Company founded by ex-Apple VP Tony Fadell

Numerous reports claim that the Learning Thermostat from Nest will be available at Apple retail stores shortly. Nest is a company formed around developing and marketing the thermostat by Apple's former senior vice president and original iPod architect Tony Fadell. The thermostat is listed in Apple inventory databases, but MacNN has confirmed no stock is available to purchase at this time.

The Learning Thermostat and it's accompanying iOS application analyzes a home's occupancy and temperature control habits to manage and regulate energy expenditure. The application keeps track of energy history for the last 10 days. The thermostat monitors conditions in the house and will program itself as schedules change. Multiple thermostat units can be installed and will communicate with each other to coordinate monitoring of the home.

Airwave technology built into the unit takes advantage of an air conditioning unit's thermal load after shutdown -- the unit remains cool for several minutes after it shuts off, and the thermostat keeps the home circulating fan on for that time for a higher energy efficiency. Activity and humidity sensors monitor the surroundings of the thermostat. A built in Wi-Fi connection keeps an eye on the weather to help with analysis of electric usage and temperature conditioning.

While the Learning Thermostat interfaces with an iOS application, it is not technically required to use the thermostat. All of the thermostat functions are accessible at the face of the thermostat. The Nest Learning Thermostat may be the first device sold in an Apple store that is completely stand alone and requires no other information technology products to function.

By Electronista Staff

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iPod, peripherals, accessories, iPhone apps, Apple, Tony Fadell