Before you buy
1: What is an ambient device?
2: What kinds of information can the Ambient Orb
show me?
3: How do I configure it?
4: Do I attach the Ambient Orb to my computer?
5: How does the Ambient Orb get information?
6: Does that mean it gives off radiation?
7: Where do you have wireless coverage?
8: How does it get power?
9: Is there a monthly cost?
10: Can the Ambient Orb break?
11: Can I buy more than one?
12: Where do I buy the Ambient Orb?
Ambient Orb Setup
13: How do I set up the Ambient Orb?
14: Where should I put my orb?
15: I just plugged in my orb, why is it changing
colors?
16: How do I know it's getting a signal?
17: What do the colors mean?
18: I'm moving. Do I need to do something?
19: I want to give the orb to a friend.What should
I do?
Activating the Ambient Orb
20: How do I make my Ambient Orb monitor different
information?
21: Why do I need to give my email address?
22: Where is the serial number?
23: Why is it asking me my favorite color?
24: What is the difference between a free and premium
account?
25: How much is a premium account?
26: Is there any penalty for canceling my premium
account?
27: Do I need a unique account for every orb I
own?
28: Can my orbs all be set to monitor different
information?
Using your Ambient Orb
29: How often is the orb updated?
30: How do I know the orb has been updated?
31: Where is the on/off switch? Should I turn the
orb off when not in use?
32: What does the yellow button do?
33: The base gets a little warm. Is this OK?
34: Will I need to replace the bulb? Does the orb
burn out?
35: What colors can it show?
36: Where is the software for this? Where's the
CD-ROM?
37: Does this work with Windows XP? How about OSX?
38: What kind of browser do I need to configure
the Ambient Orb?
39: Do I have to have an account with Ambient Devices
in order to use my orb?
40: Can I get a friend to make my orb change color?
41: Will this work in my RV/boat/car? Can I take
it on vacation?
Coverage
42: Does this work anywhere in the US?
43: What about overseas?
Advanced User Questions
44: Is there more than one version of the orb?
45: When will you be adding [name of information input]?
46: Can a write my own information inputs?
47: Can I get realtime stock quotes?
48: Can I take the orb apart?
49: How much power does the orb consume?
50: Can I use a different power transformer than
the one you supplied?
Real questions that real people asked about the Ambient Orb
51: What do you have planned next?
52: Are they safe around pets?
53: Why didn't anyone think of this before?
54: Will it talk to me?
Before you buy
1: What is an ambient device? Top
An ambient device is a simple wireless object that unobtrusively
presents information. They can be wearable like a watch, carry-able
like a pen, or installed like a lamp. They communicate via subtle
changes in color, angle, size, motion, sound, and maybe even smell.
2: What kinds of information can the Ambient
Orb show me? Top
The ambient orb can potentially show summary information for anything
available on the world wide web. For starters, we have chosen to
focus on stocks and weather. We have also added pollen forecasts
(for allergy sufferers), homeland security, plus some events predictions
in conjunction with Newsfutures and USA Today. We will continue
to add new channels and plan to have an Instant Messenger running
by the end of June.
3: How do I configure it? Top
You can change the Orb's behavior, and the subject that you are
monitoring with any Internet-connected computer at http://www.myambient.com/
4: Do I attach the Ambient Orb to my computer?
Top
It doesn't attach to your computer. It receives wireless signals
from the Ambient Network, and is configured via http://www.myambient.com/
5: How does the Ambient Orb get information?
Top
Via a nationwide wireless network. It works in a similar way to
cell phones and receivers.
6: Does that mean it gives off radiation?
Top
Well, technically just about everything that is powered in your
house gives off radiation. Because the orb only receives information,
it gives off far less than a cell phone.
7: Where do you have wireless coverage?
Top
Our coverage exceeds 95% of the U.S. population, and generally we
have better coverage than cell phones. In almost every place you
can get a cell phone signal, and many places you can't, your Ambient
Orb will work. You may have some trouble if you live in extremely
rural areas or in a lead-enclosed safe room 200 feet underground.
8: How does it get power? Top
It will plug into any 100V power outlet. It works via a nationwide
power network called electricity. See there are these holes in the
walls of many homes …Seriously though, we hve discussed battery-powered
versions at some point in the future, but for now the devices plug
into a wall socket.
9: Is there a monthly cost? Top
The Ambient Orb will work perfectly with no monthly fees. For premium
information channels, for example a custom stock portfolio, there
is a monthly fee. Basic channels, like stock market indexes or weather
in major cities are free. Essentially we'd love to give it all away
for free, but in certain cases either due to the amount of wireless
messaging your personal orb requires, or because of relationships
with the content providers, we need to charge a monthly service
fee. We've been very fair in making this only one standard low fee,
and having absolutely no long term contracts to sign. If you are
using the Orb for basic services like the DOW Jones, feel free to
enjoy it forever without paying a fee.
