Technology

Renewable Energy Might Need An Information Battery Too

Published

3 years ago

March 3, 2022

The interconnected electrical grid in the United States serves as a miracle worker, serving its consumers almost without fail. However, as renewables such as solar and wind replace fossil fuels, that miracle work becomes more challenging. Coping with this intermittency requires a fundamental assessment of how consumers use and help store energy.

Another option perhaps is to use information as batteries. Two researchers have proposed that tech giants precompute specific data when the grid is humming with solar or wind power. And then store it for later use. While the team called the concept “information batteries,” battery does not refer to an actual device. This is digital and more of a timing strategy than a physical battery.

The researchers hope to encourage the data-hungry companies to use clean power when it’s plentiful so utilities can avoid burning fossil fuels. These companies include Google, Meta, Apple, Amazon, and Netflix.

“This type of power consumption is somewhat flexible. You cannot charge your car unless the battery has been discharged at least a little bit. And you can’t wash your clothes until they are dirty.” – Jennifer Switzer.

Switzer is a computer scientist at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and one of the researchers. She said that with computing and predicting future needs, you could calculate and store the results before them. She added that you are storing data instead of storing energy to use later.

The Information Battery Concept

The information battery is a new idea, so it hasn’t been introduced in the real world, however, it has several potential uses. Tech companies have to generate all kinds of data. Google builds its search results, while YouTube converts videos into different quality choices for people.

Facebook has to endorse friends, and Amazon has to endorse products. Most of this processing work is done on demand. But the researchers believe some of it could be done asynchronously when green energy flows into the grid.

Consider the information battery concept similar to the Post Office. The agency could predict how many letters to expect to deliver on a particular day. But it doesn’t know which specific letter a carrier will need to get to your house. So, the Post Office has to consume energy to perform maintenance tasks in advance to enable the less predictable ones. Comparably, if tech companies can get routine data tasks when renewables are accessible, the intermittency of energy sources won’t be a big issue.

The central concept of the study is that information has a represented energy to it, Barath Raghavan, the co-author of the research, said. Raghavan explained that communication would be effective where things are highly predictable.

Candidates For Testing

Companies that operate enormous data centers are potential candidates for testing out the information battery concept. The universal scale for processing is dramatically increasing. George Porter, co-director of the UCSD Center for Networked Systems, believes that significant providers like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Facebook are suitable actors in testing the concept.

Raghavan also thinks that managing the intermittency issue is going to be challenging. He added that the proposal might also work for less-intensive energy consumers, like researchers who conduct climate modeling. In this area, you predict some part of the sub-tasks within that macro computational task, Raghavan said. Also, if you can get accurate data on those sub-tasks, you can precompute them and later retrieve the results.

It is worthwhile to note that information batteries are not for everyone. But it is, getting the tech giants to meet their demand when green energy is at its peak is likely a cheaper alternative. It is undoubtedly easier than convincing millions of people to time their homes to save energy usage. It could materialize long before there’s a fleet of e-vehicles big enough to serve as a distributed backup power supply. And it could mean remarkable support for a waning power grid.

For other stories, read more here at Owner’s Mag!

Lifestyle

Should I Buy an Electric Scooter? What You Can Learn

Published

6 hours ago

July 18, 2025

Kaytie Cayton

Have you wondered if buying an electric scooter for short rides is a worthwhile investment? As more people and communities turn to alternative transportation, the shift is often driven by a desire to reduce their carbon footprints and enjoy added convenience. This growing trend has many asking the question, “should I buy an electric scooter?” From electric bikes to unicycles, there’s a lot you can learn and gain when choosing an e-scooter for your daily commute.

Learning to ride a scooter is easy

should I buy an electric scooter like this?

To learn how to ride your electric scooter is surprisingly easy. The learning curve is so low you can start cruising down the road in a short time. The Gotrax GXL V2 e-scooter is a good choice for beginners. It is affordable at just around $349 and can get you to work and back in a single charge. If you’re wondering whether you should buy an electric scooter, this model is a great place to start.

