Interesting solution for home automation I received recently to my email – IPUCam. Basically it’s a mix of IP camera and controller. It might be connected to the home LAN via WiFi or Ethernet and can control various devices via IR. To control system consumers may use any PC with web browser or iOS devices.

Additionally to control your home the IPUCam allows to view video and audio stream from built-in camera as well as detect presence by its motion detector. The IPUCam Smart Scene Controller is tagged at $279.

We know the Near Field Communications (NFC) technology is used to replace the credit card by your smartphone. But, for sure, this technology might have more applications. As example, we can see the first NFC-enabled door lock presented by Yale Locks & Hardware. To open it just put the smartphone near the lock and if it accepts the electronic key you’re in. Simple and the same time secure. You don’t need any connect except NFC, of course.

Additionally the new Yale door lock sports touchscreen to type unlock code manually and it’ll supports Z-Wave or ZigBee to integrate the lock into the home automation system. You may see the sort demo video after break.

Verizon is going to demonstrate its new Home Monitoring and Control system at CES 2011. it’ll allow to control lighting, thermostats, appliance as well as remotely view security cameras and lock/unlock doors through smartphones or FiOS TV boxes. The system will use Z-Wave technology for home automation, sensors and climate control and wireless IP security cameras. The pilot Verizon projects are planned next month in Jersey. Will see it in action at CES.

See the full press release after break.

August 12, 2010 — Yardley, PA – LifeShield Security(tm) (www.LifeShield.com), the first national, all digital, professional grade and professionally monitored wireless home security system, officially launched its fourth layer of protection; the first layer is internet, second is phone, third is battery, and now the fourth – GSM cellular back up
protection. GSM; the global system for mobile communications is the most popular standard for mobile services. Now all LifeShield security systems will be linked through GSM. LifeShield is proud to offer this feature to their customers with no additional cost.

In addition LifeShield is adding new cameras that are Wi-Fi enabled. With this new feature, cameras can be placed anywhere you want within your home. LifeShield’s new cameras offer a faster transmission time that will allow you to see what is going on in any home faster than ever before with a better live video response. LifeShield’s Wi-Fi cameras coupled with its new fourth layer of protection; GSM cellular, make it virtually impossible for a burglar to compromise the system. These new additions to LifeShield Security offer increased piece of mind, especially at the time of year when children begin to head back to school.

Many children come home to an empty house. Now with LifeShield Wi-Fi cameras you can see your child walk through the front door and be assured that they are safe – all within a few seconds. LifeShield can also notify you if a scheduled event doesn’t occur. Should your child not arrive home at the expected time the system will alert you via text message. This is all in addition to LifeShield’s already family-focused technology. Parents can receive text messages and emails when their children come home, and attach sensors to monitor specific areas of your home including medicine and liquor cabinets. LifeShield handsets and intercoms also double as a baby monitor.

LifeShield is designed with families in mind and continues to protect your loved ones with special features like MyLifeshield. This unique monitoring record system has the ability for you to log in and view the complete history of who has been in and out of your home each day.

LifeShield supports cutting edge technology while maintaining affordability. LifeShield has a universal design to accommodate all different types of families, homeowners and renters – making safety affordable.

For a limited time, new customers can enjoy a 30-day risk-free trial and Pay-As-You-Go pricing with no annual contract. For more information, visit www.LifeShield.com, or contact 1-866-222-8580. To view a brief video about LifeShield Security, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mvEoV1I6kM

About LifeShield Security(tm)
LifeShield Security(tm) is the first national, professional grade and professionally monitored wireless security system that uses an easy to set-up “plug and protect” process, providing superior home protection and the best value in total home security. For more on LifeShield Security, visit www.lifeshield.com.

As you may know one of the biggest disadvantage of X10 is different protocols for security and automation. So, you should have two separated devices – automation controller and security panel to cover both areas. Marmitek tries to make a life of DYI-ers easier by producing ProGuard800 security panel. With additional X-10 Home Automation module it’ll allow control dimmers, switches, sockets etc from the same panel.

The TheProGuard800 uses radio frequency to communicate with different types of sensors which makes an installation procedure easier and more conformable. Additionally the ProGuard800 can be integrated with telephony using PSTN or GSM modules. So, you’ll be able to control your home or receive notifications using mobile or landline phone.

The TheProGuard800 is already available for £400 including the security panel itself, two motion detectors, door/window sensor and keyfob remote control.

[via AutomatedHome]