Category: Tech

Smart Buildings and IoT: Applying the Internet of Things (IoT) to Create Smarter Buildings

As the world population grows, the majority of the population will be concentrated in urban areas. The cities will become more congested, creating challenges in managing crime, traffic, sanitation, and sustainability.

Smart buildings are one of the best solutions for the challenges with a growing population. Virtually any kind of building can be “smart,” employing automation to control security, lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to become more efficient and comfortable.

Find out how the Internet of Things (IoT) is integral to the smart buildings of the future.

What Is a Smart Building?

Smart buildings are buildings with IoT-enabled devices that use sensors to monitor different aspects, analyze the data, and provide insights to optimize operations. These buildings have a central management system that brings together different processes to make the oversight and responses more efficient. According to Conerney estate agents and letting agents in Dublin, the smart buildings sector is going to grow immensely in the near future.

Some common aspects of smart buildings include real-time data transfer, two-way communication, and automation. 

Key Components of a Smart Building

The fundamental component of a smart building is the ability to connect to a wireless network and collect, share, and analyze data in real-time to develop actionable insights. All smart buildings rely on this technology, along with an intuitive interface that can be used by technical and non-technical users alike.

Wireless Communications

Wireless communications allow the devices in smart buildings to “talk” to each other. Without the ability to share information, the devices wouldn’t be useful.

Real-Time Data Analytics

Real-time data analytics are necessary to provide decision-makers with information to understand the behaviors of the residents and identify patterns to minimize risk and optimize processes for better security and efficiency.

User Interface

If smart buildings are intended for widespread use, it’s important for the interface to be understandable and functional for non-technical users. They will be using and interpreting data differently.

Most smart buildings feature central data collection, reporting and management, and analytics in one streamlined dashboard, which is connected to the cloud. Decision-makers can connect from anywhere, at any time, to respond faster.

Advantages of Smart Buildings

Smart buildings are similar to living organisms. They take in the information from the surrounding environment, communicate with others, and make informed decisions based on what they experience. A smart building does the same by bridging the gap between the digital and physical environments.

Sustainability

Population growth creates considerable challenges with impact and sustainability. With social and regulatory pressures to lower carbon footprints and generate efficient, clean power, the best solution is for decision-makers to have access to detailed usage information and energy monitoring to optimize use.

For example, automated and centralized environmental controls can be optimized for efficiency, such as heating, air conditioning, and lights that only operate when there are residents in a room.

Efficiency

Closely tied to sustainability, smart buildings can improve efficiency by using automation to replace humans for mundane tasks. Smart buildings are quick and efficient to get set up as well, and they require fewer resources throughout their lifecycle.

Reporting

Smart building systems collect data on sustainability and compliance to generate reports. This not only helps to address the growing social and regulatory pressure to become more efficient and sustainable, but it saves decision-makers time in gathering the necessary information.

Personalization

Smart buildings are tailored to the user’s preferences. As more data is collected and analyzed, smart buildings adapt to the preferences of the users and provide personalized resources and efficiency. On the building-wide level, the decision-makers take measures to protect the health and safety of the residents.

Better Customer Experience

Though smart buildings maximize efficiency building-wide and adapt to user preferences, they also provide personalization and an improved customer experience. Devices adapt to the needs of users automatically, but they retain control over certain aspects like climate control or lighting in their personal space.

Health and Safety

Smart buildings offer a lot of advantages for safety. For example, devices can monitor and evaluate the building space to identify risks, such as gas leaks or electrical hazards, and address them quickly.

Space Optimization

IoT devices offer insights into how buildings can be designed and structured to optimize space to adapt to the needs of users, the weather patterns, and more, which maximizes efficiency.

Smart Building Use Cases

Smart buildings have practically no limit to what they can be. Each building can be customized to the specific needs of the organization, but these are common use cases for smart buildings and how they use data to optimize their processes.

Health and Safety

Smart buildings promote safety and health for both users and employees. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a huge focus is on workplace health and safety. Smart buildings can monitor air quality, optimize cleaning schedules, and adapt ventilation as needed.

