I mentioned Wattvision previously, and the company is now running a Kickstarter campaign to deploy its complete the next generation of hardware, cover more types of power meters, and deploy the new hardware by about January 2013. Wattvision 2 includes a sensor that attaches to your home electricity meter and a gateway that connects up with your internet network. With these in place, a user can check electricity use online or from a smart phone.
This is yet another “Must-See” product and the People’s Choice winner at KBIS 2012. Called U-Socket, the AC wall outlet has two USB 3.0-compatible power ports and can be installed on a 16 cubic inch or larger single gang electrical box, according to Fastmac, the manufacturer. The listed product meets UL and NEC specifications and carries a 5-star energy-efficient design. The USA-made outlet has a smart sensor that recognizes when a device is charged and shuts down, cutting back on vampire energy.
The launch of the Nest Learning Thermostat back in October 2011 created a ton of interest in residential thermostats, and the gadget’s been installed in all sorts of green homes (including the C6 Prefab). Today, Nest Labs announced improvements to the new display with an automatic software update that will be pushed to all thermostat owners.
Check out this Clamp Lamp by Dana Cannam for manufacturer Pablo. The woodsy light is made with FSC-certified maple, walnut, or white oak and latches on to your desk with two wooden fingers. Light is provided with 108 LEDs that output between 700-1200 lumens at 3000 K for a 50,000 hour lifespan. The light can be adjusted with a hi-low switch and is listed as using a mere 8 watts. Clamp Lamp is pending Energy Star certification and sells for about $350-400.
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