Trane and American Standard launch a monitoring kit for older systems
Trane and American Standard rolled out an add-on kit that lets a contractor keep an eye on an older heating and cooling system, even one from another brand. Sensors track temperatures, pressures, airflow and electrical performance, and the kit talks over a cell connection instead of your home Wi-Fi. Homeowners see updates in an app, and the dealer gets an alert when something starts to drift, often before you'd notice a problem.
Remote monitoring is handy, but it doesn't replace a yearly check. Add-ons like this get wired into the system's control circuit, so leave the install to your HVAC tech. If your system is acting up now, a $79 diagnostic is the fastest way to find out why.
Source: ACHR News
Pentagon looks into a possible hack behind failed military freezers
Freezers at several commissaries on US military bases failed over the summer, and at one base a unit switched into defrost mode and spoiled the food inside. The Pentagon is now treating it as a suspected cyberattack, after hackers overrode refrigeration controls at hundreds of stores in France. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it shows that internet-connected cooling controls are a real target.
If you have a smart thermostat, smart fridge or other connected appliance, change the default password, turn on two-step sign-in for the app, and install updates when they come out. Put smart devices on a guest Wi-Fi network if your router offers one.
Source: Nextgov/FCW
Apple tells its stores how to handle cracking iPhone Duo screens
Some of Apple's first folding iPhones are showing a crack down the middle of the inside screen, usually soon after people start using them. Apple sent a memo to its stores and repair shops telling techs to inspect affected phones and repair or replace them. Apple says only a small number of units are affected and there's no recall.
If your iPhone Duo screen cracks, contact AppleCare before trying any third-party repair, and back up your phone first.
Source: MacRumors
ChatGPT tightens its rules for teens
OpenAI says ChatGPT will hold back practical information on weapons and security systems for teen users, even when a question looks harmless. It can also end chats that keep circling back to violence, and it's improving age detection so likely teens land in the teen version. OpenAI plans to alert parents if a teen's account gets paused. The changes roll out over the next few weeks.
If your kids use ChatGPT, link their account to yours through the parental controls so you get those alerts, and talk with them about what they use it for.
Source: CNA (Reuters)
DJI ends support for the Phantom 4 Pro V2 today
As of today, DJI no longer offers tech support or repairs for the Phantom 4 Pro V2 drone and its accessories. The drone is still legal to fly and its Remote ID keeps working. Meanwhile, unauthorized drones over Jersey Airport in the UK forced flights to turn around on Friday night, the kind of incident that keeps tightening the rules for everyone.
If you fly an older drone, keep its batteries healthy and stored at a partial charge, and check the airspace before you fly. Tonight, skip flying over trick-or-treaters and busy streets.
Source: DroneXL
Source: BBC News
Google's new Fitbit Edge tracker is in stores
The Google Fitbit Edge is out now. Google says it has the biggest, brightest screen of any Fitbit tracker so far, plus real side buttons that are easier to use with sweaty or gloved hands. It works with most Android phones and iPhones, though some features need a paid Google Health Premium subscription.
Physical buttons are a plus for anyone who works outside or in gloves. Check which features need the subscription before you buy one as a holiday gift.
Source: Google Blog
Safety reminder from me
Cold nights are 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.
