Articles Tagged with ''smart homes''

It’s the early days of the Internet of Things (IoT), but the largest technology players are moving quickly to stake out their territory. In the past month, Apple announced a new smart home platform, and Google made a similar announcement for Android — moves that pushed them to the top in a new influence study on the IoT.

Seven companies announced that they’ve joined forces to form the Thread Group and develop a new IP-based wireless networking protocol for home automation called Thread. Founding members include Nest Labs, Samsung Electronics, Big Ass Fans, Yale Security, Silicon Labs, Freescale® Semiconductor, and ARM.

Microsoft Corp., in partnership with American Family Insurance, announced that it is launching a business accelerator to assist startups focused on home automation. 

More than half of global energy consumers would consider installing connected-home solutions or solar panels in the next five years, according to a new survey by Accenture.

A much bigger thermostat war is heating up, and, at the end of the day, HVAC contractors will be the biggest winners.

From system fundamentals to educating customers about home performance to the smart home, attendees had the opportunity to expand their knowledge base and to network with like-minded individuals.

Emerson Climate Technologies has announced the launch of its ComfortGuard™ Monitoring Service, which allows homeowners to manage their HVAC equipment by supplying real-time information and insight that predicts problems, prevents energy waste, and protects indoor comfort around-the-clock, said the company.

Cloud-based home management systems that allow users to remotely control household features like HVAC and lighting are set for rapid growth in the coming years, with the worldwide installed base set to rise by a factor of eight from 2013 to 2018, according to IHS Technology.

Grid Connect, a manufacturer and distributor of embedded networking products, announced that it is entering the Internet of Things industry with the launch of ConnectSense, a line of wireless sensors to automate homes and businesses.

Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, and their ability to connect wirelessly have helped drive interest and awareness of home automation products and services, according to The NPD Group’s Home Automation Study.