Smart Home Blog

The New iRidium V2.1 is unique software package to visualize control of automation systems, Audio/Video equipment and Media Servers with full two-way communication, it enables control from any sevice and from any customized interface.

When working on the new version, iRidium programming team relied on advice and practical experience of integrators of different automation systems. As a result, the new version has new enhanced capabilities. iRidium V2.1 can control numerous automation protocols. And more than that, the app makes it possible to integrate several protocols and control them from one graphic interface. Intercom support, notification, support of modern video cameras and DVRs, interface wizard, multi-design function and modules for media servers make iRidium a unique control solution. Ready-made script modules and a built-in tool for creating customized drivers enable fine flexible setting of the project.

One master all the capabilities of iRidium V2.1, in iRidium Academy, either at on-line webinars or in the self-training section.

Learn more about the new iRidium V2.1 here.

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.

Mimi Wireless Gaming Keyboard combines a mouse, QWERTY keyboard and gamepad in one. The compact device, looked like XBox game controller, sports a built-in accelerometer, two analog joysticks and digital buttons. So, it should help you not just easily navigate through web pages or media libraries, but also provide a convenient way to play in games.

The Mimi Wireless Gaming Keyboard is powered by rechargeable battery which gives 20 hours of constant use. It also provides an auto hibernate mode to extend battery life.

You can get this amazing game/HTPC controller just for £89.99. But note it’s supported by Windows and Mac OS X only.

PS: The Mimi Wireless Gaming Keyboard is produced by Cideko. I already wrote about its wireless HTPC keyboard with navigation buttons.

DreamPlug PC is a new devices from Globalscale Technologies – well-known producer of GuruPlug and SheevaPlug. It has 1.2GHz Marvell Sheeva ARM processor, 512MB of DDR-2-800MHz RAM, 1GB of microSD storage for system files, two gigabit ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA 2.0 port, SD card slot, Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth and a headphone jack. It’s ready for Debian or Ubuntu installation as well as for other Linux distribution.

The DreamPlug PC can be a good base for home server (you can use Amahi, for example) or smarthome controller (mini distribution of LinuxMCE). It’s compact, energy-efficient but has enough power for serious applications. Also device has a good price – just $150.

[via DVICE]

Recently Homeseer launched its new home automation controller called HomeTroller-Mini. It’s made in plug PC form-factor, has 1Ghz processor and gives ability to control Z-Wave devices. Homeseer also mentioned in its press release about supporting other protocols but didn’t clarify which ones.

The HomeSeer HomeTroller-Mini controller will be available in Q2 of 2011 at $300. It isn’t bad but you can build something similar by yourself. For example, using GuruPlug and LinuxMCE mini distribution you may get Z-Wave controller for about $100. Plus DIY fun.

[via AutomatedHome]