Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Paid Feature It might have taken a couple of decades, but were now at a point where many tech professionals have moved away from the thinking that a server is something they have to own. The growth of the cloud has seen to that.

Even on-prem infrastructure is increasingly seen as something that can be used, managed, and controlled, without being bought outright.

However, when it comes to personal devices, things get well, personal. End users can become unaccountably attached to their device or alternatively see an unsatisfactory PC or laptop as emblematic of everything thats wrong with their employer.

As Lenovos worldwide Device as a Service leader Rob Makin says, a laptop or a tablet is not a multi-tenant device, like a server. When an individual is not using it, say at the weekend, its not like the organization can utilise it for something or somebody - else.

Of course, leasing has long been a part of the tech scene. And one of the key benefits of leasing is the ability to move tech expenditure from CapEx to OpEx. But that does little to improve the utilisation or management of end user devices. Or to alleviate the frustration of the user stuck with a sub-par device, or the frustration of the support staff whose time is swallowed up keeping aging or inadequate kit working.

And, as Makin explains, leasing does nothing to help CIOs manage their estate better. If anything, leasing companies ideal state is a combination of their draconian Ts&Cs and clients inefficient management. If companies dont hand back kit, the leasing company continues to benefit whether the company is benefiting or not.

The answer is to combine the hardware element, with the software and services required to get the most out of it, both for individual users and their employers, and offer it for a single monthly fee. You might even call it Device as a Service. Which is precisely what Lenovo has done.

Though it launched several years ago, the combination of the pandemic and the disruption it has caused to traditional corporate support models, together with the embedded functionality in Windows 10 and now Windows 11, as well as Microsoft Intune, has accelerated its adoption.

One of the starting points for Lenovos approach, says Makin, is personal management, making sure you have the right device, for the right person or organisation, then considering how that device is actually procured and ordered, whether it's a new starter or a refresh.

Because Lenovos range of products and services are presented as a catalogue under DaaS, tech pros can tailor devices for individuals or groups, Then the device gets built, and the services that are required such as image load, asset tagging, any software, are put onto that device.

Doing as much as possible before the device leaves the factory is far more efficient than customising further down the supply chain. Every time you touch a box in the supply chain it costs money.

Of course, the supply chain still has to stretch to the customer. In normal times, this would overwhelmingly be to the end users office, whether in the shape of a steady trickle of workers to a harassed IT team, or perhaps to a kiosk in the foyer of their building for a large-scale rollout. Now, Makin says, delivery is overwhelmingly to end users homes.

This radically changes the support equation. Lenovos aim is to make deploying a laptop more like buying a cellphone, where You turn it on and you log on to your appropriate operator using the cloud, whether it be Google or Apple, and then all of a sudden, all of your old apps are there with your data. Rather than waiting for IT to transfer all the end users data, while they go for a coffee. And another coffee. And another until the transfer is done.

In the current battle for talent, putting fresh kit into peoples hands and offering a better user experience, might be enough to tip the balance when attracting key talent, he argues, depending what point theyre at in their career.

There's nothing worse than starting a job, and someone gives you a four year old laptop out of the back of the cupboard somewhere that looks like it's been dragged around the back garden by someone's kids for four years.

With the best will in the world, of course, sometimes people will still need support. One of the promises of Lenovos DaaS programme is the loving attention of elite technicians via their Premier Support service. So what makes an elite technician? As Makin says, while it can be difficult to define the perfect techie I know what a good one looks like.

But in practical terms, we would recruit what would be a skill set of a level two tech to perform a level one function.

On the face of it, this is more expensive. But what it gives us is a better user experience, and a quicker one time and first time fix. So, if we can fix something quicker, first time, that actually saves us money because we don't have to keep coming back.

And that one fix capability will be refined even further over time, as the program begins to embrace predictive analytics, which will enable predictive and proactive maintenance.

But while an improved user experience is desirable, hard financial savings are a given to get organizations to embrace such a radical change to how they procure end user kit.