Once you finish the easy assembly and four-hour charging, you can already use it. It has the usual handbrake and bell on the left side. On the right sits a thumb throttle which you simply turn to gain speed and keep your balance.

You should lower your speed when stopping. This is because the higher your speed is when braking will result in the tires wearing out quickly. You will then need maintenance which can be expensive.

Turing is easy, but you need to do it with care. With both hands on the handlebars, signaling may not be possible. This is why many high-end e-scooters have features with light-up signals for this purpose.

Get additional but helpful features

Some considerations include features such as the signal lights mentioned above, suspensions, thicker tires, or more powerful motors. These will help you navigate bumpy roads, steep inclines, and uneven terrain.

When buying e-scooters, you should also consider the battery, waterproofing of the scooter, or portability. These are investments that can make your rides safer and more comfortable.

Consider your city’s laws

Before buying that electric scooter, check out your town or city’s laws about speed limits or the use of these EVs in general. Most budget-friendly scooters can travel up to25 km/h, but it’s still a good idea to know what your limitations are to prevent problems with the law.

Nighttime riding can also be a cause for concern if you plan on doing much of it. You may have to invest in headlights and reflectors to safely enjoy riding at night. You can also get helmets that already have lights and reflectors on them.

An electric scooter is faster and fun

Not only will you see huge savings on gas, but you’ll also be enjoying your rides with an electric scooter. These may be the two main reasons the EV craze has hit many towns and cities. The feel of the wind on your whole body while on it gives an exhilarating feeling that driving a car won’t ever duplicate.

Getting out of traffic quickly and efficiently is also a perk of having to ride an e-scooter. If you don’t have a lot to carry, an e-scooter is the best mode of transportation for short rides. However, you can also opt for a bag attachment that will allow you to bring a few items and small cargo when riding.

You’ll be addicted to it

Be warned: casual riding in your electric scooter can be addicting and leave you wanting more. This may be the exact reason add-ons are popular, while upgrading to higher-end models seems to be the norm for some people. After a few rides, you would see yourself wanting to get a particular feature and opting for more power and speed. So, as an answer to the question, should I buy an electric scooter? You should say yes!

Technology

Best Workflow Mapping Tools for Smarter Business Processes

Published

16 hours ago

July 18, 2025

Amaya Maravilla

Workflow or process mapping remains a vital strategy for managing and optimizing daily operations in any organization. By using symbols and shapes to illustrate tasks, decisions, and processes, workflow maps help teams visualize their work and identify areas for improvement.

Today, a wide range of workflow mapping tools are available, many of them free or affordable, offering smart, fast, and collaborative ways to streamline your business. Below are the top nine workflow mapping tools to help you stay organized, efficient, and ahead of the curve.

1. MindMeister

MindMeister is a collaborative workflow mapping tool ideal for brainstorming and process planning. It allows real-time collaboration with customizable diagrams. However, the free version limits you to three mind maps. Upgrading unlocks unlimited maps, export options, and team features.

Key Features

Real-time collaboration
Auto-generated mind map layouts
Customizable themes and structure

Pricing

Basic – Free
Personal – $3.50/month
Pro – $5.50/month
Business – $8.50/month

2. GitMind

Here’s another workflow mapping software that you can use for free. GitMind is a powerful workflow mapping tool for teams and individuals. It comes with dozens of templates and customization options for creating mind maps, flowcharts, and more. It’s compatible with browsers, Windows, and Mac, and now includes improved team collaboration options.

Features

Flexible shape, font, and color customization
Template library for quick design
Project sharing via link
Exports to multiple formats

Pricing

Basic – $4.08/month billed annually
Pro – $5.75/month billed annually
Ultra – $11.58/month, billed annually
Business – $170.00/month, billed annually (10 seats)

3. Creately

Creately remains a favorite workflow mapping tool for remote teams. It supports business process modeling with real-time collaboration and dozens of industry-specific templates. It works across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

Features

Remote collaboration and commenting
Industry-specific templates (marketing, engineering, etc.)
Works online and offline
Real-time syncing

Pricing

Personal – $5/month
Team – $5/month
Business – $89 /month
Enterprise – custom pricing

4. Gliffy

Gliffy is a beginner-friendly workflow mapping tool known for its intuitive interface. It’s ideal for users who want to quickly design flowcharts and diagrams with minimal learning curve.

