Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Motorola Connected Home Gateway home automation all-in-one hits the FCC with Verizon tags]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/motorola-connected-home-gateway-home-automation-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/motorola-connected-home-gateway-home-automation-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/23/motorola-connected-home-gateway-home-automation-fcc/#comments ImageWe first got our eyes on Motorola's Connected Home Gateway home automation box during CES 2012, and now that it's passed through the FCC it should be ready to do its all-in-one magic in real consumer's homes sometime soon. What makes this device special is its ability to speak more than one of the various wireless home control protocols currently in use, easily connecting to, controlling and spitting out macros to make multiple things happen with a minimum of user interference or setup. Want to dim the lights, lower the temperature and turn on security cams as soon as you step outside your door? It can do that. This will all be a part of Verizon's Z-wave based Home Monitoring and Control system at some point, if you're still wondering what possibilities are out there, check out our CES demo video embedded after the break.

Continue reading Motorola Connected Home Gateway home automation all-in-one hits the FCC with Verizon tags

Motorola Connected Home Gateway home automation all-in-one hits the FCC with Verizon tags originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 23:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4homeconnected home gatewayConnectedHomeGatewaycontrolfccfiosgatewayhdpostcrossHome AutomationHomeAutomationmotorolasecurityverizonvideoz-waveFri, 23 Mar 2012 23:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola and Verizon team up for Z-Wave monitoring service, let you control your home as you roam]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/motorola-and-verizon-team-up-for-z-wave-monitoring-service-let/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/motorola-and-verizon-team-up-for-z-wave-monitoring-service-let/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/motorola-and-verizon-team-up-for-z-wave-monitoring-service-let/#comments Do you have Verizon broadband and an overwhelming desire to dim your lights remotely and spy on the kids while you're out on a date? Verizon's mew Home Monitoring and Control service lets internet subscribers add Motorola's Z-Wave-based 4Home automation system to their existing package, enabling access to networked cameras, light controls, smart thermostats and door locks. With the $10 monthly service, you can monitor a collection of wireless cameras, unlock doors for family members or guests, or adjust the thermostat using a web-connected tablet or smartphone. The basic Home Monitoring Kit will run you $70, and includes a wireless camera and single light control. A $170 Energy Control Kit swaps the wireless cam for a connected thermostat and Energy Reader, while a $220 Home Monitoring and Control Kit includes all of the above. Door locks, window sensors and additional cameras are sold a la carte, making a complete system a rather pricey proposition. Jump past the break for a handful of man on the street customer testimonials (spoiler alert: they love it!).

Continue reading Motorola and Verizon team up for Z-Wave monitoring service, let you control your home as you roam

Motorola and Verizon team up for Z-Wave monitoring service, let you control your home as you roam originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Homehome automationHome Monitor ServiceHome Monitoring and ControlHome Monitoring GatewayHomeAutomationHomeControlCenterHomeMonitoringAndControlHomeMonitoringGatewayHomeMonitorServicemotorolamotorola 4homeMotorola4homeVerizonverizon home automationverizon Home Monitoring and ControlVerizonHomeAutomationVerizonHomeMonitoringAndControlvideoWestellz-waveWed, 12 Oct 2011 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Yale demos NFC-enabled residential locks, germaphobes rejoice (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/yale-demos-nfc-enabled-residential-locks-germaphobes-rejoice-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/yale-demos-nfc-enabled-residential-locks-germaphobes-rejoice-v/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/yale-demos-nfc-enabled-residential-locks-germaphobes-rejoice-v/#comments Assa Abloy has already brought NFC-based door locks to some Swedish hotel rooms, but one of its subsidiary companies is now looking to bring them to your doorstep, as well. Earlier this month, Yale Locks & Hardware unveiled what it hopes will be the first NFC-enabled residential lock to hit the US market. With this system, all you'll need to do is wave your smartphone in front of one of Yale's Real Living line of motorized locks, which will then automatically open (as long as you've been authorized to do so). Demoed at this year's CEDIA Expo, these revamped locks are also compatible with either Zigbee or Z-Wave home automation technologies and support Assa Abloy's Mobile Keys software, which allows users to securely load all of their digital keys on their handsets. Pricing and availability remain unclear, but you can unlock more details in the brief demo video and full press release, after the break.

Continue reading Yale demos NFC-enabled residential locks, germaphobes rejoice (video)

Yale demos NFC-enabled residential locks, germaphobes rejoice (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbas abloyAbbasAbloycedia expocedia expo 2011CediaExpoCediaExpo2011commercialdoorhomeHome AutomationHomeAutomationlockMobile KeysMobileKeysnear field communicationNearFieldCommunicationnfcreal livingRealLivingresidentialsmartphonesoftwarevideoyaleYale LocksYaleLocksz-wavezigbeeTue, 20 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sigma Design's 'ultra thin' TV box design promises HD in a tiny package]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sigma-designs-ultra-thin-tv-box-design-promises-hd-in-a-tiny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sigma-designs-ultra-thin-tv-box-design-promises-hd-in-a-tiny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/21/sigma-designs-ultra-thin-tv-box-design-promises-hd-in-a-tiny/#comments It's not much bigger than many of the wall warts currently filling outlets in your power strip, but this reference design from Sigma Designs could be your next cable box. With HomePlug networking, Z-Wave RF remote control technology and the ability to process multiple 1080p streams at once built in, it only needs to be plugged in to the wall (and connected to a TV via HDMI) to get to work. connect to the network and pull in video from the internet, feeds from an IPTV provider like U-Verse (or Comcast eventually), or multiroom streams from a connected DVR. At its heart is the SMP8670 chip unveiled at CES that's optimized for XBMC, Adobe AIR and Flash which could make it an ideal extender for someone like TiVo or Boxee, if Sigma can get them to bite on the concept. Until then, all we can show you are a few pics of the bare internals in the gallery and a press release after the break.

