Abstract: A system and method for seamlessly merging chats and email into one user interface is provided. The system and method of the present invention does not require that all users have access to the technology. Users of the technology can continue to communicate with others who may use email or their instant messaging system, although some of the minor features require that all users have the same technology. Terms used to describe the invention are “ChatMail” and “ChatThread”. ChatMail suggests the blend of chat and email while ChatThread suggests a blend of chat and an email “thread” which is a common semi-technical term that means a series of emails that share a common subject.

Abstract: An electric power meter is disclosed. The meter comprises means for digitally sampling voltage and current. The meter further comprises means for storing the digitally sampled voltage and current. The meter further comprises means for performing power calculations upon the digitally sampled voltage and current, and converting the calculations and the digitally sampled voltage and current into at least one network protocol. The meter further comprises means for interfacing with an external network. A system for modifying the functionality of the electric power meter is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and program product for indicating a state of a value of an application. Specifically, under the present invention a graphical state indicator is displayed for a property (e.g., background screen color) of an application. The graphical state indicator will indicate a “state” of a value of the property. That is, the graphical state indicator will indicate whether the value is a user-defined value, or is a default value. Under the present invention, a graphical state indicator can be provided for any property of the application. As such, multiple graphical state indicators may be simultaneously displayed. The present invention can also display a graphical value indicator for indicating the current value (e.g., blue) of the property (e.g., background screen color). This value can be changed based upon an interaction with the graphical value indicator by a user.