VTech is making easier for any home to have an advanced security system. They have launched the world’s first home phone with security monitoring integrated, in Australia. The VTech VS150 works as a base station to a number of sensors located around the home, if triggered the phone will call the homeowner or any designated number to alert them of the incident.
Halifax Home Insurance has released a summary of its finding from its inaugural "Halifax Insurance Digital Home Index", a study of how UK households are using today’s technologies. The study shows that on average each home owns on average of GBP 4,164 worth of technology devices. It also revealed that we are so hocked on these devices that we even take them to bed and into the bathroom.
Mobile Operator Deutsche Telekom and on-demand content supplier MobiTV are collaborating to develop a media platform for tablets, mobile phones, PCs, Internet TVs and set-top boxes (STB). Through the partnership the MobiTV’s TV Everywhere solution will integrate into Deutsche Telekom soon to release converged media services. The MobiTV platform will play a big role is helping Deutsche Telekom to expand into the growing mobile TV market.
With the run up to CES 2012, Control4 has launched a home control app for Android-based smartphones and tablets. The new App. extends the flexibility of the Control4 home control platform, to provide control over security systems, lighting, music and video using Android. MyHome for Android has been added to Control4’s MyHome for iPad and iPhone, giving the customer to option to use which ever device they choose to use.
Qualcomm Atheros said Shifta1.0 for Android Smartphones and Tablets is no longer in beta and has received the approval to be in production. Being the first software to received the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified sticker. Skita transforms your Android-based phone and tablet into a media remote control. Allowing you to access and enjoy your music, videos and photo while at home or on the road.
In conjunction with this week’s CE Show VIZIO as launch a new set of Smartphone, Tablet, HDTV and Blu-ray players as part of it’s VIA Plus range. According to VIZIO, the VIA Plus devices will unify user experience from the big screen to mobile device; to provide the very best in HD entertainment experience. With the latest in communication technology users will be able to transition their digital content across the different types of devices.
The home phone has taken on a new face with the released of the new iHomePhone from Binatone. Released on the back of the iPhone, iPad and Windows 7 Phone; the iHomePhone is Android based and offers the functionalities similar to its Android based smartphone counterparts. The iHomePhone will allow users to browse the web, listen to music, chat to friends and even download apps. It is due out this month and prices start at £99.99.
The release of Volkano is set to disrupt the current status quo with regards to DVR, mobile video recording and on-demand media streaming. Released by Monsoon Multimedia, Vulkano is an integrated media platform that rolls the functions of the TiVo, Roku and Slingbox into one multimedia solution. Through Vulkano five key technologies Mansoon is providing one device that will substitute for many different devices we have to by to fit our digital lifestyle.
Adobe announced that they are collaborating with ST-Ericsson, a mobile platform solution provider and STMicroelectronics, a semiconductor manufacturer, to develop an Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR platform. Adobe is hoping the new platforms will accelerate the use of Adobe Flash and Adobe AIR in smartphones and connected home devices.
Swiss based Noser Commercialization for Android, a division of Noser Engineering Inc., founding member of the Open Handset Alliance and contributor to the Android core libraries, and US based Touch Revolution an Original Design Manufacturer(ODM) for touch devices have partnered to bring to market Android-based home smartphone, home automation controllers, television remote controls, and medical devices among others.