| Insert Coin: Luminode dimmer switch runs on a mesh network, learns to light up our lives (video) Aug 7th 2012, 01:33 In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.  Just a simple light switch, you say? Look closer. Think Automatic's Luminode dimmer switch hides both a processor and a mesh network connection that lets every switch in the home coordinate with each other. A multi-tap system makes it possible to link multiple lights together without extra wiring or complex programming, but that's just the start: it's possible to create "scenes" of predefined lighting levels and, with a USB adapter, hook up to home automation systems (including Think Automatic's own) that can learn usage habits, track energy consumption or simply let us control the array with our smartphones. The platform uses raw XML to communicate and already talks to GE, Insteon and Stargate hardware -- all without requiring a huge grid of buttons or displays. Development of the Luminode is very nearly done after six-plus years of work in Seattle. The hardware is fundamentally ready and just needs the Kickstarter project to finish its FCC and UL testing along with the obligatory mass production. The hope is to start delivering switches in January as well as integrate more closely with non-lighting elements in the future. Pledge levels are dictated almost exclusively by volume: $130 is what it takes to get a basic two-switch kit, $260 will add the USB adapter along with an extra switch, and successive levels scale all the way up to a 50-switch, $3,000 kit for large homes. Think Automatic has a relatively low $35,000 threshold to meet its Kickstarter funding, but it only has 13 days left to go. If you like the idea of advanced lighting that doesn't require an advanced appreciation of the user manual to understand, now's a good time to click the source link and make it happen. Continue reading Insert Coin: Luminode dimmer switch runs on a mesh network, learns to light up our lives (video) Filed under: Household Insert Coin: Luminode dimmer switch runs on a mesh network, learns to light up our lives (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 21:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Kickstarter | Email this | Comments | | Come hang with us at Ground Kontrol in Portland, OR, this Wednesday Aug 7th 2012, 00:50  Live in Portland, Oregon? Read Engadget? Love classic arcade games? If you answered "yes" to all three of those, we've got some great news. We'll be in Stumptown this week and figured it might be fun to have an impromptu meetup at one of our favorite locales in the Rose City. If you haven't been (and shame on you if you haven't, Portlandians), Ground Kontrol is an insanely awesome classic arcade / bar, located right next to PDX's Chinatown (not to mention a few blocks from places like Floating World Comics and Voodoo Doughnut) at 511 NW Couch St. Swing by a little before 1PM, and we'll be letting people in first come, first serve (capacity is limited) -- and best of all, since it's too early to open the bar itself, it'll be an all-ages function. We'll be hanging out, shooting some video and playing with old video games and new gadgets. More information on the venue can be found in the source link below. Filed under: Announcements Come hang with us at Ground Kontrol in Portland, OR, this Wednesday originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade | Email this | Comments | | NASA's Curiosity captures awe-inspiring shot of Mount Sharp, uploads video of descent upon Mars Aug 7th 2012, 00:11  NASA's Curiosity rover hasn't even been on Mars a full 24 hours, and already the science world is reaping the benefits. Nerds, too, actually. The shot above is the the first high(ish) resolution photo shown to the public from its cameras, depicting a shadow of its top, a peculiar Martian landscape and the three-mile Mount Sharp. Just beyond the break, you'll find video footage of the intense descent onto Mars' surface. It's a low-res stop-motion affair displaying 297 frames as it found its way from space to a foreign land. Trust us -- it's worth the 1:03 time investment. Continue reading NASA's Curiosity captures awe-inspiring shot of Mount Sharp, uploads video of descent upon Mars Filed under: Transportation, Science NASA's Curiosity captures awe-inspiring shot of Mount Sharp, uploads video of descent upon Mars originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | TwitPic, JPLNews (YouTube) | Email this | Comments | |
