MobiLinc Pro gets retina display support
Arguably the best iPhone app for INSTEON-based home automation systems MobiLinc Pro just released a new version (2.16) in the AppStore.
It gets new sleek images and icons specifically designed for higher resolution display of iPhone 4 (known as Retina Display).
Among other changes are support for upside down orientation of the iPhone’s screen, Plug-in Store for ISY99i controller owners and a few bug fixes.
Hopefully, the iPad version of MobiLinc Pro will follow soon. (continue reading this article and leave comments here…)
DIY Project: How to cut your kid’s TV-time without saying a word, the geek-way.
Below is my entry into HomeToys Home Tech Tips and Tricks contest.
A never-ending fight for TV-time.
How to cut your kid’s TV-time without saying a word, the geek-way.
My kid is three and a half years old now and I got to tell you, he is smart! He keeps my home automation system on its toes. Here’s my story…
As most parents, we have a never-ending fight with out kid trying to limit his TV-time. I had brains to install TV and a DVD player in his bedroom, and now I have to find ways to tame his TV-appetite.
At first, my kid just couldn’t reach the power button on a TV, so turning TV OFF manually worked fine for a while. Then he figured out how to use a chair to climb up and turn it ON by himself. That’s when I’ve had to engage my Home Automation system. (continue reading this article and leave comments here…)
My new home automation project – KitchenTouch
It has been a little quiet in my blog lately. But it’s not because I was lazy (well, maybe just a little).
I’ve been busy celebrating many many birthdays in July (including my own) and also I spent a lot of my time learning new technologies (namely HTML5, CSS3 and C# languages) and coding my own home automation project called KitchenTouch.
That last thing is what I want to tell you about. (continue reading this article and leave comments here…)
Deal alert: INSTEON Sale
The Home Automation Superstore, Smarthome.com is running an Exclusive 4th of July Sale.
SmartLinc controller
Many INSTEON products are discounted 10% and more.
Here’s just a few examples… You can get a SmartLinc, an iPhone-ready INSTEON Central Controller for only $116. Or save $5 on a fully redesigned Dual-Band Lamp Dimmer, on sale for $44.99. And a pair of Access Points to expand the range of your RF-only devices is on sale for $62.99 – a savings of $7.
It’s a great opportunity to expand your INSTEON home automation system.
Hurry, though, the Sale ends on 6th of July!
How to automate your… balcony
Now, this is an original concept! Actually, this is no longer a concept, this product is already in production (in The Netherlands only, for now).
I’m talking here about a ‘balcony-on-demand’ from Dutch company called Bloomframe. This product transforms your window frame into a full-sized balcony, capable of holding a whole bunch of grown-up dudes (see photos below).