power grid
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Puerto Rico is slowly recovering from an island-wide blackout
More than 435,000 customers still lack electricity and it's not clear when service will be fully restored.
MIT is redesigning power converters to make the grid more efficient
Electrical efficiency affects a massive number of devices, from the relatively tiny phones in our pockets all the way up to electric cars and the power grids keeping our houses running. Power converters are a particularly important part of the equation, as they're the devices that bring the high voltages coming through power lines down to more manageable levels for household outlets. MIT, along with semiconductor company IQE, Columbia University, IBM and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology have announced some breakthroughs on making that part of the equation more efficient.
ROCCAT's Power-Grid enters open beta, turns phones into PC control centers (video)
ROCCAT's Power-Grid has been slow in coming -- the smartphone-based PC assistant was originally supposed to launch last December. Nonetheless, gamers will be glad to hear that it's finally available to the public through an open beta. Both Android and iOS users can now control and monitor Windows PC activities of all kinds from their mobile device's screen, whether they're triggering StarCraft II keyboard macros or tracking CPU workloads. Demanding gamers can also create command screens and share them with others. ROCCAT doesn't yet know when it will stop the Power-Grid beta, but it does promise a slew of supporting accessories in 2014. Curious players can check out a feature video below before grabbing the app for free at the source link.
CES: Roccat's Power-Grid is almost ready to be switched on
Roccat first showed us the Power-Grid system (that uses an iPhone app to control various functions on a PC and the company's PC accessories) at CES in 2012 before officially announcing it last March. And now, a year later, the service is almost ready for launch. It's not quite good to go, but Roccat kindly showed off the near-finished version to us at this week's CES in Las Vegas, and man, is it ever impressive. Before I start going on and on about how just versatile and useful Roccat's app will be, I'll get the one major catch out of the way first: This product isn't for a Mac. It does of course use an iPhone, but the app ties over wi-fi into a desktop app that, Roccat has confirmed, is only going to be available for PCs. Mac compatibility is a remote future possibility, but Roccat told me that "it will take some time" -- the company has a long history of Windows accessory customization, and not so much with OS X. So for now, the Power-Grid service will only work using the iPhone app to control and PC and the software on it. But if you do happen to use a PC with your iPhone, you'll love what Power-Grid can do. Just as we heard last year, the app will have a series of screens with control buttons on them, and those controls will hook into PC functions. One screen will be full of various status updates (tracking your PC's CPUs, RAM, hard drive space and so on), and some of those controls will be interactive (tapping on the C: space listing, for example, will open up a Windows Explorer window on the PC set to the C: directory). A sound control screen will offer access to system audio, including the main volume as well as sliders for mic volume and other options. There's also a controller for your music client that Roccat says will work with all of the major players, including iTunes. Another screen will have updates from various social networks and programs like Twitter, Facebook, TeamSpeak, Skype and even RSS feeds, so you can browse through everything while a game is running on your PC's screen. And a final screen is called the "News Center", and will feature a series of curated feeds (including great blogs like TUAW, Joystiq and Engadget) and content to include if you want. Any of these tabs can be deleted or moved, but those are the main core tabs available to everyone. Where the Power-Grid gets really interesting, however, is after the default tabs. First up, Roccat will offer a number of other tabs built to offer functionality in various games or apps. I was able to play with a Skyrim tab, for example, that offered macro buttons on the iPhone to do things like change the game's camera, or bring up the skills or map screen automatically. The whole thing was surprisingly responsive: Just pull up the Skyrim tab on the iPhone, hit a button and then immediately the effects appeared on screen. And thanks to Roccat's experience with keyboard macros, the iPhone buttons are very powerful: One button toggled moving in the game, and another one attacked with a weapon or cast a spell, which put a surprising amount of functionality just on the iPhone. There are also tabs like that planned for League of Legends, Starcraft (think of just setting up a production queue by tapping a button on your phone), and a number of other games. And there will be a few non-game tabs available as well, according to Roccat, including functionality for Word, Photoshop and other popular apps. But even that's not the most interesting part. Tabs can also be custom made by users button by button, through a very simple process of first setting the button's attributes, and then just dropping and placing it on to the tab and syncing up to the iPhone app. Anything you can do on your PC with a keyboard can be placed into a button macro, and then you can drag and set that button up however you like, turning your iPhone into a custom-made controller for your PC. It's really unbelievable, and even if you don't have the time or interest to create a custom tab for yourself, users will be able to share and favorite tabs online, so you can just wait until someone else makes the one you want. The Power-Grid was an interesting idea when I first heard about it at last year's CES, but it's about to become a really incredible reality. Roccat said the biggest difficulty right now is getting Apple's approval on the whole system, but hopefully we'll see both the PC desktop app and the iPhone app (both of which are set up to be free!) available within the next few weeks.
