Home Automation - Geek News Central

Lowe’s Iris Home Automation Program for Security

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 9:59 AM on February 6, 2013

Kevin Meagher from Lowe’s talked to Todd and Daniel about the Lowe’s Iris Program. The idea behind the Lowe’s Iris program is to bring home automation to the masses. The base program which is a security program starts at $175. You control the program through a smart phone or a computer. The base program is very easy to set up you simply plug the base unit into the router, hang the sensors up and do the setup and you are ready to go. The total setup should take about an hour to complete. Lowe’s is working with their vendors to make sure that the vendors devices work with Iris. If you’re looking for device that can run under Iris just look for the Iris logo.

There is no subscription for the entry-level program. The more advanced program which is known as Magic is an all-inclusive program and is available for $10 a month. The Iris program is fairly new and its development is continuing.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network and Daniel J Lewis of The Audacity to Podcast

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Tags: home automation, Iris, Lowe's, Security

Posted in hifi, Home Automation, second life

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Iris Security Smart Home

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 3:43 PM on February 3, 2013

Iris is a new home security system being offered through Lowes, the home improvement giant that has stores around the country. The Iris system is not new, but a lot more upcoming features were unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and Andy McCaskey stopped by the booth to take a look.

Iris is about more than just security. It is also home automation. For instance, the system can tie into your irrigation system and keep your plants watered. Each feature will require a separate controller, but the good news is that each is affordable — think X-10 type pricing, but with better features. You can even put a tag on your dog’s collar to control pet doors. All of this can be handled from an app via iOS or Android.

All of this is available for $15 per month. You will need to purchase the individual sensors, but that is, of course, a one time cost. Those interested can visit this Lowes site for more information.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and RV News Net

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Tags: ces, home automation, Iris, Lowe's, Security

Posted in ces, Home Automation, Security

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New Honeywell Thermostat Takes On Nest

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 7:00 AM on October 7, 2012

Nest has been the darling of the tech industry in recent months, with their innovative thermostat solution, but Honeywell, a long-established manufacturer in this market is taking them on with a new WiFi enabled thermostat of their own. It brings along most of the features of the Nest, but in a slightly larger format.

The new model from Honeywell features the ability to program for seven days in advance, and you can do so from a computer, tablet or smartphone from anywhere in your home or around the world. Free mobile apps are available for both Android and iOS, plus you can manage multiple thermostats from the same app, so you can control home and business or multiple zones in the same location. The apps also allow you to view local weather conditions and forecasts and the thermostat can send you high and low temperature alerts via email or text.

At the moment, the Honeywell WiFi Enabled Programmable Thermostat seems to be exclusive to Home Depot (you can buy online from them as well) for $149. It’s likely to appear in other locations as well, although nothing has yet been announced. You can get more info from the WiFiThermostat.com.