#utility programs

Utility computer programs have burst into popularity in the last few years, which is really interesting. They are computer programs that on the surface look like video games, but they’re not technically video games. Productive applications are one of those programs that have caught my attention.

As a general rule of thumb, I don’t normally use productive applications. For reasons unknown, doing any sort of task management or to-do list digitally tends to get forgotten in my own personal life, even though I use a lot of digital applications at work. However, a lot of these programs also come built in with their own background music. 

Background music, as I’ve gotten older, has become more important to me due to the way my brain works. I don’t like to work in silence, it bothers me in a way I can’t describe, but I can no longer write while listening to any lyrical music. It’s far too distracting and so I tend to listen to the lo-fi genre of music.

The latest one I’ve bought is called Ithya: Magic Studies. Normally, I wouldn’t have bought it because I already own Spirit City, and forget to use it on a regular basis. Even though the program is useful to me. Opening a computer program for my lo-fi music lowers my chances of getting distracted, unlike opening lo-fi music on Youtube. It’s just… I forget… constantly, that it is a choice.

So, one may ask, why did I buy another one? I wanted to see if I could trick my brain into telling a story where I am a student of magic and my work is helping me with my magic. It sounds weird, but when I was a child, I would pretend my piano practice fulfilled some sort of secret mission, and that I was solving mysteries by doing math problems.

Alas… I am an adult, and far too old to make that leap in imagination apparently. 

Still, I’m not disappointed in Ithya. In large part because of the background music. It is not lo-fi music. The developers had made a choice to make the music be part of the background of a fantasy world. This soundtrack would not be out of place in a fantasy video game or movie. It is beautiful and expansive and makes you feel like you’re on an incredible journey. 

And at 14 dollars Canadian, which is the price of a CD back in the 90s, I pretty much paid for the music, and all the extra parts of the program is just the cherry on top. It’s honestly a really good price considering the music alone.

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SmartWatt Energy has grown 754% in the past 3 years—and added 123 new jobs nationwide

Albany, NY—September 5, 2013—Inc. magazine recently released its annual 5000 List of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in the United States, and once again SmartWatt Energy was near the top. Climbing 246 spots to number 609, this is the second year SmartWatt Energy earned a spot on the most comprehensive list of the most important segment of the economy—America’s independent entrepreneurs.  SmartWatt Energy joins LivingSocial, Edible Arrangements, CDW and Lifelock, among other prominent brands featured on this year’s list.

In the past three years, SmartWatt has grown 754% and added 123 jobs across the country. The company, which specializes in commercial, industrial and institutional energy efficiency projects, posted $38.8 million in revenue last year. This impressive organic growth has been achieved despite a down economy for much of the young company’s history, and without acquisitions.

“We’ve had to outwork our competitors to continue to grow, and our dedicated, talented team has made that possible,” explains Chris Covell, SmartWatt’s President. “It hasn’t been easy, but we’re a competitive group and everyone has that drive to be the best. I’m very proud of what our team has accomplished and excited to see where we end up in the next few years.” 

Covell founded SmartWatt in 2002, at age 23 and with just three employees, in Upstate New York’s Tech Valley. This year SmartWatt opened three new offices—in Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; and Burlington, VT. The company also launched three new utility programs; developed a specialized software system, AMP® for National Accounts; and formed a new Performance Contracting Group.

The company plans to expand in 2014 by continuing to grow their multi-measure and national accounts groups, while adding additional utility programs and functionality within AMP®.

ABOUT SMARTWATT ENERGY, INC.

SmartWatt Energy is a unique energy-efficiency firm. It provides turnkey solutions for utilities, commercial, industrial and institutional clients and also develops proprietary software that streamlines internal workflow processes and provides comprehensive program reporting. SmartWatt Energy’s three divisions use cutting-edge technologies, design and processes to take on and solve their client’s toughest sustainability challenges:

The Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Division works with end-use clients throughout the United States to design and install multi-measure energy-efficiency projects. Clients look to SmartWatt Energy to provide large-scale savings through turnkey energy auditing, engineering, project management and installation services.

The Utility Division contracts directly with utilities to manage their commercial energy efficiency programs. SmartWatt Energy’s vertically integrated program delivery platform ensures utility program success and client satisfaction, because all elements of the utility program are handled by a talented, integrated, cross-functional team.

The Software Development Division creates customized, proprietary software applications to increase efficiencies and provide added value to utilities and national accounts clients.

Albany, NY—November 27, 2012—SmartWatt Energy is pleased to announce that Karan Raina has joined the company as Director of Operations, Utility Division, in its corporate office in Albany, NY.

“SmartWatt Energy’s utility-based direct install programs on the East and West Coast have grown significantly in the past year,” said Matt Cinquanti, SmartWatt Energy’s Vice President of Utility Programs.  “We are proud to add a new member to our team with the experience and past successes that Karan possesses.  He will make a great addition to our Utility Division and play a major role in our continued growth in this division.”

