Smart Home Blog

I bought the Rii mini keyboard to control my HTPC almost year ago. I like it. But it lacks the IR emitter. So, I use remote control to switch ON/OFF my TV. However, the new modification of Rii called Mini i6 solves that problem. Except QWERTY keyboard, touchpad and media hard keys it sports IR blaster and special keys to control TV on the back. So, using it we can control both – HTPC via RF and TV via IR. The Genuine Rii Mini i6 is available and it’s just $49.99.

This cool game-controller styled wireless mini keyboard can help all HTPC owners to control their devices easy and handy. It includes capacitive touchpad, QWERTY keyboard, 20 function keys, 7 hot keys and even a Windows MCE launch button (PC version). Not bad for $69.99 and support of Windows, Mac OS X and Linux!

[via Engadged]

Simple and elegant way to stream music from smartpone or tablet to audio system or boombox is offered by Marmitek. Its BoomBoom 75 can be connected to the aux-in, line-in or MP3-link connection input to receive music over Bluetooth. It’s powered by miniUSB or battery and pairs up to 8 devices. Cool device with reasonable price – just €34.95.

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.

British company Chalmor recently launched low cost and elegant thermostatic electronic radiator valve eTRV. It’ll be good option for home owners who would like to control heating system but don’t want to have any complicated control system.

The eTRV is controlled by slim remote control which allows to setup desire temperature mode and get feedback about current one. It costs just £60 and can swap easily existing thermostatic radiator valves. The Chalmor tells using of the eTRV might save on gas or oil central heating costs by typically between 15% and 25%.

If you’re interesting to use the eTRV you may buy it on Chalmor web site as well as get more info about it and its remote control.

[via AutomatedHome]