Smart Home Blog

Heating and cooling company Lennox launched its new device – WiFi enabled thermostat icomfort. It allows home owners control cooling or heating in one click directly from device (thanks to color touchscreen) or remotely via web interface or smartphone application.

The icomfort not just control heating, air-conditioning, air purification systems or dehumidifiers but it can notify consumers or installers about repairs or maintenance needs. Also it displays a real-time weather information plus five days forecast for better adjustment of temperature. The Lennox thermostat automatically checks firmware updates and allows skin customization to fit in your style.

[via SlashGear]

There is a plenty of ways to measure and control the power consumption in the individual houses or apartments. In my mind, the best is TED so far. But new product of Cali-based startup FutureDash called EnergyBuddy has all chances to be better. The main square box indicates the power consumption level by different colors. It has Ethernet and WiFi module to connect to your network. Power measurement is done by clips with module for whole house or SmartPlug module for specific device/appliance. Both transmit data to the EnergyBuddy using ZigBee wireless technology. Additionally to color indications you can use smartphone, tablet or PC to see different kinds of graphs and charts as well as control SmartPlug modules remotely.

The EnergyBuddy can be pre-ordered at Indiegogo. So, don’t miss a change to be one of the fist EnergyBuddy owners and help FutureDash release it in production.

[via Engadget]

After repeated promises INSTEON is coming to European market. According to AutomatedHome, the first modules for Europe standards will be available this Summer! Following type of INSTEON product will be offered:

• Hub (internet and computer gateway, works with free mobile apps as well as pc/mac software)
• Plug in on/off
• Plug in dimmer
• Micro on/off
• Micro dimmer
• Micro shutter controller
• Din on/off
• Din dimmer
• Mini remote 4 scene
• Mini remote switch
• Thermostat
• 0-10V Dimmer/relay (fluorescents)

Polish company Fibaro added very interesting Z-Wave device in its range. New universal sensor FGBS-001 transforms any ordinary sensor (gas, smoke, motion etc) into Z-Wave enabled. So, you’ll able to add any your existing sensors or weather station to your Z-Wave network. The universal sensor module includes temperature sensor DS18B20 which is good addition to it.

The Fibaro universal sensor module is compatible with Fibaro building intelligence system as well as with any Z-Wave controller.

[via AutomatedHome]

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Control4 recently introduced its new Starter Kit under the price $1000. Except installation the price include a HC-250 Controller which allows control up to 8 IR devices, two devices/subsystems via serial interface and IP control for an unlimited number or devices. The Starter Kit looks nice for single room installation. It covers media control including audio and video streaming from various sources and ZigBee automation – lighting, climate-control, security. To control the system the ZigBee remote (including into the kit) can be used together with on-screen GUI. Additionally any Android, iOS or Mac smartphone/tablet/computer can be used but it needs a license fees – $199 for single device or $499 to cover the entire home.

The system can be easily expanded according to consumer’s needs – ZigBee lighting switches ($129 each), ZigBee door locks ($150 to $350) or a door intercom unit with camera ($799). Additional HC-250 Controller will cost $599. So, the Control4 Starter Kit is a good way to start your home automation in case you’re not geek who prefers build his system by himself of use some open source solution like LinuxMCE.

[via Engadget]