The entrances of six Dublin neighborhoods are getting a facelift, thanks to the 2022 Beautify Your Neighborhood grants.

Established in 2011, the matching grant program provides annual funding assistance to support Dublin homeowner and civic associations in enhancing neighborhoods with sustainable beautification projects that enhance and benefit the wider community, according to Aisling Babbitt, a public information officer for Dublin.

The grants can be used for landscaping, benches, art installations, lighting or the removal of invasive species, among other projects, Babbitt said.

This year, Dublin City Council approved six applications, totaling $25,215.

They include the Village at Coffman Park ($4,840); Killilea ($3,977); Hawks Nest ($5,000); Heather Glen ($1,398); Tartan West ($5,000); and Llewellyn Farms ($5,000).

At the Village at Coffman Park, the grant is to replace two wooden benches and lattice structures near the subdivision entrance with two new six-foot aluminum benches. Two benches are to also be installed under the gazebo at the main entrance.

At Killilea, improvements are to be made at the neighborhood entrance at Dublin Road and Killilea Court, and seven cul-de-sac islands located within the neighborhood.

It is to include the removal of seven maple trees and stumps. Gold ginkgo trees are to be planted on the two large islands, as well as the main entrance to the neighborhood, while ivory silk Japanese lilacs are to be planted on the five smaller islands.

At Hawks Nest, the project is to remove the existing crabapple trees, grasses, juniper and perennials and raised plant beds at Muirfield Drive and Cormorant Drive. It is to be replaced with five native flame hornbeams for year-round color. Ten tons of weathered limestone ledgerock and a professional grade, energy-efficient outdoor lighting system with 13 landscape up-lights and five path lights are to be installed.

At Heather Glen, the project is to make improvements to the median at the neighborhood entry. The project is to remove two dead spruce trees and replace with two autumn blaze red maples.

At Tartan West, the project is to remove the intrusive ivy ground cover, reduce the landscape bed size and add sod, replace an oak tree and add various plantings, including five limelight hydrangeas and 20 grey owl junipers.

Mulch is to be added to deter weed growth; river rock is to be added to either side of the path to aid with water drainage and flooding, which occurs on the walkway, and the ground lights are to be replaced around the perimeter.

"It will beautify our entrance, which is good for the residents here, but also for other Dublin residents who pass in front" while driving on Hyland-Croy Road, said Chris Ahlum, a board member of the Tartan West Community Association.

Work began several weeks ago and is ongoing, Ahlum said July 6.

At Llewellyn Farms, the project is to revitalize 10 entry walls and landscaping beds in the neighborhoodat six entry locations, and repair and clean the existing walls of the entryways. The project is also to refurbish existing landscape beds.

kcorvo@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekCorvo

See the article here:
6 Dublin subdivisions receive grants to beautify the neighborhoods - The Columbus Dispatch

Sabrina Soto is a renowned interior designer, consultant and entrepreneur. The first of her Cuban family born in the United States, Sabrina learned the ropes from her mother, who ran a decorating and home staging business. As a result, Sabrina developed a love for design and, today, is known for her eclectic way of mixing luxury and affordable pieces for a unique aesthetic.

Soto is the popular host of HGTV's The High/Low Project and is a featured designer on HGTV'd, andhas also graced the pages of Time magazine, USA Today, Washington Post, LA Daily News, People En Espanol, Esquire and Latina magazine. But wait...there's more! Soto is also the home style expert for Target and a LEED-accredited licensed real estate agent, so she certainly knows a thing or two about home entertaining!

We sat down with her to talk about the smart-home products that help her make outdoor entertaining a cinch, from the doorbell that functions like a second host to the lighting that sets the perfect mood for any fte.

Blink Home Security

Answer your door no matter where you are using your phone this thing even lets you see who's calling in the dark, thanks to infrared night video.

"When you have people over, especially if it's a bigger party, you're going to have people coming in constantly I love using the Blink Video Doorbell," shares Soto. "I use it like a second host of the party!"

"I don't get great [internet] service in the backyard," confesses Soto. "The eero Pro kind of extends the Wi-Fi throughout the house. As much as we want to pretend when people are over that they're present and on their phones, we all know that's not the case. Everyone wants to stay connected!"

Amazon

Reimagine how your family stays organized and entertained with a personalized smart display that helps keep everyone on track and in sync thanks Alexa!

"The Echo Show 15 is my personal assistant here at the house...especially when you're entertaining, the best thing you can do is make it stress-free," advises Soto. "It's the most organized I've been in a long time."

Soto simply adores her AuKing mini projector: "[Inspirational outdoor movie nights are] so easy to do with the portable projector that I use. I just plug in my Fire TV Stick 4K Max (see below!). It's that simple. And yes, it's great for movie night, but you can use it for so many things!"

Amazon

This little guy gives you access to hundreds of streaming apps and channels, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Starz, Showtime and more. Youll find fun interactive settings like pop-up results for actor and director names via IMDb too.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a snap to use just plug it in and stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes. Need to check the news, weather or sports scores? The Alexa voice assistant is at your service. Plus you can listen to millions of songs on Amazon's music service!

Create the perfect ambience in any Hue. (Photo: Amazon)

The Philips Hue Lily White & Color Outdoor Smart Spot Light Extension makes setting the mood simple: Just plug in and connect your outdoor lighting to your existing Hue hub to enjoy the 16 million (!!) colors available.

"Especially when you're entertaining, you're forgetting to turn on [the outdoor lights]...what's great about having it set up this way is, with the reminder and using Alexa, when I say 'Alexa, bring my backyard to life,' my daughter thinks that I have magic powers because all the lights turn on," Soto says with a smile.