ROCCAT Power-Grid Android version on its way, we go hands-on with the keyboard-augmenting app (video)
ROCCAT's plans to fight back against Razer's glowing customizable macro-keys and touchscreens are nearing the finish line. Here at Gamescom, the mouse and keyboard maker's Power-Grip app was at a nearly-finished stage on the iPhone. Better still, the Android version was close behind it -- although it was slightly less polished. The idea is to add a wealth of touchscreen widgets and quickly viewable data to your smartphone, sidestepping the need for pricier hardware solutions. That said, there are plans for ROCCAT to create some happy medium between the rogue smartphone interface and its more standard keyboard, with ideas gravitating towards a docking space for your phone built into the keyboard. We took the slightly more temperamental Android version for a spin on ROCCAT CEO Rene Korte's Galaxy S III -- check what the app's likely to offer on its December release in our hands-on after the break.%Gallery-162619%
Roccat introduces Power-Grid, a PC game controller iPhone
I first saw Roccat's Power-Grid, announced today, back at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The German-based PC accessory company first showed me its top-of-the-line keyboards and mice (customizable, wonderfully designed), and then asked if I wanted to see something really special. They swore me to secrecy, and then pulled out the Power-Grid setup. It's an iPhone app that works with a special bit of software on your PC, which turns your iOS device into a remote control. Power-Grid goes way beyond controlling audio and document sharing. It's completely customizable and ties into everything Roccat's software can access. That means that you could build a touchscreen keyboard on the iPhone's screen. Any game shortcuts, launch buttons, or anything else you've got programmed there (World of Warcraft ability key shortcuts?) becomes available from a touch of your iPhone's screen. The app also has an "Incoming Center," which lets you take messages, voice chat with other users, or use Facebook and Skype. This is designed for PC gamers. If you're in a game and don't want to tab to a browser for Facebook or pick up a Skype call, just use your phone and keep playing on your PC. This functionality will grow over time, as well. Once you've created a set of keyboard shortcuts that you really like, you can share it as a "grid" with other users. Useful grids will be available for download and use. Roccat plans to make the app free to download, but will eventually monetize by adding extra features, like the option to have more than one swipeable grid (like flipping through icons on an iOS home screen, only with the icons affecting features on your actual PC), or more options for use, like monitoring your PC's temperatures, fan speeds, or uptime on the iOS device's screen. Unfortunately, I didn't actually get to see it in action back at CES. The connection requires a Wi-Fi network, and as you might imagine, the crowded show floor made it hard to find a good one. But Roccat did show the app off at CeBit, and the company is taking beta signups for the program right now. Initially, the app will be iOS only, but Android versions are planned. The Power-Grid is definitely an intriguing idea, and Roccat, though not well known in the US, has a long history of well-made, customizable PC gaming controllers and software. If you use a PC for gaming a lot, and wouldn't mind making some more direct use of your iOS device's screen space while playing, keep an eye out for this one. We'll definitely let you know when the app goes live, and we're able to try it out directly.
