Having Android in our home appliances has been in development for some time, by the MIPs Android Community. However, this week at the Google IO developers conference in San Francisco they announced the Google@Home initiative, which means Google has put its force behind putting the Android platform into our everyday appliances.
As part of their intelligent home solution, Bang & Olufsen has release an Android version of their BeoLink Software for Mobile devices. Bang & Olufsen customers now have two options – iPhone release last year and now Android. With the new Android app you can access both your home automation and video equipment via the Bang & Olufsen masterlink gateway.
LG has finally release one of its smart grid aware appliance from the LG THING range. The DIOS as it is called was debuted at this year’s CE Show in Las Vegas. For homes that are connected to the grid the grid-ready refrigerator will connect to the web to get software update. Other features include: Its ability to keep track of daily schedules and dispenses regular weather reports, and instead of having to jot notes on sticky memos, family members can turn the fridge’s LCD screen into a note pad to leave messages for each another. Other smart appliances left to release are ovens, washing machines and microwave. According to LG the refrigerator will conserve energy during peak hours; if the door is left open for long it will alert the user. The appliances will also allow you to communicate with them via a Tablet, PC or smartphone to check content.
The pilot is initiated by grid operator Enexis, in cooperation with power company Greenchoice and development corporation HEJA. Using special devices, residents of two neighbourhoods in Breda are able to select the most favourable time for using energy, which can be the cheapest or the most sustainable. A special website informs them about this. The test lasts for 2 years and will show if people are prepared to use these options or not.
ThinkFlood the developers of the RedEye control systems today launches the RedEye Pro a networked home automation processor capable of whole-house control along with an updated version of its RedEye universal remote control. The RedEye Pro comes with additional connectivity so that it can control more devices across multiply rooms, and controllable from a choice of smart devices and PC.
Frostdale, a manufacturer of home automation and energy management solutions for residential and commercial buildings has been awarded the red dot award: product design award for its Nanogrid Wireless Switches. The Nanogrid Wireless Switch was among the 4,433 products from designers and companies from 60 countries. The switches are Z-Wave compatible* so they can be integrated with other connected appliances in the home to offer users more flexibility and better user experience.
CABA, an international, non-profit industry association dedicated to the advancement of intelligent home and intelligent building technologies and The Automation Federation (AF) have signed a memorandum of membership initiating CABA as one of the newest members of the Automation Federation. As a member of the AF, CABA will work with other AF members to collaborate on best practices, new technology, educational development and dedication to improving the working environment of the automation profession.
Crestron has announced that they are now shipping their next generation of Prodigy control systems, the PMC3 and PMC3-XP. An upgrade from the PMC2 the new models especially the PMC3-XP controls even more devices in the home. These new models even make it the first time that Prodigy can support the full Crestron product line, creating even more possibilities for the connected home. The PMC3 range allows home owners to start their home automation with simple home audio and wireless lighting control and grow the system later if they wish.
Control4 is going through another round of funding, according to news out today they are currently embarking on a US$25m funding round. The company is now moving in the energy management solutions market as an addition to its already established home control solutions. Investors associated with the funding include Frazier Technology Ventures, vSpring Capital and Thomas Weisel Venture Partners.
Savant Systems, the developer of the first Apple-based home automation and control system, has introduced a 16-channel class D amplifier for distributed audio applications, called the AMP-1640. The AMP-1640 is in direct response to market demand for a multi-room audio amplifier that leverages Savant’s elegant industrial design, delivering the same look and feel as Savant’s other rack mountable devices. AMP-1640 is the ideal solution when paired with Savant’s multi-room audio products and can be placed either on a shelf or within an equipment rack.