home working

I have read mix opinions on the recent acquisition of Skype by Microsoft, for about $8.5 billion. Some thinks it’s a waist of money and believe it could be better spent on some of Microsoft own systems and strategies.  Others said why buy Skype when they [Microsoft] already have a Lync, their own unified communication platform.  From a connected home point of view, I personally think a lot can come out of this acquisition and marriage of technologies based on the direction I see the market going.

The connected home is slowly becoming a reality for many of us and many businesses are positioning themselves to take advantage of this lucrative market. Among the many businesses is Microsoft; quietly and behind the scene they have been working on solutions, that according them we will be using in the next 3 to 15 years. These do not include the Windows operating system or Microsoft Office software but devices and software that we take around with us and appliances that we use in our homes.

Just a week after Google introduced the Android@Home initiative, South Korea’s Conspin has release a new Android 2.1 remote for the connected home enthusiast. The Andi-One allows you to install up to 50 remote controls; smart touch on its 3.5” TFT LCD screen and Wi-Fi, IR and RF communication.

The Andi-One is accompanied by a cradle that allows it to connect to other appliances in your home.  There is a 3W, 2 channel stereo speakers; HDMI output port; DC port and Ethernet port, along with volume controls.

DSL gateway routers are being release all the time so why should we take any notice of the new Netgear N600 wireless Dual Band Modem Router - DGND3700 and WNDR3700)? Well, according to Netgear they are future proof and packed with features for today’s digital home, with speed and performance at their core.  The N600 gives you complete access to your home network such as storage, television and other networked aware devices.

Savant systems launches a new line of Apple-based Audio Visual control and distribution platform, called SmartSystems, which consist of eight systems. The new solutions replace the current Rosie and PROTÉGÉ range and include an iTune-based digital media server. The SmartSystems will allow you to manage all your smart home appliances including home-theater control, whole-home automation, lighting, media and A/V distribution.

Archos has launched a new web radio called Arnova as an addition to its internet Android tablets. The new digital home appliance was designed to the web via your home wireless network. The Arnova allows you to tune in to over 12,000 web radio stations and more than 1,500 web TV stations and video podcasts from around the world.

ZYXEL has launch a new range of 500 Mbps Powerline Ethernet adapter (PLA4205) that will deliver enough bandwidth for gaming, video chat, multiple HD media streaming. Its Homeplug AV standard ensures delivery of steady hip-throughput speeds for a consistent and reliable HD viewing experience.

The Powerline Ethernet adapter is design to help those who want to extend their home network without the cost of rewiring.  The PLA4205 delivers 500Mbps over the home’s existing electrical wires.

A survey of over 2000 consumers by Accenture finds that British and American users of smart devices find it frustrating when these devices keep crashing and freezing.  It highlighted the need for better performing devices that address the need of the user, smarter and more innovative. Of the users surveyed most of them said they would rather have simpler devices that work but still would like have surprise features now and then.

Rovi is to license its connected platform to Consumer Electronic (CE) manufacturers to integrate it into their devices.  According to the ITVT website the pre-ported solution is expected to be available to CE manufacturers later this quarter. Android devices with the pre-ported app will enable users to share and stream their content from these devices to other connected devices in the home such as connected TV's, network-attached storage (NAS) devices, Windows 7 PC's, set-top boxes and DVR's, throughout the home.

Intamac Systems has upgraded its home monitoring solution to include truly wireless home access to the home to monitor their Intamac system. The upgrade also provides a simple way for mobile operators to enter the connected home market, and to provide their customers with a range of new added value services. Before, customers needing the service would need to have a broadband connection within their homes in order to access Intamac web-based service portal.