ROCCAT Power-Grid app, Phobo gaming keyboard shift PC controls to your phone
Razer's switchblade concept may not have made it out of CES 2011, but its dynamic, adaptive keys lived on, both in the outfit's Star Wars: The Old Republic keyboard and Blade laptop. The hardware is slick, to be sure, but what if you could snag similar functionality for free from your local app marketplace? That's what ROCCAT hopes to deliver with its newly announced Power-Grid application. In addition to providing quick-key hungry gamers with a programmable touchscreen grid of applications and in-game macros, the handheld suite will let iOS and Android users monitor their gaming PC's vital statistics (such as CPU status, RAM usage, hard drive space, etc), manage Facebook, TeamSpeak, Skype and Twitter traffic, and even fine tune their audio settings -- all without the need to minimize their game.Of course, delegating all of your text chatter to your smartphone means you'll be tapping up your responses on its itty-bitty touchscreen keyboard -- at least until ROCCAT finishes its companion keyboard, Project Phobo. The modular PC keyboard not only provides a dock for your Power-Grid equipped mobile, but also lets you respond to texts, chats and tweets using its full array of keys. Pairing your phone with the Phobo will even route voice calls to your PC's gaming headset, leaving you free to continue to rack up kills without missing important business calls. The German peripheral outfit will be rolling out the beta to iOS devices after CeBIT, and says an Android version is scheduled for release at Gamescom 2012. Hit the break for the official press release and get a look at the Phobo keyboard in the gallery below.
ELVIIS Volvo C30 EV charges from any standard outlet, bills the driver (hands-on)
The electric vehicle is still a fresh enough concept that the issue of redirecting the bill when filling up at a public outlet or a friend's house is of little concern. But once EVs gain more traction and the cost of electricity during that monthly dinner party starts to run upwards of 50 bucks, you'll definitely take notice. ELVIIS, a research collaboration between Ericsson and the Viktoria Institute in Sweden, may be the solution. Instead of pulling power from the grid blindly and billing the outlet's owner, the system provides driver and vehicle information to a server before charging begins, then redirects the cost for power consumed to whatever account you've registered with the vehicle, alleviating any concern about unexpected electricity bills. ELVIIS can theoretically serve other purposes, allowing you to select the least-expensive energy source, for example, or set the car to wait to charge until late-night, when rates are lower.We jumped into the passenger seat of one of five existing ELVIIS cars -- built around an all-electric Volvo C30 -- and poked around the charging interface. The project isn't fully operational just yet, and was running in demo mode so there's no way to verify that it works as described, but it definitely appears to be solid, with Ericsson providing financial and development support. Eventually, it will use the car's GPS to identify nearby power outlets -- for now, you need to enter a specific outlet ID. There's also an Android app that allows you to monitor and reschedule charging, so if you programmed your car to be completely charged by 7AM but realized that you need to leave at 6, you can make sure you're covered without getting out of bed. But you don't need to go anywhere to see it in action -- just click on past the break.
Intel and Capgemini to develop tablet for home energy management
If Google and Microsoft can get in on the home energy management wave then hey, why not Intel? Chipzilla is teaming up with Capgemini SA to create a "tablet-style computer" that lets humans control the power consumed by their appliances. Later, presumably when there are enough of these smart devices on the grid, it could allow utilities to more intelligently manage its electricity allocation. According to Intel's Joe Jensen, general manager for low-power embedded processors, "energy is a big part of our project to extend the fringe of computing out to the next thing." Indeed, under Paul Otellini's lead, Intel is targeting fuel pumps at the corner gas station, advertising signs, and even exercise equipment as it seeks opportunities beyond traditional computing devices -- a market Intel believes to be worth about $10 billion. The goal of the Intel / Capgemini initiative is to offer a full-service smart-grid solution, according to Steven Harris, head of smart home services at Capgemini. Mind you, Intel's involvement shouldn't come as a total surprise here, seeing as how it was showing off wall panels for real-time utility management in the -- groan -- "digital crib" way back at CES in 2010. That's one such device, pictured above. Update: Corrected spelling from "Cap Gemini" (as Businessweek presented it) to "Capgemini" -- this isn't 2004 anymore. We also managed to unearth the official press release announcing Intel's Home Energy Dashboard reference design built around the Atom processor. You'll find that after the break.
