Eric Paulos of Intel Research has launched an SMS system for mobile phone users in the US to learn about the quality of the air around them. Called Ergo, the system uses data from the US Environmental Protection Agency's airnow.gov site and Weatherbug.com. The number to text is 415.624.6678 and here's a a summary of the commands:
If you text…
* a 5 digit zip code = you receive the most recent air quality reports for that area (ex. 94704)
* the word worst = you receive the worst three locations in the US as currently reported (ex. worst)
* daily zip time = you receive a report every day at the specified time for the given zip code. The time should be in 24-hour format and uses the time zone associated with the zip code given. (ex. daily 10011 1300) for daily air quality for New York City at 1pm Eastern Time
* daily worst time = you receive a report every day at the specified time of the worst air quality in the United States. The time should be in 24-hour format and interprets the time as Pacific Time Zone. (ex. daily worst 0900) for daily report of worst air quality at 9am Pacific Time
Previously on BB:
• New York City art opening: Eric Paulos Link
• Telerobots separated at birth Link