Gallery: Sigma Ultra-Thin set-top box

Continue reading Sigma Design's 'ultra thin' TV box design promises HD in a tiny package

Sigma Design's 'ultra thin' TV box design promises HD in a tiny package originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 05:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobe airadobe flashAdobeAirAdobeFlashhomeplughomeplug alliancehomeplug AVHomeplugAllianceHomeplugAvset-top boxSet-topBoxsigmaSigma DesignsSigmaDesignssmp8670xbmcz-waveTue, 21 Jun 2011 05:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: Android@Home is the best worst thing that could happen to home automation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/editorial-android-home-is-the-best-worst-thing-that-could-happe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/editorial-android-home-is-the-best-worst-thing-that-could-happe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/editorial-android-home-is-the-best-worst-thing-that-could-happe/#comments As the resident Engadget home automation nerd, Google's Android@Home announcement rocked my little low-powered RF world yesterday. Seeing a brand like Google get behind home automation is the stuff I've been dreaming about ever since Nokia dipped a toe into the tepid Z-Wave waters back in 2008. Unfortunately, Nokia abandoned its Home Control Center ambitions shortly thereafter, leaving the industry in the hands of such consumer powerhouses as Zensys, Sigma Designs, ExpressControls, AMX Corp, Control 4, Echelon, and Jung. Heard of them? No, no you haven't, and that's my point.

Home automation has long suffered from the lack of a consumer-centric approach. Consumer electronics companies have almost universally come around to the new mantra of user experience. Most companies have finally awoken from their deep eighties slumber to realize that a single product can no longer dominate an industry on its own -- the age of the Walkman is over. For success, a product must encompass great software, great services, hardware that just works, and stellar support when it doesn't. In short, the user experience is what sets the product apart. Home automators have yet to realize this but Google's announcement could force the issue.

Continue reading Editorial: Android@Home is the best worst thing that could happen to home automation

Editorial: Android@Home is the best worst thing that could happen to home automation originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android at homeAndroidAtHomeeditorialfeaturefeaturesgoogle iogoogle io 2011GoogleIoGoogleIo2011home automationHomeAutomationhubproject tungstenProjectTungstenz-wavezigbeeWed, 11 May 2011 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Connect SQ Blaster and SQ Remote review: Home automation, unified]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/square-connect-sq-blaster-and-sq-remote-review-home-automation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/square-connect-sq-blaster-and-sq-remote-review-home-automation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/square-connect-sq-blaster-and-sq-remote-review-home-automation/#comments Having already taken our first feverish steps down the path of an automated home, we figured it was time to try and integrate the home entertainment system with the household lighting. Our goal coming into this review was to sit down on the sofa and hit a single button on an old, unused iPhone 3G to automatically dim the lights, fire up the 5.1 sound, flip on the media streamer, and ignite the projector. To accomplish this seemingly monumental task we installed a WiFi-enabled SQ Blaster in the TV cabinet, a puck-shaped IR blaster from Square Connect that communicates with MiOS home control gateways like Mi Casa Verde's Vera. So, did we succeed? Did we achieve the ultimate in home-owner nerdvana? You'd better believe it. Read on to find out how.

Continue reading Square Connect SQ Blaster and SQ Remote review: Home automation, unified

Square Connect SQ Blaster and SQ Remote review: Home automation, unified originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplehome automationHomeAutomationinfrarediosirir blasterIrBlasterprogrammable remoteProgrammableRemoteremote controlRemoteControlreviewsq blastersq remoteSqBlasterSqRemotesquare connectSquareConnectvideoz-waveFri, 25 Feb 2011 14:43:00 EST<![CDATA[APX Alarm becomes Vivint as it expands into Z-Wave home automation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/apx-alarm-become-vivint-as-it-expands-into-z-wave-home-automatio/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/apx-alarm-become-vivint-as-it-expands-into-z-wave-home-automatio/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/apx-alarm-become-vivint-as-it-expands-into-z-wave-home-automatio/#comments Heard of APX Alarm Security Solution? Probably not. But that's ok, it's par for the course when discussing home automation, a market segment mostly ignored by the big boys of consumer electronics. Today APX is making a grand entrance into home automation thanks to a $443 million investment by Goldman Sachs. The company's new lineup of Z-Wave-based automatic door locks, video surveillance, lighting and small appliance controls will be sold under the new Vivint identity. Better yet, the new Z-Wave modules are designed to work with the APX Go!control alarm panels already purchased by some 170,000 customers, according to APX. Look for products to be generally available on March 1st.

Continue reading APX Alarm becomes Vivint as it expands into Z-Wave home automation

APX Alarm becomes Vivint as it expands into Z-Wave home automation originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apxapx alarmapx alarm security solutionapxalarmApxAlarmSecuritySolutionhome automationHomeAutomationvivintz-waveTue, 01 Feb 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Somfy Tahoma Z-Wave and RTS home automation gateway (hands-on)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/somfy-tahoma-z-wave-and-rts-home-automation-gateway-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/somfy-tahoma-z-wave-and-rts-home-automation-gateway-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/08/somfy-tahoma-z-wave-and-rts-home-automation-gateway-hands-on/#comments Typically there are two ways to go with home automation solutions built around gateways: cheap but labor intensive DIY solutions using off-the-shelf products, or expensive professionally installed solutions using proprietary technologies. Somfy's Tahoma Total Home Automation gateway fits somewhere in between. Tahoma supports Somfy's own RTS communication protocol to control Somfy's own line of window coverings in addition to Z-Wave for pretty much everything else. Unlike solutions like Vera from Mi Casa Verde, Tahoma must be professionally installed. The company partnered with Cooper Wiring, Evolve, and Leviton to optimize device integrity while remaining (mostly) true to the Z-Wave protocol. From there the end user is free to move about the automation cabin in order to customize scenes to their liking. We had the chance to see it in action here at CES and came away impressed with both the browser-based user interface and iOS app. Look for it to launch in Q2. Until then, we've got video.

Continue reading Somfy Tahoma Z-Wave and RTS home automation gateway (hands-on)

Somfy Tahoma Z-Wave and RTS home automation gateway (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011Cooper WiringCooperWiringEvolvehands-onhome automationHomeAutomationLevitonrtssomfytahomavideoz-waveSat, 08 Jan 2011 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[SQ Blaster Pro is a WiFi, Z-Wave, and IR blaster home automation powerhouse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/sq-blaster-pro-is-a-wifi-z-wave-and-ir-blaster-home-automation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/sq-blaster-pro-is-a-wifi-z-wave-and-ir-blaster-home-automation/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/sq-blaster-pro-is-a-wifi-z-wave-and-ir-blaster-home-automation/#comments We've seen plenty of IR blasters around the Engadget trailer but few, if any, include WiFi and Z-Wave home automation radios. But that's exactly what the boys over at Square Connect have planned as a followup to their existing SQ Blaster product. A trick that lets you control your home theater equipment, window coverings, lights, and HVAC systems from the company's own SQ Remote iPhone app. At least that's the plan when it ships sometime around Q2, possibly touting WiFi Direct capability and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). The device above is a non-working prototype that just happens to look nice with the Apple TV. It features cutouts for a USB port (power and setup), IR extenders, built-in blasters, and removable antenna. Working models are already in field testing with shipments expected to land in the homes of consumers sometime in Q2.

