Home Automation DIY

SmartLinc controller

Mobile Integrated Solutions has just released version 2.14 of their MobiLinc Pro software for iPhone and iPod Touch.

The major feature of this update is that it adds support for Smarthome’s low-cost SmartLinc INSTEON Central Controller (2412N).

Previously, MobiLinc supported only Universal Devices’ ISY 26/99i and PowerLinc 2414 controllers.

The new update also polishes some GUI issues and ISY communication when switching from EDGE/3G to WiFi connection.

Here’s a fresh new idea for home automation enthusiasts. Apparently, you can use your iPhone or the last generation iPod Touch (the one with a mic) as an external wireless microphone used to relay voice commands to your home automation controller (provided it’s a Windows-based PC).

No, there’s no app for that (yet), so you will have to fumble with a few pieces of software on your PC, but the result could be well worth the time spent.

This great idea comes courtesy of Greg Badros (ex-Google, and now Facebook’s Director of Engineering) who explains the process in details on his blog. So follow Greg’s Tech Mumblings to find out how he managed to blend together Homeseer, Skype and Virtual Audio Cable ($30) for a very neat set-up.

And here’s the good news for Android fans – this set-up will work with your Droid too.

Last Updated: December 21, 2009

UPDATE: This list has moved to a new place, please go there for the most up-to-date information.

This is Part 3 of The Ultimate List of Home Automation Software for iPhone.

For your convenience the short link to this post is http://tinyurl.com/iphonehas3 (as in iPhone Home Automation Software, Part 3).

• The Ultimate List … Part 1
• The Ultimate List … Part 2
• The Ultimate List … Part 3

(continue reading this article and leave comments here…)

This is Part 2 of The Ultimate List of Home Automation Software for iPhone.

UPDATE: This list has moved to a new place, please go there for the most up-to-date information.

For your convenience the short link to this post is http://tinyurl.com/iphonehas2 (as in iPhone Home Automation Software, Part 2).

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

(continue reading this article and leave comments here…)

NetLinc

Would you please raise your hand if you think that iPhone/iPod Touch is an ideal platform for remote control of any kind. Yes, I thought so too. It’s portable, fits well in your hand, has crisp and bright display, has multitude of communication methods and last but not least — it’s always by your side.

And it seems that industry gets it too. Apple’s AppStore and CE trade shows are getting flooded with all kinds of software that might be used to simplify and unify control of all your home systems including lighting, media, temperature control, security, video surveillance, etc. Some applications use native iPhone SDK and some provide web-based approach. Here you will find the most comprehensive list of iPhone/iPod Touch software for home automation and related areas.

UPDATE: This list has moved to a new place, please go there for the most up-to-date information.

Note: This post is a work in progress, and it will be updated as new software titles are being released or discovered, so swing by often. To make it easier for you here’s the short link to this post http://ulanoff.com/iphonehas (as in iPhone Home Automation Software).
(continue reading this article and leave comments here…)