There should be an immediate benefit from moving to an as-a-service model, as expenditure moves from capex to opex. This should offer an immediate benefit tax wise. It also removes the whole issue of large capital outlays to bring a team up to spec and makes costing client kit more predictable.

Arguably, the same would apply with traditional leasing. But that hasnt always been the experience for many companies, with leasing companies happy to leave inappropriate kit in place, and continuing taking the payments.

Lenovos aim is to establish a circular economy around tech assets, says Makin: The way that DaaS is structured, it drives a fair market value for the product over the 36 or 48 month period where you as the customer are actually not paying that full amount for the device, so you've got a monthly OPEX savings.

Lenovo, he continues, takes a residual value at the end of the period. We then take that value, and we allow that saving to be passed on to the customer. Youre not owning these devices anymore. Youre consuming it as a service.

Lenovos program features a flex element, allowing customers to scale their fleet up or down. For example, if you've got peaks and troughs and demands, grad intakes, project based work or general uncertainty, you can then actually have up to 20 per cent of your fleet where you can end up not paying for these devices for up to two years. The billing is paused.

Asset management is a major headache for tech teams. Makin recounts a conversation with a client with 100,000s of devices who simply didnt know where 10 per cent of them were at any given time. Or, more worrying, whats on them. DaaS tightens all of that up.

Of course, the total benefit will vary. Some customers will choose to take up some of the services available under DaaS and not others. As Makin points out, Were not tax advisers. But the DaaS model does enable savings and efficiencies right along the line. In aggregate, we see at a TCO level up to 20 per cent savings.

But arguably, the biggest benefit is freeing up IT staff and repurposing them into different areas. In-house staffers who are doing manual refreshes, or dealing with unhappy users, or walking from one desk to another to upgrade memory, are not available for supporting a strategic transformation.

Being freed from the treadmill of routine maintenance should result in a much happier tech team, as well as happier more productive users. The fact that Device as a Service means that they, too, can have the latest, most appropriate kit to help them do their jobs? Well, thats just the icing on the cake.

Sponsored by Lenovo.

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If you never actually own a server or a posh watch, shouldnt it be the same for laptops and tablets? - The Register

Paying it forward is a simple idea. But with jobs, kids, money woes and, oh yeah, pandemic problems, it can be easier said than done.

But Kevin Murphy of Des Plaines wants you to know that it is as easy as shoveling an elderly neighbor's driveway or mowing their grass. It is even as easy as going out to your favorite local restaurant to support a small business.

Murphy's goal is to build community with kindness. As the founder of Jet City Coalition, Murphy and his team of volunteers aim to advocate and connect with residents in towns like Des Plaines, Elk Grove, Park Ridge and Rosemont.

Started in November 2020 to help those in need, Murphy offered a free shoveling service in winter, lawn care service in the summer and held a coat drive last December. In the spring, he ran a campaign that raised $15,000 to help Des Plaines restaurants struggling due to the pandemic.

This December, Murphy and his team of 30 volunteers will once again be collecting coats for area agencies that serve people in need. The goal this year is 1,500 or more. The drive ends Dec. 31.

Readers can drop off donations by emailing thejetcitycoalition@gmail.com or submitting an intake at http://www.thejetcitycoalition.com.

Murphy shares more details about Jet City Coalition and how you can help by paying it forward.

Q: What is Jet City Coalition? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.

A: "Jet City" was coined because we've always moved a bit different coming from Des Plaines/Rosemont/O'Hare. It's a name for the area, and a way to stake our identity in the crowded ecosystem of the city.

I feel like we're unique from the near North Side neighborhoods like Jefferson Park, as well as the further suburbs like Palatine. We also have blue collar challenges.

The Jet City Coalition is a community organization taking care of our senior and low-income neighbors. Our signature programs are free shoveling in the winter and free gardening (lawn care, etc.) in the summer.

Then, every holiday, we do the coat drive, and throughout the year we'll do various campaigns to build community and spread some positivity.

