Crestron unveiled Crestron Pyng, the app that IS the home automation system. For years, home automation apps have been add-ons to control systems that are programmed using computers. Now, technology integrators can create lifestyle scenes for each room, schedule events, and much more right from an iPad®. The whole house can be ready in minutes without ever opening a laptop.
Bang & Olufsen America appointed home A/V networking specialist Pakedge Device & Softwareas one of its official preferred network providers, effective as of September 2014. Under the partnership, Pakedge will offer three pre-configured, out-of-the-box bundles, based on its Connect+ platform to meet Bang & Olufsen specifications. Each bundle is a set of carefully integrated system of switches, routers, wireless and software technologies, designed specifically to work with each other to deliver seamless, scalable, and reliable multimedia networking performance.
Qolsys updated its IQ Panel, which includes support for Dual-Path Connectivity, an improved and sleeker user interface, expanded home automation support and a robust dealer diagnostic toolkit enhancing remote service to the IQ Panel.
Pakedge Device & Software is honoring its 10-year anniversary with a major celebration at CEDIA Expo 2014. The network manufacturing company is hosting a celebration reception on Thursday, September 11, 2014 from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm at its CEDIA Expo booth (#820). Current and future Pakedge dealers, distributors and manufacturer reps are welcome to visit the Pakedge CEDIA booth for “food, beer and fun.”
The residential security market will never be the same. In 2012, several MSOs (multiple-system operators) in the USA began offering home automation in conjunction with security which has altered the perception and demand from end-users. Prior to this paradigm shift, the use of a residential burglar alarm system was often a purchase to protect a property and in many cases, an ‘after the fact’ purchase as a result of a break in. While many reasons exist as to why a homeowner may purchase security equipment, the reason is no longer solely security. Many users are looking to add additional features driven by life safety and convenience.
Direct Energy, Houston, a retail provider of electricity, natural gas, and home services throughout North America, launched a partnership with SmartThings to bring what it calls “a smarter, safer, connected home” to energy customers in Texas.
Kwikset, Lake Forest, Calif., introduced its latest Kevo upgrade, giving users the ability to send free and unlimited guest electronic keys (eKeys) to recipients, and use a scheduled eKey to set day and time constraints for regular house guests like babysitters, dog-walkers and contractors.
SmartHome Ventures announced the launch of PEQ (pronounced “peek”), the company's flagship service designed to bring “professional-grade” home automation to the everyday consumer. PEQ allows consumers to view, manage, and receive alerts from their homes through a single app on their smartphone, tablet or PC with no contract requirement.
If you want proof that home automation is “hot” right now, look no further than the latest news. Every week it seems another big “name” or mega corporation is announcing its entrance in the market. The latest is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., which just announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire SmartThings, the leading open platform for the smart home and the consumer Internet of Things.
Control4, a provider of automation and control solutions for the connected home, announced the Control4®App for the new Amazon Fire phone (a new smartphone device available from Amazon, similar to the Kindle) is now available in the Amazon Appstore.