Features

Drag-and-drop design with themes
Version control and undo history
Easy sharing for social media or team collaboration

Pricing

Gliffy Diagrams for Confluence

Up to 10 Users – Free
11-100 Users – $3.80/month per user, billed annually

Gliffy Diagrams for Jira

Up to 10 Users – Free
11-100 Users – 3.80/month per user, billed annually

5. Visual Paradigm

Unlike other workflow mapping tools in our list, Visual Paradigm helps users to visualize organizational processes while enjoying IT development features. It’s a robust workflow mapping tool for IT and software development teams. It supports UML, BPMN, and SysML diagrams and includes animation features for dynamic presentations.

Features

Tools for Agile and enterprise modeling
Supports UML, BPMN, SysML
Diagram animations for presentations

Pricing

Subscription:

Modeler – $6/month
Standard – $19/month
Professional – $35/month
Enterprise – $89/month

Perpetual:

Modeler – $99/month
Standard – $349/month
Professional – $799/month
Enterprise – $1999/month

6. Google Drawings

Google Drawings is a free and easy-to-use workflow mapping tool that integrates seamlessly with Google Drive. It’s ideal for basic flowcharts and diagrams without advanced features.

Features

Cloud-based with autosave
Basic shapes and connectors
Unlimited storage via Google Drive

Pricing

Free

7. Canva

Canva has evolved into a comprehensive workflow mapping tool with stunning visuals and drag-and-drop simplicity. It includes a growing collection of flowchart templates and AI design tools. Though there are a number of Canva alternatives out there, it continues to be one of the top graphic design platforms online.

Features

Beautiful templates for process maps
Upload and embed attachments
Team collaboration and brand kits

Pricing

Canva Free – $0
Canva Pro – $120 per year
Canva for Teams –$300 per year for 3 persons

8. Cacoo

Cacoo is a real-time collaborative workflow mapping tool designed for teams. It includes multi-user editing, cloud storage, and integration with popular project management platforms.

Features

Simultaneous editing
Activity tracking
Exports to PNG, PDF, etc.

Pricing

Free
Pro – $6.00 per month
Team – $6.00 per user per month, up to 1,000 users

9. Visme

Visme is a versatile workflow mapping tool that blends design and data. It allows users to build animated diagrams, infographics, and presentations with interactivity and branded design.

Features

Create animated and interactive process maps
Public, private, or password-protected content
Online and offline support

Pricing

Basic – Free
Starter -$12.25/month, billed yearly
Pro – $24.75/month, billed yearly
Visme for Teams – contact sales

Final Thoughts

Workflow mapping tools are your key to successful work management. It enables you to spot flaws quickly and, as a result, enhance your workflow processes. Also, they let you avoid mistakes, design workflows or procedures faster, and provide quality products and services. The majority of these tools can be used for free.

However, you’ll need to purchase premium subscriptions to gain full access to some of these tools. It might be best to test them out first and see if it works for your needs (check if they offer free trials) before committing to a subscrption.

Technology

Top White Label Marketing Tools for Agencies: Our 10 Best Picks

Published

17 hours ago

July 18, 2025

Carmen Day

White labeling can be an invaluable asset to any modern business. It allows companies to save time and money while building their brand and increasing their reach. Finding the right tools to help manage your white-label marketing tasks is essential.

Whether you’re a growing startup or a large-scale agency, these tools can help you elevate your marketing game. From building custom landing pages and automating email campaigns to tracking performance metrics in real time, the right platforms will help you streamline workflows and boost ROI with ease.

What is White Label Marketing?

White labeling is a marketing strategy that allows companies to rebrand and resell products created by other companies. These products could be software, SaaS solutions, or other digital products. White labeling is a great way to create additional revenue streams, but it can also be used to help build your brand.

Within the context of white labeling, a “white label” product or service has been created and branded by one company but then resold (usually in a slightly modified form) by another company to look as if it had created the product itself.