10: Can the Ambient Orb break? Top
Well, the electronics are pretty sturdy, but the Orb itself is made
of frosted glass. So if you drop it you might still get your information,
but the glass probably won't make it.
11: Can I buy more than one? Top
Yes. Many people want to monitor a few information channels, or
they have multiple places where they want to keep an eye on some
information. Buy one for every room.
12: Where do I buy the Ambient Orb?
Top
Purchase the Ambient Orb at any Brookstone store, or online at Brookstone.com.
Ambient Orb Setup
13: How do I set up the Ambient Orb?
Top
Simply plug one end of the wall transformer into a wall and plug
the other end into the orb.
14: Where should I put my orb? Top
Put the orb where you can glance at it, or pass it often. Some people
put them in the hall or on a book shelf in their home, or in a conference
room or public place at work. We recommend putting it a little off
to the side, so as not to be distracting.
15: I just plugged in my orb, why is it
changing colors? Top
The Ambient Orb will color cycle while it synchronizes with the
network. This only needs to happen when you first plug it in and
can take anywhere from 1-30 minutes. For more info, see the user's
manual.
16: How do I know it's getting a signal?
Top
When the orb stops color cycling it is synchronized to the Ambient
Network and will receive signals continuously. It will rest on a
solid color that indicates whatever information you have it set
to track (the default is the DOW Jones Industrial Average for the
day).
17: What do the colors mean? Top
The colors indicated information. Green is good, yellow is OK, red
is …you know. The magic part is that you can pick what information
source you want to monitor: a stock portfolio, weather at the lake
house, pollen count, or the congestion on your commute home. You
can also pick new color schemes, such as Blue-Yellow-Red for weather.
18: I'm moving. Do I need to do something?
Top
You may need to reprogram your orb for your new location so that
it can receive proper signals in your new region. Generally each
metropolitan area is a region, so if it is local move then don't
worry. Visit http://www.myambient.com/
and click on "manage account" for more information on
repgramming your orb for your new area. You can do this step either
before you leave or after you arrive in the new location. If you
do not reprogram your orb, it may not work in the new area.
19: I want to give the orb to a friend.
What should I do? Top
Start with some nice giftwrap. If you haven't created an account,
there's nothing you need to do. Otherwise, you have two choices.
You can change your username and password for your friend, or you
can delete your account, reset your orb, and have your friend create
his or her own account. Note that when you visit http://www.myambient.com/
if an orb is already registered, you cannot register it again under
a different name.
Activating the Ambient Orb
20: How do I make my Ambient Orb monitor
different information? Top
To change the settings on your orb you'll need to activate your
orb at http://www.myambient.com/
21: Why do I need to give my email address?
Top
This is used for identification purposes, and will come in handy
if you decide to let your friends send you Ambient messages. We
will never sell your e-mail address or spam you, ever.
22: Where is the serial number? Top
The serial number is on the bottom of your Ambient Orb.
23: Why is it asking me my favorite color?
Top
Because we're curious. We promise not to use it to market only pink
products to you. In fact, we won't use it for marketing at all.
24: What is the difference between a free
(basic) and premium account? Top
Well, free accounts are the less expensive. They offer basic channels
like major stock market indices (DJIA, Nasdaq Composite, S&P
500), and the weather forecast in major cities (NY, LA, SF, Chicago).
Many people will likely be perfectly happy with their basic account,
but if you are going to want functions like Ambient Messaging or
customizing your stock portfolio then you'll want a premium account.
25: How much is a premium account?
Top
The premium account is $6.95 a month or $19.95 a quarter. This is
for unlimited usage and access to all the premium channels for your
Ambient Orb.
26: Is there any penalty for canceling
my premium account? Top
No. You can switch back to a basic account at any time. We won't
refund you for service you may have paid for, but we don't require
you to commit for any length of time. We give three months free
premium service so you have ample opportunity to try before you
buy.
27: Do I need a unique account for every
orb I own? Top
No. Start your account with one of your orbs and you can easily
add new orbs by going to Devices once you are logged in.
28: Can my orbs all be set to monitor different
information? Top
Yes. You can easily set one for the weather at your beach house
and another for your stock portfolio, or whatever else you choose.
Whether they are all the same or different is up to you.
Using your Ambient Orb
29: How often is the orb updated? Top
It receives signals when the information that you're monitoring
changes. This might be as often as every minute, or as infrequently
as once an hour. As long as your Orb is plugged in and receiving
a signal, it will remain continuously up to date.
30: How do I know the orb has been updated?
Top
If the orb has stopped cycling colors then it is synchronized to
the Ambient Network and will continuously be updated. Every time
it receives a new update it will briefly "breath" (get
dim and smoothly transition to the new color). This "breath"
is a subtle indicator you will likely miss, but rest assured you
can glance at your Ambient Orb at any time knowing it is showing
current information.
