AirConditioning
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Heat-rejecting film could reduce air conditioning costs
Climate change can be a vicious cycle when folks crank up the air conditioning during heat waves and add even more CO2 to the atmosphere. Scientists from MIT and the University of Hong Kong have developed a new type of window coating that could curb that trend. It remains highly transparent up to 89 degrees F (32 degrees Celsius), but beyond that, it becomes translucent like frosted glass. As a result, it reflects back up to 70 percent of the sun's incoming heat, reducing interior temperatures and the load on your air conditioner.
Recommended Reading: The rise and fall of 'Mortal Kombat'
'Mortal Kombat's' 1997 Was the Opposite of a Flawless Victory Matt Gerardi, AV Club The Mortal Kombat franchise was riding high... and then 1997 rolled around. AV Club takes a look at the hot streak before the release of two games and a movie in the fall of that year. All three fell flat. That trio of shortcomings didn't kill the franchise completely, but it did enough damage to end Mortal Kombat's reign atop the video game world.
Alexa can control your dumb AC unit using Ambi's smart hub
Some of you may recall that back in October 2014, Hong Kong startup Ambi Labs unveiled its Ambi Climate as a gateway between your smartphone and your dumb air conditioner at home. But it isn't just about replacing your infrared remote control; what makes Ambi Climate unique is its machine learning capability, so that over time it learns your comfort preferences by way of various sensors, while also saving up to 20-percent energy according to user feedback. Now, almost 2.5 years later, the company is back with the Ambi Climate 2, which is essentially a prettier version of its $179 predecessor and with a lower retail price of $129; and you can grab one for as low as around $80 on Kickstarter, with shipments expected to begin in June this year.
Make your aging air conditioner cool again with this pile of sensors
Many folks who reside in South East Asia will agree that during the summer, air conditioners can be temperamental at times -- your room's either too cold or not cold enough. As a result, users -- including this author in Hong Kong -- end up having to pick up the remote control every now and then to adjust the temperature. This is exactly what Hong Kong's Ambi Labs is trying to solve: This startup has just launched its Ambi Climate device on Kickstarter, and the idea here is that you're adding a small hub that uses local weather data plus sunlight, air flow, temperature, humidity and movement detection, in order to adjust the air conditioner accordingly with its infrared transmitter (Ambi Labs says it can quickly add your remote to the database if it's missing). With the room temperature staying more consistent, you're saving both energy and the hassle of finding the remote.
Aston Martin will use solar panels to keep race car drivers cool
What's a fairly low-powered solar panel going to get you on a 600 horsepower car? Plenty, according to Aston Martin, which is set to install one of the roof of a Vantage GTE race car for the World Endurance Championship. The luxury car company said it's not looking at thin-film solar "because it's a green option," but rather as a way to gain an edge over its competitors. Aston Martin will use it it to power the Vantage's air conditioning unit -- à la Toyota's Prius -- which is required by the rules to keep drivers from overheating. That'll take the burden off the car's engine, meaning it'll inhale slightly less gas and thus run longer. The system wasn't ready for the premier race in relatively cool LeMans, France, but will be set to go for the next one in Austin, Texas -- where it can get a tad hotter.
Future Army helmets make for cooler soldiers, terrified enemies
It's hard to look at the US Army's latest helmet and not think of Halo, but the design does serve a purpose beyond gaming chic. Its latest "soldier of the future" concept would not only protect grunts in high heat and humidity, but also shield them from chemical and biological agents. While much bulkier tech already exists for that, such a model would use a fan embedded directly into the filtration system to suck air from the side of the mask and blast it across the nose. Tests done on an M50 gas mask modified with the tech proved it to be just as effective as with bigger units, but more comfortable for GI's during intense drills. The design is just a render for now, but if the army is going to look to video games for design inspiration, we think they should go bigger.
Nest 3.5 update adjusts for humidity and sunlight, fine-tunes fan control
Nest Labs isn't counting solely on the allure of discounts from power companies to reel us in this spring. It's pushing out a 3.5 update to all versions of the Nest Learning Thermostat that should be make it smarter about saving money -- even if it means spending a little up front. Along with the utility tie-ins from last week, the upgrade adds a Cool to Dry mode that invokes air conditioning when it's too humid, raising the energy bill slightly to avoid a costlier mold outbreak. The thermostat also won't be easily duped by the sun: a new Sunblock setting prevents unnecessary cooling whenever direct sunlight affects the temperature reading. Homeowners who just want more precision, meanwhile, may be happy with both refined fan scheduling (shown above) as well as mobile app updates that introduce alert messages and a more thermostat-like interface. Those with Nest units connected to WiFi should see version 3.5, and hopefully its intended savings, by 9PM Eastern tonight.
