Home Automation News
Hubitat has posted about an update coming to their hubs. Names Rules Engine 3.0 it sets to replace the current 2.5 version. That have added much more flexibility, for my use case. Having a script that is editable, else and elseif now available, and better changes to UI to handle all rules on one screen. (vs the multiple clicks it […]
Read more
Best Buy has started to embrace Home Automation and has started to dedicate floor space to Home Automation products. Browsing Best Buy the other day for a quick purchase of something else and I was shocked to see that it was already on a dedicated section of the store. They had the standard products from Belkin, Dlink, Kwikset, and Netgear. […]
Read moreHome automation is getting more and more affordable, as well as flexible. Where a lot of systems tie you into using their infrastructure, we’re seeing a lot of wifi enabled devices which make setup and installation a snap. The Kevo uses Bluetooth LE in an effort to balance the ease of use with security, and seems to do a good […]
Read moreSlashGear has a double dose of first looks at some new home automation devices–a WiFi video doorbell, and an interactive, voice controlled thermostat. The beauty of the timing is the companies couldn’t be more different: Honeywell is a behemoth, and DoorBot got their financial backing from crowdsourcing. In practice, if you’re expecting Siri levels of interaction you may be disappointed. […]
Read more
When I was building my home automation (HA) system, the lack of devices and good integration between those devices was the main reason I settled on Z-Wave. In many ways Zigbee is a superior technology though, and also has the benefit of being supported by many chip manufactures (Z-Wave is controlled by Sigma Designs) so it’s great to see product […]
Read more
While I have yet to delve into the realm of home automation, the concept has always intrigued me. The downside to getting started is–of course–the cost. In my mind, one of the coolest things in any home theater is the automatic lowering of blinds over the windows. Lowering the lights may be cool, but you get the same effect from […]
Read moreKaleidescape, synonymous with super high end DVD distribution systems that every Home Theater enthusiast dreams about owning, has recently added iPad control and ultra-widescreen (2.35 wide screen) to its line of media servers. While the Kaleidescape system might be out of reach for most, it is cool to see new technologies be added to these systems as it eventually trickles […]
Read moreYamaha has just released a new update to their RX-V Receiver app. The new app re-named AV Controller, now supports both Android and Apple iOS devices. You can now control your AV receivers inputs, volume, mute, you name it. I for one am extremely excited that AV manufactures are moving this route. The thought of having every single piece of […]
Read moreDo you want to lock all of your home theater devices in a closet and control them from a mobile device and over the Internet? Called Ether-IR, these devices will work with open source software, connect to Ethernet and transmit an infrared (IR) signal. They can be placed anywhere you have an Ethernet run. Ether-IR works from a computer, tablet, mobile device […]
Read moreI have tinkered with home automation in the past. I didn’t get much past a few lamp controllers in my initial setup but I started to see the value of a whole house setup. The Digital Lifestyle has a nice write up on using Z-Wave devices with 7MC. You can turn devices on and off, dim lights and lamps if […]
Read more