$85 with coupon $100 at Amazon

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Originally published July 7, 2022, 3:53 PM

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Designer Sabrina Soto dishes on the smart-home products that make outdoor entertaining a snap - Yahoo News

It's that time of year when we all start heading outdoors for those long summer evenings in the garden.

And when dusk falls there's no better way to get a cosy glow than with some lighting.

With people keen to share photos of their 'Instagrammable' outdoor spaces, there's more inspiration out there than ever and retailers have met the demand with a wide range of products.

From festoon string lights to solar lanterns, there are so many ways to get your garden twinkling.

Read more: Sainsbury's slashes 20% off all school uniform and kids clothes

Here's how we brought our garden to life with lights from Asda, Aldi, Dunelm, Homebase and B&M...

With householders watching every penny at the moment, there's a big focus on solar lighting right now and these Festoon String Lights are perfect for displaying in any tree or around a parasol or gazebo.

The 20 warm LED lights, which cost 20 for the set, automatically illuminate at night, casting a soft glow around your garden.

There are plenty more lighting options too, like these Eastern Solar Lanterns, which create a stunning silhouette effect on the surrounding patio or table.

The metal lanterns, which come with hanging hooks, cost 18.95 each.

Both products are included in Homebase's buy one get one free promotion, which is available on solar lighting for a limited time.

No product list would be complete without good old B&M and there are so many options to choose from.

If you're wanting something a little brighter and do have access to mains electricity then you can't beat their pack of 24 Festoon Bulb String Lights for 18.

They're 9.2m long so you've got plenty to work with. We displayed some in the tree and carried them along the fence.

The tree was made all the more eye-catching with these stunning Island Paradise Solar Powered Wicker Effect Lanterns, which have been reduced from 12 each to 9, and this matching decorative Scandi Coast Solar Powered Wicker Heart, 12.

While not technically lighting, the matching Raffia Round Mirror, reduced from 7 to 5, brings an added glow as it bounces the light around and the garden table was given a glow up of its own with this Scandi Coast Solar Powered Tripod Table Lamp, reduced from 8 to 6, with its own flickering candle, and these bargain string parasol slights, which are now down to just 3.50.

The fact that most of Dunelm's outdoor lights are out of stock online is a sure sign of just how popular its range is, but there's still plenty of stock left in store.

We picked up these stylish Elements Rope Black Solar String Lights for 16.

It's only a pack of 10 on a 1.8m string so it doesn't cover a huge area, but they're great for adding a subtle touch or for framing some other garden furniture like this rattan effect shelf.

We added a splash of colour and some lighting to the garden with Asda's decorative Solar Ceramic Lantern.

Priced at 11, it casts a leaf pattern onto its surroundings with its warm white LED light.

The retailer has a wide choice of lighting to choose from, including pathway lights, decking lighting, fence lights and more.

If it's a simple touch you're after then you can't go wrong with Aldi's pack of Solar Amber Rustic Festoon Lights.

At 10.99 for a pack of 10 and covers two metres, so there's enough to cover a decent sized tree or bush.

The warm amber light adds a calming touch and you can choose from either continuous or flashing mode.

Check out Aldi's outdoor lighting range here.

As its name suggests there are lots of bargains to be had at Home Bargains and that includes garden furniture and lighting.

We picked up these cute heart-shaped string lights to give an added touch to our lockdown egg chair.

They look a lot more expensive than the 3.99 price tag.

As do these giant bollard lights, which we scattered around but could be just as effective if used to line a path or border and have a bright white LED light to help guide the way.

The steel and glass construction will - we're told - make them robust against the elements and they're easy to install with no wiring needed.

We picked them up in store for 3.99 each, but you can order them in packs of four online for 15.96.

Read more of today's top stories here

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Originally posted here:
Bring your garden to life with outdoor lighting from B&M, Homebase, Home Bargains, Dunelm, Asda and Aldi - Manchester Evening News

The research report on Outdoor Landscape Lighting market deeply explores the factors that will influence the business dynamics in the forthcoming years, such as the major growth propellers, challenges, and opportunities.

As per experts, the industry is anticipated to register a year-over-year growth rate of XX% during the forecast period 2022-2028. Moreover, such projections are further validated through a comprehensive analysis of the past and present market performance.

The research literature also entails in-depth segmental analysis to deliver a clear view of the size and scope of this domain. Further, it meticulously profiles the major players to help other businesses and stakeholders gains insights into the tactics utilized for enhancing profits.

Request Sample Copy of this Report @ https://www.newsorigins.com/request-sample/34089

Key pointers from the Outdoor Landscape Lighting market report:

Outdoor Landscape Lighting market segments covered in the report:

Regional segmentation: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa, South East Asia

Product types: On-shore and Off-shore

Application spectrum: Commercial , Residential and Others

Competitive dashboard: Kichler , Lumens , Alliance Outdoor Lighting , Cree , Halco Lighting Technologies , Hubbell , Philips and Osram

Reasons for buying this report:

The key questions answered in this report:

MAJOR TOC OF THE REPORT:

Request Customization for This Report @ https://www.newsorigins.com/request-for-customization/34089

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Outdoor Landscape Lighting Market Analysis, Growth Forecast Analysis by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application to 2026 |Covid-19 Recovery -...

The spotted bird looked out with big curious eyes, held in the deft hand of wildlife rehabilitator Tristan Higginbotham. It was found days earlier, dazed and unable to fly on the sidewalk in Williamsburg, Brooklyn after smashing into a building.

