Google’s PowerMeter
What it does: PowerMeter will take data from smart meters and process it into the PowerMeter interface, enabling consumers to see their energy consumption over time. Since smart meters are being rolled out by utilities, the tool will largely rely on utility deals. But Google has also said it is looking at ways to use energy data without smart meters, as well as working with third-party device and application makers.
Microsoft’s Hohm
What it does: Hohm is a tool that will enable consumers to see their energy consumption over time and recommend ways to save energy. If Microsoft hasn’t hooked up with your utility yet, you can still enter some basic information into Hohm about location and home, and it will use predictive algorithms to predict your energy consumption. If Microsoft has partnered with your utility, Hohm will integrate your historical energy use, and you will eventually see data from smart meters once they have been rolled out. Like PowerMeter, Hohm will eventually be integrated with applications built by third parties.
via CHEAT SHEET: Google-Microsoft Energy Smackdown, PowerMeter vs. Hohm.
July 1, 2009
Microsoft definitely seems to have hit a Hohmrun with their service when you compare it to Google’s PowerMeter. One of the more intriguing differences between the approaches in my opinion is that Microsoft has fully integrated social networking into Hohm. Something which is necessary to increase the acceptance level of this type of service. Certainly if you consider that Microsoft’s first video about Hohm on YouTube which has been posted 5 days ago (as of now) only has been watched 54 times… The second video only 18 times and the third only 12 times… Indication that it is not on people’s radar yet.
Finally, it begs the question…what is Apple’s answer going to be on this PowerPlay?