Karan has been in the utility energy-efficiency program field for more than seven years, most recently holding the position of Director of Utility Programs, National Regional Efficiency, for a nationwide energy services company.  In this role, he was responsible for managing all of the company’s nationwide utility programs and aiding in the development and implementation of new utility programs.  In 2012, Karan was directly involved with the start up of four utility programs, while managing the existing programs.  As Operations Director for SmartWatt Energy’s Utility Division, he will be responsible for starting new utility-based direct install programs for the company and for providing leadership, guidance and management to program teams across the country.

ABOUT SMARTWATT ENERGY, INC.

Albany, NY—October 8, 2012—SmartWatt Energy, Inc.staff will be attending the sixth annual Rocky Mountain Utility Efficiency Exchange, hosted by City of Aspen utilities, at the Aspen Meadows Resort in Aspen, Colorado on October 10 through October 12, 2012.  SmartWatt Energy staff will also be presenting at the event.

SmartWatt Energy is a nationwide provider of energy-efficiency solutions for utilities.  The company is a leader in direct install program administration and implementation for utility programs.

The Rocky Mountain Utility Efficiency Exchange facilitates a networking and development conference for professionals associated with utilities serving Colorado and neighboring states who are responsible for developing and implementing customer programs related and energy and water efficiency, renewable energy, demand response and key account customer management.  This year’s conference is expected to attract about 100 utility and sponsor organization staff member and trade allies.

ABOUT SMARTWATT ENERGY, INC.

Microsoft launched the Windows 8 Release Preview (RP) in the beginning of June 2012 giving quite an insight into its features and design. Since it has been already many days you might have learnt a lot about the OS and probably started planning to use it in the way Microsoft has planned especially its Metro environment for the touch users.

If compared to the existing mobile devices operating system such as Android from Google and iOS from Apple, only half the work is accomplished. These operating systems are prevailing in the industry with thousands of utility apps that remain the cornerstone of their grand success. To make Windows 8 a success, Microsoft has to get help from third-party apps that will go with the touchscreen-friendly interface. Windows 8 Store has many such apps that can add to the convenience of the users. Below mentioned are the ten best apps that you must try with the Windows 8 touch OS.

1. Cookbook

If you are an ardent food lover who loves experimenting cooking styles, this app is not to be missed out. By taking this app with your Windows 8 tablet into the kitchen you can enjoy many new recipes and flavors. This app carries an amazing interface that is powered by BigOven. It enables you to access more than 200, 000 recipes right at your fingertips.

  2. Sky News

If you are one of those who love tracking news as well as national and international developments then Sky News is a necessity for you. You will find the layout of the app very similar to the iPad version that makes it convenient for you to track news and stories that you have worked on the iPad.

  3. Cut the rope

Cut the Rope is a popular gaming app used by Android and other users. This time it has been designed for Windows 8 tablet users. Its’ graphics look amazing and is eye catching enough.  

4. Kindle

Every major mobile platform offers Kindle. So getting it on the Windows 8 touch version is not at all a surprise. Its library interface gives it an amazing look and the app is very useful in storing books and arranging them as per the user’s preference. Using the app, you can not only store the books locally rather also pin them to the Start screen for easy access.

5. Evernote

Evernote is a useful app for managing and storing notes. It is typically very useful for students or office goers who need to keep and arrange various types of notes. It helps you remove the clutter from your system and manage notes effectively. However, the current version of the app does not offer much about creating and editing notes yet its sleek interface makes navigation easier.

6. Fit Ball

Fit Ball is an ideal app for people who want to remain fit without stepping out of their room. You simply require to stand in front of your screen and launch this app.  This app will use your webcam to track you. It allows you to make your way through various levels. Using Fit Ball is really fun.

7. Tweetro

Tweetro is a Twitter app available with Windows 8 tablets. Users have found it very useful as this was in use by Android users. By using this Twitter app you can post status updates, view recent photos and follow your timeline. The Metro’s side scrolling interface in Windows 8 makes this app more attractive and user-friendly.

8. Fruit Ninja

Fruit Ninja may not be so exciting if you are using a mouse to play with this gaming app but it is fabulous if used on a touchscreen device. For Windows 8 users, it will be very similar to the iPad version. If you have played it on iPad before then you will find it very friendly and easy to navigate.

9. AccuWeather

AccuWeather is an interesting and useful app that lets you know about the current climatic as well as weather conditions. It has been designed to benefit Windows 8 users by updating them with local and foreign weather reports. As it has been designed for 1,366x768-pixel displays, you may get to see the  unsightly box effect if your screen is of higher resolution. You can go through the live weather information through a tile on your Start screen without opening the app.

10. National Rail