Rogers brings home security to the smartphone

The system is run through a small, touch-sensitive tablet that maintains constant contact with its encrypted sensors inside the home as well as the Rogers Central Monitoring Station through both cable and wireless networks. “Consumers are looking for solutions to enable their connected home seamlessly, reliably and securely,” Ian Pattinson, general manager of Rogers’ Smart Home division, said in a statement. Using any Web-ready device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop PC, uses can remotely access the centrally located ‘touchpad’ and through it, can command any device connected to the system. Launching its Smart Home monitoring and automation service on Wednesday, the Toronto-based TV, phone and Internet provider’s new offering will allow users to control thermostats, lights and even security systems remotely.

Source: CBC.ca

Why You Need A Touch Lamp

A touch lamp (or touch sensitive lamp) is a light which is switched on simply by touching it. There is nothing much easier than that. When we touch the lamp it triggers an increased capacitance and this signals that the light should be switched on. Most of these lamps have three levels of light so that you can touch again and again for a brighter lighter. In this case you, would just have to reach out and touch any part of the lamp and you would have light. If you have all the latest gadgets then you probably already have a touch lamp but if you have never heard of such a thing then you may be keen to buy one once you know about them. You soon get used to it. These lights are particularly useful as bedside lights. A final touch switches off the light. If you would find that useful, just think how much help it would be to a nervous child or an elderly relative who both find a switch hard to manage without help....

Read more...

Touch Sensitive Lamps

If your lamp is not a touch lamp, you can sometimes buy a capacitor which can be plugged into any lamp, turning it into a touch sensor lamp. Touch sensitive lamps are lamps which do not have a button or switch. Most touch sensitive lamps have three levels of brightness. When you touch the lamp, your electrons fill the circuit. Touch lamps have changed over the years as technology has improved. Often in a regular lamp, the switch is the first to go. It gets plugged up with debris, shorts out, or just simply stops working. This eliminates that problem, because the lamp has no switch. They are operated simply by a touch. They do not use a three way bulb, but instead use the circuit to dim or brighten the lights each time. They have used many different aspects of the human body to conduct electricity including temperature, resistance, and even radio reception....

Read more...