Gallery: SQ Remote Pro is a WiFi, Z-Wave, and IR blaster home automation powerhouse

SQ Blaster Pro is a WiFi, Z-Wave, and IR blaster home automation powerhouse originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011ces2011hands-onhome automationHomeAutomationirir blasterIrBlasterprototypesq blastersq blaster proSqBlasterSqBlasterProsquare connectSquareConnectwi-fi directWi-fiDirectwifiwifi directWifiDirectwpsz-waveFri, 07 Jan 2011 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Somfy's slick Tahoma Z-Wave and RTS home automation gateway]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/somfys-slick-tahoma-z-wave-and-rts-home-automation-gateway/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/somfys-slick-tahoma-z-wave-and-rts-home-automation-gateway/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/somfys-slick-tahoma-z-wave-and-rts-home-automation-gateway/#comments Apparently fed up with the fragmented state of home automation solution, Somfy, best known for its selection of automatic window coverings, just announced an automated home gateway of its own. TaHomA (get it? Total Home Automation) is very much a device like Mi Casa Verde's Vera, only with what looks to be a much slicker Home Motion UI and support for Somfy's proprietary wireless RTS communication protocol in addition to Z-Wave. Unlike MCV, however, Somfy is taking a more managed approach by offering an expert setup option performed by certified dealers. After which, you'll be able to manage all of your wireless appliance modules and automatic scenes from anywhere in the world -- via PC, iPad, or iPhone -- thanks to Somfy's remote support server. You can always make changes to Tahoma yourself or ask a dealer to do it on-site or remotely. Tahoma is set to launch in the US sometime in the first quarter half of 2011 for an undisclosed price. We'll see what we can do about getting some hands-on time with it right here at CES before then.

Gallery: Somfy's slick Tahmoa Z-Wave and RTS home automation gateway

Continue reading Somfy's slick Tahoma Z-Wave and RTS home automation gateway

Somfy's slick Tahoma Z-Wave and RTS home automation gateway originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2011Ces2011home automationhome automation gatewayhome motionHomeAutomationHomeAutomationGatewayHomeMotionrtssomfytahomaz-waveTue, 04 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon to demo Home Monitoring and Control system at CES, launch pilot in Jersey next month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/verizon-to-demo-home-monitoring-and-control-system-at-ces-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/verizon-to-demo-home-monitoring-and-control-system-at-ces-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/verizon-to-demo-home-monitoring-and-control-system-at-ces-launc/#comments Looks like home automation may finally be taking baby steps towards the mainstream -- Verizon's just announced that it'll be demoing that long-rumored Home Monitoring and Control system at CES 2011, with a planned beta rollout in New Jersey to follow. The system will allow users to remotely view security cameras, lock doors, and control lights, thermostats, and appliances through their smartphones or FiOS TV boxes -- the same capabilities most other automation systems offer, but with the added benefit of being integrated and installed by Verizon. The pilot homes in Jersey will receive an energy reader, smart appliance switches and thermostats, door and window locks, a power strip, motion sensors, an indoor pan-and-tilt camera, and a fixed indoor / outdoor camera when the system launches next month, but Verizon says that's just the beginning. We're told the system will use Z-Wave wireless control units and WiFi security cameras, so we're guessing there'll be a central box that integrates everything -- and we've got a feeling this whole thing is based on 4Home (pictured above), which was just acquired by Motorola Mobility. We'll find out more at CES -- stay tuned.

Continue reading Verizon to demo Home Monitoring and Control system at CES, launch pilot in Jersey next month

Verizon to demo Home Monitoring and Control system at CES, launch pilot in Jersey next month originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4 home4homeautomationcamerasces 2011Ces2011connected homeConnectedHomefios tvFiosTvhomehome automationHomeAutomationsecurity cameraSecurityCamerasmart homeSmartHomesmartphoneverizonwifiz-waveWed, 29 Dec 2010 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Mi Casa Verde Vera review: Home automation, simplified]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/mi-casa-verde-vera-review-home-automation-simplified/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/mi-casa-verde-vera-review-home-automation-simplified/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/mi-casa-verde-vera-review-home-automation-simplified/#comments Home automation and jetpacks are surprisingly similar in that both of these space-age technologies have, for decades, been over promised and under delivered. Who here wouldn't love to tap a single button when exiting the house to activate the alarm, shut off the lights in the kids' rooms, lower the thermostat, and lock all the doors? That's the convenience, the promise left unfilled as we say goodbye to 2010. We live on a planet that still requires humans to manually close the blinds at the end of the day and flip on a light switch some 90 years since the commercial introduction of the incandescent light bulb. How primitive. And it's downright criminal in ecological and financial terms that we still can't easily monitor and control the power usage in our homes let alone the trickle of wattage vampired off the individual electrical sockets feeding our greedy horde of household electronics.

How is this possible given all the advances we've seen? Wireless and sensor technology has advanced far beyond what's required to automate a home. Just look at smartphones, for example, that now ship standard with 3G (and even 4G) data, 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS radios in addition to sensors for motion, temperature, moisture, proximity, and even direction. We don't have the answer to home automation's dilemma -- to dig into that topic we'd require a few thousand more words, at least. All we know for sure is that the biggie consumer electronics companies are reluctant to sort it out. As such, dozens of small companies are left to deal with a mess created by an industry incapable of coalescing around a set of interoperable home automation standards.

One such company is Mi Casa Verde. A tiny startup that launched its linux-based Vera home automation server back in 2008 with a renewed promise to make home automation setup and control as easy for novices as it is robust for techies and enthusiasts. We've been using a recently launched second generation Vera 2 for a few weeks now. Sure, we haven't quite reached one-button nirvana, but as home automation newbies we're proud to say that we've automated a few helpful in-home lighting situations while skirting the clutches of the Dark Angel sequestered within our fuse box. Better yet, we can control it all from an iPhone -- including the Christmas tree. Click through to see how we did it.