LG readies Whisen air conditioner with its own NFC-aware mobile app, direct voice recognition
We'll be frank: it takes some pretty special features for an air conditioner to pique our interest. Consider us intrigued, then, when LG unveils a truly tech-savvy cooling system. A 2013 Champion-style Whisen unit is reportedly the first to directly take voice commands from as far as 16 feet away, letting us cool things down without having to leave our chairs. The AC system is uncommonly aware of the mobile world, as well. Tap an NFC-capable smartphone like the Optimus G on a programmed NFC tag and LG's Whisen App 3.0 will automatically adjust the temperature, on top of more conventional remote control. Still not sophisticated enough? The new Champion has its own built-in camera with mobile viewing -- it can double as a not-so-subtle security system while we're away at work. Full details of its launch aren't yet available, although LG is taking reservations for South Koreans between January 14th and March 31st, well ahead of the hot summer.
Panasonic expands smart home appliance line, adds Android Smart App, cloud services
If a wireless light bulb wasn't quite the Jetson's style future you were hoping for, perhaps Panasonic's planned expansion of its smart home appliances will better scratch that itch. From next month, there'll be an Android app to let you remotely operate appliances, view energy savings and program settings via NFC. Hardware-wise, the electronics giant is introducing connected air conditioners, refrigerators, washer-dryers as well as smaller devices such as blood pressure monitors and calorie meters. Along with remote control, there appears to be some supportive cloud-based services too, such as reporting device faults to customer service and generating reports (from the healthcare products). When can you get a taste of the future? September 25th if you live in Orbit City Japan. As for the rest of the world? We'll just have to be patient.
Broadcom's got a WICED game it plays, to make smart devices feel this way
Broadcom wants you to fall in love with its BCM 4319 WICED (Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices) platform -- a weeny 802.11 a/b/g /n WiFI module that can be added to any device that uses a microcontroller. Jimmy one into your fridge, digital camera or aircon and it'll find its own way to the cloud. With instant networking for kit like this, doctors could monitor patients vital signs, your holiday snaps could find their own way online and, most importantly of all, you can make sure the kids aren't fiddling with the darn thermostat again.
Volvo unveils Concept You luxury sedan, dripping with touchscreens (video)
The Frankfurt Motor Show is underway in Germany, where Volvo has just taken the wraps off the Concept You -- a new luxury sedan that features some pretty nifty, touch-based controls. Directly behind the car's steering wheel lies a monitor that digitally displays your basic driving information, including speed and a map of your trajectory. The wheel also features some sensor enhanced panels, which you can use to adjust your radio or cruise control settings. A touch interface on the center console, meanwhile, uses an infrared sensor to pick up on any hand or eye movements before activating to bring up the system's infotainment control mode, which boasts an unreleased FreshAir subwoofer from Alpine. From here, you can surf the web, swipe through radio stations, check for safety alerts or control your air conditioning, using only your fingers or customized gestures. Plus, there's an extra touchscreen placed between the two rear seats, meaning your kids won't be left out of the action, either. Cruise past the break for an exclusive video of the Concept You's so-called smart pad technology, along with the full PR.
ThinkFlood releases RedEye remote control app for Android, makes it even easier to sit around
Nearly two years after releasing their Red Eye app for iOS users, the convenience enthusiasts over at ThinkFlood have now brought the universal remote control to the Android community, as well. The app, which was released in beta a few months ago, allows users to remotely control their non-networked home theater, lighting and air conditioning systems from the comfort of their tablets, laptops or smartphones. Version 2.7.0 also brings plenty of customizable graphics and layouts, for those looking to add a more personal touch to their lives of leisure. Compatible with any device running Android 1.6 or later (including tablets running Honeycomb), the app features a built-in TV program guide that can be used with any display, but in order to take advantage of its other home theater controls, you'll have to purchase networked ThinkFlood hardware products like RedEye or RedEye Pro (it's not compatible with RedEye mini). If you're interested in downloading the tool for free, check out the source links below, or click past the break for more details, in the full PR.
Nissan's Forest AC air conditioner will megadose on Vitamin C, moisturize your skin
Believe it or not, grapeseed polyphenol filters and plasmacluster ions aren't just off-the-shelf snake oil plug-ins for your auto's 12V socket -- they're par for the course in Nissan's Fuga hybrid. So when the Japanese automaker says its future cars will pump Vitamin C into the air to help hydrate human flesh, well -- we take the company at its word. Also on the docket: chairs with seat warmers and folding leg rests, and speedometers that will happily remind you of your impending wedding anniversary as you barrel down the highway. "We want drivers to feel that they are healthier staying in the car instead of on the outside," a Nissan engineer told AFP. We think that says it all, folks.
NetJets begins Aircell in-flight WiFi installations, won't stop anytime soon
It's one thing to expect in-flight WiFi on a commercial flight serving two or three hundred addicted peons, but how on Earth has it taken until now for NetJets to hop onboard this bandwagon? For those unaware, NetJets hosts the world's largest fractional fleet of business-oriented aircraft, and those that lay claim to portions of its herd are amongst the most wealthy this world has to offer. Currently, the outfit has just over 800 planes, and starting next month over 250 of them (in the midsize and large-cabin categories) will be equipped with Aircell's high speed internet service. In time, NetJets is planning to have "all future fleet aircraft, including light cabin models, delivered from the factory with high speed internet," and we're guessing that the jetsetters who drop the Benjamins to have their own plane are as anxious as ever for the future to be now. After all, who wouldn't want to tweet images of filet mignon from 35,000 feet?