Optimization

The devices in smart buildings monitor and control the environment and optimize it with automated responses, such as air quality monitoring or fire equipment testing. Lighting can also be set to adjust to occupancy to reduce energy consumption and make the space safer and more inviting.

Security

Smart technology improves safety in a number of ways. Sensors can be used to track and control power, water shutoff, leak detection, motion sensors, and fire safety. It protects from both environmental risks and crime risks, as well as cybersecurity risks.

User Experience

Over time, smart buildings can store user behaviors and patterns to offer the most current information for the future. For example, devices can monitor the ideal temperature and lighting and adjust it to the ideal levels to ensure both environmental comfort and a well-lit, welcoming space.

Asset Management

Any organization needs visibility of the business processes and assets to provide the best service to their customers. IoT smart tags help decision-makers track their tools and resources. If anything is out of place or stolen, they’ll get an alert.

The Future Is Smarter

IoT adoption is increasing in virtually every industry, and smart buildings are the next big wave as we address the ongoing challenges of population growth and congestion in urban environments. Smart buildings offer numerous advantages, including sustainability, user-friendliness, comfort, safety, and security. 

Author Bio:
Xavier DUPONT

Xavier DUPONT

Xavier Dupont is the Senior Director Product Line, at Lantronix, a global provider of turnkey solutions and engineering services for the internet of things (IoT). Xavier’s and Lantronix’s goal is to enable IoT and their clients digital transformation by providing technology block from sensing, to data collection and visualization.

Top Benefits of Student Engagement and Retention Platforms

People in all spheres, including students and lecturers, have benefited from the continual advancement of technology. Plenty of websites and apps are available to help college and university students manage their schoolwork such as proessaywriting.co.uk. Additionally, students are increasingly using laptops, tablets, and smartphones in class and at home, both for academic purposes and for personal use.

However, the widespread adoption of these gadgets and the shift to the online sphere have resulted in a decline in students’ attention, thus decreasing their engagement in learning activities considerably. Luckily, this is where student engagement and retention platforms come into play. 

What Are Student Engagement and Retention Platforms?

A student engagement and retention platform is a tool that keeps a record of student profiles and academic information. It is the most effective way to capture each student’s personal input, plus it facilitates real-time communication between students and faculty members. 

Every time students interact, their data are added to centralized, unified profiles. This contributes to a more personalized experience for each student and is an excellent way for lecturers to track their students’ performance and understand them better. With apps like the student engagement and retention platform by campusM, educators can gain valuable insight into areas such as student attendance, daily submissions, and interactive activities. 

In addition, a platform like this can be used to promote events, increase attendance, and engage students more effectively. But the ultimate goal is to encourage student participation and retention in the classroom and on campus.

Benefits of Student Engagement and Retention Platforms

The following section outlines a few benefits of using a student engagement and retention platform.

Better Understanding of Student Needs

Detailed analyses and student participation reports can help universities determine which events or methods of delivering courses should be used and which ones should be discarded. With this data, lecturers can plan for the future and make informed decisions.

Automation of Tedious Tasks

Lecturers no longer have to spend hours on time-consuming processes such as grading, marking, and tracking student performance. Engagement and retention apps can make grading assignments, conduct discussions, and manage event participants instead.

Personalized Student Experience

Using engagement platforms allows institutions to tailor learning to the needs of each student. Thanks to the app’s unique features, learning content is customized according to the student’s strengths, interests, ethnicity, community needs, and cultural background.

Furthermore, teacher assistants, with their teacher aide courses, can provide further personalized care, behavior, and experience for the teachers to their students. Students can choose topics that interest them and participate in related activities.Still, these platforms don’t only benefit the students in the long run — they are good for the lecturers, too. Personalizing a student’s experience requires an ongoing team effort, but in the end, the lecturers will also reap the benefits of streamlined workflow, automated alerts, and automatically generated feedback.