Gallery: Mi Casa Verde Vera Review

Continue reading Mi Casa Verde Vera review: Home automation, simplified

Mi Casa Verde Vera review: Home automation, simplified originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeonBCM5354broadcombroadcom BCM5354BroadcomBcm5354home automationHomeAutomationinsteonmi casa verdeMiCasaVerdercsreviewSigma DesignsSigmaDesignstedupnpveravideox-10x10z wavez-waveZensysZWaveFri, 17 Dec 2010 11:49:00 EST<![CDATA[iControl and uControl engage in home automation merger, domestic disputes seem inevitable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/icontrol-and-ucontrol-engage-in-home-automation-merger-domestic/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/icontrol-and-ucontrol-engage-in-home-automation-merger-domestic/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/06/icontrol-and-ucontrol-engage-in-home-automation-merger-domestic/#comments Come one, come all -- we're guessing you won't want to miss the most comical business arrangement since the latter part of 2007, when ROK acquired a majority share of Rock. Believe it or not, iControl and uControl have somehow put their selfish ways aside to come together as one, but it's pretty clear who's really in control. The merged company will forge ahead as iControl Networks, leaving u with nothing but fading memories and half a bottle of Jack. In all seriousness, this melding of minds could definitely give the home automation world a boost it's badly in need of; fragmentation and a lack of universal compatibility (not to mention stratospheric pricing) has severely hindered adoption in the consumer universe, and we're hoping that these guys can somehow make ZigBee, Z-Wave and your ZR1 talk to each other sans any hoop jumping. 'Course, we wouldn't expect any sort of quick collaboration -- these two have to get on speaking terms before any magic happens, you know?

Continue reading iControl and uControl engage in home automation merger, domestic disputes seem inevitable

iControl and uControl engage in home automation merger, domestic disputes seem inevitable originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Nov 2010 05:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessconnected homeConnectedHomehome automationHomeAutomationiControliControl NetworksIcontrolNetworksindustrymergeropensmaremoteuControlz-wavezigbeeSat, 06 Nov 2010 05:47:00 EST<![CDATA[HDI Dune's universal media player / home automation boxes show up at CEDIA]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/hdi-dunes-universal-media-player-home-automation-boxes-show-u/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/hdi-dunes-universal-media-player-home-automation-boxes-show-u/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/hdi-dunes-universal-media-player-home-automation-boxes-show-u/#comments After making their debut at IFA earlier in the month, the HDI Dune family of media streamer / Blu-ray combo units appeared Stateside at CEDIA 2010. We spent most of our time checking out the HDI Dune Max, a $499 unit which includes a well-thought out menu system that pulls in info and box art from internet databases and features the ability to play back Blu-ray content from discs or image files equally well, but builds on that with additional streaming capabilities (we saw some Russian TV in action, but were told a Netflix app is on the way) and stream content to the company's HDI Dune Smart family of extenders, or integrate with an control Z-Wave compatible home automation setups with the HDI Dune Home add-on. Also present, but not connected, was the $1,999 HDI Dune Pro unit that builds on the Max with upgraded internal components at home in any high quality rack and home automation hardware built-in, check out a few pictures in the gallery and a press release after the break.

Gallery: HDI Dune @ CEDIA 2010

Continue reading HDI Dune's universal media player / home automation boxes show up at CEDIA

HDI Dune's universal media player / home automation boxes show up at CEDIA originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raycediacedia 2010Cedia2010hdhdi dunehdi dune maxhdi dune proHdiDuneHdiDuneMaxHdiDuneProhome automationHomeAutomationmedia extendermedia streamerMediaExtenderMediaStreamerz-waveSun, 26 Sep 2010 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Yale introduces Zigbee and Z-Wave remote lockable deadbolts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/yale-introduces-zigbee-and-z-wave-remote-lockable-deadbolts/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/yale-introduces-zigbee-and-z-wave-remote-lockable-deadbolts/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/yale-introduces-zigbee-and-z-wave-remote-lockable-deadbolts/#commentsYale remote control deadbolts No, these aren't the first deadbolts available that can be integrated with your security system or home automation, but unlike some others, they don't require a subscription either. Yale was demoing two models at the Control4's CEDIA booth including one with a capacitive touch screens. Using either Zigbee or Z-Wave the locks can communicate with Control4 and thanks to the internal replaceable batteries can remotely lock and unlock your doors. In addition you can quickly see if you've secured your abode without the need to check it one last time before you go to bed. Both models will start shipping next spring with the touch screen version going for an extra benjamin over the $299 one with regular buttons.

Gallery: Yale remote deadbolts

Continue reading Yale introduces Zigbee and Z-Wave remote lockable deadbolts

Yale introduces Zigbee and Z-Wave remote lockable deadbolts originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Control4YaleYale LocksYaleLocksZ-WaveZigbeeZigBee AllianceZigbeeAllianceSat, 25 Sep 2010 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[There finally piloting Nokia's Home Control Center in Finland]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/there-finally-piloting-nokias-home-control-center-in-finland/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/there-finally-piloting-nokias-home-control-center-in-finland/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/there-finally-piloting-nokias-home-control-center-in-finland/#commentsIt sure started out as something promising. When Nokia spun off its Home Control Center technology to There Corporation last year it seemed that easy DIY home automation and power management was just around the corner. Yet here we are, almost two years after first hearing about the effort with nothing but a convoluted mess of unfriendly ZigBee and Z-Wave (to name just 2 "standards") home automation products to choose from. There is hope, small as it may be. There Corporation just announced that it's working with Mitox Oy to conduct a pilot in Finland for customers of Helsingin Energia (Helen) using a There-provided web-based solution built around the ThereGate. It allows individuals to monitor their total power consumption in real time as well as the individual devices and systems that consume energy. Better yet, There Corp employs a "rate control concept" that automatically adjusts power usage to hours when energy costs less based on simple guidelines programed by the user. Unfortunately, There Corporation's focus is on Nordic countries until 2012 before looking to dominate European home energy management in 2015. Call us crazy, but this market seems ripe for domination by a major consumer electronics company right now, not in 5 years.

Continue reading There finally piloting Nokia's Home Control Center in Finland

There finally piloting Nokia's Home Control Center in Finland originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energyenergy managementEnergyManagementhome automationhome control centerHomeAutomationHomeControlCenternokiapowerpower managementPowerManagementtherethere corporationThereCorporationtheregatez-wavezigbeeThu, 23 Sep 2010 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Gemtek's Moorestown tablet comes with a DECT phone, runs MeeGo and controls your home]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/gemteks-moorestown-tablet-comes-with-a-dect-phone-runs-meego-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/gemteks-moorestown-tablet-comes-with-a-dect-phone-runs-meego-a/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/gemteks-moorestown-tablet-comes-with-a-dect-phone-runs-meego-a/#comments OpenPeak brought us one of the first Atom-based tabletphones at IDF 2008, but it may have passed on the torch in more ways than one -- this year, it's Gemtek's turn to show off a Moorestown machine with Linux on board that shares a host of design cues. Who-copied-whoms aside, we have to say the "IP Media Phone" is a mildly intriguing device, combining a DECT cordless handset with a 7-inch MeeGo tablet, the latter ready for both VoIP and video chat thanks to an integrated webcam and mic, and has full home automation controls thanks to 4Home software and a built-in Z-Wave radio. 802.11 b/g/n WiFi connects it to the base station / charging dock, which has room for two USB ports, an ethernet jack, and an SD card slot, while the tablet itself features mini-HDMI, mini-USB and a headset adapter plus an SD card of its own. Though the glossy fingerprint magnet of a capacitive touchscreen left much to be desired, laggy to respond to our press, we were told the tabletphone's an early prototype with wholly unfinished hardware. If history's any indication, expect to see the final form thoroughly rebranded when it likely arrives in the first half of next year.

