Bosch Sensortech
At the size of a hockey puck, this white disc may not seem to be a huge technological advancement, but what it houses is. From Bosch's Sensortec business unit comes the BME280, a tiny 2.5mm chip with big opportunities. Able to sense temperature, humidity, and air pressure, the sensor is a promising technology for applications in home automation, indoor navigation, personal weather stations, and fitness.
In the time of less than one second, the BME280 can detect temperatures from -40 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees C with accuracy within 0.5 degrees, and 0 to 100% humidity within +/- 3%. This makes automation of HVAC systems more precise, and opens up possibilities for personal weather forecasting at home.
Home health monitoring can also benefit from the new technology. An aging-in-place home design could incorporate several sensors to help caregivers monitor their loved ones' well-being by identifying potential for dehydration or heat stroke based on temperature and humidity sensing.
Air pressure changes let the sensor identify which floor or room of a structure a person is using, and can assist with other indoor navigation uses. Imaging monitoring an elderly homeowner with a regular daily routine. If sensors indicate that the person hasn't moved from the bathroom or the bottom of the stairs for a period of time, a caregiver can check on their safety. On a larger scale, the sensors could monitor which floor of a building an elevator is on.
Bosch is making samples of BME280 available to developers now. Look for this advanced technology in smartphone, tablets, smart watches, electronic wristbands, and other devices in the not too distant future. Bosch | bosch sensortec.com
Control4
Configurable keypads are just one element of Control4's effort to future-proof home technology, but they're an important one. "One of the complaints we heard from homeowners is that after they lived with their control systems for a while, they wanted to make changes by adding more lights, integrating shades, home entertainment, or other features," says Paul Williams, vice president of security and communications products. "Our new configurable key pads let them update their features and easily switch out the previous set of keys with new ones that work better for their current situation."
Control4 is also introducing an adaptive phase dimmer that will make it easier for homes to have multiple lighting types—incadescent, CFL, and LED—in the same home. Designers will be happy to know that the company's dimmers and keypads are available in a variety of finishes to suit their designs.
Beyond lighting and keypads, Control 4 now has 60 manufacturers, including Harman, TiVo, and Dish Network, using its simple device discovery protocol (SDDP), which means the Control 4 systems can autos identify a variety of new devices without the need for complicated setup or searching for device drivers. Remodelers and their tech integrator trades will certainly be able to make use of this handy feature. Control 4 | 888.400.4070 | control 4.com
Nuheat
Looking to install radiant floor heating in upcoming projects? Nuheat announced at CES 2014 the launch of North America's first Wi-Fi floor heating thermostat, the Nuheat Signature. With full access to thermostat settings wirelessly through their smartphones or a Web browser, users can operate the device or view energy use remotely.
"Extensive market research from homeowners and contractors alike confirmed that the market is expecting connectivity for remote access," says product manager Wally Lo. "A myriad of household products ranging from locks to lights to heating systems offer the ease of on-the-go control. Our new thermostat allows the user to activate the floor heat for vacation properties, or simply turn up the heat for a cozy return home."
Coming available in spring 2014 Nuheat Signature features a sleek 3.5-inch color touchscreen display that showcases floor warming operation features, energy use, outdoor weather information, and more. The app works across both iOS and Android platforms. Nuheat | 800.778.9276 | nuheat.com
iSmartAlarm
With so many gadgets around, home security is getting revamped. For homeowners who want to self-monitor their homes, rather than pay a monthly fee for a subscription monitoring service, the developers at iSmartAlarm have a variety of tools available. The product line comprises cameras, motion detectors, contact sensors for windows and doors, and other devices, all of which talk wirelessly to the Cube base unit, which further communicates with your smartphone for remote monitoring.
The ISmart Alarm system can accommodate dozens of sensors and requires no tools or wiring to set up, making it an easy add-on to a remodeling project. Self monitoring means the system won't automatically call emergency services in case of a break in or fire (thereby saving users the subscription fee), but ISmart Alarm does incorporate "panic" and "Call 911" buttons for those purposes. iSmartAlarm | 408.245.2551 | ismartalarm.com
Current Cost
CES showcased a number of exhibitors from overseas, including Current Cost, a U.K.-based manufacturer of energy monitors. Since its home country has mandated a roll-out of smart meters starting this year, every British home will have an energy monitor in the near future. "Smart metering and energy monitoring are each helpful and effective," says company founder Martin Dix, "but once you bring the two together, that's the sweet spot."
Adoption of smart meters and energy monitors is slower in the U.S. than in Europe, but early adopters can give the technology a try. The company's EnviR monitor takes a snapshot of a home's energy use every six seconds. Users can monitor energy cost per day and per month, and the unit stores up to seven years' worth of data for long-term analysis.
Coming soon, the Quell interface (pictured) will monitor utility use in real time and also offer users home control options for lighting, climate, security, weather data, and other devices. Check out the video on the company website for more information. Current Cost | currentcost.co.uk