Higginbotham gently released the bird near the floor, and we waited eagerly to see if it would pass the fly test. In a flurry of flapping wings, it took off and settled on a branch near the ceiling. A few days of rest and anti-inflammatory medication at the Wild Bird Fund, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Manhattan, had restored the ovenbird to full health.

Not every bird brought to the Wild Bird Fund does so well. After a collision, a bird that makes it to the center has a fifty-fifty chance of survival, says Higginbotham. The birds we release, they kind of have to be in perfect condition because theyre migrating thousands of miles.

Luckily the ovenbird was released in Central Park after recuperating for a few days. It continued the northward migration that the window in Williamsburg nearly cut short, joining millions of migratory birds headed to summer breeding grounds.

Each spring and fall migration season, Higginbotham and other wildlife rehabilitators ready themselves for the carnage. Somewhere between 90,000 and 230,000 birds die from collisions in New York City each year, the NYC Audubon Society estimates. Bright lights and transparent glass are the leading culprits, scientists say. And while New York City has recently mandated protections for birds in government buildings and in new construction projects, many wildlife activists say more needs to be done to significantly reduce the grim toll.

There are approximately one million buildings in New York City and in order to address them all we really need legislation requiring buildings to be bird-friendly, says Kaitlyn Parkins, a science consultant for NYC Audubon.

In January, the City Council enacted two laws to reduce lighting in about 17,000 city-owned or leased buildings, with one law specifically targeting migration periods. Two years earlier, the council enacted a law requiring bird-friendly building designs for new construction.

But a fourth bill that would require many thousands of commercial buildings to turn off their lights at night never even made it to a vote. The powerful Real Estate Board of New York opposed it, voicing concerns about safety and feasibility.

The bill would dramatically disrupt the operations of commercial buildings where significant activity occurs at night, testified Ryan Monell, a representative of the real estate board, at a legislative hearing on the proposal. He noted that city codes require lighting in stairwells, elevators and lobbies, and pointed out the lack of consideration for new buildings like One World Trade Center that have designed their lighting around existing requirements. The boards published testimony also emphasized the cultural importance of landmark buildings like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.

During the hearing for the bill, former Council Member Helen Rosenthal voiced opposition to Monells arguments against the bill. I dont think the bill is talking about elevator lighting or stairwell lighting, or lobby floor lighting all of those things, which are critical for security.

The bill applies to both interior and exterior lighting, but not while anyone is present inside a building. It would allow some exemptions to buildings that receive landmark status or demonstrate a security need. It states that the new lighting rules dont override existing lighting laws or zoning regulations.

The citys real estate lobby kind of were sounding the alarm about imaginary problems that didnt exist, says Edita Birnkrant, Executive Director of NYCLASS, an animal rights organization. We dont want to affect security lighting.

In an email, Monell noted that the kinds of commercial buildings the bill would address are almost never empty. Theyre staffed continuously throughout the night by security personnel and maintenance crews. Many owners already put in motion sensors to control lighting demonstrating the industrys compassion for this issue, Monell says. He believes the proposed lighting requirements would be unrealistic for most buildings.

The bill is now being rewritten in partnership with the Lights Out Coalition, a group of organizations including the NYC Audubon Society, the Wild Bird Fund and NYCLASS. Birnkrant explains theyre taking criticisms of the initial bill into consideration, and are restructuring the bill to make it even stronger. The real estate board, meanwhile, is hoping to see a bill that pursues these goals in more measured ways, says Monell.

In the U.S. at least 19 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have laws restricting light at night. Many of these laws focus on adding shielding on outdoor lights to direct light downward, and do not address indoor lighting that shines through windows. If the bird advocates get their way, the proposed New York City law could be the most far-reaching attempt yet to reduce nighttime lighting in the U.S.

Advocates are focusing on lighting to prevent bird deaths because most birds migrate at night, not during the day. It could be up to 850 million birds over the U.S. on a single night, says Andrew Farnsworth, a biologist at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Theres no definitive reason birds prefer nighttime migration, but it may be because they prefer to keep cool and avoid turbulent warmer air. Flying at night may also help them avoid predators like raptors, who hunt other birds during the day, Farnsworth says.

Light definitely attracts birds at night and light also disorients them, he says. The lights may create an orientation point for flying birds to focus on, or they may obscure other signals birds use to navigate, like the moon and stars.

At the crux of two major migratory pathways, the Hudson Valley and the East Coast, New York Citys lights draw in a huge number of birds. Some species, such as brants, nest in the Arctic during the summer and fly thousands of miles before reaching New York City, says Farnsworth.

The attractive power of New York Citys nighttime glow pulls in birds that would otherwise be more spread out, says Parkins of NYC Audubon. This means more birds for enthusiasts to spot, but also more collisions.

During the fall and spring migration seasons, NYC Audubon volunteers survey buildings for bird deaths. In September 2021, one volunteer found that over 200 birds had smashed into 3 and 4 World Trade Center and died in a single day. The deaths included many warblers, a group bird-watchers strive to see during migrations. The volunteer also found 30 injured birds and brought them to the Wild Bird Fund.

Individual buildings turning their lights off might help a little bit, but really what we need is [for] New York City to reduce the overall lighting in our city, says Parkins something that she says can only happen through legislation. NYC Audubon has tried voluntary lights out efforts and the real estate board has encouraged buildings to participate, but Parkins says a voluntary strategy isnt enough to make a difference in a city as big as New York.