Gallery: Gemtek's 7-inch Moorestown tabletphone at IDF 2010

Gemtek's Moorestown tablet comes with a DECT phone, runs MeeGo and controls your home originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4homecordlesscordless phoneCordlessPhoneDECTGemtekhands-onhome automationHomeAutomationIDFIDF 2010Idf2010IntelMeeGomeego tabletMeegoTabletMoorestownphonetablettablet pcTabletPcVoIPZ-WaveWed, 15 Sep 2010 21:13:00 EST<![CDATA[There Corporation's ThereGate passes FCC muster, Nokia-flavored home automation on the way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/there-corporations-theregate-passes-fcc-muster-nokia-flavored/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/there-corporations-theregate-passes-fcc-muster-nokia-flavored/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/15/there-corporations-theregate-passes-fcc-muster-nokia-flavored/#comments After Nokia sold off its home automation assets to another Finnish firm by the name of There, the idea was that we'd finally see some product in the marketplace in early 2010. Well, here we are in the middle of April and there hasn't been anything made available just yet, but we'd chalk this up as a good sign: the so-called ThereGate -- the cerebral cortex of There's system -- just garnered FCC approval. As a refresher, this is a box that packs 6GB of internal storage (expandable with an SDHC slot), a 4-port gigabit router, 802.11n WiFi, and a GSM / 3G radio -- which is all interesting in itself, but the real magic comes into play when you notice that it supports the Z-Wave short-range mesh networking protocol as well. Though There's focus is on "energy saving and efficiency" with support for things like power meters, the Z-Wave radio should allow it to interact with a variety of compatible modules to control lighting, security, and the like -- and naturally, There's Nokia roots mean that you'll be able to access the box remotely using your phone. We don't know when this will be released exactly, but it's got support for both European and US Z-Wave frequencies, so we might see a coordinated launch on both sides of the pond before too long.

There Corporation's ThereGate passes FCC muster, Nokia-flavored home automation on the way originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fccHome AutomationHomeAutomationnokiatheretheregatez-waveThu, 15 Apr 2010 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[D-Link DWM-351 turns the doorbell into a 3G video intercom]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/d-link-dwm-351-turns-the-doorbell-into-a-3g-video-intercom/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/d-link-dwm-351-turns-the-doorbell-into-a-3g-video-intercom/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/d-link-dwm-351-turns-the-doorbell-into-a-3g-video-intercom/#commentsIn lieu of a cost-effective, consumer-friendly home automation standard being available, products like the D-Link 3G Door Phone have emerged to address ad hoc automation needs. This suped-up, waterproof doorbell allows home owners to monitor the front door over a 3G cellphone or PC via the unit's integrated 0.1 megapixel camera, SIM card, speaker, and mic. Home owners can then see the visitor as a snapshot or over one-way 3G video while interacting over a two-way voice call. Unfortunately, it won't allow you to remotely unlock your door; for that you'll need something like a Schlage lock and a fussy Z-Wave network to go with it. Alternatively, devices like the Siemens Gigaset HC450 intercom has the option to control your electronic door lock from your home landline (accessible via your mobile phone) but lacks video and direct 3G data access. Hey, nobody said home automation was going to be easy.

D-Link DWM-351 turns the doorbell into a 3G video intercom originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g door phone3gDoorPhoned-linkdoorbelldwm-351gigasethc450home automationHomeAutomationintercomschlagesurveillancevideo cameraVideoCameraz-waveTue, 23 Mar 2010 05:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Home automation shocker: Bulogic bridges Z-Wave to Zigbee smart power meters]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/home-automation-shocker-bulogic-bridges-z-wave-to-zigbee-smart/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/home-automation-shocker-bulogic-bridges-z-wave-to-zigbee-smart/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/home-automation-shocker-bulogic-bridges-z-wave-to-zigbee-smart/#comments Z-Wave. Zigbee. If you're a home automation nerd, these words mean something to you. You are an extreme form of pure nerd, and we envy your ability to invest in things like replacement light switches while the rest of us scrimp and save because now we have to watch TV in an extra dimension we never asked for. Anyway, that Z-Wave network you might have? Well, the Bulogics Smart Grid Controller bridges a Zigbee power meter into it using a new Sigma Designs chip, so you can track all your power usage easily and do something called "end-to-end load shedding," which either helps you save power or requires a painful medical procedure. You're welcome.

Home automation shocker: Bulogic bridges Z-Wave to Zigbee smart power meters originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bulogicscesces 2010Ces2010sigma designsSigmaDesignssmart gridsmart grid controllerSmartGridSmartGridControllerz wavez-wavezigbeeZWaveFri, 08 Jan 2010 11:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia spins off Home Control Center team as There Corporation, slips product into 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/nokia-spins-off-home-automation-team-to-there-corporation-slips/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/nokia-spins-off-home-automation-team-to-there-corporation-slips/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/28/nokia-spins-off-home-automation-team-to-there-corporation-slips/#commentsRemember Nokia's Home Control Center launched in December with plans to send home automation product to retail by the end of 2009. Well, it's been upended today with Nokia bowing out of its own smart home activities and licensing the technology to the independent There Corporation -- a company that now employs Nokia's former Smart Home team. Unfortunately, we're now looking at the beginning of 2010 before we see the first solution dubbed Safety 360; a "security kit" for monitoring fire and water leakage alarms, intrusion detection, and energy consumption monitoring through the use of the Home Control Center device (pictured right), door/window sensors, motion, flood, and smoke detectors, and a "Binary Switch with electricity meter"... whatever that is. You know, at this point, we'd be happy for a big name consumer electronics company to sweep in, set a de facto standard, and kick the dozen or so proprietary and so-called "industry standards" to the curb so that we can finally take home automation mainstream. Maybe that'll be Z-Wave which is the only home automation communication standard listed under the device specs for Nokia's There's Home Control Center. The promise of the ubiquitous automated home has been floundering for decades now -- enough's enough.

