists of a QR code that, when scanned with a mobile phone and with right software will redirect the phones browser to an Internet address in which the user will be able to view a video, in this case, about the Alhambra of Granada."

"Tu Sello," or "Your Stamp" is the program that allows private companies, as well as independent governmental and non-profit organizations, to take advantage of the ubiquity of stamps to promote themselves, thereby shoring up the post office's bottom line as well. You may be able to scan future letters in and from Spain to get deals on ski equipment or information on wines from local vintners.

Read more ReadWriteWeb coverage of QR code use and the Internet of things.

Discuss

Post originale: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/readwriteweb/~3/1yKVd2NS8ko/spanish_postal_authority_uses_smart_stamps_to_prom.php