Volunteer efforts have been more successful in cities with smaller downtowns, such as Houston, where a few buildings can represent a larger portion of total lighting, says Parkins. The Houston Audubon Society runs a voluntary program where the owners of at least 39 buildings have pledged to turn off lights during the migratory season. They rely on forecasts of migratory bird densities put out by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology to strategically reduce lighting at times when the most birds are up in the air.

The New York City law requiring bird-friendly windows and other design features for all new construction took effect in January 2021. The Javits Center, a large glass convention center in Manhattan, was a key example proving the effectiveness of less transparent glass. The building underwent a bird-friendly glass retrofit in 2013 and saw an over 90% decrease in bird deaths.

Making glass less reflective means birds are less likely to mistake it for the sky or any reflected greenery. Recent architectural trends have moved toward clear glass and plants indoors or on facades, which can confuse birds, Parkins explains. I wouldnt be surprised if there were more collisions now than there were two decades ago, she says.

The issue is about more than the life or death of individual birds, says Parkins. I do look at this as a conservation issue bird window collisions are the second largest direct human-caused source of mortality for birds. NYC Audubon reports that white-throated sparrows, known for their white neck and distinctive yellow eyebrows, are the most frequent collision victims, followed by common yellowthroat warblers.

While she waits for the city to act, Tristan Higginbotham spends her days caring for birds. She and the Wild Bird Fund team rush to provide the best treatments to injured migrators, sick pigeons, fledglings separated from their parents and many other birds. From May to June the facility saw its spring migration peak, the migratory bird room often full of songbirds and warblers that hit buildings.

Like many other bird-lovers, Higginbotham hopes the city will act soon to expand its bird protections. We know the issue, we know the solution and its just a matter of people caring enough to change it.

Read the original:
Making the city that never sleeps safer for birds - Scienceline

A poll of 2,000 adults, with an outdoor space, found more than one in 10 describe their entire garden as intentionally wild in style, to encourage biodiversity.

Fruit trees, composting areas and greenhouses appeared in the list of what people most like to see in a garden.

But anything painted in an orange wood stain, wind chimes, recycled old tyres and artificial topiary balls are unlikely to be bought in 2022.

Water features and living walls are also among the most popular garden trends of the moment, while fake animals, buddha statues and plastic ornaments are out.

Kevin Smith, from Draper Tools, which commissioned the research, said: So many of us have got into gardening in recent times and its fascinating to take a look at the top trends as well as those that have fallen out of favour.

Its great to see the number of people focusing on sustainability by growing their own food, composting, harvesting rainwater and encouraging biodiversity in their gardens hopefully these are long term trends that are here to stay.

Gardens are ultimately a very personal thing, so although gnomes and plastic flamingos may not be top trends, if you love them in your garden thats all that matters.

Other elements Brits are now turning away from in their gardens are hot tubs, perhaps as a result of rising electricity costs.

Another 27 per cent dont like to see trampolines in their back gardens, and 15 per cent consider topiary to be over.

However, some trends made both the top garden trends and the worst ones suggesting an opinion split.

Those which fall into this love/hate category include decking, ponds, fire pits, and repurposing household items to grow plants in like bathtubs, sinks, and old bikes.

Exactly one in five respondents say keeping up with the latest garden trends is very important to them, while three quarters reckon theyve got great outdoor taste.

And during a typical week, green-fingered Brits will spend an hour and 20 minutes pondering how to get the best from their outside space.

Nearly a fifth (17 per cent) also admit they get inspiration for their garden by peering over their neighbours fence.

Adults will spend nearly two and a half hours each week outside tending to their garden areas during the summer months.

In total, they estimate having spent an average of 1,732 on buying new bedding, plants, tools and other garden costs since they moved in, according to the OnePoll data.

And its seen as money well spent, as 34 per cent said spending on their gardens is a worthwhile investment.

Respondents also say their top priority for their garden is simply having a place to relax (49 per cent).

However, just under a quarter (24 per cent) say sustainability is their number one goal, and 31 per cent want a space they can grow their own fruit and veg.

Draper Tools Kevin Smith added: Our results found people use their gardens for many different things and there are certainly strong feelings out there but almost everyone wants their space to look good.

This is the time of year when all the work you put in during winter and spring should be paying off, and letting you enjoy that outdoor space.

And if wild animals, birds and bugs are also able to thrive in the space then thats just perfect.

BRITS TOP 40 GARDEN TRENDS FOR 2022:

1. Bird feeders

2. Planters

3. Bird bath

4. Fruit trees

5. Hanging baskets

6. Lanterns/outdoor lights

7. Solar lighting

8. Vegetable gardens

9. Garden pathways/stepping stones

10. Herb garden

11. Rainwater harvesting

12. Terracotta plant pots

13. Water features

14. Wild meadow area/growing of wildflowers

15. Raised garden beds

16. Successional gardening (ensuring there are plants are flowering all year round)

17. Decking

18. Rose gardens

19. Ponds

20. Composting areas

21. Greenhouses

22. Summer houses

23. Natural stone/minerals

24. Hedgehog homes

25. Trellis

26. Fire pits

27. Glazed plant pots

28. Rock gardens

29. Bumblebee nest boxes

30. Immaculately trimmed lawns

31. Naturalistic planting

32. Built in BBQ/Outdoor kitchen

33. Pergolas

34. Repurposing household items to grow plants in such as bathtubs, sinks, old bikes

35. Bird/animal box cameras

36. Palm trees

37. Pizza ovens

38. No dig gardening also known as rewilding (involves minimal interference to the garden)

39. Stripes in the lawn

40. Tulip gardens

Originally posted here:
Brits are encouraging wildlife in their gardens - The London Economic

Sometimes, you dont realize that you need a tech upgrade until someone points it out like, why are you still using the one charger you got five years ago to charge all of your Apple products? From chargers to speakers, weve got you covered with must-have tech that is definitely worth the upgrade.

