Smart Home Blog

MSI demonstrated its new landline-VoIP phone MS-9A31. It’s based on Android and supports DECT, video conference call and instant messaging. The phone sports large color touchscreen, two Ethernet ports, one USB port and a card reader. No word on price or availability yet.

The MS-9A31 looks very promised. It can be used not just IP phone in your home automation system but as control panel too. If MSI will allow to install third party applications it’d be the best phone for LinuxMCE (if the Android Orbiter will be released and the price won’t be too hight, of course). In any case, I think we’ll see similar devices from different manufactures soon.

Not ordinary keyboard for HTPC was produced by Cideko. The Cideko Air Keyboard is a wireless compact QWERTY keyboard with additional media and navigation keys. Additionally the keyboard has built-in gyration mouse which makes control of HTPC more handy (see the demo video below). To have that possibility you should spend almost 90 bucks. But I think it’s worth that.

There is only one disadvantage. It lacks F1-F12 keys which are used in the media software. For example, F7 brings main menu in the LinuxMCE and F8 – lighting “rose”. But from another hand it’d be interesting to configure the Cideko Air Keyboard similar way as it’s done for Gyration mouse or FiireChief. In any case, that keyboard can be a good addition to your home theater based on PC.

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MSI, a leading manufacturer of computer components and systems, has unveiled three new concept products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that the company believes will redefine the way consumers will interact with digital information in their homes.

1. 3D All-in-One PC – Continuing to lead the industry in All-in-One product features, MSI has developed the world’s first 3D All-in-One PC. Wearing comfortable wireless 3D glasses, users can have the ultimate life-like gaming experience and 3D HD movie experience from the comfort of home with the system’s stunning 24-inch display.
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A new MSI product – MS-9A08 looks very interesting. It’s a compact (just 18×18×4.4cm) but really power. The MS-9A08 supports Intel Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Quad or Core 2 Duo processors. It’s equiped by integrated Intel GMAX4500 HD graphics to provide even Full HD playback with hardware acceleration. HDMI or DVI outputs can be used to connect device to TV, projector or monitor. Also the MS-9A08 supports both IDE and SATA II interfaces for storage and provides one PCI and one PCIe expansion slots for Mini Card. Additionally it sports 4 COM ports, 6 USB ports, two gigabite Ethernet adaptors, analog audio output.

As I can see the MS-9A08 is good candidate for home automation controller or LInuxMCE core/hybrid. It supports Full HD playback, provides enough communication interfaces – COM and USB ports and has two network adapters. Two expansion slots can be use to add TV tuner or DVB card. Also tt’s quiet and compact. So, it’d be interesting to know its price and date of availability.