I feel like the main mission is to spread a sort of neighborly love that's missing in the new digital era. You can't substitute Facebook for breaking bread and chopping it up with the people in your community. I'm also a believer that community organizing is essential until we can achieve structural reform in our country.

Jet City founder Kevin Murphy receives a drop-off of winter gear from a Des Plaines resident.- courtesy of Ellen Feeney

Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?

A: People in the area. Des Plaines, Elk Grove, Park Ridge, Rosemont. A lot of people in the area congregate in Facebook groups, and those are a great vehicle for getting the word out. We put up a lot of fliers and knock on a lot of doors as well.

Q: How many people per year do you serve?

A: This year we'll shovel for about 75 individuals or so, and we did lawn care for 30 this summer. We ran a restaurant campaign over the spring that raised about $15,000 for eight landmark Des Plaines restaurants.

In November and December, we raise about 1,000 coats for kids and adults, so I guess around 1,000 to 1,500 over the course of the year.

Q: Tell us about your coat drive? How long does it last? How can our readers drop off donations?

A: A lot of people in the area have to choose between adequate groceries or winter coats at some point in the winter, and it's messed up. We'll have regulars at the Des Plaines Metra station in hoodies while it's 30 degrees outside. It's a very real issue in our area, so we tried to set up a network to provide for the people in our area.

We donate some of our coats to the Des Plaines Food Pantry, Kenneth Young Center, and Northwest Compass, and the rest come through our efforts to get the word out. It's grown since last year, so we may get close to 1,500 this year.

Readers can drop off donations by emailing thejetcitycoalition@gmail.com or submitting an intake at http://www.thejetcitycoalition.com to coordinate a COVID-safe drop off with one of our volunteers.

Jet City founder Kevin Murphy and partner Jon Catellani drop off a shipment of coats at Kenneth Youth Center in Elk Grove.- courtesy of Adam Cumbee

Q: Are there any other ways readers can help your organization?

A: We're going to need a lot of help shoveling this season, and we're doing a letter-writing campaign for those who'd be interested in having a Jet City pen pal. It's always nice to set out deeper bonds in the area with folks not from here.

Q: What else would you like readers to know?

A: Just that there's a lot going on around Rosemont and Des Plaines. I think it's overlooked in the grand scheme of the city. As folks are looking to invest in forward facing jobs, I think it's an area ripe with opportunity.

I also hope that people realize how much help is needed in their own community. We saw that there was something unique about us and leveraged it to carve out an identity for the area.

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How Jet City Coalition aims to help seniors and low-income residents in communities near O'Hare - Chicago Daily Herald

The online on-demand home services market is set to grow by USD 4730.31 bn from 2020 to 2025, according to Technavio. A healthy growth is expected to continue throughout the forecast period, and the market will grow at a CAGR of 70%.

Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Online On-demand Home Services Market Analysis Report byService (Home care and design, Repair and maintenance, Health, wellness and beauty, and Others) and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA), and the Segment Forecasts,2021-2025".Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders. Track key industry opportunities, trends, and threats. Information on marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales, and supply functions.

The online on-demand home services market is driven by the increasing number of start-ups entering the market. However, factors such as high competition among vendors may impede the market growth.

Major Online On-demand Home Services Companies:

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Online On-demand Home Services Market Service Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2020-2025)

Online On-demand Home Services Market Geography Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2020-2025)

Grab an Exclusive Sample Reportfor additional highlights of the various segments of the online on-demand home services market

Related Reports:

Online On-demand Home Services Market Scope

Report Coverage

Details

Page number

120

Base year

2020

Forecast period

2021-2025

Growth momentum & CAGR

Accelerate at a CAGR of 70%

Market growth 2021-2025

USD 4730.31 billion

Market structure

Fragmented

YoY growth (%)

