Manage Home Energy with Tablet from Intel and Capgemini

When speaking of tablets, one's mind immediately travels to the media slate, that sort of device that delivers multimedia and entertainment, but Intel and Capgemini seem to be planning some different use for the form factor.

Energy efficiency is an aspect of technology that has come to be highly valued, especially after the recession.

Still, while makers of electronics always strive to reach low power draws, consumers often want a more direct control over just how much power their various items use.

Intel and Capgemini figured it was an opportune moment to build on the popularity of the tablet form factor, only on a different market than the entertainment one.

What the two want to create is a tablet computer that gives humans direct control over the energy used by their various appliances.

This is in tune with how Intel is trying to expand beyond so-called 'traditional computing devices' and aiming for what one may see as unusual venues, like advertising signs, exercise equipment, corner gas stations etc.

"The Intel Home Energy Dashboard reference design, based on the Intel Atom processor, has the potential to change the game in the home energy management space by intelligently facilitating a change in consumer behaviour, without the need to sacrifice comfort or convenience,” says Joe Jensen, general manager, Low Power Embedded Processor Division, Intel, comments.

“By offering this new solution, Capgemini enables its utility customers to gain a firm foothold in the smart energy market and deliver an enhanced service to the end user, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty," he added.

"Home energy management is expected to grow rapidly with ON World predicting global revenues for HEM equipment and services will reach $3.3 billion by 20141,” stated Perry Stoneman, global leader for Capgemini's Smart Energy Services.

“Utilities are acutely aware of this, and are seeking to bolster their offerings accordingly. We believe there will be a great appetite for this kind of solution in the market and Capgemini's Smart Energy Services team is delighted to be taking Intel's Home Energy Dashboard to utilities and providing the required value-added services."