Microsoft Unveils Hohm

Microsoft has released Hohm, a free Web application that helps users monitor and ultimately conserve energy use. In an effort to provide customers personalized energy saving ideas, Microsoft (News - Alert) Hohm is using advanced analytics licensed from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy.

 

Microsoft Hohm calculates energy usage in a home and gives recommendations on how consumers can cut their energy and save money. Apart from cutting costs, the application also looks to help the environment by taking advantage of the rebate and conservation programs, says the company.

 

To refine and improve the accuracy and relevancy of recommendations it provides, Microsoft Hohm will leverage the energy usage data and feedback from its users. Consumers can also find referrals and exchange ideas by connecting their energy usage with that of others in their area and connect with the Microsoft Hohm community.

 

“We believe technology will play a pivotal role in tackling the global energy issues we currently face,” said Craig Mundie, chief research and strategy officer at Microsoft. “Microsoft Hohm demonstrates how a combination of advanced software and Internet-based services can help people track, understand and manage their personal energy usage.”

 

Using Bing search as well as the Microsoft Advertising platform, Microsoft Hohm is built on the Windows Azure cloud operating system. The application is accessible from any computer using a modern browser. Microsoft Hohm provides utilities with an economical and scalable tool. The tool allows the consumers to supply their customers with comprehensive information regarding their energy consumption.

 

Microsoft allows the utilities to take full advantage of Microsoft Hohm offerings with its integration with meter data.

 

Microsoft recently introduced a new service dubbed Bing 411. The system, which is powered by Tellme, uses speech recognition technology to retrieve results. The free service helps users find a business, or receive a text message with a link to a map. It also includes star ratings of businesses based on reviews from others. The system launched as Microsoft’s search engine Bing rolled out.