Thus, ESO decided that the combination of cost and risk was too unfavorable and hence pursued a telescope in the 30 to 60 meter range.

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The numbers are crunched on the network, where fewer processors can serve a large number of meter points within their communications range.

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"They literally charge by the minute, and when the meter is running they can perform a wide range of tasks, " Mr. Neary says.

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With the help of Bluetooth, MeterPlug slings data to an Android or iOS app, and shoots updated meter information -- stored inside built-in memory -- as you come into range.

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