37.00

Regional analysis

APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA

Performing market contribution

APAC at 38%

Key consumer countries

US, China, Germany, India, and UK

Competitive landscape

Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope

Companies profiled

Airtasker Pty Ltd., Alfred Club Inc., Amazon.com Inc., ANGI Homeservices Inc., AskforTask Inc., ByNext Inc., Helpling GmbH & Co. KG, HomeServe Plc, Houzz Inc., MyClean Inc., Oneflare Pty Ltd., Paintzen Inc., Porch.com Inc., Pro.com Home Services LLC, ServiceWhale Inc., Super Home Inc., TaskEasy Inc, TaskRabbit Inc., ServiceMaster Global Holdings Inc., Urban Co., YourMechanic Inc., Zaarly LLC

Market Dynamics

Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and future consumer dynamics, market condition analysis for the forecast period,

Customization purview

If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuson emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

ContactsTechnavio ResearchJesse MaidaMedia & Marketing ExecutiveUS: +1 844 364 1100UK: +44 203 893 3200Email:[emailprotected]Website:www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio

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Online On-demand Home Services Market to grow by USD 4730.31 Bn | Alfred Club Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. Among Key Vendors | Technavio - PRNewswire

Guard your porches this holiday season, Austin. The Capital City ranks as the sixth worst U.S. metro area for package theft.

SafeWise, an online platform that promotes home safety and security, combed through FBI theft data as well as Google Trends data for searches like missing package and stolen package to come up with itsranking.

While sixth place isnt anything to celebrate, its worth noting that Austin ranked third on SafeWises 2020 list. And folks here have it better than those in Denver, which holds the top spot among the worst metro areas for package theft.

Plus, Austin has some good company on the SafeWise list. The San Antonio metro area ranks fifth, maintaining its same place on last years list.

In a SafeWise survey of 1,000 American adults, 64 percent reported being victims of package theft during the previous 12-month period. And 72 percent of those surveyed say the COVID-19 pandemic has made them more concerned about porch piracy, up nine points from last years survey.

More than half of all stolen packages were valued at $50 to $200, the survey shows. Amazon deliveries represented 54 percent of the stolen packages, followed by FedEx (16 percent), the U.S. Postal Service (11 percent), and UPS (9 percent).

Fifty-eight percent of recent victims of package theft reported using a security camera or video doorbell camera. And that appears to have paid off for some of them, as 34 percent caught the porch pirate on camera.

Package theft is a crime of opportunity. The more packages left for longer periods of time on a porch, the more likely they are to be stolen. As the Christmas gift season gets into full swing, there will be a significant increase in packages on a porch, says SafeWise adviser Ben Stickle, an expert on criminal justice and package theft.

Based on results of the SafeWise survey, its estimated that 210 million packages disappeared from porches across the country in the previous 12 months.

Porch piracy is a low-entry crime. There are no special skills needed to walk up a driveway and steal a package, says Stickle, an associate professor at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Go here to read the rest:
Austin makes the naughty list as one of the worst U.S. metros for porch pirates - CultureMap Austin

Having fun at the Peninsula Shepherd Center bingo party in December are Liz Waddell, Laura Mundy, Lee Sharp, Chris Gridley, Jim Donahoe, Roger, Betty Nelson, Janet Bernhardt, Edie Cook, and Lupe Gutierrez. COURTESY PHOTO

Peninsula Shepherd Center member Gretta Upp visits with volunteer Kimberly Platt. COURTESY PHOTO

The Peninsula Shepherd Center is taking Christmas giving one step further by making porch visits directly delivering care packages to isolated area seniors.

A lot of what we do is provide transportation services, food delivery, and social opportunities for seniors right here in our community, said Peninsula Shepherd Center executive director Lisa Faulk. The Senior Community Foundation has awarded grants to a number of senior centers in the county, and Shepherd was lucky enough to be one of them. What were doing is we have a monthly porch visit program. What that means is we visit all our members on a monthly basis and bring them some sort of package especially for that month.

For example, Faulk said senior recipients in February may get valentines, roses, or chocolates. On St. Patricks Day, they might get lottery tickets or succulent plants.

We bring crossword books and puzzles, added Faulk. Its a combination of functional and fun items. Weve done this throughout COVID.