LG's solar hybrid AC unit probably won't do much to cool your power bill
Air conditioning that's 90 percent more efficient? Pshaw. How about solar air conditioning that powers itself on the sunniest days? That's a lovely concept, and rather sadly LG's solar hybrid air conditioner is not its realization. This PV-toting central unit is said to generate up to 70 watts of power per hour under what we're assuming would be ideally sunny conditions. Meanwhile, residential central AC units suck down more than 2,000 watts when running -- which they would probably be doing during those ideally sunny conditions. In other words, this panel is a step in the right direction, but a very, very tiny one. LG isn't indicating how much that step will cost you, but we're inclined to think it won't be cheap.
Researchers develop air conditioning that's 90 percent more efficient, bone chilling
Everybody loves maxing out in the sweet chill of their air conditioning in the hot summer months, but it's inefficient, expensive, and extremely unfriendly to the environment. The good news today, however, is that researchers have developed an air conditioning system that could be up to 90 percent more efficient than standard setups. How so, you ask? The new tech, called DEVap, uses liquid desiccants to make dry air using heat and evaporative coolers take dry air and make cold air, making it far easier to cool already dry climates. Additionally, DEVap uses salt solutions in place of environmentally naughty refrigerants, CFCs, and HCFCs -- the main contributors to global warming. The tech is still in the lab, so until then you'll just have to keep fanning yourself off (or having your friend do that for you).
LG's Feeney robot mascot sells air conditioners... with style
LG's new robot mascot has already been out and about for a little while, but it now finally has a name thanks to a recent contest -- "Feeney" -- and a whole new lease on life. Not content to simply be an average air conditioner spokesbot, Feeney has taken the job to new, CGI-enhanced heights, and shown that even Olympic dreams can come true, with the help of a Whisen air conditioner. But don't take our word for it. See Feeney work his magic after the break.
EntroSys motorcycle air conditioning and heating system now taking pre-orders, we wants it (video)
We'll go ahead and say what you're thinking: a silver hose running up the front of your jacket doesn't really augment any established motorcycle style. This thing looks like a canister vac that's gone rogue and hitched a ride on a pillion seat, but after reading the literature and watching the video below we want one anyway. It's the EntroSys Motorcycle Air Conditioner and it not only cools but also heats, meaning it could be the perfect accessory for those who want to extend their riding season into either the middle or end of the year. It clips on the back of the bike and gets wired in to the battery, the hose running to a special vest worn under your gear. A wireless controller mounted on the bars raises or lowers the temp, and while you will admittedly look utterly ridiculous wearing the thing you might be the only one not sweating to death when you get caught in traffic -- unless of course you're of the flip-flop and tank-top variety. If that's the case, thanks for the high insurance premiums!
This just in: California 'cool car' law may hose your iPhone reception
Whenever I visit California, I'm always amazed with the number of state laws that have been enacted for one reason or another. For example, you're warned about alcohol's effect on pregnant women (duh!) when you go into bars and restaurants, and many buildings have mandated warning signs outside telling you if there are materials inside that might be cancer-causing. Well, the latest California state law that will affect almost everyone in the Golden State is the new "cool car" regulation, set to take effect in the next decade. The idea here is that by reducing solar heat in cars by mandating reflective metal oxide additives in window glass, car air conditioners won't have to work as hard and gas mileage will be improved. The law calls for the coatings to prevent 45% of the sun's thermal energy from entering vehicles by 2014, raising the limit to 60% by 2016. While this is a noble and worthy goal, there's one major issue -- these materials, according to a post on our sister blog Autoblog, seriously degrade the transmission of radio frequency energy as well. That means that just about any electronic device that depends on signals from the outside world, including iPhones, GPS receivers, and wireless broadband cards for laptops, will be "adversely affected by the metallic reflective standard." You think AT&T's service is bad now? Just wait until you're sitting in a car that is shielding you from any wireless signal! Most likely, California vehicles will also need to be equipped with a group of (hopefully) aerodynamic external antennae to ensure continued wireless and GPS service as the law goes into effect.
Nissan's Forest AC blows wild scents through your ride, keeps you alert
And here you were thinking Mercedes-Benz's Attention Assist system was the thing in driver alertness aides. In a rather odd, nearly jocose press release, Nissan has revived our faith in corporate R&D with the glorious introduction of the Forest AC. In short, this new air conditioning system "systematically controls cabin temperature, ventilation, aroma and humidity to create an optimal interior environment." Still bewildered? It means that the system can tap into an array of sensors in order to find out exactly what environment is best for your current state of mind, and if it needs to, it'll blast your nostrils with gusts of fresh forest in order to increase alertness while keeping stress levels down. The zaniest part of all, however, isn't the idea of using various aromas to keep one's attention; it's the fact that this system is actually scheduled for installation on a vehicle (the Fuga) that'll ship this fiscal year in Japan.
