Hackers warmed up supermarket fridges and freezers across Europe
A cyberattack on Monday hit store refrigeration from Sweden to Belgium. Temperatures climbed and stores had to throw out food. At least some of the affected units used Danfoss temperature controls, and Danfoss was also targeted in a similar attack in France last month. Refrigeration controls you can reach over the internet are now something hackers go after.
The same idea applies to the smart thermostat, fridge or water heater in your house. Change the default passwords, keep the app and firmware updated, and put smart devices on a separate guest Wi-Fi network if your router has one.
Source: CNBC
Apple warns the memory chip crunch is getting worse
Apple had a record quarter, but CEO John Ternus called memory chip pricing "unprecedented" and said costs go up again this quarter and beyond. Apple says Mac and iPad supply will be tight this holiday season, and it didn't answer when asked about more price increases.
If a new computer or tablet is on your holiday list, don't wait until the last week. Stock may be thin, and prices aren't likely to drop soon.
Source: MacRumors
Apple Watch can now rewind what someone just said
Apple's new listening features are now in developer testing. Live Rewind lets an Apple Watch Series 12 wearer catch what someone just said, and Siri Recaps sums up a conversation. There are also alerts for sounds like sirens and doorbells, plus song ID through Shazam. All of them are opt-in, and Apple says it built in privacy limits for the people around you.
The doorbell and siren alerts could be a real help for anyone hard of hearing. It's still a test version, so wait for the public release before you count on it.
Source: TechCrunch
Tesla Powerwall can now tell a heat pump when to work harder
Tesla added a feature to Powerwall 3. When there's extra solar or power is cheap, the battery signals a compatible heat pump to run harder and store that energy as hot water in a tank, so the heat pump can coast later. It uses a simple wired signal called SG-Ready, and the heat pump's own thermostat can still override it. It's Europe only for now, with no word on the US.
More home equipment is starting to talk to each other. Any new wiring between a battery, solar system and heat pump is a job for a qualified electrician and your HVAC tech, not a weekend project.
Source: Electrek
Samsung brings its R-32 commercial systems to the UK
Samsung launched a large commercial heating and cooling system that runs on R-32 in the UK, with events in Manchester and London. The talks focused on changing refrigerant rules, hotter summers and what the switch means for the people who design, install and maintain these systems. It's one more sign R-32 is moving into bigger systems, not just mini-splits.
Newer home systems use R-32 and similar refrigerants too. That's normal and safe when installed right, but refrigerant work is never DIY. If you see ice on the lines or warm air from the vents, turn the system off and call for service.
Source: Specification Online
Amazon starts drone deliveries in Nampa, Idaho
Amazon Prime Air began drone deliveries in Nampa, Idaho, its first drone site in the state. Drones fly from a pad next to the warehouse to homes within about 7.5 miles, reaching part of Boise. Packages top out at 5 pounds, and flights only run in daylight.
Drone delivery is spreading one city at a time. If it reaches your area, you'll usually need a clear spot in the yard away from trees, power lines and pets for the drop.
Source: DroneXL
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.
