Smart Home Blog

The popular online video service Hulu was integrated into LinuxMCE 0810 beta. That integration uses recently released Hulu Desktop for Linux. User has full control over Hulu player from both LinuxMCE UI1 and UI2. On-screen UI2 Orbiter uses native Hulu player functions to navigate on media library and control playback. But the rest Orbiters provide that functionality via their remote control screens.

The Hulu integration into LinuxMCE is good but unfortunately it can be used for US only. From another hand it may give the idea for developers how to integrate the rest famous video/audio services such YouTube, JustinTV, Revision3 etc.

The video demonstrated that functionality is available below.
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An online store with LinuxMCE compatible devices is open now. It’s planning to sell there tested hardware to help people build their own home automation system based on LinuxMCE. Currently there are no so many items. Just a few Z-Wave devices, HDHomeRun, SqueezeboxBoom, Web Pad, TV brackets and IR accessories. But the assortment will be definitely expanded. So, stay tune!

Right after Google’s PowerMeter Microsoft launched its own service – Hohm. Both services provide more or less the same functionality – view energy consumption for the specific period in different formats such tables or charts, possibility to export the data, some recommendations to decrease utility bill and carbon emission. Also the services includes a social networking part which allows to share your statistics with your family and friends.

But the ways how PowerMeter and Hohm get data are completely different. Google together with General Electric started developing of power meter device. Instead of that Microsoft is making partnerships with utility companies to get measurement from them. Sure for US is maybe good and easy way. But for the rest of world – no. Google’s approach is more generic. So, in my opinion it has more chances to score big successes!

With Schlage LiNK Z-Wave powered door lock kit you will able to

• assign personalized codes (up to 19) for each member of your household;
• easily program Schlage LiNK to send automatic text or email updates so you know who enters your home;
• confirm status of your Keypad Deadbolt from anywhere with your web enabled cell phone or computer;
• remotely lock or unlock the door;
• creates a Z-wave network within your home that securely connects the Schlage LiNK lockset or deadbolt to the internet and controls other Z-wave devices;
• receive battery level status and alerts.

If you like it then additionally to $300 you should pay a small fees every month. The good advantage of Schlage LiNK is possibility to connect other Z-Wave devices in the house or flat and control them online as well. Additionally, all owners of iPhone can try to control the lock directly from their smartphones.

[via AutomatedHome]

Here is a free service offered Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for media centers which based on Video Disk Recorder (VDR). Its interface is available in three languages: English, German and Russian. Just register a new account and follow by instruction to setup it in your VDR.

As I already mentioned the service is free but it has a small limitations. There is a possibility to take VIP account but it isn’t clear how to do it (it isn’t sold for money). But I suspect that free options should be quite enough.