Since version 2.0.0.44 Plutohome started support Z-Wave devices. Using HomePro Z-Wave USB Interface you can easily configure your Plutohome system to control Z-Wave devices. Z-Wave is a modern wireless technology which use radio frequency (900MHz) to miscommunicate with its devices. It save you from wiring to automate your home (it’s a good solution in case if house already built).
Since version 2.0.0.40 Plutohome has offered a new user interface - UI2. UI2 is based on OpenGL and has amazing video effects. However, it’s a bit difficult to user it with ordinary keyboard and mouse. But with Gyration GC1006M you’ll able to easily control your home. This brief howto explains the basic principles of working GC1006M and Plutohome UI2.
Note that UI2 has a meaning only for on-screen Orbiters. The rest Orbiters use old UI.
The new version of home automation system Plutohome was released last week. The version 2.0.0.44 contains only bugfixes (you an see a full change log here). I waited this version because a) it contains a MythTV package built with support DVB and b) the problem with sending OFF event to the GSD device was fixed there.
Additionally, the OpenGL libraries were removed from the dependencies of SDL Orbiter. So, now it’s possible to build Plutohome Orbiter for Nokia770 (N800) for os2006/2007. You can find binary files here.
There is a serious problem in the Plutohome - upgrade to the new version. It causes a lot of problems. I suspect that it’ll be much better to stay on some version (but it’s difficult - basically there is not s stable version of Plutohome) and do a fresh installation when it needs in upgrade. But all custom stuff - scenarios, GSD devices, Ruby code etc transfer manually using some scripts.
Anyway, we have to reinstall our server to have all functionality working properly.
The versatile N12TBPC offers a number of attractive features. This tablet supports XP embedded, Home, & Professional edition. The sharp 12.1” TFT display is the most suitable viewing panel size for a handheld device and provides plenty of room to access your user interface. The tablet comes standard with 802.11G wireless LAN, modem, VGA out for connecting an external monitor or projector and USB 2.0,IEEE 1394 and PCMCIA ports.
No more words about availability and price. We found it when we searched a big touchscreen panel for Plutohome Orbiter. We decided to get for testing Sahara i400 because it’s also supports Windows XP, looks nice and has a real price.
Well, Plutohome development team announced a tool to synchronize contacts from Microsoft Outlook and Plutohome telecome database. This functionality is implemented on the Windows Orbiter side. So, after installing WinOrbiter you’ll able to transfer your contacts to the Pluto.
Basically, it isn’t a good way, IMHO. I’d be much better to retrieve contact information from the vCard-file.
I suspect that all modern email clients support this format. I understand that most of people are Windows users. So, that’s why Outlook synchronization was implemented.
Anyway, I’m going to create a simple Perl script which will parse vCard file and will insert appropriate information into pluto_telecom database. Stay tune!