Trane says home heating and cooling demand is strong
Trane Technologies, one of the biggest names in home HVAC, told investors this week that its residential business grew by about a fifth over last year and beat its own plan. Part of the story is the industry-wide switch to equipment that uses the newer R-454B refrigerant, which is still working its way through the market. Trane expects things to settle into a normal rhythm next year.
If you're thinking about replacing an older system this winter, ask which refrigerant the new equipment uses and make sure the installer is certified to handle it. Refrigerant work is never a DIY job. A $79 diagnostic is a good first step to find out whether repair still makes sense.
Source: The Motley Fool (earnings call transcript)
Source: Trane Technologies news release
The biggest crypto heist on record started with one laptop
Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange, says billions of dollars in digital assets were hit in a hack. About half has been frozen and Binance says it will cover customer losses. Investigators say it began with a single compromised work laptop, and several analytics firms link it to a North Korean hacking group.
Scammers love big headlines. Expect fake "Binance refund" emails and texts over the next few weeks. Don't click links in messages like that, turn on two-step sign-in for your important accounts, and keep your home computers updated.
Source: BBC News
Drones can now use cell networks
The FCC voted 3-0 to let drones use part of the 800 MHz cellular band, which had been off-limits to anything in the air since 1991. That should make drone control links more reliable over longer distances. A cell signal is not permission to fly, though. FAA rules still apply to every flight.
If you got a drone, or plan to give one this holiday season, register it if the FAA requires it and check local airspace before flying over your neighborhood.
Source: FlightBrief
Galaxy Watch and Ring get a smarter sleep apnea check
Samsung announced an upgraded sleep apnea feature that sorts nighttime breathing disturbances into mild, occasional or frequent. It starts rolling out in November in Korea on the newest Galaxy Watch models and the Galaxy Ring, with older watches and the US expected later. Samsung is clear it doesn't replace a doctor.
If a wearable flags a sleep issue, take the results to your doctor. And if someone in the house wakes up with headaches every morning in winter, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working too.
Source: 9to5Google
Why new computers may cost more for a while
Intel warned that the PC market will stay soft at least through the first half of 2027. A shortage of memory chips is pushing up what new laptops and desktops cost, and an accident at one of its factories added to the squeeze.
If your current computer still works, a clean-up, a software update and more storage can buy you time until prices settle.
Source: CNBC
Gemini can now edit files right in the chat
Google's Gemini app can now create, preview and edit PDFs, Docs, Sheets, slides and more without leaving the chat. You can highlight part of a file and ask Gemini to change it. PDFs work on web and phone; other file types are web only for now.
Handy for a household budget sheet or a home maintenance checklist. Just double-check any numbers it writes before you rely on them.
Source: The Verge
Safety reminder from me
Winter is when furnaces, water heaters and space heaters work hardest. If you smell gas, leave the house first and call your gas company from outside. Never open up gas lines, refrigerant lines or your electrical panel yourself. For anything electrical inside the panel, call a qualified electrician. For heating trouble, I can help with a $79 diagnostic or a $79 tune-up.