Other senior holiday gifts bought with donated monies include blankets embroidered with the Peninsula Shepherd Center logo and name and poinsettia plants.

We also have in the gift pack a beautifully decorated snowflake cookie, added Faulk.

The mission of Peninsula Shepherd Center at 1475 Catalina Blvd. in Point Loma is to keep older adults active, independent, and in their own homes. Peninsula Shepherd Center provides transportation services, social activities in their senior lounge, and opportunities to connect with other older adults through events held throughout the Peninsula Communities.

For the second year, the San Diego Seniors Community Foundation is bringing together the largest collective effort to support seniors during the holidays, including the Peninsula Shepherd Center. Peninsula Shepherd Center is 1 of 26 senior centers and other organizations creating memorable holiday events from Thanksgiving through New Years for 4,000 San Diego area seniors.

Faulk said Peninsula Shepherd Center will have about 15 volunteers hand-delivering Christmas gift packages to members in the 92106, 92107, and 92110 ZIP codes.

Its really important because, for a lot of these folks, this is the highlight of their month, she noted adding, We call them every week to stay in very close touch and to make sure all their needs are covered. This next year, what were trying to do is expand our resources so that we can connect our members to County and City services that we dont provide. We want to be the connection resource to help folks.

The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation is still seeking donations to help more seniors during the holidays and throughout the year. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar through Dec. 31 atsdscf.org/givingtuesday. Peninsula Shepherd Center membership is available to all adults over 65 living in the 92106, 92107, and the Midway District of 92110. Contact Peninsula Shepherd Center at 619-223-1640 or visit sdpsc.org for more information.

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Peninsula Shepherd Center makes holiday porch visits for area seniors - The Peninsula Shepherd Center is taking Christmas giving one step further by...

Every reason to make this your next new home, as this colonial home is awaiting its new owners! Completely remodeled Chelsea Model, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom with 1 huge car garage with exit. Over 2500s/f on all 3 finished levels. Perfect front porch to sit and read your favorite book! NEW carpet, NEW hard wood floors, NEW paint - interior and exterior, NEW bathrooms, NEW light fixtures, NEW door handles, New Front door, NEW exhaust fans, NEW Ceiling fans, NEW kitchen cabinets, NEW quartz countertop and NEW stainless steel appliances, NEW hot water heater, NEW garage door, NEW porch railing, NEW patio door leading to the nice deck overlooking the big back yard.

Wide hallways on the upper level- easy to take the big furniture to your favorite room. The master bedroom has a huge walk in closet, a tub and a shower! Enjoy your favorite beverage while hearing the wood crackle in the family room fireplace. Luckily you get to soak in all the natural sunlight throughout this gorgeous home. Basement has an open Rec room, with 1 full bathroom and possible bedroom. Oh by the way, if you're still working from home, the basement has an additional room you can use for your quiet office! Please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule a visit to see in person - just in case I've missed anything 🙂 . Conveniently located within a mile of shopping center, major highways/parkways, Metro, Dulles greenway, Dulles airport, Great Falls and more.

Listed by: Kinder Saund, Kinder-Realty LLC

This listing appeared on redfin.com. For more information click here. See more photos of the listing below, courtesy of Kinder-Realty LLC:

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Wow House: Relax On The Porch Of This Updated Herndon Colonial - Patch.com

With flavors like Crushed Candy Cane, Straw Merry Christmas & Gingerbread Friends

by: Wild Bill Wood, with photojournalist Justin Abshire

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) Back behind Blue Dot Donuts, on a New Orleans back porch, a guy named Sam sells ice cream.

Its the ice cream Sam Caruso makes.

And the flavors he makes up.

In the moment.

Its the moment, WGNO Good Morning New Orleans features reporter Bill Wood finds out, Sam wondered if hed ever had.

Sam says, Im experiencing something I never thought was possible.

Bill Wood says, your lifes had a lot of favors.

Sam says, some sour, some bitter, for the most part now its kind of sweet.

Sam Caruso could write a book.