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Nokia spins off Home Control Center team as There Corporation, slips product into 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 May 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>home automationhome control centerHomeAutomationHomeControlCenternokiasafety 360Safety360therethere coporationThereCoporationz-waveThu, 28 May 2009 08:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac-friendly Houseport USB To Z-Wave adapter shipping soon en masse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/29/mac-friendly-houseport-usb-to-z-wave-adapter-shipping-soon-en-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/29/mac-friendly-houseport-usb-to-z-wave-adapter-shipping-soon-en-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/29/mac-friendly-houseport-usb-to-z-wave-adapter-shipping-soon-en-ma/#comments
For those that don't visit Fry's Electronics on any regular basis, you probably reckoned that Wayne Dalton's totally promising USB To Z-Wave adapter had simply failed to ever make it onto store shelves after being launched 14 months ago. Turns out, the device (and the OS X-friendly Houseport software) has just been loosed from its limiting "Fry's exclusive" agreement, and it's about to ship out to anyone who desires it starting June 1st. We're told that the hardware and software hasn't changed since CES 2008, and even the retail price ($87) will remain the same. Of note, eager beavers can snag a limited number of upgradeable pre-production units today for $79, but then again, you never really know what you're going to get. Hang tight, Mac-owing home automators -- your long-awaited solution is nearly here.

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Mac-friendly Houseport USB To Z-Wave adapter shipping soon en masse originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhomehome automationhome controllerHomeAutomationHomeControllerhouseportmacos xOsXother hardwareotherhardwareusbUSB To Z-Wave AdapterUsbToZ-waveAdapterWayne DaltonWayne-DaltonWayneDaltonz-waveSun, 29 Mar 2009 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Mac-friendly Houseport USB To Z-Wave adapter shipping soon en masse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/29/mac-friendly-houseport-usb-to-z-wave-adapter-shipping-soon-en-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/29/mac-friendly-houseport-usb-to-z-wave-adapter-shipping-soon-en-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/29/mac-friendly-houseport-usb-to-z-wave-adapter-shipping-soon-en-ma/#comments
For those that don't visit Fry's Electronics on any regular basis, you probably reckoned that Wayne Dalton's totally promising USB To Z-Wave adapter had simply failed to ever make it onto store shelves after being launched 14 months ago. Turns out, the device (and the OS X-friendly Houseport software) has just been loosed from its limiting "Fry's exclusive" agreement, and it's about to ship out to anyone who desires it starting June 1st. We're told that the hardware and software hasn't changed since CES 2008, and even the retail price ($87) will remain the same. Of note, eager beavers can snag a limited number of upgradeable pre-production units today for $79, but then again, you never really know what you're going to get. Hang tight, Mac-owing home automators -- your long-awaited solution is nearly here.

Mac-friendly Houseport USB To Z-Wave adapter shipping soon en masse originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homehome automationhome controllerHomeAutomationHomeControllerhouseportmacos xOsXusbUSB To Z-Wave AdapterUsbToZ-waveAdapterWayne DaltonWayne-DaltonWayneDaltonz-waveSun, 29 Mar 2009 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Verizon planning a Z-Wave home automation system?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/20/is-verizon-planning-a-z-wave-home-automation-system/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/20/is-verizon-planning-a-z-wave-home-automation-system/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/20/is-verizon-planning-a-z-wave-home-automation-system/#comments
As home automation starts building up steam it looks like Verizon might be giving Nokia's to-be-released Home Control Center a little run for its money. According to CE Pro, FCC documentation has been found describing something called the Verizon Home Monitoring Gateway and Home Monitor Service. Apparently based on technology from 4Home, the Z-Wave compliant system uses a Westell-branded Control Point gateway featuring Internet connectivity and automation capabilities. The site also describes widgets for controlling surveillance cameras and various room modes, such as "Home," "Away" or "Movie Time!" Devices can be accessed and functions scheduled either through a web browser or directly from Verizon mobile phones equipped with a "4Home" button. Neither Verizon nor 4Home have yet commented on any of this, but we're keeping our eyes peeled.

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Is Verizon planning a Z-Wave home automation system? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Homehome automationHome Monitor ServiceHome Monitoring GatewayHomeAutomationHomeControlCenterHomeMonitoringGatewayHomeMonitorServicenokianokia home control centerNokiaHomeControlCenterVerizonWestellz-waveFri, 20 Mar 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia's Z-Wave Home Control Center hands-on and video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/nokias-z-wave-home-control-center-hands-on-and-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/nokias-z-wave-home-control-center-hands-on-and-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/nokias-z-wave-home-control-center-hands-on-and-video/#comments
Since hearing about Nokia's foray into the world of home automation, our curiosity has been seriously piqued. Thankfully, our girl-on-the-scene Drita has captured video of the new software / hardware combo in action on the Nokia World show floor. It looks like a fully decked out system is going to run you a hefty fee (given all the components required), but can you put a price on the extreme laziness it will enable? We didn't think so. Check out the pics on Engadget and the thrilling video out after the break!

Continue reading Nokia's Z-Wave Home Control Center hands-on and video

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Nokia's Z-Wave Home Control Center hands-on and video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoenergyfeaturedvideofeatureshands onhands-onHandsOnhome automationhome control centerHomeAutomationHomeControlCentermobilenokiaperipheralsremoteremote controlRemoteControlvideovideo hands-onVideoHands-onz wavez-waveZWaveTue, 02 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia's Z-Wave Home Control Center hands-on and video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/nokias-z-wave-home-control-center-hands-on-and-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/nokias-z-wave-home-control-center-hands-on-and-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/02/nokias-z-wave-home-control-center-hands-on-and-video/#comments
Since hearing about Nokia's foray into the world of home automation, our curiosity has been seriously piqued. Thankfully, our girl-on-the-scene Drita has captured video of the new software / hardware combo in action on the Nokia World show floor. It looks like a fully decked out system is going to run you a hefty fee (given all the components required), but can you put a price on the extreme laziness it will enable? We didn't think so. Check out the thrilling video out after the break!