Key Selling Point: Get rid of wires once and for all with this charging station.

If you find yourself fumbling to find space for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Airpods on your nightstand, it might be time to upgrade your charging station to the 3-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe 15W, which provides a place to charge all of your devices in one convenient location no extra wires necessary. This wireless charger comes in black or white, and you can sleep easy knowing that your devices wont stop charging in the middle of the night phone-safe magnets keep everything securely attached to the charging stand.

Key Selling Point: Seamlessly mount your phone and drive off for a hands-free commute.

Any driver can tell you that one of the most crucial accessories in your car is a phone mount. Hands-free access to GPS, music, or calls is essential for safely navigating the roads but what good is a mount if youre having to constantly fiddle with it to keep your phone attached, or needing to pull over to change the orientation? By simply placing your phone against the Car Vent Mount PRO, your phone is secured with phone-safe magnets. With a quick twist, you can swap between portrait and landscape modes one-handed, thanks to the mounts clever ball joint design. The compact accessory also allows you to loop your phone charger around the back, keeping your cable tidy and within reach. Youll never have to worry about fumbling to keep the mount secured either, as the vent clip keeps everything in place.

Key Selling Point: German-engineered glass that reduces wear and tear and prevents deep cracks.

This screen protector is nothing like those flimsy pieces of plastic you get with your phone case its scratch-resistant surface is two times stronger than tempered glass, making it one of the strongest screen protectors out there. Its made out of UltraGlass, a chemically strengthened material that increases durability and protects against scratches from everyday objects like keys and coins. If you do drop your phone, the UltraGlass prevents surface cracks from penetrating deeper layers of your phone. While some screen protectors weaken your phone touchscreen capabilities, the UltraGlass Treated Screen Protector for iPhone 13 is cut thinly so that its highly sensitive to any pressure applied to it and its been engineered with an anti-fingerprint coating so your screen doesnt get smudged while youre scrolling through TikTok.

Key Selling Point: This voice-enabled speaker comes with an added feature: a wireless charging station.

With the HiFi Smart Speaker and Wireless Charger, listening to music feels like youre in the studio with the artist. Despite the speakers small size, youll be able to hear the deep bass of every song with Devialets signature Push-Push vibration-canceling dual-woofer configuration. This speaker is also voice-enabled, so you can tell it to play your favorite playlist from the kitchen so that its all set to go before you reach your bedroom (or wherever else it's set up). If you want to bring it outside or to a different room, its small enough to easily transport and set up in a different area of your house. Once the music starts playing, you can set your phone on the speaker for a quick wireless charge while you listen to your favorite workout playlist or true-crime podcast.

Key Selling Point: With voice control and schedule-setting capabilities, this is not your garden-variety outdoor outlet.

Who knew plugs could be so high-tech? The Wemo WiFi Smart Outdoor Plug will make you wonder how you ever lived without a smart plug in your home. Its easy set-up means you can get started on customizing your outdoor lighting immediately. Just download the app, plug in the device and connect to WiFi to start controlling your lights via the Wemo app. You can do this from any room in your house, and if you are outside, you can even use voice control to turn your lights on and off. Its durable and waterproof so, unlike a normal plug, you wont have to worry about it when it rains. You can create schedules using the app as well, so when its sunny outside, you can sit in your outdoor space and garden until nighttime, watching the lights turn on by themselves once the sun sets.

Whether youre trying to declutter your nightstand or get your garden ready for the summer, there are tons of ways to upgrade your tech. Take a long look at current headphones and see if it might be time to finally retire the same wired headphones youve been using for the last three years for a newer model. Or maybe its time to stop just putting your phone in an empty cup whenever you need a speaker, and get one that provides better audio quality while charging your phone.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurisms owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.

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Tech Accessories That Are Worth the Upgrade - Futurism

The PlayStation 5 has been Sony's most popular console to date and now it's starting to become more-widely available to buy. It has taken two years for the console to get on track with demand.

Since it first launched in the UK back in November 2020 gamers have gone to desperate lengths to try and get their hands on one. Issues over gaming chips being made and stock issues made demand soar and because of a limited supply only selected retailers were selling them at one time.

Over the past few months though various gaming retailers have seen stock return to more of a sustainable level and many have been able to offer both versions of the PlayStation 5 console to a wider market. That being said stock levels haven't quite returned to normal.

Questions are being asked as to whether the PlayStation 5 will appear in the Amazon Prime Day sale and one expert has answered. The online retail giant recently made a PlayStation 5 bundle available on its site. This PS5 Console with the Horizon Forbidden game was available to buy earlier this week, but is now out of stock again.

Amazon Prime Day takes place on Tuesday July 12 and July 13. The 48-hour event is one of Amazon's biggest sale events, aside from Black Friday which takes place later in the year, and offers shoppers thousands of discounts on everything from tech, gaming, clothing, Amazon devices and more.

Shoppers who are part of Amazon Prime can get access to exclusive deals ahead of Prime Day and on the sales day itself. Not a member of Amazon Prime? You can sign up to a free 30-day trial here.

However, because of previous demand of the PlayStation 5 it is not clear whether the console will even be available to buy on Amazon, yet alone be featured in the Prime Day sale.

Talha Sonmez who runs the popular PS5 Stock UK account on Twitter and the Stockchecker website, doesn't think the console will be making the cut for Amazon Prime.