Increased Student Engagement

The software tracks students’ participation and evaluates a course’s effectiveness based on their feedback. Moreover, it may be possible to increase engagement and retention levels with emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) — especially for those students who have difficulty following text-heavy courses. This article also provides valuable information on increasing student engagement in the classroom. 

Valuable Student Insights Uncovered

Understanding student behavior allows teachers to make better decisions that will help young minds flourish. A student engagement and retention app enables lecturers to easily create robust reports and generate actionable insights that everyone can use to stay on top of things and take the best possible action.

Universities can also gather information about the common reasons for dropping out. Collecting such feedback allows the faculty to identify at-risk individuals and improve their overall experience.

Unified Student Profiles

The data on student engagement and retention is often scattered across multiple formats and systems. However, with student engagement and retention platforms, this information is easily collected, unified, and organized into a single profile that can be accessed anytime.

Petoi unleashes 20% off Bittle robot dog for Amazon Prime Day

To celebrate Amazon Prime Day (12th & 13th July 2022), Petoi, the maker of futuristic robotic pets, is offering 20% off its palm-sized, bionic robot dog – Bittle. Available from Amazon UK here, Bittle will be reduced from £299.99 to £239.99, a saving of £60. Petoi will also be offering 20% off Bittle accessories including the Additional Battery Pack (was £39.99, now £31.99) and the Intelligent Camera Module (was £59.99, now £47.99).

Small but agile, Bittle is a powerful robot that can be programmed to walk, do tricks and roll around just like a real dog. Bittle operates on OpenCat, an open-source quadrupled robot platform that offers endless programming and customisation possibilities. It is an ideal tool for teaching, researching and learning about STEM and robotics.

Users bring Bittle to life by assembling its puzzle-like frame which is made up of 3D interlocking components, eliminating the need for screws. The bionic construction of legs rather than wheels means that Bittle is able to move more freely over unstructured terrain. With a simple and beautiful design, Bittle can be configured and controlled using Petoi’s official mobile app.

Evolving with an open-source gene, Bittle is built on Petoi’s OpenCat open-source platform which was first launched in 2018 by Petoi’s founder Dr. Rongzhong Li specifically for quadrupled robots. Bittle’s dynamic maneuverability and behaviours are features typically seen on luxury robots but Petoi’s technology is now making it accessible to more consumers.

With a customised Arduino board coordinating all instinctive and sophisticated movements, users are able to clip various smart sensors onto Bittle or mount a Raspberry Pi or other AI chips through wired/wireless connections to inject perception and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Features include:

  • OpenCat framework
  • Arduino compatible motion controller & wireless connectivity
  • Interlocking plastic frame
  • Shock reduction joints
  • Programmable gaits and behaviours
  • 9 x fast, powerful digital metal servos

For more information, please visit https://www.petoi.com.

SHURE Has Announced Exceptional Deals For Amazon Prime Day 2022

With Amazon Prime Day right around the corner, Shure is showcasing hot deals on a variety of products. Headphones, microphones, and more are included in the deals, with certain products up to 45% off! Whether you’re looking for an excellent podcasting microphone, professional audio equipment, or superior audio for your home set-up, Shure’s Amazon Prime Day deals of 2022 are here to help.

Check out the deals below.

Shure’s full list of Prime Day deals:

AONIC Earphones
Earphones with exceptional audio for your daily audio requirements.
AONIC 215 UNI Black Sound Isolating Earphones. With 28% discount.
AONIC 215 UNI Blue Sound Isolating Earphones. With 28% discount.
AONIC 215 UNI Clear Sound Isolating Earphones. With 28% discount.
AONIC 215 UNI White Sound Isolating Earphones. With 28% discount.
AONIC 3 UNI Black Sound Isolating Earphones. With 35% discount.
AONIC 3 UNI White Sound Isolating Earphones. With 35% discount.
AONIC 4 UNI Black Sound Isolating Earphones. With 34% discount.
AONIC 4 UNI White Sound Isolating Earphones. With 34% discount.
AONIC 5 UNI Black Sound Isolating Earphones. With 34% discount.
AONIC 5 UNI Clear Sound Isolating Earphones. With 34% discount.
AONIC 5 UNI Red Sound Isolating Earphones. With 34% discount.
AONIC FREE Gray True Wireless Sound Isolation Earphones. With 45% discount.
AONIC FREE Red True Wireless Sound Isolation Earphones. With 45% discount.
AONIC 215 TW2 Blue True Wireless Sounds Isolating Earphones Gen 2. With 13% discount.
AONIC 215 TW2 Black True Wireless Sounds Isolating Earphones Gen 2. With 13% discount.