And probably star as himself in the Netflix series.

Hes a culinary school dropout.

A heroin addict for 17 years.

After being in and out of jail more times than he can count.

After losing more jobs than he could count, Bill Wood asks Sam, would you call yourself a loser?

Sam says, I was a loser and wouldve called myself every negative name I could come up with.

I was a loser, Sam says.

I wasnt comfortable in my own skin.

After he broke his foot in a bicycle accident, Sam did nothing for a year, but sit and think.

He thought about life and about the ice cream he once made as a hobby for friends.

And he thought about a Chinese proverb he heard.

Sam remembers it and quotes it Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.

Sam says the quote comes from a guy named Laozi.

And thats now the name on the label of his ice cream.

Its Laozi Ice Cream which you can order by clicking right here.

You can see his Instagram right here.

Sam pronounces the name Laozi like the word lousy.

He knows life can be lousy.

And as it turns out, so is his ice cream.

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From heroin addict to ice cream junkie - WGNO New Orleans

If you're searching for an affordable smart thermostat to control your home's heating and cooling system, the $59.99 Amazon Smart Thermostat is a solid option that also happens to be the least expensive model we've tested. The thermostat is a joint effort between Amazon and Honeywell Home, the same Honeywell that has been making traditional thermostats for ages and, more recently, the Lyric line of smart thermostats. While it lacks features you get with pricier alternatives, like remote sensors and multi-platform integrations, it supports app and Alexa voice control, making it an excellent value if you use the Alexa platform to control your smart home devices. If you don't, the $129.99 Nest Thermostat is roughly double the price, but supports Google Assistant in addition to Alexa, and integrates with more third-party devices.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a white, square-shaped device that measures 3.5 by 3.5 by 0.8 inches (HWD). It supports most 24V forced air, heat pump, and radiant boiler HVAC systems, but doesn't work with electric baseboard heating systems. (The $114.95 Sinope TH1123WF is a good option if you have that last type of system.) The Amazon thermostat requires a C-wire for power, but if your system doesn't have one, you can order a Honeywell C-wire adapter ($24.99). The thermostat comes with a mounting plate, wire identification labels, a quick start guide, and mounting hardware.

You Can Trust Our Reviews

The face of the thermostat sports a color LED screen that displays the current temperature and the mode (heating, cooling, fan, or auto). It also has an ECO indicator that lights up when the heating temperature is set to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or below. An alert icon additionally lights up when you have a notification. At the bottom of the screen are up and down arrow buttons for adjusting the temperature set point, as well as a power button. The thermostat doesn't have a proximity sensor that illuminates the screen when you approach it like the Nest model does. Instead, it remains dimly lit until you use onboard, app, or Alexa controls to change a setting.

In terms of features, Amazon's thermostat lacks some of the extras that you get with the much pricier Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Voice Control ($249) including remote room sensors; dual-band Wi-Fi; support for HomeKit, IFTTT, and Google Assistant; and embedded Alexa functionality (the thermostat essentially doubles as a smart speaker). However, if you already have an Echo speaker or any other Alexa device, you can control the Amazon Smart Thermostat with Alexa voice commands, routines, and hunches. You can also adjust temperature settings with your voice, but you cant turn the thermostat on or off; for that, you have to use the app or the onboard controls.

Similar Products

After installing the thermostat (described in the next section), you can find it in the Alexa app (available for Android and iOS) by going to the Devices screen and tapping the Thermostats panel. Once you do, a screen appears with a large temperature dial, the current humidity level, the current room temperature, the current temperature setting, and the system mode. Use the dial to adjust the temperature set point and tap the mode button to switch between cooling and heating modes, as well as to turn the thermostat on or off.

To manage the thermostats settings, tap the gear icon in the upper right corner. Here you can change Wi-Fi and furnace settings; configure the device to work with hunches that will change the set point when Alexa thinks you're away or asleep; create heating and cooling schedules; set notifications; and view energy usage reports. If you enter information such as your home size and your prior monthly heating and cooling costs, the app will estimate your energy bill based on your usage. To set up routines that enable the thermostat to work with other Alexa devices, tap the More button at the bottom of the Devices screen.

