Technology
Renewable Energy Might Need An Information Battery Too
Published
3 years agoon
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!
Reviews
Demio SaaS 2025 Review: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons
Published
15 hours agoon
July 10, 2025Interested in signing up for Demio? You can support us by getting started with this link.
I kind of hate the word “webinar.”
I’m not alone, either. You can find it in several lists of the English language’s biggest travesties. It’s a holdover from the heyday of lame Web 2.0 portmanteaus, alongside “webisode,” “netizen,” and “listicle.”
However you feel about the word, the webinar itself is anything but dated. The more work moves online, the more vital webinars become for drawing new clients (and keeping the old ones).
Yet, despite their importance, many platforms still haven’t nailed the experience. Some are clunky, others unreliable.
In this updated Demio SaaS review, we take another look at the browser-based webinar tool by Banzai to see if it still strikes the right balance between simplicity and functionality in 2025. Can Demio stay ahead of the curve—or is it time to move on?
Let’s find out.
What is Demio?
Demio is a browser-based webinar platform designed to make hosting and attending online events as frictionless as possible. Founded in 2014 and now part of the Banzai ecosystem, it was built in response to the clunky, download-heavy webinar tools that dominated the early 2010s.
As this Demio SaaS review shows, that original mission still holds up in 2025. While the pandemic era pushed dozens of companies to improve their virtual tools, many platforms still require attendees to install software or jump through technical hoops just to join a session.
Demio’s solution? Keep it in the browser. No downloads. No plugins. Just clean, streamlined webinar tech that anyone can use right away.
It’s positioned squarely in the SaaS space, with subscription plans that scale from solo creators to enterprise teams. And while it’s optimized for marketing and lead generation, the platform’s ease of use makes it appealing across industries.
Looking for other video communication tools? Check out our Loom review.
Getting started with Demio: Free Trial and Pricing
No Demio SaaS review will be complete without the pricing tier. To sign up for a 14-day free trial, just create an account, and you’re ready to explore the platform.
When you’re ready to upgrade, Demio offers three main plans tailored to different business needs:
- Starter – $45/month per host (paid yearly). Perfect for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs getting started with webinars. This tier is for one host for up to 50 attendees. It also comes with core features to launch live webinars easily.
- Growth – $80/month per host (paid yearly). Ideal for growing companies that need more flexibility and brand control. This tier accommodates multiple hosts, with attendee rooms from 150 up to 3,000. This plan also comes with custom branding and enhanced integrations, and reporting.
- Premium – $196/month per host (paid yearly). Designed for larger teams and enterprise use. This tier comes with dedicated CSM and priority support, premium integrations and custom domains, Demio AI, and access to beta features. With this plan, you can have up to 10 people on stage, with attendee rooms of 150, 500, 1,000, or 3,000.
Demio’s free trial requires no commitment or credit card details. Just sign up, fill out a brief survey on how you plan to use the app, and you’re golden.
Demio Features
Demio keeps things simple without skimping on functionality. Once you’re signed in, you’re welcomed by a clean, intuitive dashboard that puts your upcoming events front and center.
Here’s a breakdown of the core features that make Demio a standout in the crowded webinar space:
Dashboard
Demio’s dashboard is built for clarity. You can quickly scroll through upcoming sessions, monitor your events, and navigate between tabs like Schedule and Events. It’s functional, but still has room to improve,especially when switching between creating and managing events. A unified view would make it even smoother.
Events
Demio lets you create three types of events, each tailored to different use cases:
- Standard Events – Traditional live webinars where attendees register for a single session at a specific time.
- Series Events – Great for multi-part webinars or training sessions. When users register for one, they’re automatically signed up for the entire series.
- Automated Events – Pre-recorded sessions that run on autopilot. Perfect for lead nurturing or delivering evergreen content without going live.
Automated events continue to be one of Demio’s strongest features, letting you scale your content while staying hands-off.
