Apple files patents to manage home energy

From CNET News.com: Apple helps you manage your music and video files. Why not your home energy, too?

Apple has applied for two patents that would give people a way to lower their electricity bills by optimizing how power is supplied to various electronics, such as computers, peripherals, and iPods. The patents, which were filed in May of last year, were spotted and explained by Patently Apple on Thursday.

The two patent applications describe a hardware device that controls the amount of power supplied to different electronics. Data between devices would be shared over a building's existing wiring, using the HomePlug Powerline Alliance's communications protocol. The patent applications also include drawings of outlets and junction boxes that incorporate "power-enabled data ports."

One patent application called "Intelligent Power Monitoring" says that the system would allow people to reduce energy use by giving them tools to better control how connected devices are powered.

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