Gallery: Nokia's Z-Wave Home Control Center hands-on and video



[Via Engadget Spanish]

Continue reading Nokia's Z-Wave Home Control Center hands-on and video

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Nokia's Z-Wave Home Control Center hands-on and video originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoenergyfeaturedvideofeatureshands onhands-onHandsOnhome automationhome control centerHomeAutomationHomeControlCenternokiaremoteremote controlRemoteControlvideovideo hands-onVideoHands-onz wavez-waveZWaveTue, 02 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia launching Z-Wave Home Control Center next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/27/nokia-launching-z-wave-home-control-center-next-year/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/27/nokia-launching-z-wave-home-control-center-next-year/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/27/nokia-launching-z-wave-home-control-center-next-year/#comments
Who doesn't long for a smart home system that gives you full control of your thermostat, lighting, AV, and security system from the convenience of your cellphone? While many proprietary and "standards-based" off-the-shelf solutions exist, things quickly break down due to the lack of interoperability, cost, or sheer complexity of medium-to-large home automation designs. Enter Nokia who just announced its Home Control Center, a platform open for third parties to develop "plug and play" solutions, all of which can be controlled via your phone or PC from both inside and outside the home. HCC will let home owners switch devices on and off as they monitor and control their electricity usage while providing access to objects such as temperature sensors, cameras, and motion detectors. Ultimately it will integrate more complex systems like security, heating, and ventilation. Although few technical details were provided, a research paper from last year that outlined Nokia's Smart Home strategy called for a 802.11n WiFi home gateway device (presumably from Nokia) with optional GSM/GPRS module integrating into a home network of Z-Wave and ZigBee-compliant devices. The system is expected to include pre-packaged Smart Home kits ranging from starter, security, energy, and baby monitoring when it goes retail (Europe first) by the end of 2009.

Update: Good news, remote access only requires a web browser. As such, you can use any cellphone with a decent browser to manage your home remotely.

Read -- Press Release
Read -- Product brief [Warning: PDF]
Read -- Research paper [Warning: PDF]

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Nokia launching Z-Wave Home Control Center next year originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>home automationhome control centerHomeAutomationHomeControlCenternokianokia home control centerNokiaHomeControlCenterz-wavezigbeeThu, 27 Nov 2008 04:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Vera home automation system wants to be the greenest of them all]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/17/vera-home-automation-system-wants-to-be-the-greenest-of-them-all/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/17/vera-home-automation-system-wants-to-be-the-greenest-of-them-all/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/17/vera-home-automation-system-wants-to-be-the-greenest-of-them-all/#comments
As the global economy curls up into the fetal position in the face of rising energy costs, we're as determined as anyone to be as energy efficient as possible -- as long as it's completely convenient, of course. Mi Casa Verde hopes to help with that with Vera, a Z-Wave / 802.11 hub with an exceptionally robust web interface for monitoring the energy usage of devices in your home as well as turning them off, setting up scenes, events and timers, and operating locks and security cameras. Since it's a low impact little device running a stripped down version of Linux, it operates on less power than desktop-based solutions -- a benefit that Mi Casa Verde claims makes it one of the few systems that save more power than they use. Its retail price will be competitive, with the box at $299 and a secure remote access gateway at $8 per month, but Mi Casa Verde is trying to entice would-be testers with a pre-street sale price of $149 and one year of free remote access service -- that option will be available through October 31st, with the final product available to conscientious tree-huggers (tech savvy and otherwise, the company hopes) everywhere on November 15th.

[Thanks, Dmitry]

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Vera home automation system wants to be the greenest of them all originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerecoeco friendlyeco-friendlygreenhome automationhome securityhubmi casa verdemicasaverdeverawirelessz-waveFri, 17 Oct 2008 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Schlage LiNK web-controlled Z-Wave door locks priced right out of consideration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/03/schlage-link-web-controlled-z-wave-door-locks-priced-right-out-o/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/03/schlage-link-web-controlled-z-wave-door-locks-priced-right-out-o/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/03/schlage-link-web-controlled-z-wave-door-locks-priced-right-out-o/#commentsWe first spotted Schlage's web-controlled Z-Wave door locks back in May, but Schlage was still working out details on everything from the name to pricing, and it looks like ditching that key for online access will be pretty pricey: a LiNK lock "starter kit" will run $299 for a lock and Z-Wave Ethernet bridge that enables network control, with additional locks going for $199. On top of that, you'll be charged $12.99 a month for access to the LiNK portal and mobile apps, including 100MB of video storage if you add a video camera to the system. Good luck with that, Schlage -- turns out regular keys don't charge a monthly fee to keep doors locked.

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Schlage LiNK web-controlled Z-Wave door locks priced right out of consideration originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>door lockDoorLocklinklocklocksschlagez wavez-waveZWaveWed, 03 Sep 2008 17:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Schlage announces web-enabled Z-Wave door locks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/schlage-announces-web-enabled-z-wave-door-locks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/schlage-announces-web-enabled-z-wave-door-locks/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/schlage-announces-web-enabled-z-wave-door-locks/#commentsThe Z-Wave standard for home automation has already proven itself to be a pretty versatile bit of technology, and it looks like its now set to ensnare yet another part of your house, with lock-maker Schlage set to introduce some web-enabled Z-Wave door locks. Those will let you lock or unlock your door from your PC, cellphone or any other wireless, web-enabled device -- or, of course, from the lock itself. That's done with the aid of a Z-Wave gateway that connects to your router, which relays the RF signals to and from the lock (or one of up to 256 other Z-Wave devices), and gives you the added benefit of extending the life of the batteries in the lock, which Schlage says should last for up to three years. Otherwise, the details on the locks themselves are pretty light, with the folks at Schlage only going so far as to say that they'll look "pretty similar" to their non-Z-Wave locks (pictured at right), and that they'll be "affordable," though presumably not less than the $150 their current locks go for.

[Thanks, Steve]

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Schlage announces web-enabled Z-Wave door locks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 May 2008 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>door lockDoorLocklockschlagesecurityz wavez-waveZWaveMon, 19 May 2008 14:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft and friends team up to study potential connected home applications]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/27/microsoft-and-friends-team-up-to-study-potential-connected-home/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/27/microsoft-and-friends-team-up-to-study-potential-connected-home/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/27/microsoft-and-friends-team-up-to-study-potential-connected-home/#commentsThose looking to better unify your lighting, security, HVAC and home theater are in luck, as a new team has just been formed to investigate what you want, what you need and how to deliver it. Whirlpool, Bell Canada, Cisco, Direct Energy, HP, Legrand, Leviton, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Zensys and the Z-Wave Alliance have all come together to "conduct an in-depth study about the state and future of the smart home." More specifically, the crew will be asking consumers what types of connected home applications could be created or improved upon, with a few examples consisting of TV-based Caller ID screens, remotely controlled temperature / lighting and the ability to crank your home stereo to 11 when a crook breaks in. Yeah, we're totally bluffing on that last one, but you never know.

