Consumer Electronics Show Briefing: RCA, Marvell, Eaton, LG, Samsung, Wireless Glue

by | Jan 12, 2012

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Manufacturers are using the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week to demonstrate green technologies from energy management systems and efficient light bulbs, to solar-powered laptops and wirelessly connected washing machines. Some notable announcements:

RCA has entered the energy-efficient light bulb space with a new line of LED lamps. The company is planning replacement bulbs for both standard lamp and candelabra fixtures, which it says will fill needs in the consumer and business markets. It says its line features a “chip on board” component that allows each bulb to use a single LED, as opposed to the dozens of tiny LEDs that some bulbs use, thus maximizing efficiency.

Marvell showed off the latest addition to its wireless connectivity portfolio, the 88MZ1000 ZigBee SoC, a device for LED lighting control and home automation applications. The SoC’s ZigBee gateway acts as an adaptor that allows control of both ZigBee and Wi-Fi enabled smart devices using a standard IP network infrastructure. According to Cnet, the product will make it less expensive for manufacturers to make network-ready appliances such as thermostats and dishwashers.

Eaton Corporation and Coulomb Technologies have announced an agreement that will allow Eaton’s Level II and DC quick charging Pow-R Stations to connect to Coulomb’s ChargePoint Network of independently owned charging stations.

LG unveiled a series of smart appliances using its Smart ThinQ technology. The products are equipped with the LG Home Energy Management System (HeMS), which allows users to monitor electricity usage of each appliance by hour, day, month or year. The refrigerators and washing machines can now be monitored from Smart TVs and smartphones.

Samsung also displayed smart and green kitchen appliances. These included an “eco-efficient” microwave, with an LED cook top light and an Eco Mode feature that reduces phantom power.

Wireless Glue launched SmartLook (pictured), its second-generation in-home electricity display, which gives real-time information about energy usage, while giving utilities a direct connection to customers. The device is manufactured by Wireless Glue partner Hosiden Corporation.

Onstar and Verizon Wireless unveiled a second-generation Chevy Volt research concept vehicle. The concept car gives users access to streaming content from the cloud, and allows them to access information on charge status and distance on remaining charge, as well as find and reserve charging locations. Users can also control their home thermostat, lights, garage doors and other systems directly from the vehicle.

Finally, Goal Zero displayed solar panel rechargers that can power everything from smartphones to refrigerators, Information Week reports. The Sherpa 50 is a 50 watt recharger that can be used for laptops and phones, and will sell for $250 when it becomes available in June. Meanwhile, the $200 Nomad portable solar panel provides 13.5 watts of power and folds up into a carrying case.

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