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Home Automation On The iPhone Takes Off New Apps

By David Richards| 2 Nov 2009

Automation, Remote Devices


	Automation Companies Imerge, Opus and local Company Switch Automation, have revealed new iPhone and iPod control systems that let users manage their home automation using Apple touch screen technology. In a demonstration of the Switch Automation offering ChannelNews was shown how easily users can manage their entertainment, lighting, security and simple functions such as heating and pool management using an iPhone. With the switch Automation iPhone offering, which will go live soon, the plans of a house are downloaded to the phone allowing a user to switch between rooms easily. The new Opus Touch offering which is free from the Apple application store, enables the familiar Opus interface to be replicated on an iPhone or iPod touch delivering full user control of their system. Opus claim that the new iPhone app benefits installers by adding real value and functionality with minimal additional cost to a new Opus systems. Alternatively iPhone/iPod touch control can be easily retrofitted to existing Opus installations for an easy-to-install yet cost-effective upgrade. For end users, this new App provides highly affordable intuitive remote control of the Opus system and all connected devices including Apple TV, media servers, scene lighting, climate control and even CCTV. And for complete synergy, Opus Touch dynamically follows the customised set-up of Opus touch screens with real time feedback on the user’s iPhone or iPod touch. Using in-built Wi-Fi technology, the iPhone and iPod touch can natively communicate with the Opus system via the new ICU600 Ethernet to serial adaptor. This cost-effective accessory connects to the Opus system and the customer’s home network and is now available from Certified Opus installers. Also switching to an iPhone management system is Imerge who recently announced a raft of enhancements for their MediaServer MS1 and XiVASafe hard disk storage system. Among the new products from the UK Company is a control interface for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. Designed by the renowned coders at RowSeven, the Imerge Controller application is available from Apple’s App Store for $32.00. Under the skin, the application delivers, gesture control and support of the onscreen GUI, full album and movie artwork support, now playing’ screen in tilt view mode, touch on album artwork in ‘now playing’ mode to reveal more music control options and support for up to 16 zones of music and movies.

About Post Author

David Richards has been writing about technology for more than 30 years. A former Fleet Street journalist, he wrote the Award Winning Series on the Federated Ships Painters + Dockers Union for the Bulletin that led to a Royal Commission. He is also a Logie Winner for Outstanding Contribution To TV Journalism with a story called The Werribee Affair. In 1997, he built the largest Australian technology media company and prior to that the third largest PR company that became the foundation company for Ogilvy PR. Today he writes about technology and the impact on both business and consumers.