Installing the Amazon Smart Thermostat is easy, but the process does require you to work with low-voltage wiring. If this prospect concerns you, hire a pro to install it.

You need to download the Alexa app and create an account if this is your first Amazon device. To get started, I tapped Devices at the bottom of the home screen, pressed the plus icon in the upper right corner, and selected Add Device. I then chose the thermostat from the list and picked Amazon as the brand.

At this point, you can follow the in-app instructions to install the thermostat or skip them if you know what you're doing. I turned off the circuit breaker that provides power to my existing thermostat and took a picture of the wiring for future reference. I removed the old device, ran the wires through the back panel of the Amazon thermostats wall plate, and connected the wires to their respective terminals. Next, I attached the wall plate to the wall using the included screws, snapped the thermostat onto the plate, and restored power to the circuit.

I returned to the app and used my phone to scan the QR that comes with the installation guide. The thermostat took about a minute to show up on my network and my Alexa device list. After I verified which wires were connected and my type of furnace (oil, gas, or electric), the screen displayed an Alexa is getting your new thermostat ready message. At this point, I received an error message telling me that there was a provisioning error, which was due to a widespread (but uncommon) Amazon Web Server issue that affected Alexa services. I tried again the next day and was able to complete the pairing process without issue. To complete the installation, I gave the thermostat a name and ran a quick test to make sure it was working correctly.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat worked flawlessly in testing. The onboard controls were very responsive, and the thermostat reacted instantly when I adjusted settings using the mobile app and with Alexa voice commands. A routine I created to set the heat to 70 degrees when a Ring Floodlight Cam detected motion worked every time. Similarly, the thermostat had no trouble adhering to my heating schedules.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat is an excellent value. It's easy to install, integrates seamlessly with voice-controlled Alexa ecosystems, and can estimate your heating bill based on your usage. Most importantly, it worked flawlessly in our tests. That said, if you want a thermostat with a remote sensor and more third-party integrations, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat With Voice Control is our top pick for high-end models, but it costs far more at $249. As a more affordable alternative for Google Assistant users, we also recommend the $129.99 Nest Thermostat, which supports both Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.

The very affordable Amazon Smart Thermostat lets you control your heating and cooling system from your phone or via Alexa voice commands.

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Amazon Smart Thermostat Review - PCMag

Dublin, Dec. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global EV Cables Market by Type (BEV, HEV, PHEV), By Voltage (Low, High), EV Application (Engine & Powertrain, Battery & Charging Management), High Voltage Application, Insulation, Shielding Type (Copper, Aluminium), Component and Region - Forecast to 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global EV cables market is estimated to grow from USD 3.9 billion in 2021 to USD 13.1 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 26.9%.

Major vehicle manufacturers across the globe are focusing on introducing electric vehicles to cater to the increased demand from consumers. Moreover, to curb rising pollution, several countries have implemented stringent emission norms for passenger cars. These factors are anticipated to push the growth of the EV market, thus driving the EV cable market.

BEV segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period

BEV will hold a large market size and the fastest growth rate as BEV does not require a gasoline engine that requires fuel and routine maintenance hence fueling the market growth for EV cable. Due to increasing concern for emission reduction by countries around the world, BEVs are growing in demand. Earlier, due to less availability of charging stations and high cost of EV batteries, BEVs were less in demand. However, due to decreasing cost of EV batteries at a fast and steady rate coupled with increasing EV range and a growing number of EV charging networks around the world, BEV demand has been growing drastically, increasing the market for EV cables. While BEVs are emission-free, several advancements in technology have also helped improve the sales of BEVs. Modern electric vehicles require automotive wiring and cables that can carry extreme voltages - and these cables need to integrate seamlessly into the automotive assembly line for safety, low weight impact and neatness. Hence the market for EV cables is expected to grow in future. Rising integration of electronic devices in battery electric vehicles has positively affected demand for EV cables in electric vehicles. Moreover, employing technologically advanced systems such as infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance systems in vehicles is expected to drive demand over the forecast period.

