There are millions of homes in the UK with televisions that cannot connect to the internet directly. Therefore, any access to internet TV (Over The Top) services is done via the computer or some other smart devices such as a phone or tablet. With access to Youview still subject to availability in some areas, households now have another option from Sky called NOW TV.
Entone has collaborated with LG to integrate LG Electronics’ Netcast media streaming platform with Entone’s hybrid media gateway. The solution will allow operator using FusionTV application and Magi hybrid media gateway to stream linear TV and over-the-top online TV services, without the need for a dedicated set-top box.
Masers Energy Malaysia has announced plans to develop Malaysia’s first Smart Grid City and Green Special Economic Zone at cost of US$72 billion (RM228.6 billion). The project is base in the "The Historic State" of Malacca, to make it the country’s only carbon free zone. Masers hope to offer a total of 100MW renewable solar energy at the end of the project.
AT&T will be launhing it Digital Life home monitoring solution in six more US cities (Cincinnati, San Diego, Columbus, San Jose, Indianapolis and Tampa). The upcoming launch will make the service available in 33 cities. The off the shelves home monitoring offer the convenience of monitoring your home from your phone, tablet or PC while are away.
We have smart light bulbs, thermostat and now we have a smart smoke detector, the “Canary”. It was a surprise to me that no one had thought about it before but guys at Canary thought that it would be a good idea to create smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector. I think they are onto something good, because most smoke and CO detectors on the market don’t offer this level of sophistication.
Two of the connected home heavies have taken their competition to court. It’s in the news that iControl has taken court action against Alarm.com for patent infringement. iControl has file a lawsuit against Alarm.com and FrontPoint Security, an Alarm.com customer in a district court in Virginia. IControl is seeking damages and an injunction to stop the further sale of the infringing Alarm.com and FrontPoint Security products.
Installing new IT gadgets at home can be a complicated issue and especially WiFi devices, they sometimes add to the frustration of networking the devices at home. Despite the grief and frustration we experience, WiFi is still popular just because it offers the flexibility and convenience to access the internet from anywhere in homes rather than stuck in place. According to Strategy Analytics, “A Quarter of Households Worldwide Now Have Wireless Home Networks”, the developed world has over 50 per cent concentration.
It felt like a very short while ago 1080 HD TV was the must have television. I haven’t even swap out my Sony CRT yet saying I will wait until the price settle and the technology matured – yes, despite loving technology I’m not an early adaptor. Now, with the introduction of ultra HD 4K TVs I might have to skip HD to Ultra HD. 4K Television not only promise better quality pictures but bigger screens as well, with 50in being the minimum.
Illinois base ComEd is to invest US$2.6 Billion over the next 10 years upgrading its electrical grid infrastructure across the Chicago area. Part of the project is to install 4 million smart meters into homes and business, for this they have selected GE on a $200 million contract. The whole project is scheduled to start this year and run until 2021 and will modernise ComEd grid facilities and while creating jobs for locals.
Marmitek has launched a new company for the further development and distribution of Marmitek Home Automation and security systems: Haibrain BV. Haibrain is not just the manufacturer and supplier of Marmitek Home Automation and Security. As a brand house, it also offers a complete range of products in the area of home automation (domotics), security and comfort systems.
Product lines from brands such as Electronics Line, Honeywell and Insteon are available as of now. Haibrain offers a one stop shop concept for (security) installers and home automation resellers.