ComEd launches pilot solar energy program for 100 customers in Chicago
Chicago utility company ComEd announced earlier this week it will launch a pilot program for 100 of its customers to test out the power of the sun. The program will include the installation of solar panels into 100 homes, and further devices -- such as smarter thermostats which do things like lower during the day when no one's at home, and give out hourly pricing information -- in fifty of those homes. The meters will also have the ability to reward customers who generate excess solar power that can be pumped back into the grid -- because everybody loves being rewarded, right? ComEd will choose the pilot families by mail-in survey, and by factors such as their roofs, and the amount of shading trees there are in their yards.
Best of the Rest: Kevin's Picks of 2009
Halo Wars Yeah, that's right, Halo Wars. I've already caught enough flak for putting this on my best-of list for 2009 (it's hard to even remember that it came out way back in February), but it deserves to be recognized ... so pay attention once your laughter has died down. Ensemble Studios (RIP) proved that you could bring a real-time strategy game to a console, and still make it enjoyable. Sure, you'll never have 1:1 parity mapping everything a full-sized keyboard offers onto a controller, but this game came close. It's a pity Ensemble closed, since we'll never see any expansion packs or a sequel. The good news is that, since it wasn't received with blaring trumpets and the sounds of cash registers ringing, you can pick this up for under 20 bucks for some good fun.
Australian power grid attacked by virus, Linux saves the day
This isn't the first time we've heard of an institutional virus outbreak -- even the crew of the International Space Station had a neat little scare not too long ago -- and now various outlets in Australia are reporting that Integral Energy, which supplies energy to homes and businesses in New South Wales and Queensland, has suffered a particularly nasty visit by the W32.Virut.CF virus. When all was said and done, the company had to repair all 1000 of the facility's desktops. Furthermore, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that the company's anti-virus software hadn't been updated since at least February. Between the lack of anti-virus updates and the fact that segregation between the company's main network and the grid was "typically none at all" this story has all the makings of a disaster. Luckily, the grid itself runs on Sun Solaris -- and when control systems became infected, how did they fix the mess? That's right: by replacing them with Linux machines. A word to the wise: they do make anti-virus auto-updates for a reason.[Via The PC Report]
Google working to make electric vehicles charge more efficiently
The idea to make plug-in electric vehicles charge more efficiently and reduce strain on the grid is hardly a new one, but it looks like none other than Google thinks it can do things better, and it's now reportedly doing some "preliminary work" in the area. As you might expect with all things "Google" and "preliminary," however, there's virtually a complete lack of details at the moment, with the company's director of Climate Change and Energy Initiatives, Dan Reicher, only going so far as to say that it has "done a little bit of work on the software side looking at how you would write a computer code to manage this sort of charging infrastructure." As Reuters notes, however, this isn't the first time Google has dabbled in the electric vehicle waters, with it previously forming a partnership with Toyota and Ford back in 2007 to test some gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles converted into plug-ins that run mostly on electricity, which Google says it has been testing "pretty intensely" over the last few years.
GE developing smart appliances: the future just got a bit less interesting
You know, the future used to be so much cooler before we gave up on our dreams of flying cars. Now instead of powering jet engines, it looks like our automobiles will power household appliances, and household appliances will use technologies like GE's SmartMeter to communicate with the local power grid. This could lead to such sexy contrivances as refrigerators that wait until off-peak hours to run the automatic defrost cycle, and (in coordination with tiered pricing for electricity and some new energy storage options) a bit of relief from the old fossil fuels. Maybe this is not exactly the stuff of William Gibson novels, but to hear more about "Energy Management Enabled Appliances" go ahead and hit that read link.