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Asia PACIFIC is expected to be the largest market during the forecast period

Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are considered under Asia Pacific for market analysis. Increasing demand for electric vehicles in South Korea is also expected to drive the market for EV cables in the region. The region is home to some of the fastest-developing economies of the world such as China and India. The governments of these emerging economies have recognized the growth potential of the electric vehicle market and, hence, have taken different initiatives to attract major OEMs to manufacture electric vehicles in domestic markets driving the demand for EV cables. Governments in the Asia Pacific region are also focusing on the introduction of commercial electric vehicles. Rapid installation of charging infrastructure is also expected to fuel the growth of the EV cables market in the near future

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EV Cables Market, by EV Type - BEVWould Have Largest Market During Forecast Period (2021-2026)

EV Cables Market, by Insulation Material - Thermoplastic Estimated to Hold Majority of the Market (2021-2026)

EV Cables Market, by Shielding Type - Copper Segment Would Have Largest Market Share During Forecast Period (2021-2026)

EV Cables Market, by Component - Wire Segment Expected to Lead the Market During Forecast Period (2021-2026)

EV Cables Market, by Voltage -High Voltage Segment Expected to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period (2021-2026)

EV Cables Market, by High Voltage Type - Battery & Battery Management Segment Expected to Grow at Highest CAGR During Forecast Period (2021-2026)

EV Cables Market, by EV Application - Charging Management Will be the Fastest Growing Segment (2021-2026)

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increasing Growth of Electric Vehicles

Increase in Fuel Prices

Oil Consumption Around the World in Past 10 Years

Rising Focus of Automakers on Emission-Free Vehicles

Restraints

Opportunities

Government Initiatives Pertaining to EV Charging Infrastructure

Government Programs for Promotion of Electric Vehicle Sales

Rising Popularity of Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Challenges

Company Profiles

Acome

Aptiv

Besen International Group

Champlain Cable Corporation

Coroplast

Draxlmaier Group

Dyden Corporation

Eland Cables

Elkem

Fujikura Ltd

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd

General Cable (Prysmian Group)

Hengfei Cable Co., Ltd

Huber+Suhner

Leoni Ag

Nexans

Omg EV Cable

Philatron Wire & Cable

Riying Electronics Co., Ltd

Sinbon Electronics

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.

TE Connectivity

THB Group

Yazaki Corporation

Yura Corporation

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ep6zi1

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EV Cables Global Market Report 2021: By Insulation Material - Thermoplastic Estimated to Hold Majority of the Market (2021-2026) - Yahoo Finance

The Archaeological Survey of India has accorded permission for installation of CCTV cameras at Masjid E Ala in Srirangapatna, also known as Jumma Mosque.

A team of ASI officials inspected the ASI-protected monument on Monday after permission was accorded. The request was pending for a long time, said an ASI official here.

The Tipu Sultan Wakf Estate Secretary Irfan Ahmed said the Estate, which overlooks the affairs of the mosque, said the work on installation of 16 cameras had begun after the ASI team gave technical guidance by identifying and finalising the route of the wiring.

He said the CCTV surveillance of the monument was necessary for security. We had sought permission for CCTV surveillance when permission was given for the same at Gumbaz, the tomb of Tipu Sultan, he said.

The work on installing the CCTV cameras comes just ahead of the Shobha Sankeertana Yatra as part of Hanuman Jayanthi celebrations in Srirangapatna on December 16. However, officials said the installation of CCTV cameras had nothing to do with the Yatra.

Meanwhile, certain groups including Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) have petitioned the police expressing concern over the safety to the monument.

The Mandya district administration has ordered closure of all wine shops and liquor stores in Srirangapatna town and Ganjam from 6 a.m. on December 15 to midnight of December 16.

Originally posted here:
CCTV cameras to be installed at Srirangapatna mosque - The Hindu