Enhanced Version of Control4 OS2 Available

Control4 has release an upgraded version of its home automation operating system software, OS2.  The company said OS2.1 comes with a host of new features that allow for easier and faster installs. One of the core enhancements is an advanced diagnostic tool “Detective Suite”, which is an installer’s tool set.  Home users can expect better performance, stability and the option to have customised user interface for each room in the house.

Customers user experience can also be enhance with applications from Control4's application marketplace, 4Store. Just like the Apple iStore and Android Marketplace Apps can be downloaded to the Control4 control to manange security and entertainment systems.  Control4 OS2.1 offers integration through its Flash-based software development platform, so independent software developers can develop and integration their solutions to enhance funtionality.  Dealers and developers can design and create customised user interfaces using the Themes SDK.

The new Detective suite features two diagnostic tools (Performance Detective and ZigBee Detective) to troubleshoot IP-enabled and ZigBee wireless devices. Performance Detective allows installers to gauge the heartbeat of all IP addressable devices on the network; and ZigBee Detective does the same for ZigBee devices on the wireless mesh network.

Some of the other new features in OS2.1 include:

• Custom Buttons—Easily create custom buttons on the GUI for tasks that are commonly performed by the homeowner.
• Localisation Support—Now supporting over 20 languages.
• Photo Screen Saver—Synchronised photos on all screens in the home.
• Pool Control—Simple integration for the most popular pool controls, Jandy and Pentaire.
• Thermostats—New vacation-mode functionality for the user interface.
• Zone Page—Improved compilation of analog-to-digital sources for zone control of audio to capture a broad range of source combinations.

There is no charge to update Control4 systems that are already on the OS2.1 platform. Legacy Control4 systems that are on version OS2.1 can be upgraded to enjoy all of the features and benefits of OS2.1 for a nominal fee. OS 2.1 was a CEDIA Lifestyles Awards finalist.
source: hiddenwires.co.uk