Landis+Gyr has announced the release of version 3.6 of Power Centerits operating software for demand response and load management applications. Version 3.6 provides support for Gridstream RF network technology used in Landis+Gyr's L530 and L570 load control switches, as well as the L430 programmable communicating thermostat.
Samsung has connected all the dots and has laid a foundation for a future in the connected home. Through its recent acquisition of SmartThings, they now have a platform to connect all their smart devices. They now have a connected home portfolio with touches every aspect of our daily lives. On the run up to IFA 2014 Samsung shared with us their plans for the future connected home and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The home automation market today receive a new entrant from Emerson, The Sensi is their first universal Wi-Fi Thermostat. The Sensi comes with its own App that allows you to control it from a smart phone, tablet or PC. Already a big name in the thermostat and HVAC controls industry Emerson said they want to tap into US $600M market. Emerson said the Sensi give you the added flexibility you cannot get from a standard programmable thermostat, in that it can adapt to your busy schedule.
At first, we thought it would be Microsoft HomeOS that would be the system to bring it all together in the connected home, then early this year our attention turned to Alljoyn as that solution. Now, this week Prodea, an eight-year-old electronics company up until recently only a few us had heard about has become the third option.
Last year saw Microsoft sending a clear signal about their energy use, the company signed a 20-year power purchase agreement for wind energy in Texas. They have gone as far as defining their commitment to smarter energy use in their Global Public Policy Agenda. Going forward every business division within Microsoft will have to account for their energy use and their impact on the environment, even their use of air transport will be measured.
I must say hearing that Google has bought Nest comes as no surprise to me, what surprise me is the fact that they are buying so many home related solutions and then we hear nothing after. We waited with bated breath when they buy these businesses and introduce new concepts and are left high and dry, because we see no change to the norm.
Accenture and Siemens have decided to create a one-stop shop for utilities and the smart grid sector. Both companies are joining forces to form the Omnetric Group, a company providing solutions and services around data management and system integration. Siemens will combine its smart grid products and solutions with Accenture’s management and technology consulting, systems integration and managed-services capabilities.
Danish energy management company NorthQ today launches the world’s first battery-powered Wi-Fi Power & Gas Reader. According to NorthQ, Wi-Fi Power & Gas Reader is easily installed on existing home’s mechanical and electronic power or gas meters. It allows you to get some of the benefits of having a smart meter, such as allowing data collected to be transferred and viewed on the NorthQ Portal every 15 minutes.
AT&T has become the sole provider for PayGo's utility payment solutions in the U.S. Through an exclusive agreement with PayGo, AT&T will allow users to pay their energy bill how they want, when they want and virtually anywhere they want using smartphones, text messages, kiosks, the internet or by phone.
iiNet launches Smartlife, a software solution powered by Budii its connected home solution. The solution is on display at this year’s CeBIT 2013, Australia. As complete solution Smartlife will complement Budii to help manage home energy consumption, home monitoring and home appliance control.