Smart Home Blog

Last week Plex launched its new online service myPlex which extends rich Plex functionality much more. The first feature of myPlex is access to any media stored on your local Plex-servers over the Internet (several Plex-servers can be linked to one myPlex account). Moreover, you may not just navigate your media library but also stream media content to register mobile Plex-client or share it with your friends or family members. You don’t need any special actions to configure it.

Another useful feature of myPlex is a universal media queue. Using it you can easily add any web video (later will be added another sources as well) when you browse Internet from your laptop or desktop to queue which will be available to any Plex-client in your home. That feature is already available in Boxee long time ago. Now Plex users can use it as well.

The video below briefly explains what you should do to control your HomeSeer smarthome system using mobile devices – iOS- or Android-based. It isn’t complicated and follow by DIY ideology. With that approach you may replace expensive touchscreen panel by your smartphone or tablet, which save your money and makes control process handy.

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Pioneer offers a really amazing product – X-SMC3-S Music Tap. It plays audio content from almost all kinds of sources except tape, of course. The device supports AirPlay and DLNA (thanks built-in WiFi and Ethernet) and sports 2.5″ color LCD screen, FM tuner, iPhone/iPod dock and USB port. It can communicate by Bluetooth as well with optional AS-BT200 adapter). Stylish design, wide range of media sources, good quality of sound and reasonable price ($399.00) make the X-SMC3-S Music Tap of a good choice for compact home audio system.

D-Link announced its new PowerLine adapters – single adapter unit DHP-310AV ($59.99), AV Mini Adapter Starter Kit DHP-311AV ($109.99) with two units and AV 4-Port Switch Mini Adapter Starter Kit DHP-348AV ($129.99). Those adapters can give up to 200Mbps speeds over existing electrical wiring (should be enough even for 1080p streaming). Which together with non-expensive price and slim design makes new D-Link products very attractive in case you don’t want additional wiring for your home network.

[via SlashGear]

Californian start-up Nest Labs launched world’s first learning thermostat Nest. It looks very attractive and uses the same approach for user interaction as iPod (company’s founders – two ex-Apple employees from the iPod team). The thermostat is extremely simple in installation and easy in use. Moreover, it learns your temperature preferences during the fist week and then starts build the temperature schedule automatically based on previous data. Sure you have ability to adjust it manually.

Thanks to built-in WiFi adapter and special apps you may control the Nest from iOS or Android devices as well as from web-based interface. Also it can be integrated to the whole home automation system.

The thermostat Nest will be available in the middle of November at $249.00. Taking into account its price, design, learning feature and DIY segmentation we can say that it’s possible the best approach for your apartments or house to add climate-control and save money.

Check a few demo videos after break.
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