How do you get control of your connected home? How do you protect it from accidents or evildoers? Smartphone app? Maybe a control unit tied to your home Wi-Fi? Well, two vendors, WiseSec and Notion, say there has got to be a better way.
WiseSec, a provider of mobile solutions recently launched on Indiegogo its smart home automation product, Genii. This product boats universal compatibility that the folks at WiseSec assert says that users can connect any device with an infrared remote control to its system. This includes televisions, stereos, air conditioners, electric shades and lighting. Once programmed, this “super controller” then lets users control the devices with a mobile device from any location, either within the home or anywhere in the world with internet connectivity.
“Currently available solutions to manage devices in the home often require the user to invest in purchasing new devices as well as be within close proximity to exercise control,” said Vadim Maor, CEO and founder, WiseSec. “Genii's innovative design enables the control of any existing infrared-controlled device from any location, resulting in numerous practical applications and benefits.”
The solution uses a set of self-powered Geniis, which get attached to the eye of infrared devices, and a Genii Hub that communicates with the
Image via Shutterstock Geniis via Bluetooth. Pre-orders are available in a package of three Geniis and a Genii Hub at a special Indiegogo introductory price of $115 for orders placed by September 12, 2015.
Taking the tack that protection is as important as control, Notion has set itself up to, in the company’s words, “change the way we interact with our homes.” The hardware is an Oreo-sized sensor has eight capabilities to monitor things in users’ houses. These units can be deployed anywhere and on any item, even “dumb” stuff like doors and windows. Notion can act as a traditional security system, or monitor plumbing for leaks and the foundation for earthquakes. It can even measure how much propane is in the tank on the grill in the backyard, how long lights are left on, and, for those with teenagers, if the liquor cabinet has been cracked open.
Notion was also a crowdfunding venture at first, having raised more than $280,000 on Kickstarter. Now, a Notion system with 3 sensors and a communications bridge can be had for $199 with no monthly fee, although there is a cellular signal communications backup in case of wireless signal loss for $10 per month, if needed. .
It reports on the sensors readings via mobile app, SMS or email and can give periodic reports and emergency alerts. Each sensor can monitor 8 different parameters at once, including acceleration, water leaks, sound, temperature, light changes, orientation in space, proximity and natural frequency.
Both of these approaches are critical to operating a fully connected home, and if combined might actually make a connected home a viable option today.
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
