Smartphone app that can control everything in your home

LONDON: Researchers have developed a smartphone app designed to single-handedly controlany system in your home that has wireless connection.

 The application developed by a Texas-based mobile app company can control media boxes like Apple TV, digital video recorder, smart TVs, thermostats, garage door openers and anything else that is connected to the internet, the New Scientist reported. 

For electronics without built-in smarts, the company Ube provides smart plugs fitted with microprocessors that can be plugged into standard outlets, as well as a multi-touch light switch dimmer. 

Ube can connect to any device that has an IP address. The Ube app also gives you information about what temperature the thermostat is currently set to or what channel is playing on TV. 

The app can also collect information about how much energy each device, room or system is using, and the app also sends notifications to offer suggestions on how you can lower your home's energy consumption. 

The app will be free, while the dimmer will cost $60 and the outlet and plug for $55 each. 

The device was launched at the DEMO conference in Santa Clara, California. 



Voice Stick


Invented by Sungwoo Park, this cool new gadget is a portable scanning device that reads printed text and converts it into a voice.
The Voice Stick can read any written document such newspapers, books and mail.
It was the Gold Medal winner at the International Design Excellence Awards for new inventions.




No Battery Remote


The battery-less remote control is a cool new gadget in energy-saving technology.
This remote control uses an electromagnetic induction coil and rotation gears to generate current.
The signal is transmitted a distance of several meters using infrared light. The current is activated by squeezing a trigger which in turn makes the remote functional.



Vibrations Relieve Pain


An orthapeodic surgeon has invented a cool new gadget for relieving lateral epicondylitis - commonly known as tennis elbow.
Vibration therapy has proven to be the most effective method for treating tennis elbow as supported by research published in medical literature.
However, the treatment has required large and expensive equipment which is only available in hospitals.
Dr. Vhadra has created a portable, strap-on device that can generate the same low frequency vibrations generated in much larger machines used for treating lateral epicondylitis.
The device, known as Tenease, stimulates blood flow to an afflicted area, which stops pain and promotes healing.
Tenease has been rigorously tested and awarded approval as a medical invention by the MHRA (Medicines and Healhcare Products Regulatory Authority), a government regulatory agency of the U.K. Department of Health.


Source: http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/onepercent/2012/10/smartphone-app-smart-home.html