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26 Oct 2011: New Smart Thermometer
Programs Itself to Control Energy Use

The inventor of the iPod has developed a smart thermometer that can program itself based on your

Nest Labs

Nest Learning Thermostat

behavior patterns, knows when you’re not home, and optimizes temperatures to minimize energy use. The Nest Learning Thermostat, designed by Tony Fadell’s new startup, Nest Labs, uses six sensors that track temperature, motion, humidity, and ambient light to control energy consumption. Within a week, the device begins to create a schedule for heating based on the user’s habits, adjusting the heating and cooling automatically when no one is home and documenting how much energy is used each day. Using a Wi-Fi connection, the technology also tracks weather conditions and forecasts, enabling it to better monitor how outside conditions affect the user’s energy use. While it costs $249, the company says the technology, which will be available commercially in mid-November, will cut energy costs by an average of $173 per year.

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