On Controls is a new home automation company with a sort of in-between take on home automation. By that, I mean it’s still a custom-installed system, but with a vastly simplified approach that eliminates much of the hardware usually involved with advanced home control. By replacing the centralized control hubs with network-attached mini controllers that more »

URC announced yesterday the immediate availability of its new TKP-7000 In-Wall Touchscreen for Total Control systems. Positioned as an upgraded alternative to the company’s TKP-2000, the TKP-7000 offers the advanced functionality of URC’s Total Control mobile app, with the always-on convenience of a dedicated in-wall device that the kids can’t snag for a quick game of more »

Internet-equipped refrigerators, self-cleaning ovens, and even a smart fork that tells you if you’re eating too quickly? Whilst some kitchen gadgets aim to make our lives more practical, other inventions want to help us lead healthier lives. But what kitchen products available today are showing us a vision of the kitchen of the future? LG more »

After the success of Savant’s OS X-based home automation platform, it was only a matter of time before someone wised up and created an advanced control platform to appeal to the Android market. The new TiO (Turn it On) platfrom from Automated Control Technology Partners, announced today, sounds like exactly that—an easy-to-install, easy-to-use, more affordable more »

You may remember HouseLogix as the custom installation that developed a nifty Control4 driver for the Nest Learning Thermostat, until Nest Labs sent a cease and desist letter and developed a firmware update that crippled the Nest’s integration capabilities. That didn’t slow HouseLogix down, though, and in addition to developing some seriously cool Control4 drivers more »

When you welcome pets into your home, you want to make sure that they are safe and comfortable at all times. Home automation via Smart Home technology can assist you in making sure your pets get the care they deserve, even when you’re away. Here’s a look at some of the ways home automation can more »

With billions of dollars at his disposal and the latest technology at his fingertips, it’s surprising that Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, lives in a mansion devoid of Smart Home Automation. But then again, he does have his faithful butler Alfred to answer to his beck and call. Still, when it comes right down to choosing more »

We thought that when Logitech announced the end of the Harmony remote control line, that was probably the end of the popular brand. At least for Logitech. In reality, the company had two more tricks up its control sleeve: the Harmony SmartControl and Harmony  Ultimate, which look to be the company’s final statements in control innovation. The new Harmony SmartControl more »

The following is a guest post about home automation trends from tech enthusiast Shaun Chatman. Home automation has been around for a few decades now, but growing more accessible, more attainable every year as people learn about—and can afford—new ways to control their homes and favorite devices. From products that enable you to receive text more »

[See update below] This is curious. I noticed tonight that the iOS control app for my URC Total Control system in the bedroom and home office had an available update. Given the lack of publicity for the update, I figured it just included bug fixes, but being the good nerd that I am, I couldn’t more »