Google and Sony are sticking to their partnership to develop the Google TV platform. For the first time Google TV services will be available outside the US. Sony has announced that its Google Android base NSZ-GS7 player will be available in the UK, in July. According to Sony the new Internet player is due to launch in Canada next followed by Australia, France, Germany and Netherlands, Brazil and Mexico.
Honeywell has expanded their connected home portfolio with the introduction of two new security and home automation products: LYNX Touch 5100 and Tuxedo Touch Wi-Fi. Both products were develop for busy parents who cannot be in two places at the same time. With the new solution, parents can control home appliances from their Smartphone, Laptop, Tablet or other web-enabled devices.
Pioneer has added two new SC AV Receivers (SC-1222 and SC1522) to its range of in-home entertainment systems. The receivers offer the latest in connectivity with support for Windows7, DLNA and Apple’s Airplayer. Another feature is their ability to offer increase customization to end users and system integrators. Both models are compatible with home automation systems such as Savant, Crestron and Control4.
IKEA has partnered with Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL to create a new range of furniture called UPPLEVA. The all in one self-assembly range will feature built in internet enabled DVD, CD, Blu-ray player and LED TV. IKEA said they came up with this because they found that people want to get rid of the cables and they don't want those mountains of remote controls either.
Along with the connected home, the connected car as introduced here, is set to become another growth area for the automotive, electronics and telecommunications sector. Therefore, it is no surprise that Verizon has acquired Hughes Telematics, a specialist in developing connected services for the automotive industry. For a sum of $612 million, Verizon adds Hughes connected car services to its Verizon Enterprise Solutions group.
ZigBee this month is celebrating passing the landmark of having over 500 ZigBee Certified products on the market. Within a short of period of one year, ZigBee have seen a 60 percent increase in certified products. ZigBee certification covers all areas of the connected home ecosystem, to ensure that different manufacturers’ solution interoperate with each other.
Like the Dune HD Media Player, Sharp has collaborated with Control4 to get the XV-Z30000 home theatre Control4 certified. Originally launched at this year’s CES, the XV-Z30000 is part of Sharp’s high-definition DLP home projectors. Custom installers can now integrate the XV-Z3000 with control4’s home automation systems with less hassle knowing that it has past compatibility testing.
Since we started buying electronic appliances for our home, we have been thinking of ways to get our appliances connected and talking to each other. Even though the technology was there, it was very complicated, thus only ardent enthusiasts were able to achieve this feat. Fast-forward five years and home automation has come a long way to what has evolved into the “connected home”.
Bahrain's Oil and Gas Authority in partnership with Bahrain Petroleum Company, Petra Solar and Caspian Energy Holdings are building a five megawatt solar smart grid project in the Awali area. The project is a first of its kind in Bahrain and the Middle East region and aims to transform Bahrain's energy sector to rely less on non-renewable energy sources.
Dirk Wieberneit has joined Lantiq as the new Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) Business Unit. With previous roles at Trident Microsystems, Micronas and Infineon Technologies, Wieberneit has over twenty years in the consumer and communication semiconductor space, serving in different R&D, CTO and General Management positions.