Gadgets cut energy costs

Consumer electronics like monitors, even in standby mode, can be notorious energy hogs that silently add to monthly electricity bills, reports PC World.

Companies are coming out with smarter devices - including power strips, plugs and electricity monitoring devices - to help pinpoint and shut down such electricity eaters.

If used correctly, the devices ultimately pay for themselves over the years by cutting electricity bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Household gadgets like TVs and baby monitors are to blame for interrupting WiFi signals in cities and other urban areas, according to a report commissioned by Ofcom, states, IT Pro.

The survey of WiFi use was carried out in various places across the UK by Mass Consultants. It showed that although the majority of people saw congestion as the culprit of their bad WiFi connections, this was not the case.

Instead it seems that unlicensed electrical equipment using the 2.4GHz band alongside WiFi interferes with the connection.

Gadgets breaking new ground in innovation, design and style were acknowledged at the NDTV Techlife Awards, according to One India.

The award categories included 'NDTV gadget of the year', 'Best green gadget, 'Best laptop and computer', 'Best gaming product', 'Best imaging product', 'Best television', 'Best mobile phone', and 'Best gadget audio product'.

While Sony PlayStation PS3 - 80GB won the prestigious 'NDTV gadget of the year' award, a special award for the 'Best brand ambassador of the year' went to Abhishek Bachchan for Idea Cellular.