Microphones:
When you are performing or recording you need professional audio to make sure you’re heard. Shure’s microphones meet all your needs.
MV88/A Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone. With 24% discount.
MV88+ Video Kit, Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone. With 33% discount.
MVL 3.5 MM Lavalier Microphone for Smartphone or Tablet. With 26% discount.
MV88+ Stereo USB Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone. With 30% discount.
VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mount Condenser Microphone. With 39% discount.
VP83F LensHopper Camera-Mount Condenser Microphone with Integrated Flash Recording. With 48% discount.

Accessories:
RMCE-TW2 True Wireless Secure Fit Adaptor Gen 2. With 16% discount.

Video
MV88+ SE215 CL Portable Videography Kit. With 30% discount.

Find Your Fashion Inspiration with Google Lens

See an outfit that’s caught your eye or want to find a similar style of a sold out item? Google Lens can help you get your wardrobe summer style-ready by searching what you see.  Whether it’s an image that you see online, a photo you saved on your phone or something in the real world that catches your eye, Google Lens makes the products you see instantly shoppable. And this is something I use almost daily and find it a valuable tool and a fine example below is one with trainers who my readers know that I am an avid collector of Nike trainers.

Google Lens can also show you new ways to style clothes you already own. Give new life to that old top you haven’t picked up in a year—simply point Lens at it to see how others have worn a similar one and find pieces that might match it. So if you see a leopard print skirt you like on social media, take a screenshot and use Lens to see how other people have styled similar looks.

Grainne Binns & Tolü Makay

How to use Google Lens as fashion inspiration:

  1. On your phone or tablet, open the Google app or Google Photos

  2. Select a photo from your camera roll/take a live photo of an item of clothing

  3. Get reviews on the product, shop the item, find similar items or style inspiration

Google Lens is available on Android from the search bar widget on the homescreen, the camera app on many flagship devices, and in the Google, Google Photos, and Google Lens apps on any smartphone.

How to Convert EML to PDF

Are you looking for a way to convert EML files to PDF format? Don’t fret: here we will put forward the best and most amazing benefits of conversion of EML to PDF files. 

The first thing you need to know about this topic is understanding what an EML is. It can be described as a method applied by organizations that get involved with the handling of numerous emails daily to manage emails on their PC or laptop. Some applications that actively employ this methodology are:

 

  • Mozilla Thunderbird;
  • Microsoft Outlook Express;
  • IBMs Lotus Notes;
  • Windows Mail.

 

At Сoolutils online, you can learn more about how to convert EML to PDF files.

Some unavoidable instances will normally prompt one to transform ELM into PDFs at some point. This want is always necessitated by the growth in the need to provide more security to the file. It is widespread knowledge that PDF provides a vast source of security features and hence is most preferable to many. Ideally, most EML format messages are stored in plain text. This is very different compared to a PDF document as it can store data containing text fonts, images, and hyperlinks. The idea behind this observation is mainly to secure these documents from undergoing any modification.

What Features Should One Look Out for in an EML to PDF Converter Software?

  • It should permit conversions to take place in any format without any underlying challenges. 
  • One that can allow flexibility in converting both single and multiple files for attaining efficiency.
  • A PDF conversion software chosen should be able to give a simple preview of how the file will appear after conversion. This is very helpful since necessary adjustments can be done before a permanent measure has been undertaken.
  • When choosing a converter, make sure that the one decided upon has no size restrictions backed on them and that files of any size can be converted regardless.
  • The software selected should be very flexible in a manner that deems it possible to split files into smaller files.
  • The PDF converter chosen should be able to provide an alternative to choosing the destination folder while saving the converted PDF document.

