 |
About the Ambient Orb
Below are some of the common questions about the ambient orb:
1: What is an ambient orb?
An ambient device is a simple wireless object that unobtrusively presents information. Just like a clock on your wall, it allows information to be easy to access yet non-obtrusive. They communicate via subtle changes in color.
2: What kinds of information can the Ambient Orb show me?
The ambient device 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, public opinion polls, and more.
3: How do I configure it?
You can configure your Device using any computer or telephone. You can call customer support and tell them what you would like to configure your Device to track and they will be happy to set it up for you. You can also customize the Device to have it monitor your information differently, or monitor different information entirely.
4: Do I attach the Ambient Device to my computer?
It doesn't attach to your computer, and you are not required to own a computer or even understand computers to operate a Device. It receives wireless signals from the Ambient Information Network, a nationwide wireless network of the USA that works like a cellphone or pager to send information to your device.
5: How does the Ambient Device get information?
Via a nationwide wireless network called the Ambient Information Network. It works in a similar way to cell phones and receivers.
6: It's wireless. Does that mean it gives off radiation?
Well, technically just about everything that is powered in your house gives off radiation. Because the device only receives information, it gives off far less radiation than a cell phone or even a television.
7:Where do you have wireless coverage?
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 Device will work. You may have some trouble if you live in extremely rural areas or in a lead-enclosed safe room 200 feet underground. See our Buy an Orb Page if you live outside of the US.
8: How does it get power?
Currently all Devices plug into a power outlet, although future products may include battery capabilities. Any standard power outlet in your home, RV, or car adapter will do. Some future devices may include battery capabilities as well.
9: Is there a monthly cost?
The Ambient Device will work perfectly with no monthly fees, we at Ambient have a firm belief that every product should be useful without having to pony up ever month. We do offer some types of information that cost us more to operate, these Premium Channels we do have to charge a monthly fee for - but are completely an optional choice on your part. Basic channels, like stock market indexes or weather in major cities are always free.
10: Can the Ambient Device break?
Well, the electronics are pretty sturdy, but if the Device is made of a breakable material (like, oh, frosted glass like the Ambient Orb) then it will break like 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?
Yes. Many people want to monitor several 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 Ambient-powered products?
See the Buy an Orb Page for more details