READ MORE: Expert behind popular PlayStation 5 stock account revealed as he hints at where to find console in 2022

He said: "I personally do not think Amazon would offer the console on a deal for Prime Day, not a chance. I don't even think they'll do it for the Xbox Series X, although that's a higher chance than seeing the PS5 on sale.

"The console may be in decent supply now however, the phase of supply lasting long hasn't been around for too long yet, therefore the console (in my opinion) wouldn't be on discount this soon."

If you thin Talha may be wrong though then you can keep an eye on the PlayStation 5 landing pages on Amazon here and here. The PlayStation 5 comes in two forms, the PS5 console: 449.99 and the PS5 Digital Edition console: 359.99. The only difference between the PS5 console and the PS5 Digital Edition console is the inclusion of an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive in the PS5 console. The PS5 Digital Edition console does not feature a disc drive.

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Originally posted here:
How much is the PlayStation 5 on Amazon Prime Day? - Manchester Evening News

A reflection on where they've been and the bright future ahead.

NEW YORK, July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating its 10th year in business, MPOWERD announced that it is launching an array of exciting new products, and introducing a brand-new product line; ViriSolar Energy Storage Tiles. Founded in 2012, MPOWERD is a Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corporation and has been creating solar lighting options with innovation and impact at its core. With the announcement of the new Viri line, MPOWERD is continuing its tradition of providing sustainable product options to people all around the world.

Over the past decade, MPOWERD has grown from its wildly successful original inflatable solar light to over 16 unique products that serve people worldwide for various needs. From Solar String Lights to Solar Bike Lights, all fully patented, Luci lights are sold in over 7,500 retailers, including REI, Amazon, Anaconda, Decathlon, MEC, to name a few.

Viri, which is derived from the Latin words "power" and "green," is a natural evolution and extension of Luci, which is derived from Luc or "light." Complementing Luci's transformative design, expansion and modularity are at the heart of the Viri platform. Viri provides solutions for all price points and needs while amplifying MPOWERD's mission of providing portable clean energy and expanding opportunities. Viri truly puts the "power" in MPOWERD.

The innovative modular Solar Power Bank will be the first Viri product to hit the market. With the ability to combine multiple power banks to accumulate power or increase the solar panel size, these chargers can live independently or as a collective microgrid. With this adaptive modularity, they can conform to one's personal power needs from mobile phones to larger electronic devices. Following the Company's mission-oriented approach, Viri will provide people the freedom to create energy independently, customized to an individual's needs.

Since its founding, impact and sustainability have always been central to the Company's mission. MPOWERD Founder, Inventor, and Chief Business Development Officer John Salzingercreated a business model with a novel tiered structure, where saleshere at home offset the costs to emerging markets and disaster relief. He also created the Give Luci Program that enables consumers and corporations to participate in the MPOWERD movement of delivering light and power to those in disaster or humanitarian crises. Therefore, expanding into solar power storage is a natural and necessary product path for the Company.

"MPOWERD has grown up!" says Salzinger. "The business model I constructed has proven to be a true vehicle for change. That said, it takes a village and I am grateful to all those who have contributed during this incredible voyage, including Seungah Jeong, who has been a great partner in the business. We have collectively shown how one can and should make a positive impact on our world while leading a business with purpose."

Seungah Jeongjoined MPOWERD in 2016 as the President and CEO. Since then, the Company has expanded its product assortment, established itself as a significant brand in the outdoor industry, increased sales across the board, and furthered positive impact initiatives worldwide.

MPOWERD's impact work is illustrated by the 3.9 million lives they have affected in emerging markets and emergency response situations. By working with NGOs and non-profit organizations, MPOWERD distributes Luci Lights into the hands of people who need them most. A recent example of this was utilizing contributions to their Give Luci Programto deliver Luci Lights to Ukrainian refugees. In addition to social impact, the Company's commitment to reducing emissions and the global carbon footprint are reinforced by the 3.2 million tons of CO2 that Luci lights have averted in emerging markets.

"Air pollution, deforestation, and ever-increasing natural disasters - our earth faces many challenges right now," Jeong affirmed. "From reducing CO2 emissions to minimizing single-use products, we aim to make the biggest impact we can in the hope of inspiring others to take action too."

MPOWERD was recently selected as a Finalist in the Outdoor Retailer 2022 Inspiration Awards for its contributions to social and environmental change and as a part of Real Leaders Top 50 2022 Eco Innovation Award list, among many other honors and awards over the past ten years for product innovation and impact initiatives.

About MPOWERD: MPOWERD is on a mission to transform lives with thoughtfully designed, clean technology. As a Certified B Corporation and Benefit Corporation, MPOWERD sets strict standards, ensuring that its work enhances both society and the environment. The Company's innovative products give people the power of self-reliance as well as moments of wonderbecause everyone deserves to be empowered and inspired regardless of where or how they live. Support the MPOWERD mission at https://mpowerd.com/.

Media ContactRebekah Conti[emailprotected]716.410.1808

SOURCE MPOWERD Inc.

Original post:
MPOWERD Luci Lights, Turning Ten, Product Expansion, and Impacting the World - PR Newswire

Dublin, July 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "LED Lighting Market by Installation (New, Retrofit), Product Type (A-type, T-type, Decorative, Directional), Sales Channel (Retail, Direct, E-commerce), Application (Residential, Commercial, Industrial) and Geography - Global Forecast to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The LED lighting market size is estimated to be USD 75.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 124.7 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period.