Customization
Before your webinar goes live, the Customize tab lets you tweak everything from registration forms to event visuals. You can upload slide decks, create interactive polls, set up handouts, and even brand your webinar pages to match your company’s look.
For Growth and Premium users, custom domains and branding take things even further—ideal for marketing teams or agencies.
Once you’re ready to get started, you can join your session in the Schedule tab. The layout is familiar, with speakers’ video taking up the left and center while the chat tab takes up the right side.
Only one person can be “on stage” at a time, but you can also add and access materials like slides and videos with the middle button on the bottom toolbar. Meanwhile, the + icon next to the chat box lets users access polls, links, and handouts.
Reports
After your session ends, head to the Activity tab to access attendance reports. You’ll see who registered, who actually attended, how long they stayed, and what they engaged with during the session.
Downloadable CSV files make it easy to follow up with participants or segment your leads—an especially useful feature for marketers.
While the data is useful, the reporting could be more advanced (think engagement heatmaps or behavioral trends). Hopefully, that’s in Demio’s roadmap for the near future.
Integrations
I’d honestly like to see a little more variety from Demio’s integrations. On the one hand, their tilt towards martech integrations makes sense. Webinars are generally used for marketing, and being able to connect with Keap, Mailchimp, or your CRM of choice has obvious benefits.
Still, I think there’s a lot more potential to be had with connecting different software to a video conferencing tool. Translators, editing tools, OBS… the sky’s the limit.
Perhaps the most useful integration is with Zapier. Their micro-integrations let you connect to PayPal, Gmail, Slack, and more.
Conclusion: Is Demio worth it?
If you’re seeking a platform to create engaging webinars, Demio is a great place to look. It’s as intuitive as they come, with a number of unique features that set it apart from the competition. Even among browser-based video tools, the fact that it works on any browser puts it ahead.
As of now, Demio is completely focused on webinars. It’s a leader in that market, so they’re clearly doing something right. Where it disappoints, however, is where it feels too laser-guided towards marketing. By just slightly expanding a few features (integrations, reports, in-call elements), I think Demio’s potential could be that much greater.
PROS
- No-download, browser-based platform
- Quick, user-friendly setup
- Supports live, automated, and series events
- Clean, customizable interface
- Great for marketing and lead generation
- Solid integrations with CRMs and email platforms
- Zapier access unlocks thousands of app connections
- Custom branding and domains (Growth & Premium plans)
- Strong customer support and onboarding
- Scalable plans for teams of any size
CONS
- Limited native integrations outside of marketing tools
- Reporting could be more robust (e.g., engagement insights, AI summaries)
- Dashboard navigation could be more streamlined
- Higher-tier pricing may be steep for very small teams
Overall rating: 8.9/10
Ready to give Demio a try? Sign up here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is demio.com safe?
Yes, demio.com is a secure and reputable site owned by Banzai, using encryption and standard security protocols to protect user data and webinar content.
Is Demio like Zoom?
Demio and Zoom both support video communication, but Demio is specifically built for webinars and marketing events, while Zoom is designed primarily for meetings and general video conferencing.
Is Demio easy to use?
Yes, Demio is known for its clean interface and intuitive setup, making it easy for both hosts and attendees to run or join webinars directly from a browser.
Technology
Top 12 Uses for The Metaverse That Will Change Your Life
Published
6 days agoon
July 4, 2025Virtual reality is changing the way we live. Whether you’re using it at home or for work, the metaverse has already made a big impact. But did you know there are many other ways to use it? In this article, you’ll discover 12 exciting uses for the metaverse that could change your everyday life.
1. Residences
Whether you’re using the metaverse for gaming or your home office, this is one place you’ll expect to use virtual reality. One of the most common uses for metaverse technology is entertainment. VR can make gaming more immersive through flying simulators or other advanced computer-connected devices.
2. Office spaces
One of the uses for the metaverse that also drew flak from experts is 3D communication. Employees can shift from 2D to 3D virtual communication and make the interaction more connected. While many say the metaverse made them less productive, many love the idea of more immersive connections.
