Smart Home Blog

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.
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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.

Recently GeeXboX announced its new software for HTPC called Enna. It offers a standard set of functions such playback video and audio, showing photos from local drives, USB storage or network shares. However, there is one unique feature in the Enna. It’s a BookStore allowed to read your favourite eBooks from different Internet content providers. Also the new GeeXboX media center software comes with VDPAU supports which is very important for HD video fans.

Enna development team has a huge todo list which includes adding games, integration with VDR to watch and record digital TV, supporting UPnP and DLNA. Long-term plans include online services integration (currently there is no one, even YouTube), Instant Messaging, VoIP Telephony and Video Conference and TelePresence. Souns very promising. But we’ll see the progress this summer.

To install Enna under Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic) just add GeeXboX repository to your apt sources list and use apt to get it. Also note that Enna is a part of GeeXboX distribution. Users of other Linux distributions can install Enna from the sources.

After releasing of XBMC 9.11 “Camelot” and skin Transparency! it’s time for Xperience Beta1. I posted the amazing demo video of that XBMC skin. Know you can grab it here and try it on your HTPC. There is an Xperience Release Thread on the XBMC forum where you can watch the progress, leave your comments or ask help. Enjoy Xperience!

Yamaha offers possibility to control its Network multi-zone A/V Receivers for iPhone/iPod Touch owners directly from their devices. Using free Yamaha App consumers do following for specified zone: control power, volume or select desire input. Communication between iPhone and receiver is done via WiFi. So, be sure that you have access point in your house.

The following is a list of compatible Yamaha Home Theater Network A/V Receivers that will work with this App:

• RX-V2065 – 7.2 ch Home theater receiver
• RX-V3900 – High Performance Home theater receiver
• RX-Z7 – Flagship Home theater receiver.

Yamaha App can be downloaded from App Store free of charge. But by some reason it’s available for US and Canada only. Sounds very strange for me.