Smart Home Blog

There are plenty of possibilities to use iOS devices to control AV equipment. But there is not such abundance for Android platform. So, Griffin tries to change that situation launching its Beacon universal remote control system for Android. It costs like iOS version – $69.99 and includes hardware and software parts. To communicate with IR transmitter it uses Bluetooth and not WiFi. I like that approach because consumers don’t need WiFi access point to use this system.

Additionally to ordinary features of universal remote control Beacon offers integrated guide to browse, search and call up TV shows. But I suspect it’ll work only in US and Canada, where all digital channels have EPG. In any case I like the Griffin’s Beacon universal remote for Android. Good stuff indeed.

iRidium mobile Ltd. – a dedicated software provider for home automation control solutions – introduced a New Type of License – Ultimate License for AMX. It is a license which is bound to an AMX controller (or to a network of AMX controllers) enabling you to control from an UNLIMITED number of control panels (iOS or Windows XP/7). It is very, very convenient… Ultimate License is an amazing option for my business!” said Dmitry Ryzhkov, Technical Director at Seetouch. iRidium Ultimate License for AMX has been made on request of dealers and installers worldwide to simplify installation and maintenance of ambitious AMX projects.

With iRidium Ultimate License you can:

• Communicate with an AMX controller (or a network of AMX controllers) from an UNLIMITED number of panels
• Easily replace control panels in case of their loss, damage or upgrade
• Add new control devices at any stage of your project with no need for licensing
• Transfer the license to a new controller for free if the old one needs to be replaced

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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.

If you don’t want to wait Philips Fidelios media docks for Android devices then you may make it by yourself. You should just follow by this instruction, have some free time and be familiar with electronic and polymorph.

Another way to use iOS dock with Android device is to get the DockBoss+ cable with has iOS connector on the one side and micro-USB + audio jack on another. It’ll cost you around 30 bucks plus delivery.

So, even now we have at least two ways to use Android device as a part of home media system. But personally I’ll wait for Philips Fidelios.

[via Unplggd]

Good news for all fans of Android smartphones. Philips announced on IFA 2011 in Berlin three new models of its media docks Fidelios for Android devices. That’s really awesome! The micro-USB connector in the doc can be adjusted in three dimensions to handle all kind of Android smartphones. The biggest model AS851 outputs 30 watts of a superb crystal-clear sound and the smallest one AS111 offers just 10 watts but it has 360-degree sound coverage and compact design.

Additionally the Android docks Fidelios allows Bluetooth connection. To help with it Philips offers free app called Fidelios. So, your Android device can stream music even without inserting to the dock.

There is no any information regarding the availability and price of new Android docks from Philis. I’ll watch it cause I’d like to buy it. So, stay tune!