Iridium mobile team is proud to introduce you a new version of iRidium program for AMX and iPad / iPhone / iPod. The new version is available on AppStore! Remind you that iRidium transforms iPad / iPhone / iPod into the “native” AMX system control panel. iRidium allows you to operate such subsystems as: lighting, heating, climate control, video-surveillance, security, audio-video, multimedia-server.

Also iRidium allows you to use an existing design created for AMX panels. This design will be loaded on iPad / iPhone / iPod and you can immediately operate your home automation system after that.

At the same time all AMX panels functions and capabilities (such as dynamic elements, animation, translucency, sound, video output) are available. In addition, all Multi-touch screen iPad pluses are added!

Thus, if you already have an AMX panel for your home automation system controlling, it would take no more than 10 minutes to turn iPad into a similar panel. At the same time functional and interface of the new panel will be the same as an AMX panel has.
AMX system is controlled via Wi-Fi, 3G, GPRS.

Capabilities of a new version iRidium for AMX and iPad / iPhone / iPod:

• Support of XBMC media-server
• Support of video in JPEG, MJPEG formats
• Support of graphical interfaces, dynamic control elements, animation, translucency
• Support of additional equipment operating (Kramer, GlobalCache, KeyDigital, Extron, IRTrans, etc.)

Documentation and instructions for iRidium’s setting are already available. Now you can install iRidium much easier. At the present time, a free iRidium version for testing and work demonstration are available for installers.

Almost all well-known produces of hardware and software for home automation and entertainment area have iPhone/iPod Touch application to control their devices and systems. LinuxMCE doesn’t provide such possibility yet. But that situation is going to change soon. For example, it’s already ready basic web Orbiter adopted for Apple devices – iOrbiter. It’s based on iPhone User Interface Framework iUI. I tested it with my 0710 installation (see a few screenshots here). It works fast, provides basic functionality to search and play media and run scenarios. I’m sure it’ll be extended soon.

Another way to control LinuxMCE from iPhone will be LMCE Remote. It’s native iPhone application (see image above). As wiki page describes the it’s almost ready. Source code should be in the LinuxMCE repository and the application will be available via App Store and LinuxMCE site (I guess). So, when it happens many existing users will be happy as well as new ones will get a good opportunity to try LinuxMCE.

MSI demonstrated its new landline-VoIP phone MS-9A31. It’s based on Android and supports DECT, video conference call and instant messaging. The phone sports large color touchscreen, two Ethernet ports, one USB port and a card reader. No word on price or availability yet.

The MS-9A31 looks very promised. It can be used not just IP phone in your home automation system but as control panel too. If MSI will allow to install third party applications it’d be the best phone for LinuxMCE (if the Android Orbiter will be released and the price won’t be too hight, of course). In any case, I think we’ll see similar devices from different manufactures soon.

Brando keeps making life of HTPC owners nicer and easier. Its new Rii Mini Wireless Keyboard is not bigger then ordinary remote control but provides QWERTY input, mouse touch-pad and navigation buttons. It has built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery which can be charged from PC USB port, and a lecture laser pointer in case if you need it.

The new Brando Rii Mini Wireless Keyboard probably the best portable keyboard for HTPC I have ever seen. The keyboard is supported by Linux, Windows and probably Mac OS X and it can be found on the Brando site at $92.00 or on the TomTop at $59.99 only.

[via Engadger]

New Potato Technologies introduced an Infrared iPhone / iPod touch dongle FLPR. It turns iPone into smart remote control and allows to manage all IR-based devices in the home. It offers IR codes for more than 14000 different devices and App with generates remote control UI.

The big advantage of Potato FLPR IR dongle is that it doesn’t need additional device like, for example, RedEye which needs IR transmitter near your TV or air-condition. The FLPR is self-sufficient. That fact gives consumers more flexibility.

The Potato FLPR IR dongle is already available in the producer’s online shop at $79.99. The rest shops will get it at the end of March.

[via Engadget]