The booming lighting industry contributes most to the rising demand for energy-efficient products and modifications in the existing lighting products using LED technology. Moreover, technological innovations and rising environmental concerns have further accelerated the growth of LED lighting market. Competitive manufacturing costs, high economic growth rate, and large-scale industrial constructions in residential and commercial segments are some of the other major factors driving the growth of the LED lighting market.

Decorative luminaire to register highest growth between 2022 to 2027

Decorative luminaires are expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The easy availability of decorative lights with a variety of color combinations in attractive shapes and sizes for interior decoration, coupled with the growing use of highly energy-efficient products to reduce energy bills, is the major factor propelling the growth of the market. Bullet, candle, flare, globe, and any other decorative lamp shapes, integrated chandeliers, single-head pendants, wall sconces, lanterns, and cove luminaire products fall under the category of decorative lighting. Commercial and hospitality applications contribute most to the increasing demand for decorative lighting.

Lamps segment to account for a larger share of the LED lighting market in 2022

A-type and T-type lamps have high penetration in residential applications, which, in turn, leads to a larger market size of the overall lamps category compared to luminaires. The enormous rise in the use of LED lighting solutions has changed every aspect of modern life.

The modern technology equipped with LED lamps enables improved efficiency with low maintenance costs. The warm light from the LED lamps allows for complete brightness without energy loss. Compared to the lifespan of average incandescent bulbs, the lifespan of an LED light is far superior. A-type LED lamps are also referred to as plug-and-play. These lamps directly replace traditional lamps such as compact fluorescent (CFL) and linear fluorescent. A-type lamps are considered the classic type of light bulb that has been used for general-purpose lighting for over 100 years.

The streets and roads application segment likely to dominate the outdoor LED lighting market from 2022 to 2027

According to market estimates, The streets and roads segment is expected to account for the largest market share throughout the forecast period due to rapid urbanization and government efforts to reduce energy consumption with the adoption of LED lighting solutions. Streets and roadways are continuously illuminated; hence, there is a high requirement for energy. Therefore, switching to LED lighting is a better choice. Streets and roadways are expected to provide lucrative opportunities to LED lighting market players.

Asia Pacific followed by Middle East, and Africa region likely to witness higher growth rate from 2022 to 2027

The LED lighting market has enormous potential in the Asia Pacific region, and it is anticipated that consumers would accept these systems as an integral part of digitalized households. Increasing construction activities in Asia Pacific contribute significantly to the growth of the LED lighting market in the region.

The thriving electrical and electronics industry in Asia Pacific also supports the growth of the LED lighting market. In the last few years, LED lighting has become the dominant artificial light source and is preferred over all the conventional light sources such as incandescent bulbs, CFL and fluorescent lamps, high-pressure sodium lamps, and metal halide lamps in the region. The LED lighting market in RoW is growing slowly compared to other regions; however, emerging economies such as South Africa and the GCC countries in the Middle East are expected to contribute to the market growth in the coming years.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction

2 Research Methodology

3 Executive Summary3.1 Realistic Scenario3.2 Optimistic Scenario3.3 Pessimistic Scenario

4 Premium Insights4.1 Attractive Growth Opportunities in Led Lighting Market4.2 Led Lighting Market, by Product Type4.3 Led Lighting Market, by Installation4.4 Led Lighting Market, by Lamp Type4.5 Led Lighting Market, by Sales Channel4.6 Led Lighting Market, by Application

5 Market Overview5.1 Introduction5.2 Market Dynamics5.2.1 Drivers5.2.1.1 Increasing Utilization of Smart Lighting Systems in Several Applications5.2.1.2 Surging Adoption of Led Bulbs and Luminaires to Achieve Goal of Net-Zero Emissions by 20505.2.1.3 Rising Demand for Led Lighting Systems in Residential Interior Designing and Home Decorating Applications5.2.1.4 Ongoing Release of New Innovative Led Products due to Constant Technological Advances5.2.2 Restraints5.2.2.1 High Installation Cost of Larger Projects5.2.2.2 Short-To-Medium-Term Impact on Market due to Us-China Trade Conflict and Ongoing Russia-Ukraine War5.2.3 Opportunities5.2.3.1 Government Initiatives to Reduce Energy Consumption and Cut Down Ghg Emissions from Public Electricity and Heat Production5.2.3.2 Continuous Decline in Prices of Led Chips and Other Components of Lighting Systems5.2.4 Challenges5.2.4.1 Slow Rate of Adoption of Led Technology in Developing Countries5.2.4.2 Constant Threat of Data/Security Breach in Iot-Based Lighting Systems5.3 Value Chain Analysis5.4 Led Lighting Market Ecosystem5.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis5.6 Average Selling Price Analysis5.7 Trade Analysis5.8 Revenue Shift & New Revenue Pockets for Led Lighting Market5.9 Case Study Analysis5.9.1 Uline, Shipping Supply Company, Shifted to Led Lighting System from Conventional Lighting System5.9.2 Abb Atlanta International Airport (Atl) Went Over Complete Makeover with Led Lighting5.9.3 Commercial Led Lighting Implemented at Franklin Institute5.10 Led Lighting Market: Detailed List of Conferences and Events5.11 Patent Analysis5.11.1 Patent Registrations, 2018-20215.11.2 Led Lighting: Patent Analysis5.12 Technology Trends5.13 Government Regulations and Standards5.14 Key Regulatory Bodies, Government Agencies, and Other Organizations5.15 Key Stakeholders in Buying Process