31: Where is the on/off switch? Should
I turn the orb off when not in use? Top
Just leave it on. The Ambient Orb will last for many years, and
uses about as much power as the clock on your VCR. If it is too
bright then you can press down on the top of the orb and it will
become dim.
32: What does the yellow button do?
Top
The button changes the brightness of the orb from bright to medium
to dim (for at night). Simply press down on the top of the Ambient
Orb to adjust brightness.
33: The base gets a little warm. Is this
OK? Top
Yes. There are electronics and lights inside, so it will get warm.
Don't worry, it won't ever get too hot to touch.
34: Will I need to replace the bulb? Does
the orb burn out? Top
The Ambient Orb's lighting will not need to be replaced. The standard
life expectancy is fifteen years, but could last much longer.
35: What colors can it show? Top
We mix red, green, and blue lights, so that pretty much covers the
rainbow. Some of our staff are particularly fond of the nice deep
orange and bright purple it can render.
36: Where is the software for this? Where's
the CD-ROM? Top
You don't need a computer or any special software to use an Ambient
Orb. Configuration is done at our web site.
37: Does this work with Windows XP? How
about OSX? Top
Yes, but you don't need a computer or any special software to use
an Ambient Orb.
38: What kind of browser do I need to configure
the Ambient Orb? Top
Any standard browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera) should
be able to visit http://www.myambient.com/
to configure your device. Parts of our website use Macromedia Flash,
which is a free plug-in, but this is not required.
39: Do I have to have an account with Ambient
Devices in order to use my orb? Top
No. The Ambient Orb comes pre-configured to the Dow Jones Industrial
Average, which will continue to work without an account. However,
you will need an account if you want to configure your orb to new
channels. We have a choice of free or paid accounts depending on
the channel you prefer.
40: Can I get a friend to make my orb change
color? Top
Yes. Sign up for the Ambient Messaging channel on the web site.
41: Will this work in my RV/boat/car? Can
I take it on vacation? Top
Yes, if your RV or boat has 110V power available. Be aware that
your Ambient Orb is configured to your local area, so long distance
travel will require you to reset the Ambient Orb to its current
location.
Coverage
42: Does this work anywhere in the US?
Top
We are using a nationwide wireless network. Our coverage exceeds
90% of the U.S. population, and generally we have better coverage
than cell phones. In almost every place you can get a cell phone
signal, and many places you can't, your Ambient Orb will work.
To see if you're covered, check: to visit http://www.ambientdevices.com/cat/orb/coverage.html.
43: What about overseas? Top
Not yet. Email us (especially
if you're an overseas distributor). Various products from Ambient
Devices will likely be made available overseas.
Advanced user questions
44: Is there more than one version of the
orb? Top
Yes. The "Orb Classic" is slightly larger and has an
external wireless module. The currently shipping orb is a bit smaller
and the wireless module is internal. The current orb also has a
barcode on the label. While we no longer manufacture the orb classic,
we will continue to provide it with service on the Ambient Information
Network.
45: When will you be adding [name of information
input]? Top
Email us and request it. If that doesn't
work send money.
46: Can a write my own information inputs?
Top
Yes, any premium user can customize the Orb with their own information.
More information is available in our Technical
Resources area. Email us for a development kit, or volunteer
to be a beta tester.
47: Can I get realtime stock quotes?
Top
At present, we only offer 20 minute delayed quotes. We are investigating
an "ultra-premium" service with realtime stock data, but
due to the high fees charged by brokerages it was cost prohibitive
at the current rates.
48: Can I take the orb apart? Top
Well, it's your Ambient Orb, but we don't recommend it. And yes,
it invalidates the warranty.
49: How much power does the orb consume?
Top
The Ambient Orb is very mindful of its effect on the environment,
and therefore uses roughly 2 watts of power. You can buy at least
25 Ambient Orbs before getting anywhere near the power that a single
standard light bulb takes up.
50: Can I use a different power transformer
than the one you supplied? Top
The transformer is carefully calibrated to supply the correct current
to the orb. Use of a non-approved transformer will work, but your
orb may be too dim, or too bright, causing premature failure.
Real questions that real people asked about the Ambient Orb
51: What do you have planned next?
Top
We are working with some of the best known product companies in
the world to create new Ambient-enabled devices. Our working prototypes
focus on a few key industries: teens & toys, automotive, health
& wellness monitoring, medical marketing, and business accessories.
Please browse our site and tell us what ambient ideas you'd like
to see!
52: Are they safe around pets? Top
Would you buy a chew toy version?
53: Why didn't anyone think of this before?
Top
Not sure, feels pretty obvious to us. But we patented it anyway.
54: Will it talk to me? Top
Hopefully not.
Questions or comments?
Send us your feedback at:http://www.ambientdevices.com/cat/contact.html
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