3. Cinemas
Imagine yourself watching a movie in big theaters with a head-mounted VR and experiencing the action like it’s happening in your surroundings? The metaverse will make the cinematic experiences more enjoyable. People love good entertainment, and this is one way to spruce it up.
4. Stadiums
Stadiums that can accommodate thousands of people can undeniably have a use for the metaverse. These days, some smartphone apps let you point your device to a particular player to download some statistics automatically. The metaverse can do that in the future. Plus, this is an excellent way to have a realistic game experience even when sitting on the farthest benches. This is one of the most exciting uses for the metaverse in sports.
5. Theme parks
There are many uses for the metaverse in theme parks. For one, you can let visitors immerse themselves in different unique worlds through VR. Secondly, VR integrates digital augmentation for a more realistic ride experience. Plus, movies can also shift from 2D to 3D to make you connect with the fictional universe.
6. Travel
When people travel, they want to know more about the destination or tourist attraction. Virtual reality can provide information excitingly and uniquely that will persuade visitors to see it in person.
7. Shopping malls
The metaverse can replace some store assistants to entertain customers with their initial queries. That’s one of the clever uses for metaverse tools in shopping. This can be an attractive way to promote the store due to this unique concept. Moreover, clothing retail stores can also use VR to let customers try on the clothes without even wearing them. This saves them time to go to dressing rooms and change clothes one after the other.
8. Hospitals
The use of VR in hospitals can give patients and residents a more fun interaction, especially for difficult patients. Caregivers can interact with isolated patients through avatars and vice versa.
9. Universities
Colleges and universities are undoubtedly places where we see a future using VR technology. Instead of the standard projector, students can learn through more enjoyable methods via 3D learning.
10. Industrial spaces
We’ll see more VR integration in logistic terminals, warehouses, and factories. For instance, training could involve virtual coaching from trainers using the metaverse. It can also assist with flying and driving simulation, which is helpful in some industries like car manufacturers.
11. Concerts
People are watching and attending concerts differently nowadays. And the use of metaverse can let you enjoy music gigs without actually being present or with an incomplete band. This also increases safety as security can identify guests via real-time information.
12. Metropolitan areas
People can explore the city in a new way via hybrid AR overlays. They can use VR to augment perceptual backgrounds and give them a glimpse of the metropolitan area.
Running a small business can get overwhelming without the right systems in place. That’s why finding the best small business organization tools is key to saving time, reducing stress, and keeping your operations on track.
If you’re wondering, what are the organizational tools for small businesses? They include everything from project management apps to file-sharing platforms and automation software.
Here, we’ve gathered some of the most reliable and easy-to-use tools that can help you stay organized and productive.
1. Trello
A project management software, Trello has boards that will help you organize tasks for each team member. At a glance, you’ll instantly know who is working on what and also see the progress for each. You’ll know when something is due and when something has already been done.
It’s one of the small business organization tools free forever, making it a major draw. For upgrades, Trello now offers:
- Standard: $5 per user/month (billed annually)
- Premium: $10 per user/month (annually)
- Enterprise: $17.50 per user/month (annually), with volume pricing options
If you’re looking for small business organization tools similar to Trello, here are some standout alternatives:
- Monday.com – Offers visual boards, automations, dashboards, and CRM integration—ideal for growing teams (Free up to 2 users, with paid tiers starting at $9 per user per month).
- ClickUp – An all-in-one platform combining boards, docs, time tracking, and goals—often seen as a step up from Trello’s simplicity (Free forever pricing, with paid tiers starting at $7 per user per month).
2. Google Workspace
Previously known as GSuite, Google Workspace offers a full suite of collaboration tools for every business size. It has tools for documents, sheets, slides, chats, calendars, and many others. All these can help you organize projects, track conversations, update proposals, and edit files, easily anywhere in the world.
If you’re looking for small business organization tools that use AI, Google has now integrated Gemini AI features (like smart summaries and design assistance) into all plans, maintaining AI access but adjusting prices accordingly. Google Workspace’s paid tiers, which let you do more than its free features, start at $7 per month.