Now that we’re all on the same page, here are ten white-label marketing tools you may want to explore as you build your brand.

1. OptinMonster

If you’re looking for a platform that will allow you to convert and monetize website traffic, try OptinMonster. This powerful popup tool offers websites to display pops triggered by factors such as time spent on a page, inactivity, and even how far the visitor has scrolled through. They also offer visually stunning offers that allow for customization.

Pricing: Plans range from $7 to $49 per month, billed annually.

2. ActiveCampaign

Next on our list is ActiveCampaign – a platform that offers customer experience automation. Active Campaign provides CRM and marketing tools that allow ventures to reach prospects, nurture audiences, convert leads, and grow their market. That said, their tools make it easier to run marketing campaigns, and the automation part allows clients to save money.

Pricing: ActiveCampaign plans range from $15 to $145 per month.

3. DashThis

DashThis is one of the white-label marketing tools that offer automated marketing in the blink of an eye. This tool allows entrepreneurs, ventures, agencies, and freelancers to bring all the data they need into one dashboard. That said, you can connect the platform to over 34 integrations and have a custom data manager.

Pricing: The platform’s plans range from $42 to $409 per month.

4. SEMrush

SEMrush is one of the white-label marketing tools that provide marketers with capabilities to improve off-site and on-site web optimization. In addition to that, they also help clients with competitor analysis and perform keyword research, which is crucial in SEO. Though learning how to navigate the platform can take some time, it provides detailed website audits and platform requires clients.

Pricing: A pro account costs $117.33 per month, billed annually, which includes up to five projects and 500 keywords to track.

5. Whatagraph

If you’re looking for a tool to allow your marketing agency to create and send superb marketing reports in minutes, check out Whatagraph. This app builds reports from various platforms (such as Hubspot and Semrush), social networks (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), as well as Google services (Ads, Analytics, and Sheets. In addition, it allows users to plug in marketing data with over 40 native integrations.

Pricing: Their rates are not published on their website, but you can request a quote tailored to fit your needs.

6. Page One Power

Page One Power is an awesome tool for firms looking for link-building and content services. They take pride in building links that drive search engine rankings and creating search-focused and strategic content to earn keyword rankings. In addition, clients get a project manager with whom they can consult.

Pricing: Rates for high-quality links can vary depending on the client’s niche, needs, and time period. You can access up-to-date pricing from their website.

7. Awario

Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a fly on the wall every time people talk about your business? Awario is a white-label marketing software and platform that allows clients to track the conversations about your venture. These convos include those from reviews, forums, blogs, news, videos, and of course – social media. This platform crawls more than 13 billion web pages every day, allowing you to keep track of what people are saying about your business.

Pricing: Awario’s plans range from $29 to $249 per month, billed annually.

8. Mention

Mention allows clients to listen to their audience, monitor the web, and manage social media. With this platform, you can pinpoint important convos about your brand, including press articles, forums, review sites, and more. It also allows you to easily create, schedule, and publish social media posts in various channels.

Pricing: Plans range from $41 to $149 per month.

9. SEO PowerSuite

Last but not least on our list of white-label marketing tools is SEO PowerSuite. This is one of those tools for entrepreneurs that offers an all-in-one easy SEO toolkit that integrates backlinks, rankings, on-page SEO, and more. It also features tools for keyword research, content editing, PPC ads optimization, and backlink checkers. As a bonus, it also features an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate, even for newbies.

Pricing: You can download the app for free, but you’ll need a subscription to access premium features, starting at $29.10 per month.

10. Metrics Watch

First on our list of tools is Metrics Watch. This tool allows you to create awesome marketing reports quickly without requiring your clients to download PDF files or log into a third-party dashboard to access data. So, how do they get their reports? Simple – they receive them by email, allowing them to view the info they need straight from the email body.

This tool can integrate data from Adwords, Google Analytics, Instagram, Facebook, and more, making it an efficient way to check comprehensive data.

Pricing: Their packages range from $29 to $300 per month, with a free trial included.