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Microsoft and friends team up to study potential connected home applications originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bell CanadaCiscoConnected HomeConnectedHomedatahdhome automationHomeAutomationHPMicrosoftother hardwareotherhardwareothersreportresearchsurveyWhirlpoolZ-WaveSun, 27 Apr 2008 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[ControlThink's new Z-Wave USB Adapter is firmware-upgradeable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/31/controlthinks-new-z-wave-usb-adapter-is-firmware-upgradeable/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/31/controlthinks-new-z-wave-usb-adapter-is-firmware-upgradeable/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/31/controlthinks-new-z-wave-usb-adapter-is-firmware-upgradeable/#commentsWhile we have interns to switch off the lights and regulate Engadget HQ temperature, plenty of folks rely on the Z-Wave standard for home automation. Unlucky for them, most Z-Wave adapters need to be replaced every year or so to support new protocol features, so ControlThink built what it's billing as the "industry's first upgradeable Z-Wave USB Adapter." The cute little USB dongle goes for $40, and runs at 4x (40kbps) speeds, but is backwards compatible with 1x devices. We know, you can hardly contain your excitement.

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ControlThink's new Z-Wave USB Adapter is firmware-upgradeable originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controlthinkdonglez-waveMon, 31 Mar 2008 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[USB To Z-Wave Adapter, Houseport software comes to OS X]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/25/usb-to-z-wave-adapter-houseport-software-comes-to-os-x/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/25/usb-to-z-wave-adapter-houseport-software-comes-to-os-x/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/25/usb-to-z-wave-adapter-houseport-software-comes-to-os-x/#comments
Admirers of Macs and Z-Wave have longed for the day in which they could finally use their two dearest loves simultaneously, and thanks to Wayne-Dalton, that day is upon us. The WDUSB-10MAC is hailed as the world's first Z-Wave-enabled home control system "designed specifically for the Mac OS X operating system." Mac users simply plug in the USB dongle, install the bundled Houseport software and go wild creating and managing their home network. When all is said and done, OS X users will be able to "control light switches, appliances, electronics, thermostats and other Z-Wave-enabled devices from their computers or through the internet" -- a feat previously only achievable by booting into Windows. Not too shabby for $87, eh?

[Via CEPro]

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USB To Z-Wave Adapter, Houseport software comes to OS X originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seeking to "change the way people manage their household electronics," Actiontec is getting set to unleash an outpouring of zControl products. We'd briefly heard about the firm's standalone unit that connects to the home router a few months back, but here at CES even more details are starting to flow. Apparently, Actiontec will be pushing out an entire series of Z-Wave-based wares "designed to centrally manage household electronics such as lights, security cameras, thermostats, motion detectors, garage door openers, motorized shades and automatic sprinklers through the home network." Furthermore, zControl will give owners the ability to dictate connected items remotely, and while we've no room to mention every piece of the forthcoming lineup, you should know that the zControl Starter Kit -- which includes a zControl unit, one indoor camera with motion detector, one lighting control module, and a remote control -- will be available next month for $399. Hit the read link for lots, lots more.

[Via eHomeUpgrade]

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Actiontec's zControl home automation gateways get official originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiontecCESces 2008Ces2008home automationHomeAutomationZ-WavezControlThu, 10 Jan 2008 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Actiontec's zControl home automation gateways get official]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/10/actiontecs-zcontrol-home-automation-gateways-get-official/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/10/actiontecs-zcontrol-home-automation-gateways-get-official/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/10/actiontecs-zcontrol-home-automation-gateways-get-official/#comments
Seeking to "change the way people manage their household electronics," Actiontec is getting set to unleash an outpouring of zControl products. We'd briefly heard about the firm's standalone unit that connects to the home router a few months back, but here at CES even more details are starting to flow. Apparently, Actiontec will be pushing out an entire series of Z-Wave-based wares "designed to centrally manage household electronics such as lights, security cameras, thermostats, motion detectors, garage door openers, motorized shades and automatic sprinklers through the home network." Furthermore, zControl will give owners the ability to dictate connected items remotely, and while we've no room to mention every piece of the forthcoming lineup, you should know that the zControl Starter Kit -- which includes a zControl unit, one indoor camera with motion detector, one lighting control module, and a remote control -- will be available next month for $399. Hit the read link for lots, lots more.

[Via eHomeUpgrade]

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Actiontec's zControl home automation gateways get official originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actiontecces 2008Ces2008hdhome automationHomeAutomationother hardwareotherhardwareothersZ-WavezControlThu, 10 Jan 2008 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawking reveals HomeRemote Pro monitoring solution]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/05/hawking-reveals-homeremote-pro-monitoring-solution/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/05/hawking-reveals-homeremote-pro-monitoring-solution/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/05/hawking-reveals-homeremote-pro-monitoring-solution/#commentsMerely months after Hawking finally got its act together and began shipping out the HomeRemote, the firm is already upping the ante with a new model at CES. Logically dubbed the HomeRemote Pro, this iteration weds IP and Z-Wave technologies to enable users to control lighting, access control, video monitoring, climate control and entertainment -- and that's just for starters. The system also touts a new web server-based system that reportedly "allows for true plug and play installation," and yes, there's already a slew of peripherals (lamp / appliance modules, door sensors and motion detectors) ready to snag as you futilely attempt to quell your paranoia. Users can grab their own starter kit while looking over a shoulder next month for $200, and considering that you can keep an eye on things even from a cellphone, you really won't ever have to wave goodbye when leaving home.

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Hawking reveals HomeRemote Pro monitoring solution originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It took them a year and a half, but Hawking Technologies has finally started shipping the HomeRemote, that net-enabled Z-Wave controller that can be acessed via any web browser -- even a cellphone browser. Looking a little sleeker than before, the $229 box serves as the master controller for all those Z-Wave devices you have in your house, and runs a slick web interface so you can turn your lights on and open the garage door from anywhere in the world. Add in the $179 HomeRemote camera and the system will also stream video -- we're not sure how good it'll look over "any cellphone web browser" but Hawking says it'll work just fine. Make sure to check the read link for Hawking's hilarious promo video in which the video feature is used to futilely monitor a dog eating a shoe -- down, Fluffy!

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Hawking starts shipping the HomeRemote Z-Wave / Wi-Fi home controller originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2007 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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