In this age of “going green” we’re all hearing more and more about ways to save energy. We’re also hearing news about smart appliances and home area networks (HANs) based on standards like ZigBee. HANs can include thermostats, smart appliances, energy meters, in-home displays, and more. Now, Digi is bringing it all together with their ConnectPort X2e home energy gateways. These devices can join your HAN and then establish a connection to utility companies to provide real-time energy analysis. What’s more, it can communicate with other devices on the HAN to make real-time changes.
The $105.00 3″x 3″x1″ device weighs just a few ounces and requires only 5 volts to operate. It is powered by an imbedded Linux OS which runs on the internal Freescale processor. This is crazy stuff… a home that saves you energy on the fly. Linux makes it possible. Who knew? 
KALE: A geek who works in the IT Security field and lives in Omaha, NE. He is also a local musician and has played in several bands in the area. Previous to his IT career, Kale worked as a photojournalist. He brings technical advice and artistic counterpoint to the podcast. 