What Are Some Reasons Why You Might Need an EML to PDF Conversion?

  • Security purposes. If you want to ensure that your documentation is accorded high security, you need to adopt the culture of saving EMLs in PDF formats promptly. It is a very efficient method that ensures that no unauthorized eye gets a chance to glimpse at the information. The message will only be available to the intended persons. This is achieved since one can encrypt emails with passwords that only the intended parties can access. Consequently, alteration of information in this module is near impossible.
  • Another advantage that emanates from PDF converters is the fact that one can store and convert different PDF files and save them in one attachment, ensuring that efficiency is achieved to a greater measure.
  • One can certainly save numerous EML files as PDFs in a distinct location as a backup.
  • For an EML, one has to have an email client. With PDF files, it can be accessed from anywhere.
  • PDF files can be used as essential pieces of evidence for digital forensic investigations purposes.

 

We recommend the application of the professional technique over the manual process. The use of the manual method is very slow, and it will end up taking most of your time hence necessitating all people to migrate towards using the new effective methods. It allows easy conversion and has an email cleaning feature. 

It can convert EML files to PDF and numerous additional file formats. It can also migrate manifold file data to diverse email clients. It is well-matched with all devices and affords a free showpiece form.

Even though labor-intensive tactics are dependable enough in printing EML to PDF, they aren’t skilled in converting numerous EML files to PDF sideways with attachments. It is therefore advisable for any user to attempt a competent resolution that supports them to execute conversion together with attachments. 

Discover the great structures of this certified EML to PDF converter software to transfer in bulk EML to PDF files within a brief lapse of time.

 

Esri maps Ireland’s best music and arts festivals for summer 2022

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has created a digital map of some of the best music and arts festivals across the country this summer.

Using Esri’s ArcGIS digital mapping system, the interactive map highlights both popular and lesser-known festivals around Ireland.

Ireland’s festival scene has something for everyone, offering a mix of experiences and activities to suit all tastes and interests. From arts in Galway and storytelling on Cape Clear, to rocking at Indiependence and traditional music galore at Fleadh Cheoil, this map will help festival-goers to plan their itineraries for summer 2022.

The map also provides a helpful list of festival essentials including links to packing checklists, tips on how to survive a rainy festival, and Spotify playlists.

See here for more

PowerA Amplifies Mobile Gaming with MOGA XP7-X Plus

PowerA, a leader in enhancing interactive entertainment with officially licensed gaming accessories, today announced the availability of the MOGA XP7-X Plus, the newest controller in their popular mobile and cloud gaming line. The XP7-X Plus delivers precision gameplay on PC and mobile devices. Featuring an integrated charge-while-you-play wireless power bank, two mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons, and a detachable playstand for Tabletop mode, the versatile XP7-X Plus is now the preeminent controller for serious gamers-on-the-go. Designed for Xbox, the XP7-X Plus is engineered to extend and expand the Game Pass Ultimate experience on Mobile and PC platforms.

The MOGA XP7-X Plus is available for purchase now at PowerA.com and Amazon.

Play Your Way™

Staying true to PowerA’s mantra of “Play Your Way”, the MOGA XP7-X Plus boasts an ergonomic design, allowing users to game in comfort while playing in one of two ways. Handheld mode puts a cinematic gaming experience in users’ hands. The telescoping center section is compatible with phones as large as 7.13in. (18.1cm). In Tabletop mode, a thoughtfully integrated playstand that supports phones and tablets lets users sit back and play anywhere. The XP7-X Plus connects wirelessly to compatible Bluetooth devices and features a USB port for wired PC play. Perhaps best of all, the controller features a 2000mAh rechargeable power bank, letting users wirelessly charge their phone while gaming with the flip of a switch.