6 Led Lighting Market, by Product Type6.1 Introduction6.2 Lamps6.2.1 A-Type6.2.1.1 A-Type Lamps are Primarily Used in Residential Buildings for Energy Saving6.2.2 T-Type6.2.2.1 T-Type Lamps are Widely Used in Commercial and Industrial Applications as They are Cheaper, More Efficient, and Long-Lasting Light Source6.2.3 Others6.3 Luminaires6.3.1 Downlighting6.3.1.1 Downlighting to Dominate Luminaires Segment due to Increasing Number of Residential, Construction, and Industrial Infrastructure Projects6.3.2 Decorative Lighting6.3.2.1 Commercial and Hospitality Applications Contribute Most to Increasing Demand for Decorative Lighting6.3.3 Directional Lighting6.3.3.1 Directional Lighting is Widely Used for Accentuating Purpose6.3.4 Others

7 Led Lighting Market, by Application7.1 Introduction7.2 Indoor7.2.1 Residential7.2.1.1 Residential Segment is Likely to Capture Majority of Market Share During Forecast Period7.2.2 Commercial7.2.2.1 Offices7.2.2.1.1 Recessed Luminaires and Downlighters are Most Commonly Used Lighting Fixtures in Offices7.2.2.2 Retail Stores7.2.2.2.1 Retail Shops and Malls are Expected to Witness Accelerated Demand for Led Lighting Systems During Post-COVID-19 Scenario7.2.2.3 Horticulture Gardens7.2.2.3.1 Led Lighting Systems are Increasingly Used as Supplemental Lighting Sources in Greenhouses and Vertical Farms7.2.2.4 Others7.2.3 Industrial7.2.3.1 Landscape Lighting Solutions, Spotlights, Led Tubes and Panels, and Floor Panels are Most Commonly Used Industrial Lighting Solutions7.2.4 Others7.3 Outdoor7.3.1 Streets and Roadways7.3.1.1 Increasing Number of Road and Street Development Projects in Developing Economies to Drive Market Growth7.3.2 Architectural Buildings7.3.2.1 Led Lighting to Witness Increased Demand from Heritage Buildings, Historical Buildings, and Contemporary Architectural Landmarks7.3.3 Sports Complexes7.3.3.1 Existing Stadiums and Sports Complexes Expected to Switch to Led Lighting in Near Future7.3.4 Tunnels7.3.4.1 Upcoming Tunnel Construction Projects Worldwide to Provide Market Opportunities to Led Lighting System Providers7.3.5 Others

8 Led Lighting Market, by Installation8.1 Introduction8.2 New8.2.1 New Led Lighting Fixtures are Likely to be Deployed in Various Upcoming Construction Projects8.3 Retrofit8.3.1 Traditional Lighting Solutions are Widely Replaced with Led Lighting Solutions Across Several Applications

9 Led Lighting Market, by Sales Channel9.1 Introduction9.2 Retail/Wholesale9.2.1 Retail/Wholesale Distribution Channels Account for Major Market Share9.3 Direct Sales9.3.1 Direct/Contract-Based Sales Channels Eliminate Third-Party Interference, Thereby Reducing Procurement Costs9.4 E-Commerce9.4.1 E-Commerce-Based Led Lighting Sales Will Increase Significantly Until 2027

10 Lumens in Led Lighting10.1 Introduction10.2 1,600 Lumens10.3 1,100 Lumens10.4 800 Lumens10.5 450 Lumens10.6 Low-Power Led10.7 High-Power Led

11 Geographic Analysis

12 Competitive Landscape12.1 Introduction12.2 Key Player Strategies/Right to Win12.2.1 Product Portfolio12.2.2 Regional Focus12.2.3 Manufacturing Footprint12.2.4 Organic/Inorganic Growth Strategies12.3 Market Share Analysis, 202112.4 Revenue Analysis of Top Players in Led Lighting Market12.5 Company Evaluation Quadrant12.5.1 Star12.5.2 Pervasive12.5.3 Emerging Leader12.5.4 Participant12.6 Competitive Benchmarking12.7 Startup/Sme Evaluation Quadrant12.7.1 Progressive Company12.7.2 Responsive Company12.7.3 Dynamic Company12.7.4 Starting Block12.8 Company Footprint12.9 Competitive Situation and Trends12.9.1 Product Launches & Developments12.9.2 Deals12.9.3 Others

13 Company Profiles13.1 Key Players13.1.1 Signify N.V.13.1.2 Acuity Brands13.1.3 Cree Lighting (Part of Ideal Industries, Inc.)13.1.4 Osram Licht AG (Ams Osram)13.1.5 Lg Electronics13.1.6 Dialight plc13.1.7 Panasonic Corporation13.1.8 Hubbell Lighting, Inc. (Part of GE Current)13.1.9 Zumtobel Group13.1.10 Savant Systems, Inc.13.2 Other Companies13.2.1 Honyar13.2.2 Samsung13.2.3 Sharp Corporation13.2.4 Siteco GmbH (Ge)13.2.5 Havells India Limited13.2.6 Trilux GmbH& Co. Kg13.2.7 Fagerhults Belysning Ab13.2.8 Syska Led Lights Private Limited13.2.9 Go Green Led13.2.10 Forest Lighting13.2.11 Lighting Science Group Corporation13.2.12 Wipro Lighting (Parent Company Wipro Limited)13.2.13 Opple Lighting Co. Limited13.2.14 Nvc Lighting Technology Corporation13.2.15 Soraa

14 Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vndqvy

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The Worldwide LED Lighting Industry is Projected to Reach $124.7 Billion by 2027 - Benzinga - Benzinga