3. 1Password
To make managing business more effortless, you’ll need to use not just one but several apps. You’ll also need accounts on multiple websites and social media platforms. To help you keep track of your passwords and any other login details, you’ll need a password manager tool such as 1Password.
This tool can help you keep your accounts safe by protecting your passwords as it is integrated into your browser. Its plans, Personal & Family and Team & Business range from $2.99 to $7.99 per month. Its Enterprise plan’s price is available upon request.
4. Dropbox
To keep your files and documents organized in one place, Dropbox is there for you. It lets your team access these anywhere in the world or on whatever device they use. It also integrates with many other collaboration apps, such as Zoom and Slack, for better team connection.
You can use Dropbox for free, but if you want more than 2GB of storage, it offers six premium plans. Depending on your usage, prices range from $9.99 to $24 per user per month. Like others on this small business organization tools list, Dropbox has an Enterprise that provides customization features for a specific price.
5. Zapier
Managing a business means doing repetitive tasks that can tire you or stress you out. If this is you, you need Zapier in your life. It is an automation platform that connects your apps and moves information based on your set rules. It frees you from tasks such as sending reminders, backing up your work, or creating custom alerts, among many others.
For those who want small business organization tools free of charge, Zapier offers a free plan with up to 100 tasks per month, making it perfect for light users or simple workflows.
If you need more, the Pro plan starts at $19.99 per month (billed annually) and includes multi-step workflows, premium app integrations, and access to Zapier’s AI-powered features.
6. Airtable
A database/spreadsheet platform, Airtable allows you to store, share, and edit information collaboratively. It can hold your business information and organize it for easy retrieval and updating anytime and anywhere. It is helpful in managing your sales funnel, the status of projects, and keeping track of your leads.
Airtable is free to use, but like others on this list, it also offers paid plans that give you more features. Pricing ranges from $20 to $45 per month, billed annually. To get its Enterprise plan, you need to contact its sales team to get a quotation.
7. Toggl
A time-tracking app, Toggl lets you track your activities daily and gives you reports on your work and projects, making it one of the must-have small business organization tools. It enables you to track the time used for billable hours, personal projects, and work hours. It is suitable for teams or individuals looking to measure and improve productivity.
You can use Toggl’s free forever plan for up to 5 users, with unlimited time tracking, projects, clients, and exports. When you’re ready to level up, the Starter plan begins at $9 per user per month (annual billing) and adds features like billable rates, customized reports, sub-projects, and project estimates.
8. Zoom
Go global and get connected to your team anywhere they are in the world with Zoom. From audio calls to video conferencing, this is one of the best small business organization tools you need. It can generate transcripts and record meetings, so you won’t have to.
You can start with Zoom’s Free plan, which supports up to 100 participants and 40-minute meetings. But for longer sessions and advanced features, there are several paid tier, starting at $15.99 per user per month (annual billing), which removes time limits (up to 30 hours), and adds cloud recording, transcripts, and Zoom AI Companion.
9. Loom
Create tutorial videos that your team can turn back to anytime they need them. Loom is the business tool you need for this specific task. This will be ideal if you need to update your team from different time zones or if you need a video for onboarding new hires.
Loom’s starter plan is free to use, but if you have more videos to create, its paid plans have affordable pricing. If you pay annually, the Business plan is priced at $15 per month per user.
10. Penji
Graphic design is an integral part of doing business, so it’s almost impossible not to use it. This could be a problem for small businesses as graphic design is mostly inaccessible and often expensive. Fortunately, there is Penji, an unlimited graphic design service that lets you get all your design needs for a fixed monthly rate.
Penji has three plans, the Pro, Team, and Daytime, with prices starting at $499 per month. With this tool, you can get logo designs, social media graphics, digital ads, newsletter designs, and much more.
You can read our review of Penji here.
Conclusion
Small business owners can find relief when they get these small business organization tools and start the new year right. These will let them do more and spend their precious time doing things that matter more in their business.
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