Off the Grid reviews Power Grid
Every other week Scott Jon Siegel contributes Off the Grid, a column about card games, board games, and everything else non-digital.In real life, scarcity isn't fun. Scarcity is the rising price of gas, or the difficulty of finding a job. In a game, however, scarcity can be incredibly compelling, and make for a very unique play experience. Enter Power Grid, a board game by German designer Friedemann Friese which uses scarcity at every level of its design to produce one helluva strategy title.The player's task in the game is to power as much of the country as possible (United States on one side of the board, or alternatively Germany on the other). As heads of various power companies (think Montgomery Burns or whoever runs PG&E), your tasks are to buy power plants, purchase resources, and allocate those resources to control as many houses in as many cities as possible. Money's not the deciding factor here; players will be judged and ranked solely on the amount of power they're pushing.
Hackers reportedly targeting cities' power systems
We know, hackers tend to get a pretty bad rap these days, but with some of 'em out there creating ginormous gridlocks in Los Angeles and shutting down networks in enemy territories, we sort of understand the sentiment. Most recently, it seems that hackers are being blamed for "penetrating power systems (sound familiar?) in several regions outside the US, and in at least one case, causing a power outage affecting multiple cities." That's according to Tom Donahue, a CIA official, who failed to dole out critical details such as where or when the attacks occurred nor how many folks were actually left in the dark. 'Course, Bruce Schneier, CTO of security firm BT Counterpane, warns that these attacks could in fact be aided by individuals with administrative access to said systems, implying that "human vulnerability" could share at least some of the blame. Don't worry guys, we're faxing CTU right now, they'll be right on it within 72 business hours.[Image courtesy of WPS]
Angry UNIX sysadmin tries to shut down California power grid
Looks like someone's trying to inspire a new generation of BOFH posts -- Lonnie Charles Denison, a UNIX sysadmin working at power grid data center in Folsom, CA, just pled guilty to attempting to kill the western US power grid in April. Denison had been fighting with his bosses and lost his access privileges to the system, which apparently led him to sudo up the old-fashioned way -- by taking a hammer to the data center's emergency shutoff switch. Fortunately, he did it late on a Sunday night, when the power-management center was not in high demand, but officials say he could have caused a power disruption in the western US if he'd gone loco in the AM. Denison also apparently emailed in a fake bomb threat to another worker the next morning, leading to his eventual arrest, and it looks like he's facing a fine of up to $250,000 and five years in jail. Wonder if he flipped an excuse card while on the stand?
Residential windmill saves money, the environment
Even if you're not into that whole "respecting the environment" thing, how many of you homeowners out there haven't dreamed of slashing or even eliminating your electricity bills? Well a new residential windmill from a company called Southwest Windpower promises to not only help keep you green by reducing your dependency on coal-fired power plants, but to actually provide up to 90% of the juice that a typical household consumes in a year (and by typical, they aren't talking about your 5-computer, 10-monitor family). Even better, the so-called Skystream 3.7, which incorporates its controls and inverter right into the main unit, will automatically switch your house over to grid power if winds fall below 8MPH (maximum efficiency is reached at 20MPH) -- no storage batteries necessary. At around $8,500 including installation of the 35-foot-tower, the Skystream supposedly pays for itself within four to twelve years depending on local wind levels and electricity costs, and if you're really frugal with the juice, some municipalities will even allow you to sell unused output back to the power company. Just because this is fit for residential installations, though, doesn't mean that just anybody can pick one up -- Southwest recommends that you own an acre of land in an area that averages 10MPH wind speeds, and of course, that not-unobtrusive tower needs to comply with local zoning laws -- so the millions of us living in dense urban settings or gated communities will have to continue paying through the nose and destroying the environment in order to power our many gadgets.[Via Gizmag]