Giving Gamers a Level Up

The MOGA XP7-X Plus gives gamers a competitive edge thanks to two mappable advanced gaming buttons. Users can effortlessly program each advanced gaming button on the back of the XP7-X Plus on-the-fly, even mid-game, giving competitive gamers an edge. Whether it’s quick access to items in an RPG, or an easy-to-reach handbrake in a racing title, gamers can gain an advantage in nearly any title.

PowerA Warranty

All PowerA products, including the MOGA XP7-X Plus, are backed by a two-year limited warranty.

Technical Progress Helps People Find a Place to Live

A few years ago, the real estate housing market was a much more localized and relationship-based industry with fewer options for finding housing. In such a competitive market, it can be difficult to find a suitable place to live.

Today, with the emergence of new technologies and platforms, the market has shifted in a different direction. From quick and easy leasing applications to seamless online payments, finding a place to live has become much easier and can be done from a laptop or phone.

Filters 

Many rental sites and apps are packed with helpful features that make it easier for people to find a place to live online. One of these beneficial features is filters, which users can use to find housing and rental options that fit their criteria and best suit their needs. Some of these filters include:

 

  • Location
  • Price budget
  • Rental type: loft, apartment, home, room, or duplex
  • Rental period
  • Pet policy
  • Amenities

 

These filters make finding a suitable place to live that matches each renter’s unique and individual criteria easier than ever. Renters can tick off what they are looking for in a home or apartment, and be shown only the listings that match their criteria. Reputable rental sites like Rentola have many helpful features including detailed filters that help people find top-quality rental listings.

Better search options

Along with detailed filters, online listing sites are competing with one another to provide more accurate availability and better search options for apartment seekers. There is much more information available about listings to renters, making it easier to find available apartments, for example, if you are looking for apartments for rent in Charleston. Renters can also use filters and the information available online to gain access to rental listings that better match their criteria.

Price comparison

Many rental sites have a price comparison option where apartment seekers can compare the price of different rental units and find an apartment that fits their budget. Renters can compare prices in different locations as well as compare the prices of different rental types including lofts, apartments, homes, duplexes, and individual rooms.

Photos and videos

Today, all rental sites offer high-definition photos of each listing to ensure that renters have a clear idea of what each property looks like and has to offer. Many rental sites also have video options, where renters can get quick virtual tours of various listings. This helps potential renters filter through the rental properties they like and have access to the properties that suit them best.

Seamless communication

Rental sites make it effortless to communicate with potential landlords. There is often an option to email, text, or message a landlord about any questions, comments, or concerns a potential renter may have. Having easy accessibility to landlords allows people to communicate their needs and get answers to questions about suitable apartments quickly. Being able to seamlessly communicate with various landlords online allows people to find their dream rentals hassle-free.

Quick rental application

Today, most rental sites offer the option for renters to sign and submit a rental application from the comfort of their own homes. Rental applications can often be signed and submitted online in a few quick, easy steps. Rental agreements can also be signed and submitted online, making the entire process simple and remote. Being able to sign a rental application and agreement means apartment-seekers don’t have to deal with conflicting schedules or setting up in-person meetings. 

Easy payments

Paying for a rental home or apartment can be done quickly, safely, and securely online. Credit reports and monthly rental payments can be submitted online directly through rental sites or rental applications. There are many options to make monthly rent payments, and renters can rest assured knowing that their payments are safe and secure online. 

Map features

Most rental sites and applications have a map feature that helps renters see where the potential rental property is located. With this feature, renters can search for rental properties that are in their desired neighborhoods. In the map feature, apartment seekers can also view recently rented properties to compare prices, as well as other properties for rent in the area. 

Notifications

When searching through various rental properties, renters can select the “Notify me of similar properties” notification when they find a property they like and want to see more of. This feature helps people narrow down their search by sending them notifications for when new properties that fit their criteria are added to the rental site. This way, apartment seekers have first hand knowledge of new apartment listings.

Although the rental market is competitive and can be difficult to find a suitable home in, there are many rental sites with features that make the process much easier. Technical progress is helping people to find a place to live and making it a seamless and hassle-free process.